Seven total wins, 6 total losses, 4-5 in conference play. That was Oregon's 2017 season.

Despite nearly doubling the win total from a year ago with a completely new coaching staff is good progress on the surface. Unforunately that progress is overshadowed by a team that replaced it's head coach in under a year and suffered a rather ugly Las Vegas bowl loss to Boise State.

It wasn't the worst loss of the year, but the effort leaves a bad taste in the mouth that will linger for 9 more months.

Moreover, 7 wins is pretty impressive considering Oregon was without its starting quarterback for 5 games this season and was replaced by a true freshman that was not ready for action.

Speaking of quarterback we will start with our season grades there.

Quarterback: C+

Overall I can't just grade this based on Justin Herbert nor Braxton Burmeister. We have to average the two. And if I was separating the grades I'd probably give Herbert a B+ and Burmeister a D. So somewhere around a C to C+ is in line for my view.

Justin Herbert needs to take a step forward for '18. He's Oregon's most important player on the roster. He has so many tools but his deep ball still needs work and he needs to be able to shake off the bad plays a little better. I'm nitpicking, but if I'm going to give him an A next season, these are things he has to work on this offseason.

Running Back: B+

Unfortunately they didn't show up in the Las Vegas Bowl, but overall this group had a strong, strong year. Led by Royce Freeman, there were times when Kani Benoit, Tony Brooks-James or Darrian Felix had big moments.

Headed into 2018 I'm very excited to see what CJ Verdell will bring to the table for Oregon. Sources tell me had he not been hurt at the time, Verdell would have burned his redshirt, not Felix.

The Las Vegas bowl performance was not bad enough alone for me drop this grade significantly, but it was enough to keep it from being an A.

Wide Reciever: C

As the quarterback play was up and down, so was the receiver play. Dillon Mitchell came on late and finished the season rather strong offering hope for 2018. Justin Johhson was thrust into action as a true freshman and Brendan Schooler was thrust into a new position adding some depth and stability.

This group had some moments and was a real force in the blocking game for the running backs. They did struggle most of the season creating much separation for Herbert and Burmeister. In terms of pure receiver play, they weren't great.

The Ducks will need to sign several big impact receivers in this class in order to boost this group next season.

Tight End: C+

From a receiving standpoint, they were about the same as the receivers. There were some bright spots by both Jacob Breeland and Cameron McCormick at times.

In terms of blocking, they were probably around an A- to B+ for the season. That didn't show up in the Vegas bowl, but once again, I can't ding a whole season too badly for one game.

If McCormick can take a step forward and Oregon can sign Teagan Quitoriano and Spencer Webb that will be a huge step in the right direction for Oregon.

Offensive Line: A-

I was really on the fence here. I almost went B+ but I just can't discount the fact this squad went through a 5-game stretch against stacked fronts and still paved the way for over 200 and 300 rush yards per game knowing this team wouldn't throw the ball.

The Las Vegas Bowl sucked for all positions, perhaps no more than this group, but once again this was a good group all season long.

Next year they will return nearly all of this group and have some real talent in the wings with George Moore ready to take over for Crosby. If they can eliminate some of the drive-killing penalties they might get that A+ grade in '18.

Defensive Line: A-

Another strong group all season long, including a fairly good Las Vegas Bowl performance. I would easily call this Oregon's most improved unit from a year ago, a real testament to the coaching ability of Joe Salave'a.

With Jelks returning and Jordon Scott and Austin Faoliu growing so much this season, if they can find a replacement for Henry Mondeaux, who had a tremendous season, this group won't see much drop off.

Perhaps Malik Young can return and take that spot. Perhaps it's someone else. In any event, there is a chance for this group to be just as good next season.

Linebacker: C+

Troy Dye gets an A for every single game this season. But I can't give this group an A just because of him. Injuries forced some other guys into action such as Jimmie Swain who played well (not great) down the stretch.

Justin Hollins had some big moments and might have been the most consistent backer after Dye this season. La'Mar Winston was a real bright spot and will be even better in '18 after the offseason.

With the current guys Oregon has signed, they could certainly be a much better unit including Slade-Mautatia and Keith Simms who missed the season with a knee injury.

Defensive Back: C+

I went back and forth here. This was a real tough group to grade. No doubt they were much better than a year ago. There were games they really showed up. There were also games they struggled and allowed a single receiver to damage the team.

Moving Ugo Amadi to safety was a good move for him. Tyree Robinson had some better games. Nick Pickett did a lot of growing in his freshman season along with Thomas Graham at corner.

Deommodore Lenoir had some moments both good and bad, no doubt this offseason will be tremendous for his growth.

With the guys Oregon has signed thus far, this group could be very much improved next season.