Sports Illustrated says the Ducks will be much better in 2017.

Despite the Oregon Ducks finishing the 2016 season 4-8 and firing Mark Helfrich, the Ducks are expected to see a big jump in production for 2017.

Why?

Sports Illustrated says the hiring of Willie Taggart and the staff he brought in combined with the talent returning will be enough to see the Ducks see a spike in wins and on-field production.

"They rank third nationally in returning production, according to SB Nation, including 91% on defense," says Sports Illustrated. "That portends a smooth transition for new coordinator Jim Leavitt, who worked wonders shaping Colorado’s defense into a top-flight unit before decamping for Eugene in December. Offensively, the next step in sophomore quarterback Justin Herbert’s development should unfold with positive results under new quarterbacks coach Marcus Arroyo (whom Oregon hired from Oklahoma State earlier this month after David Reaves resigned following a DUII arrest). Plus, Herbert can lean on an all-league talent at running back in Royce Freeman, and he’ll benefit from the return of left tackle Tyrell Crosby and leading wide receiver Darren Carrington II as well."

Sports Illustrated also doesn't mention the fact that Oregon is set to return four starters along the offensive line in 2017, plus the return of Tyrell Crosby from injury. Combine four starters with the return of Crosby along the line and the Oregon Ducks might have one of the best offensive lines in the Pac-12 in 2017.

On defense, while the unit was poor, there were some bright spots. Defensive end Henry Mondeaux has been a solid contributor for the last three years and linebacker Troy Dye was a freshman All-American last season.

The Ducks also have some what of a favorable schedule. Early on, the Ducks open the year against Southern Utah and then host Nebraska. Their toughest non-league game could actually end up being a road game at Wyoming. The Ducks will then face off against non-bowl teams Arizona State and California to close out September. There's a real chance the Ducks could be 5-0 before facing Washington State in Eugene on October 7.

There's a real chance the Ducks could be 5-0 before facing Washington State in Eugene on October 7.

If the Ducks can maneuver the month of October (WSU, at Stanford, at UCLA, and home vs Utah), the Ducks close out November at Washington on Nov. 4, but then with two home games against Arizona and Oregon State.