The Oregon Ducks will look to build on their convincing Holiday Bowl win in their season opener at home against the South Dakota Coyotes.
No. 3 Oregon had a disappointing season by their standards as they finished with an 11-2 record but failed to win a Pac-12 championship for the second consecutive season.
The Ducks will open their 2014 season at home against South Dakota, and their offense is expected to be as explosive as ever with quarterback Marcus Mariota returning, primed to contend for the Heisman Trophy.
Mariota played on a bum knee for some of last season and still finished with 31 touchdowns against only four interceptions. Every other offensive starter except wide receiver Josh Huff and left tackle Tyler Johnstone will return. Johnstone will miss the season with a torn ACL, and wide receiver Bralon Addison is nursing a knee injury.
However, Addison is expected to target the Michigan State game as his return date. Running backs Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner lead a powerful Oregon rushing attack.
Marshall led the way in 2013 with 997 yards and 14 touchdowns while Tyner added 689 yards and nine touchdowns.
Cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will lead the Ducks defense after forgoing the NFL draft in favor of his senior season. The All-American cornerback finished with 84 tackles and three interceptions last season, and he is expected to help Oregon sport a solid defense that will help them contend for a national title.
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