The Ducks have a difficult schedule in 2017. The Pac-12 always has tough opponents. Luckily, for the Ducks, they don’t face USC this season, and they miss out on Colorado, which will be a quality team. Oregon will also face solid nonconference foes in Nebraska and Wyoming.
So here are the best units Oregon will face this season.
Quarterback: UCLA
A tough call between UCLA’s Josh Rosen and Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen. The Ducks face both on the road this season and they are a big reason why the road games in 2017 are so daunting. Rosen was labelled college football’s golden boy since he came in as a freshman two seasons ago. He has yet to meet expectations, partially because of injuries, but he has all the talent one needs to succeed. In six games last season Rosen completed almost 60 percent of his passes, throwing 10 touchdowns and five interceptions while averaging 319 yards per game. Solid numbers, so the Ducks defense will have their work cut out for them on October 21.
Honorable Mention: Allen, Wyoming. Jake Browning, Washington.
Running Backs: Washington
Myles Gaskin averaged close to 100 yards per game last season for an offense that returns a starting quarterback and multiple offensive lineman. He is a shifty runner with good lateral quickness that makes him hard to pin down. His pass protection is great too along with his ability to catch out of the backfield. He was UW’s leading rusher and fourth leading receiver.
Honorable Mention: Ryan Nall, Oregon State.
Offensive Line: Washington
The Huskies return a combined 97 starts despite losing two first team All-Pac-12 members. Trey Adams and Coleman Shelton should become some of the more dominating lineman in the conference as Washington hopes to bulldoze its way to another Pac-12 title.
Honorable Mention: Washington State, Stanford
Wide Receivers: Washington
You’re probably tired of seeing Washington on this list, but the Huskies have weapons on the perimeter too. Yes, they lost John Ross to the NFL, but receivers Dante Pettis, Chico McClatcher and tight end Drew Sample are All-Pac-12 caliber weapons. Pettis is a fast receiver who stretches the field. He is small, but his speed kills.
Honorable Mention: California, UCLA
Defensive Line: Utah
The Utes come to Autzen Stadium looking to avenge the upset from last season. The Utes bring the best defensive line the Ducks will see all season. Kylie Fitts provides a good edge-rush while Lowell Lotulelei and Filipo Mokofisi clog the middle. Lotulelei has been a fixture on the first team All-Pac-12 team while a healthy Fitts can provide the edge all defenses need.
Honorable Mention: Washington
Linebackers: Stanford
The Cardinal have no specific linebacker that stands above the rest, but the unit is as deep as any in the country. They return all four starters from last season and they have a six-man rotation just at inside linebacker. Kevin Palma, Bobby Okereke will start inside but will constantly be rotating and fresh. Fifth-year senior Peter Kalambayi defends one edge while Mike Tyler and Joey Alfieri combine for the other.
Honorable Mention: Washington
Defensive Backs: Stanford
Opposite of the linebackers, Stanford has secondary players who can individually be stars. Cornerbacks Quenton Meeks and Alijah Holder were promising young players who had a knack for grabbing interceptions. Now, they’re veterans who can still cover anyone 1-on-1. Both are All-Pac-12 candidates along with safety Justin Reid. The Cardinal have depth at all the secondary positions, and coach Duane Akina is considered one of the best in the nation.
Honorable Mention: UCLA
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