Last Updated on August 6, 2010 3:00 pm by drew
Oregon Season Odds
Oregon had high hopes to win the 2010 BCS National Title but the Ducks were dealt a big blow before the season could even get started.
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Oregon head coach Chip Kelly booted start quarterback Jeremiah Masoli from the team this offseason after Masoli had a pair of run-ins with the law. Masoli threw for 2,147 yards and 15 touchdowns while rushing for 668 yards and 13 scores.
Replacing Masoli is expected to be Darron Thomas, a sophomore that has not gotten much experience on the field. Thomas will have nine starters back on his offense, including the entire offense line and leading rusher LaMichael James. James became the Pac-10 Player of the Year after rushing for 1,546 yards and 14 touchdowns in 2009.
Three of the four leading receivers are also back for Oregon, led by Jeff Maehl, who caught 53 passes for 696 yards and six touchdowns.
On defense, Oregon brings back eight starters and eight of its leading nine tacklers from 2009. Kenny Rowe is back at defensive end after totaling 11.5 sacks last season. John Boyett is also back free safety. He led the Ducks in tackles in 2009 with 90 while also intercepting three passes.
At linebacker, Casey Matthews leads the way. The senior middle linebacker was an All-Pac 10 selection in 2009 with 81 tackles.
Oddsmakers from online sports book SPORTSBETTING.com currently list Oregon at 12/1 to win the 2011 BCS National Championship. The Ducks are also listed at 5/2 to win the Pac-10 Conference.
Oregon broke the strangle hold USC had on the Pac-10 last year and now many consider the Ducks as the favorites to win the conference again this year. Oregon will have to win at USC, California, and Oregon State to do so, but a tame non-conference schedule highlighted by a road trip to Tennessee gives the Ducks a chance to climb into the top 2 of the BCS if they can get strong quarterback play. We think Oregon could be a solid play this year as they are experienced and talented on both sides of the ball.
2010 Over/Under Win Total: 9
2011 BCS Championship Odds: Oregon Ducks 12/1
2010 Pac-10 Championship Odds: Oregon Ducks 5/2
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Posted: 8/6/10 3:00PM ET