Oregon Ducks Football Team Preview 2019: Odds and Predictions

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— Travis Dye (@Babydye23) January 2, 2019

The first year of the Mario Cristobal era brought modest success for the Oregon Ducks in 2018, who finished with a 9-4 record. The Ducks put a dent in their playoff hopes early in the season, when they lost to Stanford in their fourth game due to a late game gaffe that led to overtime. Losses to Washington State, Arizona, and Utah would leave Oregon with a berth in the Redbox Bowl, where they beat Michigan State 7-6.

Lacking the firepower of the Chip Kelly days, Oregon’s 25th ranked offense managed just three 40+ point games against their Pac-12 foes, while averaging 34.8 points per game throughout the season.

Key Returning Players (2018 Stats)

• QB Justin Herbert (Senior) – 3,151 Pass Yards | 29 Pass TD | 8 INT
• RB CJ Verdell (Redshirt Sophomore) – 1,018 Rush Yards | 12 Total TD | 5.0 Yards per Carry
• MLB Troy Dye (Senior) – 109 Total Tackles | 6.0 TFL | 5 Pass Def
• S Jevon Holland (Sophomore) – 42 Total Tackles | 5 INT | 6 Pass Def

Herbert returning for his senior year brings a huge sigh of relief for Duck fans, as the Heisman candidate will be supported by a twin rushing attack that features CJ Verdell and Travis Dye. Oregon’s offensive line should feature four senior starters, including all Pac-12 second teamer Shane Lemieux, and second team All-American Calvin Throckmorton.

The defense will be buoyed by a linebacking corps that includes leading tackler Troy Dye, along with fellow seniors Lamar Winston Jr. and Bryson Young. Sophomore safety Jevon Holland will look to build on his strong freshman performance in a secondary that should include Thomas Graham Jr. and Deommodore Lenoir at the corner spots.

Key Departures

• WR Dillon Mitchell (NFL Draft)
• OLB/DE Justin Hollins (Graduation)
• CB Ugo Amadi (Graduation)
• DE Jalen Jelks (Graduation)

Oregon had a fairly down year when it came to the NFL draft, with only four players selected, none of whom were chosen during the first three rounds. The biggest loss by far is leading receiver Dillon Mitchell, whose breakout performance prompted an early exit from Eugene. On the other side of the ball, the leadership of pass rushers Jalen Jelks and Justin Hollins will be missed.

Notable Recruits (Star Ratings and Rankings According to Rivals.com)

Cream of the crop. Top talent has the future lookin’ bright across the board. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/f84YHCm2TT

— GoDucks (@GoDucks) May 2, 2019

• DE Kayvon Thibodeaux – 5 Star | 6-5, 230lb | Oaks Christian School | Westlake Village, CA
• WE Lance Wilhoite – 4 Star | 6-2, 180lb | Franklin Road Academy | Nashville, TN
• OT Jonah Tauunu’u – 4 Star | 6-5, 280lb | Narbonne HS | Harbor City, CA
• CB Mykael Wright – 4 Star | 5-11, 165lb | Antelope Valley HS | Lancaster, CA

With the seventh ranked recruiting class in the nation, the Ducks managed to sign the top overall prospect in Kayvon Thibodeaux, who has a solid chance of starting from day one. Oregon also managed to secure commitments from a pair of 4-star receivers in Lance Wilhoite and Mycah Pittman. Furthermore, coach Cristobal and his staff were able to sign three 4-star players from powerhouse Mater Dei High School in running back Sean Dollars, as well as defensive linemen Mase Funa and Keyon Ware-Hudson.

2019 Schedule

Right off the bat, the Ducks get to prove themselves on a big stage when they take on the Auburn Tigers in Jerry World. Things do not get easier after that game, however, as all of their games away from Autzen Stadium will be challenging. Washington at Husky Stadium is tough to beat, as is USC in the Coliseum. A potential dark horse team that could upend the Ducks is Arizona State, with former NFL coach Herm Edwards entering his second season in Tempe.

Where to Bet on Win Totals and Conference Title Odds in New Jersey

New Jersey residents can log on to 888Sport to wager on Oregon’s win total and Pac-12 title odds. With an over/under of nine wins for the Ducks, it’s a tough call to say how their season will turn out.

Pac 12 Conference Winner

* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER

Number of Games Won – Excluding Bowl Games & Play Offs

Regular season only. Conference championship games do not count.

* 21+ | NJ only | If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER