2019 Recap: They were one of my four in my early predictions for the playoffs entering last season. The opening loss against Auburn shocked me but that’s what happens when you get complacent. Their playoff chances really took a hit when they were upset by Arizona State. They were still able to get to the Pac-12 title game, upset the favorite Utah Utes and clinch a spot in the Rose Bowl where they would defeat the Wisconsin Badgers. Justin Herbert returned for one more run and left on top. Mario Cristobal continues to bring out the best of this team. The defense took a huge step in the right direction last year.
Notable Losses: QB Justin Herbert, TE Jacob Breeland, OL Calvin Throckmorton, OL Shane Lemieux, CB Deommodore Lenoir, DB Thomas Graham, LB Troy Dye.
2020 Outlook: I’m picking the Oregon Ducks to win the North once again. Although they will be replacing several offensive linemen and a quarterback, Mario Cristobal continues to reel in elite talent. He also hit the jackpot by hiring former Mississippi State head coach as the new offensive coordinator. A big return is running back C.J. Verdell. This is who the offense will be built around. Look for the running game and the defense to step it up throughout the year until the quarterback gets comfortable. Oregon will welcome Ohio State to town in week two for an early, yet big interconference showdown in Eugene.
