College Football Rankings: Top 25 entering spring games
By Brad Weiss
Oregon Ducks
2016: 4-8, Pac 12- North Division
Just three years removed from playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game, the Oregon Ducks saw themselves finish with a 4-8 record last season. The University let go of head coach Mark Helfrich, replacing him with former USF head coach Willie Taggart. Taggart inherits a team that should be able to put up some points, with the biggest question mark being on the defensive side of the ball.
Justin Herbert had an incredible first year under center, becoming the first true freshman to start at quarterback for the Ducks since 1983. Once he gained control of the starting job, Herbert threw for nearly 2,000 yards, putting up 19 touchdowns against only four interceptions. It was a small shining spot in a season that most fans in Eugene would like to forget.
As the Ducks head into 2017, they have to be at least a little happy with what they have returning. Aside from Herbert, star senior running back Royce Freeman will return to campus, as he looks to finish his collegiate career in style. Freeman averaged over 5.5 yards per carry last season, and he should be able to improve on the nine touchdowns he racked up in 2016.
Taggart’s first few weeks with Oregon were rough, as co-offensive coordinator David Reaves was booted for a DUI incident. Taggart should be able to do good things with the offense, but the defense was downright atrocious last season, allowing over 41 points per game. The Ducks will have to travel to play Washington, UCLA, and Stanford this season, so they better be ready to defend the pass away from Autzen Stadium.