2011 College Football Preview: Oregon Ducks Schedule

In the latest 2011 college football preview we look at the Oregon Ducks football schedule for 2011.  After an outstanding 2010 season, the Ducks are one of the top-ranked teams early on, making them eager to kickoff their 2011 season. They have a strong schedule in place this year which will provide their fans with exciting games as well as a few challenges along the way. 

Although they’ve already been picked to win the PAC-12, Week 1 could prove to be a big early season test for Oregon.  They have no easy challenge in their first week as they take on LSU. Though LSU has been a disappointment in recent years they have a loaded lineup for 2011. If LSU is able to overcome early injuries and possible compliance issues, it may provide the greatest challenge to the Ducks all season.

Here’s a look at the complete Oregon football schedule for 2011 with home and away games:

09/03/11 at LSU 5PM PT (ABC)
09/10/11 vs. Nevada 12:30PM PT (FX)
09/17/11 vs. Missouri St. TBA
09/24/11 at Arizona 7:15PM PT (ESPN/ESPN2)
10/06/11 vs. California 6PM PT (ESPN)
10/15/11 vs. Arizona St. TBA
10/22/11 at Colorado TBA
10/29/11 vs. Wash. State TBA
11/05/11 at Washington TBA
11/12/11 at Stanford TBA
11/19/11 vs. USC 5PM PT (ABC)
11/26/11 vs. Oregon State TBA

12/02/11 PAC-12 Championship Game 5PM PT (location TBA)

The lack of a very competitive schedule means that several games throughout the season shouldn’t offer much resistance for the Ducks high powered offense, especially the early games against Nevada and Missouri State. These cakewalks will provide the Oregon star players, Darren Thomas (QB), Heisman finalist LaMichael James at tailback and their superstar punter Darron Thomas a nice warm-up to the season as well as test the skills of the Ducks exceptional recruiting class.   It’s possible Oregon’s greatest challenge will come on November 12th when the Ducks travel to Stanford. Stanford is in the talks as a team to vie for the BCS Championship this year and a win in Sanford Stadium is never an easy task.

The Ducks schedule is primed for this talented team to walk away with at least ten wins. A 12-0 season is possible with wins over Stanford and LSU. Basically the ducks season boils down to their home opener against Louisiana State. This tough opener is poised to set a tone for the entire season. A loss may mean an early drop from the rankings as well as a major blemish on the Ducks resume for a championship. SEC teams are dominating the pre-season rankings and with no other SEC teams on their schedule, a win over LSU is key for a return to the championship game.