The Oregon Ducks entered the 2013 college football season with national title aspirations even though the squad was undertaking its first year without former head coach and offensive mastermind Chip Kelly. The Ducks, as we already know, did not win a national title last season, but the team stood pat as one of the premiere college football squads in the nation with only two losses on the year and was able to adjust and succeed under a new head coach.

Heading into the 2014 season Oregon is once again considered a threat to win the national title under second-year head coach, and Kelly disciple, Mark Helfrich. The team will be returning key pieces to its high-powered offensive system and have a Heisman Trophy candidate in junior quarterback Marcus Mariota . Let's take a closer look at Oregon's 2015 college football National Championship odds with some picks and predictions.

Oregon Odds to Win the 2015 National Championship Story Lines

Oregon may have lucked out when its quarterback, a projected first-round pick, decided to forgo the NFL during the offseason and stay another year. Mariota will provide much-needed stability for a young, but talented, roster. The red-shirt junior threw for over 31 touchdowns in his first two seasons as starting quarterback and passed for a combined 6,300 yards.

Mariota injured his knee toward the end of the season, which impacted his play and caused Oregon to go 2-2 over its last four games of 2013. The quarterback, however, is fully healthy entering 2014 and is expected to be a major offensive weapon for the team who will be returning five starters from its offensive line.

Oregon 2015 National Championship Odds and trends

Oregon is currently receiving the third-best 2015 national title odds at +700, according to Sportsbook.ag. Quarterback Mariota is also receiving the second-best Heisman Trophy odds at +700 and only trails Florida State's Jameis Winston in the eyes of the oddsmakers. Oregon is also receiving odds on a "will they compete in the playoff semifinals?" prop bet. The "no" is currently the strong favorite at -200.

In 2013 Oregon produced an 8-5 ATS record and 7-6 totals mark. The squad, however, went "over" in five of seven home games while averaging a total of 65.9 combine points per matchup. On offense, the Ducks ranked second in total yards, ninth in rushing yards and fourth in points scored.

Oregon Odds to Win the 2015 College Football National Championship Picks and Predictions

Oregon will be a top team in the nation for most of the season because of its high-paced offense and manageable schedule. Expect the team to be near the top of the rankings for most of the 2014 season. The question on the table is if they can compete with the truly elite programs such as Florida State and Alabama. Oregon's offense has never been its problem over the last five seasons. The team's defense has been the main reason why the squad hasn't been able to get over the hump and win a national title.

Oregon will look fantastic all year, but there are a few teams that combine excellent offense with outstanding defense, which is something the Ducks cannot do. The honest truth here is that teams like Oregon do not win National Championships. Wagering on them could be a fun bet to follow if you are a fan, but trying to do so for value is simply not the best idea. If you are looking to wager on Oregon throughout the season, try and find a few spots to take the over on the totals line.

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Read more articles by George Monroy