Oregon Ducks 2009 College Football Picks: The University of Oregon has the kind of prolific offense needed to contend for conference and national titles. They must improve defensively if they want to compete with USC and California in the Pac-10 and earn a spot in a BCS bowl. The college football picks experts at online sportsbook SBG Global has the Oregon Ducks listed at +4500 odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship Title.#9 UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
2008 Season Record: 10-3
2008 Final Rank: 9
Returning Starters on Offense: 5
Returning Starters on Defense: 5
Pros: Utilizing the spread offense, Oregon ranked second nationally in rushing yards a year ago, and were the seventh highest scoring team in the country at 42 points per contest. Junior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli passed for 1,744 yards and rushed for 718 in his first year as a starter. Running back LeGarrette Blount eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark last season despite splitting time in the backfield and should be the featured back in 2009. Senior defensive back Walter Thurmond III tied for the Pac-10 lead with 5 interceptions a year ago.
Cons: The Ducks return only five starters from a defensive unit that ranked 78th in the country in scoring defense and 111th in passing defense. The offensive line could be the weak link as they return only two starters.
Surprise Stat: The Ducks took it right to their opponents right away last season as they out-scored the opposition 153-62 in the first quarter.
The college football picks odds makers at SBG Global have the Oregon Ducks +250 odds favorites to win the PAC 10 Conference Title.
Overall Outlook: Oregon will score a lot of points, but they will also continue to give up a lot as well. The schedule is very tough as they open the season wit three quality non-conference opponents (Boise State, Purdue and Utah). Oregon made a push to improve their offensive line and landed quality prospects in Karrington Armstrong and Jamaal Burrell. Defensively, they added depth at linebacker and defensive back.
Big Game: Oregon seemingly has the fate of the BCS in its hands as they play perennial BCS Busters Boise State and Utah in the first three weeks. The game at Boise State is particularly interesting as it will be a Thursday night game on ESPN to open the season for both teams. Oregon will look to avenge a 37-32 setback suffered at home to Boise State a year ago.
Key to Success: The linebacker corps should be the strength of the defense as it returns starters Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger. Junior college transfer Bryson Littlejohn should see immediate playing time. Following the retirement of longtime and respected head coach Mike Bellotti, former offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will take over the reins for his first fray as a head coach.
Online Sportsbook SBG Global has posted the following odds to win the 2010 BCS National Championship: Alabama +2200
Arizona St +7000
Arkansas +7000
Auburn +9000
Boston College +7500
California +2200
Cincinnati +8500
Clemson +7500
Colorado +8500
Florida +150
Florida St +4000
Georgia +7500
Georgia Tech +1200
Illinois +4500
Iowa +8500
Kansas +4500
Kansas St +8500
Kentucky +8500
Louisville +8500
LSU +3200
Miami FL +3200
Michigan +8500
Michigan St +1700
Missouri +8500
Nebraska +4500
Notre Dame +1200
Ohio St +800
Oklahoma +650
Oklahoma St +2700
Oregon +4500
Penn St +1500
Rutgers +4500
South Carolina +8500
South Florida+5000
Southern Cal +600
Tennessee +8500
Texas +650
Texas A&M +8500
Texas Tech +6500
UCLA +8500
Virginia Tech +1700
Wake Forest +8500
North Carolina +4500
West Virginia +6000
Wisconsin +6500
Field (All Others) +1200
