The Times’ preseason college football rankings: No. 3 Oregon

The answer is “A” because “B” hasn’t happened, and might never happen.

That said, it drizzled overcast news all winter, spring and summer in Eugene. It was a constant, persistent patter, the kind of soak that seeps into artificial turf seams.

Last season’s last-second loss to Auburn was supposed to be the start of something big, and might still be, yet there is no getting over the uncertainty of it all.

Getting investigated is all part of becoming part of the big-time program. Auburn righteously fended off Cam Newton charges all the way to last season’s triumphant title.

Maybe you expected more out of Oregon, but, then again, why?

Nothing may come of the Lyles case. The NCAA might say the Houston-based scouting service provider did not steer recruit Lache Seastrunk to Oregon.

Rhetorical question: Was it worth $25,000 to watch Seastrunk transfer to Baylor?

The NCAA might conclude that Kelly told the truth, and nothing but the whole truth, when he was interrogated.

Either way, the way you can’t un-chop down a tall fir, Oregon will be hard-pressed to get its reputation back.

Either way, Oregon enters this season zeroed in on a third straight conference title and a return trip to the national championship game.

The Ducks’ blur offense, all the rage last year, still rages. Oregon returns rapidly rising quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James. New receivers need to be introduced and a retooled offensive line needs bonding, but Oregon is in the position of reloading now.

Five-star athlete De’Anthony Thomas, who was seemingly set to sign with USC, instead committed to the Ducks. That’s the kind of juice Oregon is drinking.

The Ducks have to replace six starters on defense, but that’s less important than it looks because of the heavy rotation system used last season by coordinator Nick Aliotti. Oregon needed multiple bodies to keep pace with the fast-paced theme.

Rhetorical question: Was it worth $25,000 to watch Seastrunk transfer to Baylor?

The NCAA might conclude that Kelly told the truth, and nothing but the whole truth, when he was interrogated.

Either way, the way you can’t un-chop down a tall fir, Oregon will be hard-pressed to get its reputation back.

Either way, Oregon enters this season zeroed in on a third straight conference title and a return trip to the national championship game.

The Ducks’ blur offense, all the rage last year, still rages. Oregon returns rapidly rising quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James. New receivers need to be introduced and a retooled offensive line needs bonding, but Oregon is in the position of reloading now.

Five-star athlete De’Anthony Thomas, who was seemingly set to sign with USC, instead committed to the Ducks. That’s the kind of juice Oregon is drinking.

The Ducks have to replace six starters on defense, but that’s less important than it looks because of the heavy rotation system used last season by coordinator Nick Aliotti. Oregon needed multiple bodies to keep pace with the fast-paced theme.