Ducks trust Cristobal to lead resurgence
Just three seasons ago, Oregon was on college football’s mountaintop and playing for a national title.
But the Ducks quickly crashed, posting a disappointing four-win season in 2016.
Willie Taggart’s high-octane personality along with a talented coaching staff helped Oregon rebound in 2017, but Taggart’s sudden departure to Florida State after one season left many in the program taken aback.
The Ducks, however, return a wealth of talent, helping the team earn the No. 75 spot in Orlando Sentinel college insider Matt Murschel’s preseason 2018 college football rankings. Murschel ranked all 129 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in the country. The Sentinel staff takes a closer look at a new team daily, counting backward from No. 129 to our projected No. 1 team.
Today at No. 75: Oregon Coach: Mario Cristobal (0-1, entering first season; 27-48 overall) 2017 record: 7-6, 4-5 in the Pac-12 Conference, fourth in North Division Look back: Oregon bounced back from one of its worst seasons in almost two decades by winning seven games under the direction of first-year coach Taggart. The Ducks used a much-improved defensive effort that saw them give up 12 fewer points and 150 fewer yards per game than the previous season. Any momentum, however, went out the window after Taggart announced he was leaving to take the Florida State job. Assistant Mario Cristobal was named interim coach for Oregon’s bowl game and later earned the job full-time. Offensive starters returning: 7
Offensive starters lost: 4
Defensive starters returning: 7
Defensive starters lost: 4
Key losses: RB Royce Freeman, WR Charles Nelson, OL Tyrell Crosby, DE Henry Mondeaux, LB Jimmie Swain, DB Tyree Robinson, DB Arrion Springs
Top returnees: QB Justin Herbert, WR Dillon Mitchell, Johnny Johnson III, OL Shane Lemieux, OL Jake Hanson, OL Calvin Throckmorton, DE Jordon Scott, LB Troy Dye, DE Jalen Jelks, DB Ugochukwu Amadi
Strengths: The Ducks are optimistic this is the year quarterback Justin Herbert elevates himself to elite status after two seasons marred by injury. Herbert has demonstrated the ability to be an efficient passer (3,919 total yards, 34 total touchdowns) while also making plays with his feet. He led the team to a 6-2 record last season.
Jim Leavitt’s decision to remain at Oregon as defensive coordinator was some of the best news the Ducks could have received in the offseason. The program saw vast improvements under Leavitt’s direction in 2017. He has the majority of his starters back from last season, including two all-conference selections in linebacker Troy Dye (107 tackles) and end Jalen Jelks (6.5 sacks).
Weaknesses: Royce Freeman wrapped up a successful college career, finishing as Oregon’s all-time leading rusher after accumulating more than 5,600 yards and 60 touchdowns.
The Ducks allowed a Pac-12-worst 15 passing plays of 40 or more yards in 2017.
Outlook: Another hot start is crucial for Oregon, especially with one of the weakest nonconference schedules in the league. The Pac-12 slate sets up nicely, with Stanford and Washington playing at Oregon early in the season.