Oregon entered this season looking like one of the most obvious national championship contenders in college football.
After Week 1?
I still think they are — but I’m a little less confident.
The Ducks survived Boise State 34-27 after falling behind 17-7 and didn’t take their first lead until the second half. That performance was enough for Oregon to fall from No. 2 to No. 6 in the AP Poll.
But there was one massive positive.
Dante Moore looks like a superstar.
Moore threw for a career-high 378 yards and three touchdowns, while Oregon’s starting receivers and tight end combined for 372 receiving yards and three scores.
That’s why I’m still buying Oregon.
Moore returned after throwing for 3,565 yards and 30 touchdowns last season, and the Ducks have elite talent surrounding him on both sides of the football. They also reached the College Football Playoff semifinals last year.
My concern is the trenches.
Oregon averaged only 3.3 yards per carry outside of one 40-yard run against Boise State, while a defensive front loaded with NFL talent didn’t dominate the way many expected. Those same issues have hurt Oregon in recent playoff losses.
That has to improve.
But championship teams aren’t always perfect in September.
Oregon survived a legitimate scare, Moore delivered when it mattered and the Ducks still have one of the deepest rosters in the country.
Yes, Oregon is a national championship contender.
Now Dan Lanning has to prove this team can finally finish the job.
