The Countdown: 12 Days Until Oregon Football Opens Season

After a long offseason, Oregon football is just 12 days away from kicking off the 2017 season. Following a disastrous 2016 campaign, including a complete overhaul of the program from a coaching perspective, nobody wants to kick it off more than the players.

If you’ve been following us on Instagram @eugene_levys_eyebrows, then you’ve been counting down with us and Duck players from the past and present. We started at No. 99 with Canton Kaumatule and it’s almost hard to believe we’re 12 days away following Monday’s solar eclipse.

POWER OF 12

As former No. 12 Dino Philyaw counts us down to opening day vs Southern Utah, let’s take a look at 12 items involving the number twelve:

• Last season, the Ducks missed a bowl game for the first time in 12 years (2004)
• In 2016, it was the first time Oregon played 12 games in a season that did not include a bowl appearance
• Oregon’s offense produced just 12 total field goal attempts for Aidan Schneider last season. He made nine of them (75 percent).
• Justin Herbert accounted for 12 total points in the rushing game during his true freshman season
• At the 2012 Rose Bowl, the Ducks outlasted Russell Wilson and the Wisconsin Badgers in Pasadena, 45-38
• During the actual ‘12 season, Oregon played and dominated Kansas State 35-17 in the 2013 Fiesta Bowl
• Some scouts are saying Brenden Schooler reminds them of Jeff Maehl. Interestingly enough, Maehl recorded the second-most receptions (12) during a single-game in program history. If Schooler can be half of what Maehl was, the offense will thrive
• Tony Brooks-James has 12 total rushing touchdowns in his Duck career. Following a three-score freshman campaign, TBJ broke out with nine last season amid Royce Freeman injuries
• Nobody registered double-digit sacks last season. Troy Dye led the team in sacks (6.5) and tackles for loss with 12
• Arrion Springs led the team with 12 pass deflections in 2016
• This season, Oregon’s sack-leader will nearly double Dye’s freshman campaign. Whether he is starting or coming off the bench, defensive end Justin Hollins will register a team-high 12 sacks this season
• After transitioning from linebacker to defensive end, Hollins started all 12 games last year for the Ducks

Tuesday will feature the No. 11 and Dan Fouts or Kellen Clemens? I’ll keep you in suspense for the time being. Regardless, the Ducks are 12 days away from a new beginning.

Stay tuned on Instagram @eugene_levys_eyebrows and Twitter @TheQuackFiend