It's a new era and a new year for the Oregon Ducks. After the rough 2016 season, Mark Helfrich is out and Willie Taggart is in. With Taggart in charge, there's hope around the Ducks. There's still talent on this Oregon roster and it's up to Taggart to get the most out of it. Can they compete for the Pac-12 title? Here's a game-by-game prediction of Oregon's schedule this year:
Week 1: vs. Southern Utah Thunderbirds
Prediction: WIN (1-0)
Yeah....this will be an easy win for the Ducks.
Week 2: vs. Nebraska Cornhuskers
Prediction: WIN (2-0)
Oregon will be better this year and they'll look to show that in their first major game under Taggart. I expect this to be a close game, but the Ducks will pull away in the fourth quarter.
Week 3: at Wyoming Cowboys
Prediction: LOSS (2-1)
By now, you may have heard of Wyoming's quarterback Josh Allen, who could be the top quarterback taken in the 2018 NFL Draft. The Cowboys also have a talented team around him and this is the showcase game of their season. That motivation will give them a home win over an Oregon team still trying to find their groove under Taggart.
Week 4: at Arizona State Sun Devils
Prediction: WIN (3-1)
Arizona State's offense is fine, but their defense has been one of the worst in the conference for several years. Expect a big game from Oregon's offense.
Week 5: vs. Cal Golden Bears
Prediction: WIN (4-1)
Cal may not win a conference game this season. This will be an easy win for the Ducks.
Week 6: vs. Washington State Cougars
Prediction: WIN (5-1)
Washington State was one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the country in Luke Falk, who runs Mike Leach's offense to perfection. However, their defense isn't great. Oregon wins in a shootout.
Week 7: at Stanford Cardinal
Prediction: LOSS (5-2)
Stanford's offense has to find a way to replace Christian McCaffrey, which will take some time. However, they showed in their season-opening 62-7 win against Rice that they're on the right track, especially defensively. Oregon's defense isn't good enough to keep Stanford's offense in check.
Week 8: at UCLA Bruins
Prediction: LOSS (5-3)
UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen needs to have a bounce-back year, and the rest of their roster showed its holes as they went 4-8 last year. However, that roster has talent, and they're at home. Oregon loses a close one.
Week 9: vs. Utah Utes
Prediction: WIN (6-3)
The Utes figure to take a small step back with a young team this year. Oregon - who is not going to lose four games in a row - will snap their two-game losing streak at home.
Week 10: at Washington Huskies
Prediction: LOSS (6-4)
Washington is one of the most well-rounded teams in the country and return many key players from last year's playoff team. Oregon just isn't ready to compete with them this season.
Oregon Fans - Download Chat Sports on iPhone today for breaking Oregon news, rumors, scores and more - Chat Sports iPhone App!
Week 11: BYE
Week 12: vs. Arizona Wildcats
Prediction: WIN (7-4)
The Wildcats are 10-17 over the last two years thanks to an absolutely terrible defense - and that's not changing this year.
Week 13: vs. Oregon State Beavers
Prediction: WIN (8-4)
C'mon. We all know Oregon State doesn't have the talent to belong on the field with Oregon.
Check out our Oregon Ducks team page for all the latest Oregon football news!
Back to the Oregon Ducks Newsfeed