The crowd was buzzing. The yellow-clad Pit Crew was filled up long before normal, and the students were hyped. The pep band was rocking. ESPN2 with Bill Walton was in the house. A stirring rendition of the national anthem helped create the kind of electricity that has mostly been absent from Matthew Knight Arena since its opening two years ago. …
Oregon Unknowns: Casanova’s Water and Dick James Gets Abandoned
In this edition of Oregon Unknowns we look at some lighter, lesser-known moments in Oregon History; from Bill Hayward plying ‘Oregon Water’ on unsuspecting Californians, to Len Casanova being hung in effigy and crowned King of the Campus — all in the same day. We will look at Oregon’s original no-huddle, fast-paced offense from an era that might surprise you, …
Meet Your New Ducks: Oregon Defeats Notre Dame
Well… kinda. After a rather stagnant October and November in the Oregon recruiting landscape, the Ducks have recently landed a 4-star stud named Danny Mattingly. Coming out of Spokane, WA, at Mead High School, Mattingly has created the reputation of being an extremely physical and disciplined athlete. He committed to Oregon on Dec 23rd after de-committing from Notre Dame earlier …
FLYOVER COUNTRY—Epic Clashes That Enrich The Pac-12
You might recall the last time I mentioned the Stanford Cardinal because I certainly do. I gave short shrift to Stanford Cardinal football, and after they beat Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl I will eat my words, along with a serving of crow. I apologize to Stanford fans everywhere. Despite the Ducks having drilled your team in 2010 and 11, …
Is Chip Equal To Christopher Nolan?
Chip Kelly and his innovative offense has certainly taken the football world by storm since his tenure began in 2009. With a record of 46-7 as Oregon’s head coach, Chip is not in the discussion as all-time college greats — he has no championships yet — but with the talent and resources he has at Oregon it seems that it will be just …
Recruiting Update: Hallelujah Chip is Staying!
Football Recruiting News Following a rumor-filled weekend, head coach Chip Kelly declined a move to the NFL and will return to Oregon for the foreseeable future. Subsequent recruiting storylines will intensify and likely resolve as Kelly & Co. move forward in Eugene. Reactions from preps were almost instantaneous as news of Kelly’s return trickled out. “It’s an amazing feeling knowing …
Chip Kelly’s Surprise “Throwback” Fiesta Bowl Strategy
Chip surprised both the Wildcats and me in this game! A major component of what makes Chip Kelly so successful is not just how he coaches the spread offense and runs a rapid “no-huddle” tempo, but also how he brings something new to nearly every game he coaches. It is the last major area the media have not understood or covered, …
Why Chip Kelly REALLY Came Back To Oregon
It’s the multi-million dollar question, isn’t it? Why would a rising star decide to abandon a sure shot at coaching in the big show, only to return to a small town college football program? Personally, I hope it’s because Chip Kelly was listening to “Max and Marcellus” a few weeks back on ESPN Radio. Neither Max Kellerman nor Marcellus Wiley …
Oregon wins Civil War with Stunning Second Half
It was a hard fought battle for the Oregon Ducks last night in a hostile Gill Coliseum. The Beavers definitely came to play, and the fans were rocking. Oregon was able to leave the Coliseum with a 79-66 win. While the Ducks won by 13 points, the game was much closer until the last 10 minutes of play. For most …
Hang’em High and Stick’em Deep
Hang’em High, Stick’em Deep Another in a series from our friends at Mighty Oregon. An interview with senior punter Jackson Rice By Dusty Ritter When Jackson Rice comes on the field to punt the Ducks are in good hands. Rice’s knack for precision punts is a deadly weapon in the Oregon football arsenal. It’s not uncommon to see a Rice …
Notes From Around the College Football Nation: Chip Kelly to the NFL and BCS Madness
Another amazing week of bowl games. The bowls started with some SEC domination, but at the end it was the SEC who was being dominated. That will send a lot of mixed signals for predicting the title game tomorrow. The only conference that has excelled this bowl season is the WAC. San Jose State and Utah State won their bowl …
Under Helfrich, Oregon Will Continue to Fly High
When — not if — Chip Kelly accepts an NFL offer, a collective sigh of relief will be heard from Corvallis, Los Angeles and the like. Opponents of the Ducks will rejoice the day when Oregon fell from the ranks of the elite. They will look into their crystal balls and see conference titles staring back at them. They will, …