2003 Oregon Ducks

Onterrio Smith was suspended for the 2003 season due to a second positive drug test. He had been the Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year in 2002. His absence left a major void in the backfield, and Oregon went 8-5. See all coaching eras.

Oregon went 8-5 in 2003, including a 17-14 loss to Minnesota in the Sun Bowl. It was a transitional year. The offense struggled without Onterrio Smith, and the defense allowed 26.8 PPG. See the full Oregon timeline.

Kellen Clemens started as a sophomore in 2003, throwing for 2,244 yards and 12 TDs. It was his first year as the full-time starter. He would develop into a first-round talent by 2005. See the best players in Oregon history.

Oregon lost to Minnesota 31-30 in the Sun Bowl. It was a heartbreaking one-point loss to end an inconsistent 8-5 season. See all Oregon postseason history.

Oregon's defense was average in 2003, allowing 26.8 PPG and 362.7 total yards per game. The team had 24 sacks and 14 takeaways. Without Smith's explosive offense, the defense couldn't compensate. See all Oregon rivalries.