The Oregon Ducks have completed four of their 12 allotted games, and at this point, it is not crazy to expect that they might be able to play in a total of 15 games this season, if all goes correctly.
The Ducks are 4-0 with impressive wins over Ohio State and Fresno State. They are the only remaining undefeated team in the Pac-12, and they have an inside track to the College Football Playoff.
While the season is still incredibly young with a whole conference slate of games to be played, we wanted to take a second to review what has happened thus far, and take stock in the past four weeks.
Our staff at Ducks Wire — Managing Editor Zachary Neel and writers Don Smalley and Andy Patton — got together to give out some awards at the one-third mark in the season. We expect to reconvene at the two-third mark, and then of course once the season is over as well. Here is where things stand in our opinions after Week 4.
Team MVP Award
WINNER: Verone McKinley III (Anthony Brown Also Received Votes)
Zachary Neel: My vote here has to go to safety Verone McKinley III. Coming into the season, we had some questions about how the secondary was going to hold up with projections for both the defensive line and linebacking corps to be stout, and so far it’s been the DB’s who are the most impressive. McKinley leads the nation in interceptions with four, and he’s asserted himself as a huge leader of the team.
Don Smalley: My vote is for QB Anthony Brown. After battling for the job in the fall and being inconsistent at times, Brown has proven to be the ultimate game manager. His touchdown run to beat Fresno State late and his game at Ohio State completely changed the overall outlook of what this season can bring. He hasn’t made the big mistake to cost the Ducks a game.
Andy Patton: Verone McKinley III is the easy choice for Team MVP for me. He has four interceptions already this season, which is tied for first in the nation, and has been among the most lethal free safeties in the NCAA. Tim DeRuyter’s defense is making waves this season and McKinley is a huge reason why.
Up Next: Offensive MVP…