Team: Oregon Ducks
Rant Sports College Football Rank: No. 6
Strength: Their isn’t a defense in the entire country that can keep the Ducks from scoring at least 21 points a game. The potent offense is led by quarterback Marcus Mariota, who is actually getting a ton Heisman Trophy consideration for 2013. Mariota was second in the Pac 12 with 32 passing touchdowns last year, so the sky is the limit for this high-flying quarterback and his go-to running back, De’Anthony Thomas.
Weakness: Defense has always been a sore subject for the Ducks. Although Dion Jordan was able to be a top-5 selection in the 2013 NFL Draft, Oregon has struggled to maintain a top unit on the defensive side of the ball. To be fair, the Ducks are so potent on offense that other teams are forced to throw the ball all game long, which puts the Oregon defense on its heels.
Player with most to prove: In my mind, there isn’t one player on the Ducks with a ton to prove; instead, head coach Mark Helfich is the one who has expectations to meet. Helfich has been on the Ducks’ coaching staff since 2009, but taking over as the head coach is a new challenge and we’ll have to see how the first-year head coach responds to his new gig.
Projected 2013 regular season record: 11-0
Devin O’Barr is the Content Commentator for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @DevinOBarrRS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.
