As the Spring Game is less than two weeks away, the Oregon Ducks are trying to put together a team that can supersede the success that the 2010 team had on their journey to the BCS National Championship Game.
This season is as good as any for a chance at going perfect and getting their second National Championship birth in four years.
With the way that the roster shaping up, I can’t help but wonder: is this team going to be better than the 2010 team?
Looking at the quarterbacks first, Marcus Mariota is a much better than Darron Thomas ever was. Mariota’s ability to run and throw is only second to Texas A&M quarterback, and Heisman Trophy winner, Johnny Manziel in the nation. Mariota finished his freshman season with over 3,400 total yards and 37 total touchdowns — this was 80 total yards more and two touchdowns more than Thomas in the 2010 season. Mariota is set to improve on last year’s numbers and lead the team to the BCS National Championship game.
Advantage: 2013 Oregon Ducks
Next are the running backs, and this doesn’t favor the 2013 Ducks because it is hard to replicate LaMichael James and what he did that year. James finished 2010 with over 1,700 rushing yards and 24 total touchdowns. This year’s Oregon Ducks running backs are better as a whole unit, with the combination of speed and power. The 2010 Ducks did not have as mobile a quarterback as the 2013 Ducks do. This variable gives the running backs more potential and larger running lanes to be a lethal combination.
Advantage: Draw
Finally, time to look at the defense. This is where the Oregon Ducks greatly improved from 2010. Oregon’s defense will rank in the Top 20 in the Nation — potentially the best in the Pac-12 — making them even more dynamic than they were in 2010. The 2013 Ducks’ secondary is one of the best they have ever had in school history. Their defensive line has the potential to be one of the best in the nation. The only questionable part is the linebackers. After losing two big-time players Kiko Alonso and Michael Clay, Oregon has to rely on senior Boseko Lokombo and sophomore Tyson Coleman to fill those voids.
Advantage: 2013 Oregon Ducks
On paper, the 2013 Oregon Ducks look much better than the 2010 team; but as we all know games are not won on paper — they have to prove it on the field. There is a lot of pressure on the 2013 team as they look to get back to the National Championship game.
The Spring Game is on April 27 at 11:00 A.M. PST on the Pac-12 Network.
Vincent Winter is an Oregon Ducks writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @sportsfans247, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
