After a 9-4 record and a win in the Redbox Bowl against Michigan State with a 7-6 win the Ducks are coming back with an experienced team all around. The team will still be led by Mario Cristobal who will be entering his second year as the head coach for Oregon football along with Justin Herbert at QB1. With experienced players returning on both offense and defense this team has a good chance at being a dominant team in the Pac – 12 and honestly in the whole nation. Let’s take a look at the schedule for the 2019 Ducks:
- August 31 – Auburn
- September 7 – Nevada
- September 14 – Montana
- September 21 – @ Stanford
- October 5 – Cal
- October 11 – Colorado
- October 19 – @ Washington
- October 26 – Washington State
- November 2 – @ USC
- November 16 – Arizona
- November 23 – @ Arizona State
- November 30 – Oregon State
*December 6 – Pac -12 Championship Game*
(Bold is Pac – 12 games)
Starting the season with a three game home stand and only four away games (not including the first game of the season against Auburn which will be played at a neutral site at Arlington, Texas), the real test will be the Auburn Tigers in week 1. After the third week of the season, Oregon will be playing the rest of the games against Pac-12 opponents. To be frank about it, the Pac-12 is not what it used to be in the “hay-days”. Currently I would say between Washington and Oregon they are the top two teams of the conference and I think this year it will be a battle between the two. So to me the big game on the schedule that should be circled for Oregon fans, Husky fans, and college football fans in general is the October 19 matchup against Washington.
When looking at the key players, the centerpiece is going to be QB Justin Herbert who is entering his senior year. With 3,151 yards, 29 touchdowns, only 8 interceptions, and his longest pass of 83 yards, I would say Herbert is more than primed to have an outstanding year and a possible Heisman candidate. With an experienced offensive line that can keep Herbert standing up and allow him to make plays I think Oregon has a chance at being one of the best passing teams in the nation. Only having one freshman wideout on the team is something that will also play a vital role in the air attack. It is very possible to see Herbert develop even more this year and put the ball into even tighter spaces that only the receiver can grab.
When looking at the defensive end for the Ducks this is a defense that has a good mix of experienced players and some younger players. One key player to look out for on this defense is the backer Troy Dye. Dye finished his 2018 campaign with 109 total tackles, 1 interception, and 1 forced fumble helping led the defensive front for the Ducks. I think in 2019 Dye’s role is going to be expanded a little more and be more of a prominent force on the defensive front. Against weak offensive lines in the Pac-12 Dye can be utilized in the pass rush and coverage depending on how Cristobal and newly hired defensive coordinator Andy Avalos plan to game plan for the defense.
On a smaller note, the special teams is even returning which is something that should be talked about more. The time of operations should be cut down and be more accurate for special teams on all kicks from field goals and punts. Having a smaller time of operations will cut down the time it takes to get the kick off allowing for a more precise coverage from protecting the punter/kicker and also coverage downfield. Seeing as in the college football scene special teams can either dominate a game for you or even lose a game for you, it is big for Oregon to utilize an experienced special teams unit as well.
Overall, I think the Ducks will finish with a 10-2 record losing the first game of the season against Auburn and losing against Stanford. Of course these are predictions so anything can happen but I think there is a strong possibility that we see Oregon have a dominant year possibly being in contention of the College Football Playoffs and even seeing Justin Herbert be in contention for some awards this year also. I think the Ducks will surprise a lot of teams and fans. Where do you think the Ducks will end up at the end of the 2019 season?
Written by Tyler Pastorius
