Pac-12 Preview: Oregon Or Stanford In The North?
By Jason Gold
Dec 30, 2013; San Antonio, TX, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs past Texas Longhorns defensive end Caleb Bluiett (42) during the first half at Alamo Dome. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports
Reasons Why They Will Win: Oregon is a perennial powerhouse, not only in the Pac-12 conference, but in the nation. Currently they are 7-1 favorites to win the National Championship, only trailing Florida State and Alabama. The reason they have a chance at the National Title, and thereby the Pac-12 North and Conference crowns, is because of QB Marcus Mariota. Mariota, currently a 5-1 favorite to win the Heisman Trophy, is one of, if not the, best QB in the nation. You could probably only make an argument for Jameis Winston being a better QB. The Ducks return most of their offense, which has been the one of the best, if not the best, in the nation since 2007. With Mariota back, and most of the defense back, including potential first round pick Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, the Ducks are once again poised to reach the National Championship game. Will it happen? As always, it depends on the November matchup against Stanford. Oh yea, and they have to play Michigan State in Eugene the second game of the season. That should give us a pretty clear snapshot of how good this team really can be.
Reasons Why They Won’t Win: There are a few issues for Oregon. First, they have to play Stanford every season and the Cardinal have derailed Oregon’s championship aspirations the past two seasons. The November 1st matchup in Eugene should decide the conference champion, or at least the North Division. The game against Michigan State in week 2 could derail National Championship aspirations; however, it won’t prevent them from taking the conference title. Injuries are always a concern and this year is no different. Bralon Addison, Oregon’s top WR, is out for the year already after tearing his ACL. Mariota struggled, but played through, multiple injuries last season. The Ducks also lost versatile ATH De’Anthony Thomas to the NFL. Oregon is going to win a bunch of games, but a title in the conference isn’t a sure thing, despite the fact that they’re the favorites.
Best Case Record: 12-0
Worst Case Record: 9-3