**Editor’s Note: This story first appeared in the Emerald’s “Gameday” edition, which was released on Aug. 27. Copies are available on stands throughout Eugene. 
Towards the end of fall camp, four Emerald writers predicted Oregon football’s record, who they’d lose to and the outcome of their final game in the 2015-2016 season:
Hayden Kim
Overall Record: 12-2 (9-1 in Pac-12)
Losses: Arizona State, Baylor
Last Game: Baylor beats Oregon in the Fiesta Bowl
Despite losing reigning Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota, the Ducks pose tremendous depth at virtually every skill position that won’t go unnoticed. With this in mind, Oregon will battle either USC or Arizona State in the Pac-12 title game before making a second-straight appearance to the College Football Playoff. Depending on their matchup in the semifinals, I don’t like Oregon’s chances of making it back to the title game. Look no further than their first road game at Michigan State to see how Oregon will fare this year.
Ryan Kostecka
Overall Record: 13-2 (9-1 in Pac-12)
Losses: Arizona State, Auburn
Last Game: Auburn beats Oregon in the national championship game.
Vernon Adams lives up to the hype and leads Oregon to a huge win in East Lansing during week two, but the Ducks fall flat against highly ranked Arizona State on the last Thursday of October in front of a national audience. Oregon responds with November wins over ranked USC and Stanford before taking down UCLA in the Pac-12 Championship Game to earn a playoff bid. After a semifinal shootout victory over TCU, Oregon loses to Auburn in the national championship game, striking up similar memories of the 2010 season.
Jack Heffernan
Overall Record: 11-3 (8-2 in Pac-12)
Losses: Michigan State, Cal, Stanford
Final Game: Oregon defeats Michigan State in the Rose Bowl.
Neither Jeff Lockie nor Vernon Adams have played in an atmosphere like the one that will surround Spartan Stadium on Sept. 12, a recipe for disaster. After a highly anticipated matchup at Arizona State and before games against Stanford and USC, Cal lurks as a potential upset. Oregon gets the job done in two of the three marquee games, but overlooks a Cal team that could have one of the most potent offenses in the country. A turnover here and there will decide the close game. A deflated team will then lose again at Stanford before regrouping at home against USC and again in the Pac-12 Championship. In the Rose Bowl Game, the Ducks finish the season with some revenge against Michigan State.
Will Denner
Overall Record: 12-2 (9-1 Pac-12)
Losses: Michigan State, Stanford
Last Game: Oregon beats Michigan in the Rose Bowl.
The Ducks get tested early with a rematch against No. 5 Michigan State, this time on the road. Neither Jeff Lockie nor Vernon Adams has ever faced a hostile crowd of this magnitude, so don’t be surprised to see either quarterback feel the pressure at Spartan Stadium. Nearing the end of the season, the Ducks draw Stanford on the road Nov. 14. The Cardinal have been somewhat written off after their 8-5 finish last year, which may be fine by them — Stanford bounces back this year. They’ll catch the Ducks in a trap game with USC looming the following Saturday.