What Should Expectations Be For Oregon Ducks QB Bo Nix This Season?

EUGENE, OR – APRIL 29: Quarterback Bo Nix #10 of the Oregon Ducks prepares to throw the ball during the first half of the Oregon Ducks Spring Football Game at Autzen Stadium on April 29, 2023 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Ali Gradischer/Getty Images)

By STEVEN VAUGHAN, 750 THE GAME

When you are on preseason watch lists, your team is coming off of a 10-win season, and you have multiple billboards around the country, it’s safe to say expectations are high.

Bo Nix is in this exact situation. According to Betonline.ag, Nix is tied for ninth in the preseason Heisman odds at +2000. The Ducks are the third favorites in the Pac-12 at +350 right behind Washington and betting favorites, USC. The Ducks also have a win total of 9.5 wins. A big season is expected out of Nix and the Ducks, but sometimes fans and media members set too high of expectations for teams and players.

John Canzano talked about what expectations should be for Nix in his senior season.

“Let’s talk about minimal expectations,” said Canzano on 750 The Game. “I think he’s got to get Oregon to the conference championship game. Of course, everyone wants to win a national championship, but it feels like a couple of steps too big for Oregon right now in its current state. I think they can dream about getting to the conference championship game. I think they can dream of being a playoff team.”

If making the conference championship game is the expectation, Canzano says staying healthy will be the key.

“I need Bo Nix to stay healthy,” Canzano said. “I need Bo Nix to lead Oregon to the conference championship game. I’ll let the Heisman stuff take care of itself. I think last year at about week eight or nine of the regular season there was an awful lot of momentum for Nix.”

Nix has been a polarizing figure in college football ever since he was a true freshman and led Auburn to a victory over the Ducks in his first career start. After a great season a year ago, Nix is firmly the leader of the Ducks. But will he be able to get the Ducks to Vegas?

Canzano thinks Nix was that guy before the injury last season in the loss to Washington.

“You want to feel like Oregon has a shot to get to the conference championship game, and I think making it would be getting to Vegas, getting to the championship with Bo Nix as your quarterback as your leader,” Canzano said. “There is still some questions if he’s that guy. I’ve heard people say ‘I love Oregon, but is he (Nix) that guy? I think he was last year before the injury.”

Listen to the segment right at the start of the podcast below. Catch the Bald Faced Truth with John Canzano weekdays 3-6 pm in Portland exclusively on 750 The Game.