NCAA Kickoff: Can you quack U-G-L-Y?

If you want to watch an aesthetically pleasing college football game this year, be wary of the SEC, but whatever you do don't tune in on Sept. 3.

That Thursday, the Boise State Broncos debut their hideous new uniforms on their ugly blue carpet (aka Smurf Turf) as they host the Oregon Ducks.

Oregon, with help from Nike, always push the boundaries of athletic style and sometimes miss. But if you miss this Thursday night showdown, you may be overlooking the start of a special season in Eugene.

After 14 years, there's a new head coach on the Oregon sideline, but don't expect them to miss a beat. Mike Bellotti gave way in a near seamless transition to Chip Kelly. 

As offensive coordinator, Kelly installed a run-base spread that turned erratic QB Dennis Dixon into a Hesiman candidate before he blew out his ACL. Barring a key injury on offense, there's no doubt the 2009 Ducks spread is bound to be better-than-ever.

Expected to be a feature in that offense is running back LeGarrette Blount. Last year, he was overshadow by fellow 1,000-yard rusher Jeremiah Johnson, but lived up to his junior college hype when he got his chances. Blount averaged a ridiculous 7.3 yards per carry and managed eight runs over 30 yards. I think we'll be seeing a lot of highlight reel runs like this from No. 9...

The '09 version of the Ducks has question marks on both the offensive and defensive lines, but they should be able to overcome them.

Like the 2007 Ducks, who rose to No. 2 in the nation, this year's Pac-10 schedule sets up perfectly. Cal, USC and Oregon State, the toughest conference opponents, all must make the trip to Autzen (the loudest stadium in the country).

Oregon was the last team to win an outright Pac-10 title not named USC (2001). This Ducks team has all the makings to do it again.