A Season of High Expectations

It must be getting closer to college football season. The first feel of autumn is in the air with the rain and clouds. Fall camp is underway for all collegiate programs. Early season predictions and pre-season rankings are debated amongst the top analysts. And Oregon Duck season ticket holders are beginning to see that long awaited envelope arrive in the mail. It’s like Christmas, but instead of the jolly old fat man, it’s a postal worker. And instead of spreading Christmas cheer, it’s pre-season anticipation.

Oregon’s much anticipated first game is now less than a month away against Boise State, a team that came into Autzen upsetting the Ducks. Oregon players and fans are now seeking revenge against the boys in blue, as well as a great start to what many believe has the potential to be a special season.

The players and fans are right. This does have the potential to be a very special season. Many of the returning players have solidified themselves among the Pac-10’s best, such as quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, running back, LeGarrette Blount, tight end Ed Dickson and cornerback Walter Thurmond III. Many of the incoming and returning players have received a lot of hype to make their mark on this season, including running back LaMichael James, linebacker Eddie Pleasant and wide receivers Jamere Holland, and Tyrece Gaines. In addition to the players, the schedule is in favor of the Ducks with the Pac-10’s elite teams (USC, Cal, OSU) having to play in the always hostel Autzen stadium. And let’s not forget that the Ducks were featured on the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated in the West region as one of the potential BCS “party crashers.” Needless to say, the expectations for the 2009 season are at an all-time high.

It is easy to buy into the hype and rightly so. Duck fans know that the pieces have been put in place to give the Ducks a chance to compete for a Pac-10 title and more. Believe me, I am right there with everyone. But the danger that comes with these high expectations is that any slip up has the potential to turn fans opinions around and those highs to be turned into disappointed lows. Let’s not forget the thousands of boo-birds that were nested in Autzen who turned on quarterback Masoli. Still holding the same opinions? This will be a special year, but those who are quickly joining the Oregon bandwagon, don’t be so quick to jump off. Good things are going to happen.

Is it fair to say “BCS or bust?” Maybe not. But I, as many other Duck fans do, believe that we have a chance to win every game. We should feel this way, because we can. This can be our year. But the season ends at the last whistle, not after the first interception or first blown coverage. Buy into the hype and jump on the band wagon, but be a loyal fan. It is a great feeling to be an Oregon Duck. It’s a good thing we don’t support a school like Duke or Syracuse, then we’d be asking ourselves, “when does basketball start?”

Let the countdown begin. Let’s make a statement in Boise. Is it September 3rd yet?