PAC-12 Preview Part II
Oregon
The Oregon Ducks preseason ranked No 9 in the country looking to rise into national dance for a run at a National Championship. Head coach Mario Cristobal back to lead post Herbert era.
The offense brings back seven starters and its wide receiver core being the strongest along with running back CJ Verdell who PAC-12 defensive coordinators know the ground game will be coming.
Mycah Pittman, Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd and Devon Williams at receiver will be responsible to stretch the field and score often for the Ducks.
Kayvon Thibodeaux the PAC-12 best defensive lineman from 2020 season will led the seven returning Ducks who will look to slow down teams. New DC Tim DeRuyter will have some good clay to work with to tackle this tough road schedule.
If the Ducks can score big they will be in the discussion for final four after playing Ohio State, Stanford, UCLA, Washington and Utah all on the road. The stacked recruiting classes over the past few years will hold big to being on top.
Predictions 10-3
Oregon State
The Oregon State Beavers will be fighting an uphill battle in the Northern division to reach a bowl game. Last season highlight was beating Oregon in the covid season.
Coach Jonathan Smith will be looking to build on the foundation that he has been laying with 15 starters returning to action. The offensive line will be key to allowing this balance attack to keep up with Jones’s.
Center Nathan Eldridge will be the anchor for the line filled with depth and continuality. Transfer Tre’Shaun Harrison will be need to be a big contributor to allow few extra victories this season.
They have a youthful defensive backfield who will be exciting to watch them fly around, freshman Akili Arnold will be a breath of fresh air. Freshman defensive tackle Evan Bennett a top recruit who’s quickness and strength will be great to have.
The Beavers open up the season with Big 10 Purdue that will help recruiting some with a good showing.
Prediction 4-8
