Oregon Ducks
Pacific-12 Conference
After a week one loss to LSU, the Oregon Ducks went on a tear, defeating their next nine opponents by an average of 29 points. Quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James led the 6th most proficient offense in the country, and it appeared a rematch with LSU in the National Championship was a possibility. Those hopes came crashing down with a triple overtime loss at home to USC on November 19th. Without USC’s NCAA sanctions, banning them from postseason play, Oregon would have a chance to redeem that loss in the Pac-12 Championship game. Instead, Oregon played UCLA for a seemingly lopsided championship.
2011 Record: 11-2 (8-1)
Last Bowl Appearance: 2011 National Championship vs. Auburn (L 19-22)
Big Wins: 11/12 Stanford (53-30), 11/5 at Washington (34-17)
Bad Losses: 9/3 LSU (27-40), 11/19 USC (35-38)
Coach: Chip Kelly (33-6 at Oregon, 33-6 overall)
Bowl Record: 0-2 at Oregon, 0-2 overall
Offensive Coordinator: Mark Helfrich
Defensive Coordinator: Nick Aliotti
Strengths:
The Ducks have an extremely powerful offense that can spread the field and score from nearly any position. Running back, LaMichael James, even with an injury that sidelined him for two games, still leads the FBS in rushing yards per game. A potential Heisman Trophy winner, James has scored 16 touchdowns and rushed for 1,482 yards. Quarterback Darron Thomas, who is also a threat as a runner, has thrown for 27 touchdowns with only five interceptions.
Weaknesses:
The Ducks use their offense to compete in games, but the defense is the glaring weakness. Oregon ranks 64th in total defense, giving up 384 yards of total offense per game. More specifically, the Ducks are suspect against the pass. They have allowed 249 yards per game to opposing passers, ranking them 91st in the FBS. Although the Ducks get strong pressure on the quarterback, totaling 39 sacks this season, they struggle to lock down receivers and keep them in check. Oregon will undoubtedly see a powerful offense in their bowl game and must address this weakness.
Statistical Leaders:
Rushing: LaMichael James, RB, 1,646 yards
Passing: Darron Thomas, QB, 2,493 yards
Receiving: De’Anthony Thomas, WR, 571 yards
Tackles: John Boyett, S, 91
Sacks: Dion Jordan, DE, 7.5
Interceptions: Eddie Pleasant, S, 3
2011 Team Stats:
Rushing Offense: 291.00 (5th in nation, 1st in conference)
Passing Offense: 219.58 (68, 10)
Total Offense: 510.58 (6, 1)
Scoring Offense: 45.92 (3, 1)
Rushing Defense: 135.58 (47, 5)
Pass Defense: 249.08 (91, 6)
Total Defense: 384.67 (64, 5)
Scoring Defense: 23.00 (43, 3)
Turnover Margin: .58 (25, 3)
Sacks: 3.25 (6, 1)
Sacks Allowed: .92 (13, 3)
