May, 2005 -- Oregon and USC the league's best, with a title decided early on at Autzen.   The other conference members will limp home  in the following order...Arizona State, Washington State, Cal, UCLA, Washington, Stanford, Oregon State and Arizona. 

November 27, 2005 -- Readers scoffed when Pigskin picked Oregon to have a banner football season and contend for the Pac10 title. Now, a UO 10-1 regular season record later, the Ducks are ranked #7 nationally and giving the Bowl Championship officials saucer-sized fits. While the Ducks may have to ‘settle’ for the Holiday Bowl, they have certainly solidified Coach Mike Bellotti’s overall record that was sullied last season. Only a USC team which we believe is the best collegiate squad we’ve ever seen has proven superior to Oregon in 2005. 

And just wait ‘til next year, Webfoot fans!

Backup QB twins Brady Leaf and Dennis Dixon filled in admirably when UO starter Kellen Clemens was sidelined with 2 ½ games to go to finish the regular 2005 season. They both return in 2006, along with the entire current starting offensive line and perhaps as many proven yard-gaining performers as any squad in the nation. Returning receivers include Cameron Colvin, James Finley, Dante Rosario, Kyle Weatherspoon and Jason Williams. The running back position is loaded with talent that includes Jonathan Stewart, Terrell Jackson and Jeremiah Johnson. Defense will suffer some attrition
with the loss of Devan Long, Justin Phinisee, Aaron Gipson, Ian Reynoso, Anthony Trucks and Darius Sanders, but seems solid with returnees at all positions. Both kickers also return. Bellotti and staff have accomplished a recruiting history that has now built a deep talent pool. 

There is no such rosy scene in Corvallis. Savvy Oregon State supporters have recognized the ineptitude of the Mike Riley-led coaching regime. OSU incredibly led the nation’s Division I teams in 2005 season turnovers. The Beavers were 7th nationally in penalties per game and 105th of 117 teams in scoring defense. The talent collected by Riley predecessor Dennis Erickson is now gone. There are too few sterling returnees to make OSU anything but an also-ran in 2006.  Riley does not maintain control over his squad, on the field or off. OSU Athletic Director Bob DeCarolis will stubbornly allow Riley to stay through next season, but alumni pressure will finally force a coaching change for the 2007 campaign.

We’ll be back when we learn the Duck bowl destination and results of the SC-UCLA fracas...though we doubt the Uclans can achieve what an inspired Fresno State group did in taking the Trojans to the wire. 

© 2005 Oregon Magazine