Oregon football: 5 questions the Oregon Ducks must answer in 2020
![EUGENE, OREGON - NOVEMBER 16: CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second quarter during their game at Autzen Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) EUGENE, OREGON - NOVEMBER 16: CJ Verdell #7 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball against the Arizona Wildcats in the second quarter during their game at Autzen Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/86ef94045ce3fa647409260d11e5aef5a77d00eb47525882b90ae7a93d05dfe5.jpg)
3. Oregon football questions: Can Sewell pull a new O-line up to his level?
Make no mistake about it, rising junior offensive tackle Penei Sewell is the best offensive lineman in the country. He won the Outland Trophy last season to prove it and he should come in and be the lifeblood of this Oregon offense with his ability to set the edge in any situation. In the simplest terms, he’s a stud who will be a top-five pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Yet, while many are rightfully hyping up the talent of Sewell, there are a ton of questions about the rest of the Oregon offensive line. The Ducks had one of the best units top-to-bottom (or left-to-right) in college football last season but now they are tasked with replacing four starters. That could be somewhat problematic for an offense with a new starting quarterback.
The good news for the Ducks is that they aren’t left with their hands thrown up in the air wondering what they’re going to do. Alex Forsyth can move anywhere they need him on the offensive line, which is incredibly valuable. Meanwhile, Stevan Jones is another obvious starter to pair with Sewell and Forsyth.
Even better, Cristobal has prepared for his veteran O-line to be gone and has plenty of young, albeit unproven, options that could slot in to form the best overall unit possible. It may take a few weeks into the season to fully get things figured out but Sewell shoud be the anchor for another offensive line group that is among the nation’s best.