Going to Need a Quarterback
It’s no surprise that Oregon has been inconsistent on offense given the injuries at the position. There is probably not an offense at any level that can be at its most efficient with the lack of experience and continuity that Oregon has had. You would like to see the much-hyped defense carry the load, but that’s not going to happen. If Oregon wants to finish in the top three of this conference, they need to play better at quarterback, plain and simple.

Speaking of Quarterbacks…
Seeing Dennis Dixon on the sidelines during the UCLA game just brought pain. I can’t look at him and not get depressed. I think it’s what Nick Lachey must feel like when he sees Jessica Simpson. He had it all but now realizes all he has to show for it is a friendship with Matt Leinart and a crappy singing career.

The Running Game is Good
I really am all about positivity, I swear. And just to prove it, I have something nice to say. Oregon’s running game is very good. It struggled against USC, but otherwise has been dominant. There’s no reason that shouldn’t continue through the end of the season.

Chris Harper Will Be a Star
It doesn’t matter that Harper’s future isn’t at quarterback. I never thought it would be and am glad he’s transitioning into a more suitable role. He’ll be making plays for four years and could infuse some serious passion and energy into the stagnant wide receiver corps.

Much Appreciation For Those On the End
The play of Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu is going to get somewhat lost while the defense struggles. This is as good a pair of defensive ends as Oregon has had in its history (at least the history I know about).

The Season is Heading…
…toward complete disaster. Oregon’s 5-2 record and 3-1 standing in the Pac-10 comes at the expense of the easiest part of the schedule. The defense is breaking down and the offense can’t get any consistent play at quarterback. With games at Cal, home with Arizona and at Oregon State, things could get ugly down the stretch.

…toward no worse than the Holiday Bowl. At 3-1 in conference play, only one team (USC) has the Rose Bowl tiebreaker over the Ducks. The Pac-10 is down in a big way and there’s not one team left on the schedule that isn’t beatable. The defense is talented and will use the bye week to get back on track. The quarterback position will strengthen as more experience is gained.

Perhaps the truth is somewhere in the middle. I’ll put it all on the line and predict the rest the season in my next post.