Strengths and weaknesses that could define how far the Oregon Ducks go this season

The Oregon Ducks are riding a massive tailwind of momentum in the regular season. They're ranked as the No. 3 team in the country in the AP Preseason Poll, their quarterback is currently the Heisman Trophy favorite , and their biggest regular season game of the season, October 12 against Ohio State, was just announced as a 7:30 PM ET nationally televised game on CBS.

There is a world of hype.

Before the games kick off in a week and a half, let's break down the current state of the roster, highlighting some strengths and weaknesses for the Ducks that could define their season.

Strength: Quarterback

Bo Nix is gone to the NFL, and he's been killing it throughout the preseason process for the Denver Broncos, but there isn't expected to be a drop off in quarterback play for Oregon. Dillon Gabriel , a lefty transfer portal addition with plenty of athleticism and arm talent of his own, steps in to take the reigns in Will Stein's offensive system.

Gabriel is a proven winner with plenty of arm talent. The southpaw is eighth in NCAA history in both passing yards (14,865) and touchdowns (125). Last year was his best season, turning in a career-high completion percentage at 69.3%, to go along with 3,660 yards and 30 touchdowns.

Gabriel also stepped up on the biggest stage. He led Oklahoma on a game-winning drive on the road against No. 3 Texas in the Red River Rivalry, delivering a touchdown pass with pressure in his face with only 17 seconds left in the game. He's an athlete and a gamer. Ducks fans are getting a gritty competitor and will be enamored with him quickly.

Weakness: Pass rush

When I say "weakness" here, it's based on last year's production, not this year's projection. Brandon Dorlus, last year's leading sack-getter, is off to the NFL, leaving behind a rotation along the defensive line that doesn't have a returning starter that logged more than 3.0, which Jordan Burch did last season.

Burch has been putting in monumental work this offseason, adding weight, getting stronger, getting faster, and he's vying for a breakout campaign. Ducks defensive line coach Tony Tuioti said Burch is up to about 298 lbs, adding 13 pounds of lean muscle. I believe that he can do it, along with other pass rushers like Teitum Tuioti and Matayo Uiagalelei, but again, they haven't proven it yet. That trio in particular, which only totaled 7.0 sacks between the three of them, is going to have to take a leap forward and make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks this year.

Check out this snippet from Justin Hopkins at On3's Scoop Duck .

"I had multiple sources tell me this is now an ‘SEC looking defensive line’ now. While Oregon might not have an elite guy, like DeForrest Buckner on the line, they have way more depth and plenty of starting-caliber players in the front seven. The depth of this position group is the best it has ever been at Oregon and that’s without question.Jordan Burch is up to around 285 pounds and looking good. Ja’Maree Caldwell, Derrick Harmon and Matayo Uiagelelei, all expected starters are all good to go. Watch for Matayo to have a big, big year."

I believe him. I'm expecting big things. But, until we see it on the field, it's a box that still needs to be checked.

Strength: Veteran leadership

The Ducks have plenty of experience on this roster, leading to a culture that's rich in leadership. From Gabriel to Burch, along with returning linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, and transfer portal additions cornerback Jabbar Muhammad and wide receiver Evan Stewart , there is plenty of games played and gritty tenacity on this roster.

That will serve them well. Oregon is going to need it. The tone starts at the top, and we know head coach Dan Lanning brings the energy and competitiveness each and every day, but the players on the roster have to hold up their end of things as well. For Oregon to make the leap into one of the national powerhouses, they'll need the competitiveness and grit to grind out hard wins against elite opponents.

Weakness: Offensive line depth

Oregon has a solid starting offensive line, even with Jackson Powers-Johnson taking his talents to the Las Vegas Raiders. Their line is bookended by Josh Conerly Jr at left tackle and Ajani Cornelius at right tackle, which is one of the best tackle duos in the country.

Behind their starters, though, the depth is a bit lacking. if Conerly or Cornerlius were to miss any amount of time, it would become the weakest spot on the field on either side of the ball for the Ducks. Let's hope we don't have to go down that rabbit hole this season.

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Follow along all year for more Oregon Ducks coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on X @JonHelmkamp , as well as follow our main page @AtoZSportsNFL for all the latest news.