Key Oregon injuries could affect Pac-12 race
Oregon’s road to a fourth consecutive conference title and a possible BCS title-game berth got tougher Monday with news the Ducks have lost two key starters to season-ending injuries.
Senior safety John Boyett, who tied a Rose Bowl record with 17 tackles against Wisconsin last January, will have surgery to repair partial patellar tears in both knees. Boyett has tried to play through the injuries but said he could not avoid surgery any longer.
He played in Oregon’s opener against Arkansas State but sat out Saturday’s win over Fresno State.
The Ducks have also lost starting senior guard Carson York to a broken kneecap, the same injury he sustained in last year’s Rose Bowl.
York and Boyett are two of Oregon’s most experienced and respected players.
The Ducks host Tennessee Tech this week before opening Pac 12 play Sept. 22 against Arizona in Eugene.
Oregon has been projected to win the North division and faces USC in the Coliseum on Nov. 3. The schools could also meet again in the conference title game.
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