College Football Predictions Oregon Ducks PAC 10 Conference 2008: After getting off to an almost perfect start last season, by winning 8 of their first 9 games, head coach Mike Bellotti (106-52 at Oregon) and his bunch finished off flat, after an injury sidelined starting QB Dennis Dixon.

After dropping the final 3 games of the regular season, the Ducks were able to bounce back in the Sun Bowl and defeated South Florida by a comfortable 56-21 margin. The Oregon Ducks’ betting odds to win the BCS National Championship game in 2009 are +4500 at BetUS.com.

In 2007, the Ducks were able to finish with a mark of 9-4 (5-4), despite their starting QB going down with an injury. What saved their season last year was unquestionably their ground game, as they ranked 6th in the nation, and 1st in the conference with almost 252 yards per game.

But the start in that final game of the year at the Sun Bowl was indeed backup QB Justine Roper. Against South Florida, Roper threw for 180 yards and 4 TDs in the victory.

In 2008, with Dixon gone, Roper will look to pick things up where he left off, as the Ducks have indeed found a QB that can compete in the PAC 10. The Oregon Ducks’ betting odds to win the PAC 10 in 2008 are third best (behind USC and ASU) at +600.

However, the Ducks’ strengths lies on their defense, as DC Nick Aliotti, will have an experienced group of guys to work with this season. The camaraderie that has been founded between now third year players: CBs Walter Thurmund and Jairus Byrd (12 INTs in conjunction), along with S Patrick Chung (117 tackles), will certainly play dividends.

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