Sports Illustrated: Oregon Ducks Rank 10th in Preseason Top 25, USC 8th

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The preseason prognosticators are starting to appear as the 2015 Regular season gets closer for the Oregon Ducks and other teams across the country.

Sports Illustrated recently released their preseason Top 25

and Oregon was ranked 10th to begin the season. One Pac-12 team was ranked ahead of the Ducks, USC came in 8th. Michigan State, who faces Oregon on their turf this season is 7th, with no surprise at the top of the poll as Ohio State is the one to beat.

Sports Illustrated made their point against Oregon being ranked higher by picking on the position of Quarterback, and they have a valid point:

"Gone is Heisman-winning quarterback and three-year starter Marcus Mariota, and in his place steps … a graduate transfer from the FCS? Or a backup who has attempted 41 passes? If Vernon Adams Jr., who threw for 10,438 yards and ran for 1,232 in three years at Eastern Washington, can quickly learn the playbook, the job is most likely his. The other option is junior Jeff Lockie, who has played garbage time for two years with the exception of one meaningful snap in the 2013 Alamo Bowl—which he fumbled.Sports Illustrated on Oregon Ducks Ranked 10th In Their Preseason Poll"

Mark Helfrich won’t even mutter the words Vernon Adams, at least not in front of the media until he arrives. I believe that if Quarterback Jeff Lockie has to lead this team, he can. He had a solid Spring Game and the Oregon Ducks have plenty of weapons who can catch the ball all over the field. Fall Practice begins on Monday for Oregon, but the big day will be three days later  when Adams is expected to arrive.

The Oregon Ducks face Eastern Washington to begin the 2015 season on Saturday, September 5th at 5pm on Pac-12 Networks.

Next: Former Oregon Ducks Finding Success in Minor League Baseball