Oregon Ducks
Oregon Ducks In 2009, the Oregon Ducks look to push forward and try to build on a very successful 2008 season. Heading into this season the Ducks have a new coach in Chip Kelly. He served as offensive coordinator in '07 and '08. He will now be the headman and continue to run the offense as coordinator.

Last year, Oregon went 10-3, including a 7-2 conference record against the Pac-10 and they also beat Oklahoma State 42-31 in the Holiday Bowl.

In the USA Today coaches' poll released earlier this week, the Ducks were ranked 14th in the nation. Even with this fairly high top 25 ranking, odds makers are calling Oregon a longshot to win a BCS National Championship at 35/1.

The Oregon offense led the Pac-10 with
an average over 480 yards of total offense and more than 41 points per game a season ago. They will be getting back quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, running back LeGarrette Blount and tight end Ed Dickson. Masoli passed for 1744 yards, Blount carried the ball for over 1,000 yards last year and Dickson hauled in 35 balls, 3 for touchdowns while topping 500 yards receiving.

Kelly's offense should have no problem starting the season on a roll.

Defensively, the Ducks will get safety T.J. Ward back. Ward racked up 101 tackles for Oregon's defense last season and will once again be joined by defensive end Will Tukuafu and his 7.5 sacks of a season ago. At cornerback, Walter Thurmond also returns for the Ducks. Thurmond recorded 5 interceptions in 2008.