The Ducks begin a new season in a familiar position, with a preseason Top 25 ranking.
I don't remember the first time the feeling came over me, but I'm quite certain it was only a week or two into the 2017. I felt like we were going to be looking back on an aberration. An anomaly. The Taggart Year. Let us never speak of him again, because it's time for a brand new Ducks season, and it's time to be cautiously optimistic! There's a new head coach... again.
Oregon has a cushy schedule and carries a #24 ranking into their first game. It's going to be difficult to improve on that, not only with their less-than-lackluster nonconference schedule, but also with the entire Pac-12 Conference getting their collective teeth kicked in last year. The Ducks return with a Heisman Trophy candidate in Justin Herbert, plus all around standouts like Jalen Jelks, Thomas Graham Jr., Troy Dye, Ugo Amadi and Tony Brooks-James. Hey, I named some guys I remember!
Tonight's opponent is the Bowling Green Falcons, an FBS school from the MAC Conference. They're from Ohio, a state which counts Skyline Chili among their accomplishments. Would it surprise you to know that Bowling Green has always reminded me of lawn bowling, something I've never really witnessed but assume is a thing that fancy old rich people do on Sunday mornings.
Here are some links to get you accustomed to Football Season again:
- The Heisman Hype is real for Justin Herbert. As I mentioned last winter, his prospects are going to ride on how many wins Oregon can rack up. And, you know, health. He's definitely got the skills. It was absurd how the entire team looked like they had eaten at Arby's when he was sidelined.
- Jim Leavitt's return as defensive coordinator just about overshadowed the head coaching hire of Mario Cristobal. While Cristobal will most likely get his chance to put his stamp on this team, Leavitt's progress with the defense will be one of the most interesting things to watch after the hugely positive changes made last season.
- Oh, hey, look -- they're selling alcohol at Autzen Stadium now. Hopefully, that will mean that the seats won't be half-empty during the third quarter this season.
- Know Your Opponent: Bowling Green is looking back to a win over Pitt for inspiration, apparently.
- The Unis!: All yellow. The numbers are huge this year in their latest redesign. I guess I'm going to have to reserve judgment until I see them in action. The wings are back on the helmet presumably for the entire season, so I won't be mentioning them anymore unless something changes.
I'm not great with research, but I couldn't find any indication that Oregon has played a MAC opponent before. So let's check out Justin Herbert's first win as a starter, in a game where new starting running back Tony Brooks-James had a standout game, leading the team in rushing.
Good luck to your Ducks again this year!
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