Conference Pacific-10 Conference AP No. 10 | Coaches No. 9 2008 record 10–3 (7–2 Pac-10) | |
Head coach Mike Bellotti (14th year) | ||
The 2008 Oregon Ducks football team represented the University of Oregon in the 2008 NCAA Division I FBS football season. This was the final season for Mike Bellotti as the Ducks' head coach; he was promoted to become the school's athletic director after the season. The Ducks played their home games at Autzen Stadium. They finished the season 10–3, 7–2 in Pac-10 play, and were invited to the Holiday Bowl where they defeated Oklahoma State 42–31.
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Previous season
The 2007 Oregon Ducks played a surprisingly successful 2007, reaching a #2 ranking in the AP poll, Coaches poll and the BCS poll and finishing the season with a #23 ranking in the AP poll and a #24 ranking in the Coaches poll. Highlights of the season include a 39-7 victory over the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor, MI (completing a home and away sweep which included a win against Michigan in Eugene, OR in 2003), a dramatic win against USC, and a 56-21 win against South Florida in the Brut Sun Bowl. Unfortunately for the Ducks, quarterback Dennis Dixon suffered a knee injury during the game against Arizona State. At the time, Oregon had attained the #2 ranking in the nation and appeared to be headed for the national championship game in January. After Dixon's injury the Ducks lost their final 3 games of the regular season, ending what was otherwise a positive season for Oregon, poorly.
Pre-season
February 2 - Gary Zimmerman, offensive lineman for the Oregon Ducks during the 1980-83 seasons, was voted into the National Football League Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This induction marks the sixth former Oregon player to be selected into the Hall of Fame.
April 4 - Nick Reed named to the Lott Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded to the best collegiate defensive player each year.
April 18 - Fenuki Tupou and Max Unger named to the Outland Trophy watch list. The trophy is awarded to the best interior lineman each year.
April 27 - In the University of Oregon spring game the white team defeated the green team 36-3. The game featured breakout plays by Justin Roper, Ed Dickson and LeGarrette Blount.
April 30 - In the NFL draft, three players are selected, Jonathan Stewart selected 13th overall to the Carolina Panthers, Dennis Dixon selected in the 5th round by the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Geoff Schwartz also going to the Panthers in the 7th round. Two other players were signed as free agents, Cameron Colvin with the San Francisco 49ers and David Faaeteete with the Chicago Bears.
May 12 - Patrick Chung and Nick Reed named to the Bronko Nagurski Trophy pre-season watch list. The award is given to the best defensive player in college football each year.
May 13 - Max Unger named to the Dave Rimington Trophy pre-season watch list. The award is given to the outstanding NCAA division 1-A offensive center.
June 30 - Jaison Williams was named to the Maxwell Football Club Award watch list. The Maxwell Award is presented to the most outstanding player of the year. Also, Jairus Byrd, Patrick Chung and Walter Thurmond III were named to the Chuck Bednarik Award watch list. The award is given to the best defensive player of the year.
July 7 - Jairus Byrd, Patrick Chung, and Walter Thurmond III named to the Jim Thorpe Award pre-season watch list. The award is given to the best defensive back in college football each year. Oregon is the only school to have more than two nominees.
July 13 - While swimming in the McKenzie River with some of his teammates, redshirt freshman defensive back Todd Doxey drowned. The accident occurred around 3:15 in the afternoon near the Marcola Road Bridge and he was pronounced dead at Sacred Heart Medical Center at 8:06 PM.
July 26 - Junior linebacker Kevin Garrett was suspended indefinitely for a violation of team rules. Garrett finished the 2007 season with 21 tackles with 5.5 for a loss.
July 31 - Junior Ed Dickson has been named to the John Mackey Award watchlist, Dickson is one of 30 players named. The award is given to the Tight End who better exemplifies play, academics and sportsmanship.
August 18 - Senior Nick Reed has been named to the Walter Camp Football Foundation Player of the Year award list. The Walter Camp Football Foundation has named 35 player for consideration.
August 25 - It was announced by GoDucks.com that sophomore quarterback Nate Costa had re-injured his left knee during a practice on the preceding Wednesday. Current estimates place his recovery at eight to ten weeks, however the status of his ACL and MCL will be determined at the time of his surgery. This news means that redshirt sophomore Justin Roper will more than likely be the starter, and is expected to be challenged by sophomore transfer Jeremiah Masoli.
Recruiting class
As of July 11, 2008, the University of Oregon had signed four junior college transfers and 16 high school seniors.
Schedule
University of Oregon official schedule