oregon ducks

The Oregon Ducks had a strange season on defense in 2008. Rarely could a team finish 5th nationally in tackles for loss (104.5), 8th nationally in sacks (38), and 11th nationally in turnovers gained (31) but still manage to end the year ranked 82nd in total defense (including 111th against the pass).Part of the blame for the strange stat line can be placed on the explosive Oregon offense, which overwhelmed opponents early and often. Because of that, many opposing offenses had to throw the ball more frequently than normal just to stay in the game. The quick-burst scoring also led to a low time of possession, which meant the defense was spending most of the game on the field.Although the Ducks are quite comfortable playing any team in a shootout, the D will need to tighten up a bit for Oregon to reach it’s true potential as a championship level football team.

Defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti has a very talented group returning in 2009, with all-conference caliber playmakers at all three levels. The most exciting unit may be at the second level, where an extremely athletic group of linebackers should wreak havoc all season long. Many believe this could be the program’s best group of LBs in years, led by two outstanding juniors.Junior Spencer Paysinger exploded onto the Pac-10 scene during a breakout sophomore campaign in 2008. He finished the season with 95 tackles (2nd on team), 12 tackles for loss (4th on team), two sacks, two interceptions (one for a TD in the Civil War), and six pass breakups. Rivals.com named Paysinger second-team All-Pac 10 in 2008, and he will enter this season on a variety of pre-season All-Conference teams.At 6-3 216 pounds, Paysinger combines a rangy frame with excellent speed and athleticism.

He is the quintessential playmaking linebacker, possessing an innate sense of where to be on any given play. He’s great against the run, but can also drop into coverage as naturally as a defensive back, showing great fluidity in his motion.Paysinger’s defensive skill set is especially remarkable considering he was known as a standout receiver in high school. Although the Beverly Hills High School (CA) product was not heavily recruited (2-stars from Rivals and Scout), he showcased his promising ability during his redshirt season in 2006 by garnering scout team player of the week honors six separate times throughout the season on defense and special teams.Despite his relatively light playing weight (216), he is one of the strongest players on the defense (Oregon Iron Club Member, combined 1,135 pounds on clean, squat, and bench lifts according to team reports).The Los Angeles (CA) native should continue to be a force on the weakside, and will also serve as a leader on defense in 2009.

Next to Paysinger in the middle will be junior Casey Matthews. Last year, Matthews broke fall camp behind John Bacon, the senior incumbent and mainstay for two years at MLB. But by the seventh game of the season it became evident that the younger Matthews was playing at a much higher level and from that point on the job belonged to him. He finished an exceptional sophomore campaign with 67 tackles (6th on team), 13 tackles for loss (3rd on team), and two sacks.Matthews certainly has the pedigree to achieve even more for the Ducks in 2009, as he comes from a long line of successful football players that dates back to his grandfather Clay Sr. (played at Georgia Tech) and includes his father Clay Jr.

(USC, 4-time Pro-Bowler in NFL), his uncle Bruce (USC, 14-time Pro-Bowler in NFL) and his brother Clay (USC, 1st Round Pick in NFL Draft).At 6-2 235 pounds, Matthews combines extremely sound fundamentals with a tenacious motor that never stops running. He is a run-stopping specialist who always seems to take the quickest path to the ball carrier. Matthews routinely shoots the gap, and can blow up an offensive play all by himself. More than anything, he is an instinctive player who understands how to read a play and react quickly.The Agoura Hills (CA) native will join Paysinger in forming one of the Pac-10’s best one-two punches at linebacker.Quarterback Masoli needs to continue to show leadership and develop his wide receivers to compliment tight end Ed Dickson a dangerous receiving threat.

Jamere Holland, a transfer from USC and disappointment in 2008, has shown up ready to play and a more mature student athlete with great speed should.help.LeGarrette Blount returns a punishing rushing style for the Ducks. If some good things happen early I like the college football odds on the Oregon Ducks to go OVER 7.5 wins at Sportsbook.com.Defensively the Ducks have a strong core in the center with returning line backers Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews, so of NFL great Clay Matthews. The secondary is athletic with speed did not play well in 2008, a significant improvement is needs for this season. Anchoring the defensive line, Will Tukuafu is expected to develop into a solid player. College football picks at Sportsbook.com on Oregon are +400 odds to win the PAC-10 Conference.