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Secondary again a concern for Ducks By Ted Miller Special to ESPN.com |
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Oregon Ducks
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Coach: Mike Bellotti (Oregon, 67-29, 9th season) 2002 overall record: 7-6 Conference record: 3-5 Returning starters Offense: 8 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Onterrio Smith (1,141 yds) Passing: Jason Fife* (2,752 yds) Receiving: Keenan Howry (784 yds) Tackles: David Moretti (121) Sacks: Kevin Mitchell* (6) Interceptions: Steven Moore* and Keith Lewis* (5 each) Outlook: Oregon had two seasons last year, one very good, one very bad. The Ducks looked like a national title contender after starting 6-0. Then the bottom fell out because of terrible pass defense, inconsistent play at quarterback and injuries to key players. There are no obvious solutions to those problems. The quarterback battle between incumbent starter Jason Fife, who faded badly after a fast start, and Kellen Clemens doesn't figure to resolve itself until well into preseason practices, and coach Mike Bellotti said he isn't adverse to playing both until a clear starter emerges. Tailback Onterrio Smith left early for the NFL. LSU transfer Chris Vincent is competing with Terrence Whitehead and Ryan Shaw to fill the void. Sammie Parker leads a questionable receiving corps, while Jared Siegel is the Pac-10's best kicker. Bellotti recruited John Neal from UAB to fix the secondary, which surrendered a league-worst 291 yards per game and a school-record 35 touchdown passes. Most of the cast returns, including all four of the beleaguered cornerbacks. But a pair of JC recruits and incoming freshmen could win jobs. Of course, one of the signees was Rodney Woods, who only received a scholarship when an assault conviction was dubiously reduced from a felony to a misdemeanor. The Ducks are strong up front. The offensive line welcomes back all five starters, while the defensive line is potent with Igor Olshansky, who could play end or tackle, and 339-pound sophomore tackle Haloti Ngata, a budding star. Both ends and two linebackers need to be replaced, but inside 'backer Kevin Mitchell has been one of the conference's most productive defenders. The Ducks will benefit from not playing USC, but the non-conference slate includes a home game against Michigan. Key game: Oregon surely circled a Nov. 1 visit to hated rival Washington on its calendar. No doubt the Ducks remember the Huskies lengthy, boisterous celebration in Autzen Stadium after a 42-14 blowout. The Ducks would like to return the favor. Keep an eye on: While fans figure to focus on the quarterback battle between Fife and Clemens, the Ducks biggest problem last year was pass defense. It's hard to win in the Pac-10 without the ability to slow an opponent's throwing game. It's a good year if. . .: The Ducks return to the top half of the conference after losing six of their final seven games last year in embarrassing fashion following a 6-0 start. Ted Miller covers the Pac-10 for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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