Pac-12 Football - 2021 Oregon Ducks Preview
Our Oregon Ducks preview 2021 observes that for the past four seasons this team has posted winning records, making four straight bowl appearances. Last year, the Ducks went 4-3 overall and 3-2 in the Pac-12, finishing third. In 2019, they were 11-1, winning the Pac-12 North and taking down the conference championship by beating Utah 37-15. The #7 Ducks went on the play and defeat #11 Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl 28-27. Last season, Oregon played USC for the Pac-12 title, winning 31-24. They played #9 Iowa in the Fiesta bowl, losing 17-34.
Oregon Offense
Last season, Oregon churned out 31.3 PPG (4th Pac-12, 42nd Nationally) with 246.1 YPG in passing (4th Pac-12, 47th Nationally) and 166.7 YPG in rushing (7th Pac-12, 61st Nationally). Last season’s starting quarterback Tyler Shough, who was consistent and accurate, transferred to Texas Tech for 2021. Anthony Brown, who saw reps in both postseason contests, proved to be just as consistent and accurate. He takes over this season. Most of last year’s receiving unit, including the top four, return. WR Devon Williams, who averaged 19.1 YPC and scored twice, is back for his sophomore season, and senior Jaylon Redd returns after making 25 catches for 281 yards.
Last season, running backs C.J. Verdell and Travis Dye recorded 313 ground yards and three TDs and 447 rushing yards and one touchdown respectively. Dye, who averaged 6.9 YPA, also caught nine passes for 239 yards and four scores. This is a solid unit. The frontline is one of the most experienced and skilled on the conference, as four-of-five starters return.
Oregon Ducks Preview 2021 - Defense
The Duck defense struggled last season, allowing 405.9 total yards per game and 28.3 PPG. This season, we expect that the Oregon defense, which returns seven starters, looks solid. The three-man front includes Kayvon Thibodeaux, who last season was voted the Pac-12 best defensive player. His contributions included 6.5 TFL, three sacks, three PBU, two QBH, and 38 tackles. Also last year, ILB Noah Sewell, who posted 45 tackles, two sacks, and 4.5 TFL, was chosen as the conference’s top freshman on D. Fellow ILB Isaac Slade-Mataulia tied Sewell for the top spot in tackles while recording five PBU, 2.5 TFL, three QBH, and one sack.
The secondary also looks good. Corner Mykael Wright, who broke up nine passes, is another premium defensive player. Star Jamal Hill was first in picks with two while also posting four PBU. Safety Verone McKinley III was good for 41 tackles, two PBU, and one INT. We expect that with so much skill, talent, and experience returning from last season, that this side of the ball will be much improved.
Specialists
Our Oregon Ducks preview 2021 finds that this team’s kicking game is healthy. Placekicker Henry Katleman, who was 13-of-13 in PATs and four-of-four on field goals, is especially reliable, while punter Tom Snee, who averaged 43.6 YPP and placed 11-of-25 within the 20, is one of the best in the Pac-12. Both Dye, who returns punts, and Wright, who brings back kicks, are dangerous.
Oregon Ducks Preview 2021 - Projection
Over the past four years our Oregon Ducks preview 2021 notes that this team has been quite consistent. We expect that they will be competitive within the conference as well as on the national level. Although their out-of-conference schedule includes Ohio State, it also includes Fresno State and Stony Brook. In conference, they will play Washington State, Arizona, and Oregon State. In those six games alone, there are five victories. Improving on their -9 TO margin (11th Pac-12, 121st Nationally) would certainly help the Ducks this season. We project that in 2021 the Oregon Ducks will win the Pac-12 Championship.
Pac-12 Football - Oregon Ducks 2021 - Predictions:
First Place - Pac-12 North
Rose Bowl vs Wisconsin