Three Reasons Why Oregon is Still the Favorite, and a Better Pick than They Were a Month Ago

There are three compelling reasons why Oregon's stock is up after fall camp and on the eve of the first game.

1) They had a tremendous camp and first week of game preparation, in which they accomplished all their goals.

The Ducks succeeded in getting in their hitting with no major injuries. The quarterback competition was conducted perfectly and clearly settled. In Nate Costa they have a mature, reliable backup who has accepted his role. Darron Thomas is progressing daily and zipping the ball around in practice.

Oregon did an excellent job of shifting focus from the chaotic off-season. They have a resilient mindset and a team-first mentality that will serve them well in the rigors of PAC-10 play.

2) Like their coach, they don't seem to care about predictions or polls.

The Ducks have bought in to Kelly's "Win The Day" mantra with a singular focus. They think that way. They prepare that way.

3) The anchors and strengths of the team are all intact, and the role players and newcomers are pushing to contribute.

The backfield tandem of Barner and James will be dazzling. The offensive line will be fiercely efficient. The defense will stun and overwhelm opponents.

This is a squad that will burst out of the gate with a dominating performance against New Mexico, and will never look back or look forward. In the locker room after the game they will be talking about Tennessee, and it will go on that way all season long. Twelve weeks, twelve Super Bowls, one team, one voice.

The schedule is very favorable for the first seven weeks, which will give this team and their sophomore quarterback vital time to develop. Oregon made tremendous improvement from Week One to Week Four last year, and the process that made that happen is still in place. Chip Kelly is an excellent teacher and motivator, and he's blessed with a tremendous staff with many years of continuity, knowledge, and experience.

Duck fans have never been so excited for the beginning of the college football season, and their optimism is warranted. Kickoff is in less than two days, and Autzen will be rocking like never before. That, my friends, is saying something.