Pac-12 football preview: Trojans and Ducks the teams to beat
Oregon
OREGON — Key players: RB Kenjon Barner, RB De'Anthony Thomas, LB Michael Clay, DE Dion Jordan, WR Josh Huff, FS John Boyett. Returning starters: offense 5, defense 7.
Notes: Coach Chip Kelly met with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers about their head-coaching opening, but decided to stay in Eugene. ... The Ducks will have a tight battle to replace Thomas at QB. Sophomore Bryan Bennett threw for 376 yards and six touchdowns while Thomas was hurt last season, but freshman Marcus Mariota looked good in spring and could be a star in the making. ... James was a Heisman Trophy finalist and an All-American, but Barner and Thomas should make sure Oregon doesn't miss a fast-stepping beat.
Notes: Coach Chip Kelly met with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers about their head-coaching opening, but decided to stay in Eugene. ... The Ducks will have a tight battle to replace Thomas at QB. Sophomore Bryan Bennett threw for 376 yards and six touchdowns while Thomas was hurt last season, but freshman Marcus Mariota looked good in spring and could be a star in the making. ... James was a Heisman Trophy finalist and an All-American, but Barner and Thomas should make sure Oregon doesn't miss a fast-stepping beat.