2023 Season-In-Review

Record: 12-2, Win vs. Liberty in Fiesta Bowl (45-6)

Oregon had one major problem last year — Washington. The two sides entered Week 7 unbeaten in their first matchup and the Huskies came away with a victory. The two met again in the PAC-12 title game and the Ducks lost as a 10-point favorite. This led to a spot in the Fiesta Bowl rather than the CFB Playoff. This year, Oregon enters as a National Championship contender in. year that will see 12 teams enter the tournament.

Offense: Explosive Ducks back again

Oregon was one of the best offenses in the nation last year. The Ducks averaged 44.2 points and 531.4 yards per game. How do you follow up that type of production? Bring in Heisman candidate Dillon Gabriel. The experienced left-handed quarterback will replace first-round pick Bo Nix and keep Oregon near the top of the nation offensively.

The even better news? Gabriel will have plenty of production on the outside. Despite losing some production at wide receiver, Oregon has replenished in the portal while returning its single-season leader in receptions. Tez Johnson totaled 86 catches last season for 1,182 yards and 10 touchdowns. Traeshon Holden will also return while Evan Stewart comes in from Texas A&M.

What keeps the good vibes going is an elite offensive line. Both tackles return to anchor the offensive line, along with Iapani Laloulu.

Oregon is expected to be one of the best teams in the nation in its first year in the Big Ten. An expanded playoff will almost certainly feature Oregon and with this offense, the Ducks will be in the mix to win a national title.

Defense: Oregon continues to move in right direction

Oregon has not been known for its defense over the year. Despite pumping out some intriguing NFL prospects, the Ducks have not impressed in a big way defensively. The team is looking to move in a different direction and that began last season.

Oregon will return Jordan Burch on the outside after totaling three sacks and two forced fumbles last season. The Ducks finished with 34 sacks as a team and that number could be improved with some additions. This includes Houston transfer Jamaree Caldwell. Matayo Uiagalelei will also take a big step forward, along with Blake Purchase and Teitum Tuioti.

The secondary took some big hits from last season but Dan Lanning hit the portal hard once again. Washington transfer Jabbar Muhammad and Kam Alexander from UTSA improve the depth at cornerback. Safeties Kobe Savage (Kansas State) and Tysheem Johnson make up an impressive duo in the secondary.

The offense is going to be among the best in the nation. Now if the defense can hold its own, the Ducks will certainly be contenders for a National championship.

2024 Oregon Football Schedule

• Saturday, Aug. 31: vs. Idaho
• Saturday, Sept. 7: vs. Boise State
• Saturday, Sept. 14: at Oregon State
• Saturday, Sept. 28: at UCLA
• Friday, Oct. 4: vs. Michigan State
• Saturday, Oct. 12: vs. Ohio State
• Friday, Oct. 18: at Purdue
• Saturday, Oct. 26: vs. Illinois
• Saturday, Nov. 2: at Michigan
• Saturday, Nov. 9: vs. Maryland
• Saturday, Nov. 16: at Wisconsin
• Saturday, Nov. 30: vs. Washington