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Oregon Ducks @ LSU Tigers Football Preview

In a college football world where big non-conference matchups between BCS schools are seemingly dying, the Cowboys Classic in Arlington has brought together one of those rare early-September showdowns that gains deserved national buzz. What makes the showdown between the Oregon Ducks and LSU Tigers even more compelling is the fact that both schools – while reprising the Pac-12-SEC matchup from last year’s ultimate showdown – have competed with each other off the field in the months leading up to this game. Yes, Oregon and LSU are fighting for supremacy in the college football cosmos. They’ve also been waging a mighty struggle to see which program can engage in more wrongdoing.

Oregon returns after falling just short in the BCS National Championship Game to Auburn this past January in Glendale, Arizona. The Ducks were an absolute juggernaut in every way last season. They sported the best yard-gaining offense (530 yards per game) and point-scoring offense (47 points per game) in the country, and plowed through their schedule before falling in the title game. While the offense was flashy, Oregon’s defense was formidable, too. While just above average in yards allowed, the Ducks were surprisingly dependable in limiting damage by opposing offenses: UO allowed only 19 points per game.

Quarterback Darren Thomas returns after a stellar sophomore season in which he threw for 2,881 yards and 30 touchdowns. He is joined in the backfield by LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. The talented trio of juniors – the quarterback and his two tailbacks – combined for an outstanding total of 2,768 rushing yards. While the offense does need to replace its top two receivers, Oregon’s offense looks to add a new twist. While Barner struggled with a few injuries and played backup to James in 2010, this season should be different: Expect Barner to join James in the backfield or line up as a slot receiver, allowing the Ducks to maximize the potential of their talented offensive roster.

However, for all of the team’s talent, the main storyline with UO football in the offseason has been the program’s wayward direction. Head coach Chip Kelly made a Jim Tressel-style mistake by corresponding with scouting service provider and general hustler Willie Lyles. Oregon created enough of a paper trail to land in hot water. Kelly’s long-term future is at least somewhat uncertain, casting a pall over the start of the 2011 season.

LSU’s   promising offseason has been dampened by bad off-field news as well. One aspect of the Tigers’ travails has not been connected to misconduct, though: Not long after Les Miles welcomed Steve Kragthorpe as his new offensive coordinator with hopes of unlocking the talents of quarterback Jordan Jefferson, Kragthorpe gave up those duties after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Offensive line coach Greg Studrawa takes over as coordinator, while Kragthorpe remains as the quarterback coach.

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Add to that bit of misfortune some terrible decisions made by LSU players, creating the battle with Oregon for off-field ugliness. With the season approaching, Jefferson and teammates Chris Davenport, Jarvis Landry, and Josh Downs got involved in a serious bar fight in Baton Rouge that ended with four people in the hospital. Jefferson is reported to be facing second-degree battery charges after allegedly kicking someone in the head. Add to that the departure of Stevan Ridley, who rushed for 1,147 yards last season, and the LSU offense – which was mediocre at best last year – has a lot of work to do.

If the Tigers are to have success in this game, it will come from the defense that surrendered only 307 yards and 18 points per game last year. While Patrick Peterson has gone to the NFL, LSU’s defense should be strong once again. Ryan Baker returns at linebacker after leading the team in sacks, and will be joined by experienced senior Stefoin Francois. Morris Claiborne steps in for Peterson with tons of experience, as all the action that offenses directed away from Peterson went Claiborne’s way. A lot is also expected from sophomore Barkevious Mingo, a 6-5 defensive lineman who should shine with increased playing time this season.

Oregon . LSU. Two programs immersed in controversy need a win to minimize the storms of controversy that are swirling around them. National championship contention is one prize being fought for in this contest; a breather from negative publicity might be the even greater good up for grabs when the Ducks and Tigers have at it.

By Brett Hein
DFN Sports Staff Writer