Oregon Football: Game-by-game predictions for 2021 season

Mario Cristobal has assembled one of the better rosters in the country heading into the 2021 season and expectations are at an all-time high for Oregon football.

Expectations haven’t been this lofty since the Chip Kelly days and that’s probably because the Ducks have won back-to-back Pac-12 titles and have the most talented roster, on paper, in school history with a good chunk of its top all-time recruits on campus.

Oregon did finish just 4-3 last season after losing in the Fiesta Bowl to Iowa State but there’s optimism with most of its production back on both sides of the ball.

The quarterback situation is a little iffy with Tyler Shough transferring to Texas Tech and Anthony Brown assuming the role of veteran with Ty Thompson, Jay Butterfield, and Robby Ashford pushing him. If the quarterback situation is figured out by the opener and the right guy wins the job, the Ducks could be serious playoff contenders.

The offense should have no shortage of weapons with Johnny Johnson III, Jaylon Redd, Mycah Pittman, Devon Williams, Troy Franklin, Dont’e Thornton, CJ Verdell, Travis Dye, and Sean Dollars returning. The line should be as good as it was last year, if not better, as well.

Defensively, defensive coordinator Andy Avalos left for the Boise State job and Cal’s Tim DeRuyter comes over with plenty to work with. This is the most talented defense he’s had to work with and it all starts with Kayvon Thibodeaux, Mykael Wright, and Noah Sewell. This defense should be elite.

How will the Ducks’ 2021 season play out? We’ve got you covered with predictions.