Ducks On the Decline?

The Oregon Ducks' football program had one of its best seasons in years, reaching its first BCS Bowl game since their victory in the 2002 Fiesta Bowl. However, after one game, it didn't look like they would finish the year 10-3. Senior running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended in their season-opening loss to Boise State after punching an opposing player in the face. Then, freshman LaMichael James stepped in at tailback and set a Pac-10 freshman record with 1,546 rushing yards. After the disaster at Boise State, the Ducks went 10-1 before losing in the Rose Bowl to Ohio State. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was mentioned in the middle of the year as a potential Heisman candidate, and the Ducks had one of the best backfields in college football. Today, however, head coach Chip Kelly took action once again like he did for Blount in the beginning of '09.

LaMichael James was suspended for the season opener of the 2010 season after pleading guilty to a misdemeanor harrassment charge. James will only miss one game for the Ducks, but that is not the case with Masoli. Oregon's quarterback has been suspended for the entire season for pleading guilty to second-degree burglary. Masoli was the team leader for Oregon, who exceeded expectations after Blount's suspension. The Ducks won their first Pac-10 title since 2001, and without Masoli and James, that trophy would be somewhere else. Next year, they will have a new quarterback, and who knows what could happen with James in the years to come.

It seems to me that Oregon's football team is always getting in trouble. Other Oregon players with recent off-the-field issues include kicker Rob Beard, linebacker Kiko Alonso, defensive end Matt Simms and wide receiver Jamere Holland. Former Oregon wide receiver Garrett Embry also pleaded guilty to second-degree burglary this month. From Blount in the beginning of the season to the two crucial parts of the Pac-10's highest scoring offense, Chip Kelly has dealt with a lot in just his first year as coach. Oregon had a great season in 2009, but I don't think I can see them repeating as Pac-10 champs. For next year, the Ducks will most likely go with an inexperienced Nate Costa at quarterback, who completed 20 of 33 passes last season backing up Masoli. He's going to have to lead an Oregon team who lost 15 seniors. Unfortunately for Oregon fans, I think we will see a new Pac-10 champion in 2010.