2009 record: 10-3, 8-1 (1st in Pac-10)
2009 bowl: Lost to Ohio State 26-17 in Rose
2009 final AP/coaches' ranking: 11/11
Coach: Chip Kelly 10-3 (2nd year)
Offensive coordinator: Mark Helfrich (2nd year)
Defensive coordinator: Nick Aliotti (13th year)
Returning offensive starters: 9
Returning defensive starters: 8
Location: Eugene, Ore.
Stadium: Autzen Stadium (FieldTurf; 54,000 capacity)
Last league title: 2009
2010 schedule: [view]
2010 roster: [view]
2009 statistics: [view]

Offensive: It was the type of news that ordinarily would crush a Top 10-level program. After pleading guilty to burglary charges in March, Oregon quarterback Jeremiah Masoli was suspended for this season, plunging the Ducks’ Pac-10 hopes into deep doubt. At least in the minds of some. Not the minds that are running Oregon’s program. The what-me-worry mindset can work fine when you have Oregon’s array of returning talent. Fifth-year senior Nate Costa, who won the starting job over Masoli in 2008 (only to get injured), appeared to be the first choice at quarterback, but sophomore Darron Thomas will get the start in the opener. Either way, the offense figures to revolve around sophomore running back LaMichael James, who galloped for 1,546 rushing yards and six games in which he surpassed the 150-yard rushing mark. There are several experienced receiving options, including senior Jeff Maehl (53 catches). The offensive line, one of the nation’s most formidable units, returns all five starters.

Defensive: Oregon has eight returning starters on what looks to be the Pac-10’s fastest defense. There are linebackers galore, led by seniors Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger. The linebacking unit was deep enough to allow junior Eddie Pleasant to shift to strong safety, enhancing an already strong secondary. Senior defensive end Kenny Rowe, who led the Pac-10 with 11.5 sacks last season, is the headliner on an ultra-experienced defensive line.

Specialists: Kenjon Barner (24.9-yard average on kickoff returns, including a 100-yard score) returns as a major weapon. Sophomore punter Jackson Rice averaged 40.5 yards. The Ducks are looking for a No. 1 place-kicker and sophomore Rob Beard, who handled kickoffs last season, is the logical solution. 

Coaching: Chip Kelly was confronted with a major test in his first game, but he remained firm and suspended running back LeGarrette Blount for most of last season after the player brawled following the opening loss against Boise State. This offseason was no less turbulent — highlighted by Masoli’s suspension — but Kelly has shown the ability to assert his leadership and make the tough calls.

Heisman hopefuls: James could make a run if Oregon captures the Pac-10.

Game of the year Dec. 4 at Oregon State It’s the 114th edition of the Civil War. Last season, it decided the Pac-10’s entrant into the Rose Bowl. Oregon-Oregon State is one of those chic rivalries, just being discovered by the nation at large. If the last two meetings are any indication (combined 2,035 yards and 173 points), it’s definitely must-see TV.

Overview: Before Masoli’s suspension, Oregon was the Pac-10’s prohibitive preseason favorite. After Masoli’s suspension, Oregon is simply the favorite. It speaks to the depth of the Ducks’ roster (and, truthfully, what’s going on over at USC after the NCAA came calling). The Pac-10 used to be USC’s playground. No longer. Now everyone out West is looking up at the Oregon Ducks, who continue to assert themselves as the league’s new dominant program.

Next up: No. 6 Miami