Technically, the kick off between South Carolina and NC State at 7:00 p.m. ET will mark the beginning of the season, but the evening’s most interesting match up may be the clash between the high flying offenses of Boise State and Oregon (10:15 p.m. ET, ESPN) on the Broncos blue turf. It’s a rematch from last season when unranked Boise State went into Eugene, OR in the third game of the season and upset the #17 Ducks 37-32 on their way to an undefeated regular season.
Boise State-Oregon Should Be Must-Watch Season Opener
Oregon looks to avenge that loss with new head coach Chip Kelly, who replaces Mike Bellotti after 14 successful seasons leading the Ducks (12 bowls and 72 Pac 10 wins, third most in conference history). Kelly, who served as Bellotti's offensive coordinator the past two seasons after eight incredibly successful seasons as the same at New Hampshire, guided the Oregon offense to nearly 42 points per game a season ago. Quarterback Jeremiah Masoli (57% completion, 1,744 yards, 13 TD, 5 INT) returns for the Ducks, but will do so alongside seven new starters on offense.
Boise State opens the 2009 season gunning for their third undefeated regular season in the past four years. Head Coach Chris Peterson has led the Broncos to a 35-4 record since taking over for Dan Hawkins in 2006. The Broncos bring back six starters on offense, including sophomore Kellen Moore, who as a redshirt freshman was awarded Second Team All-WAC after throwing for 3,486 yards, 25 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.
In Depth Blog Coverage: Boise State / Oregon
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