Quack attack: New regime makes Oregon the team to root for in Pac-12

Oregon has been one of the most successful college programs of the last decade, but last year was an absolute disaster for the Ducks.

After compiling a dismal 4-8 record, change was needed, and Mark Helfrich was canned after four seasons as head coach of the Pac-12 program.

With a new man leading the way and some top talent returning on offense, now is as good a time as any to hop on the Oregon bandwagon, with the program poised to rise back toward the top of the conference.

Here's why the Ducks deserve your support for the 2017 season.

Entertaining coach?

Everyone loves the hot new thing

If an energetic young coach who plays an exciting brand of football is your type, you'll definitely swipe right on new Ducks boss Willie Taggart. The former South Florida coach dropped a number of noteworthy quotes in one of the more memorable introductory press conferences in recent years.

While Taggart is an inspired hire, he's also a somewhat puzzling choice given the Ducks' struggles last season. Oregon was third-last defensively in the country, allowing a whopping 41.4 points per contest. While South Florida was a much better team in 2016, defense certainly wasn't its strong point, allowing 31 points per game. That figure ranked 86th and the Bulls only overcame it thanks to a dynamic offensive unit that was fourth-best in the land. Regardless, Taggart's enthusiasm and offensive system should keep the Ducks' style very pleasing to the eye.

Crazy home crowd?

It can be

Autzen Stadium used to be one of the most intimidating road environments in the country, but the atmosphere suffered due to the team's failures last season. The Ducks still averaged over 54,000 fans per home game, but lost three of four Pac-12 home contests on the schedule. One of the first things on Taggart's to-do list will be bringing the energy back to the home crowd, and he will be helped by a favorable schedule at Autzen. The Ducks host Cal, Washington State, Utah, Arizona, and Oregon State in the 2017 campaign.

Chance to win conference?

Not great, but stranger things have happened

Oregon finished last in the Pac-12 North with a 2-7 conference record last season, but it's actually not crazy to think they can compete for the division crown. While defending champion Washington returns star quarterback Jake Browning, the Huskies lost a ton to the NFL and are likely to take a step back. Stanford's offense is a question mark with Christian McCaffrey now in the pros, and the Ducks get Washington State at home this season. On the other side, Colorado is sure to drop off after its stunning 2016 campaign, with USC likely to emerge as the winner of the South. Oregon's offense is a very strong unit, and if Taggart can fix the defense, there's no reason to think the Ducks can't be in the conversation for the Pac-12 title at the end of the year.

Star player that's fun to watch?

Heisman-worthy if he stays healthy

He doesn't get the same hype as Saquon Barkley, Nick Chubb, or Derrius Guice, but Royce Freeman is arguably the best running back in the country. The 5-foot-11, 231-pounder combined for an incredible 3,201 rushing yards and 35 touchdowns in his first two seasons on campus, but battled injuries last year. He still finished with 945 yards and nine scores, and opted to return for his senior season. That's great news for Taggart and the Ducks. Provided Freeman can stay healthy, he should put up monster numbers in the new offensive system.

(Photos courtesy: Action Images)