The Big Lead Top 25 Has Oregon Ducks Flying at 9

The 2016 College Football season begins on Saturday and The Big Lead is not quite sure what to make of the Oregon Ducks.

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I do like the fact that The Big Lead is candid about this in their look at the Top 25. The first few schools are expected with Alabama, Clemson and LSU. The surprise is that two Pac-12 schools are in the Top Ten. Stanford is slotted at 8, while Oregon comes in right behind at 9. In looking at their reasoning, it makes sense. Oregon, following last seasons collapse against TCU is a bit of a juggernaut.

There are questions everywhere for the Oregon Ducks. From Starting Quarterback performance, to the new Defensive alighment to the 4-3, to the durability of the Offensive Line. The Big Lead still has the Oregon Ducks in the thick of a National Championship discussion.

The Offense may not be in question as much as the Defense. Brady Hoke has been a Head Coach, but never a Defensive Coordinator. Time will tell if this team will gel into a Defensive unit capable of not giving up the big plays and averaging close to 30 point per game as they did in 2015.

"The Ducks are flush with depth and talent at the skill spots. If the quarterback play can be solid, Oregon will do their customary up tempo, napalming.The Big Lead on ‘What To Like’ About The Oregon Ducks"

In looking at predictions I have seen some with Oregon winning 7 games, others over 10, but The Big Lead says 9 and that the Ducks are a legitimate ranked team entering the season. If there was a ‘rebuilding’ year for the Ducks, 2016 is it. The team can gain valuable experience this season and be back in the National Title hunt for 2017, but of course the team goal is to be there this season.

Next: Scouting The Competition: UC Davis Brings Experience At Quarterback

The season begins on Saturday when the Oregon Ducks host UC Davis at Autzen Stadium(2pm Pacific Time, Pac-12 Networks)