[JohnR34231]

Ducks were last year's version of the Colorado defense of 2014: One senior starter, seven of the top 13 tacklers freshmen and sophomores.  Two years later, under Oregon's now-defensive coordinator, the Buffs were an elite group.

Scott Pagano comes over to Oregon as a grad transfer from Clemson, where he contributed to very good DL.  Troy Dye, one of those freshmen, was excellent last year, and Arrion Springs is an excellent D

It's not common for a defense to improve by my 10 points allowed per game from one season to next.  That improvement that would still leave the Ducks with a 30+ ppg game allowed.  But I wouldn't bet against the Ducks allowing around 27, bigger stronger and better coached.  That's not great defense, but it's  good enough to win if teamed with a typical Ducks offense.

Thanks. Yeah, I don't think the Ducks will be down for very long (Phil won't permit it). Of course, Washington will be excellent as long as Petersen is there (which based on his track record will be quite a while). Also, Wazzu under Leach I don't think will be a patsy either. The Pac-12 North will definitely be challenging for us.

[JohnR34231]

Ducks were last year's version of the Colorado defense of 2014: One senior starter, seven of the top 13 tacklers freshmen and sophomores.  Two years later, under Oregon's now-defensive coordinator, the Buffs were an elite group.

Scott Pagano comes over to Oregon as a grad transfer from Clemson, where he contributed to very good DL.  Troy Dye, one of those freshmen, was excellent last year, and Arrion Springs is an excellent D

It's not common for a defense to improve by my 10 points allowed per game from one season to next.  That improvement that would still leave the Ducks with a 30+ ppg game allowed.  But I wouldn't bet against the Ducks allowing around 27, bigger stronger and better coached.  That's not great defense, but it's  good enough to win if teamed with a typical Ducks offense.

Thanks. Yeah, I don't think the Ducks will be down for very long (Phil won't permit it). Of course, Washington will be excellent as long as Petersen is there (which based on his track record will be quite a while). Also, Wazzu under Leach I don't think will be a patsy either. The Pac-12 North will definitely be challenging for us.