The Winning Mindset

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Attitude is everything.  And, while it was only two Ducks who expressed disappointment not being able to play in the National Championship, one has to wonder if that attitude has affected the rest of the team. To many fans it was disheartening to hear Josh Huff and DeAnthony Thomas expressing their lackluster enthusiasm about a return to a Rose Bowl.  …

The Rise of Kiko Alonso

Don Gilman Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

Kevin Cline When Kiko Alonso was selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the NFL draft, there was very little fanfare.  In fact, his selection provoked a fairly negative response from the Bills’ fans who were present at the time.  Now, at Week 9 in the NFL season, Alonso has quickly become one of the most beloved …

The Opponents Locker Room: Cougars Have Nothing but Respect for Oregon

Don Gilman FishWrap

Craig Strobeck Despite the shellacking on the scoreboard, the players from Washington State walked into the press conference with pride intact and heads held high. “We just got to do anything we can to win,” left tackle Gunnar Eklund said, “It’s tough, but in the end you got to get the job done.” “In the years past, around this program, …

From the Cal Locker Room: Bears Soaked!

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Craig Strobeck The reactions from Cal Quarterbacks Zack Kline, Jared Goff and Head Coach Sonny Dykes were similar.  Each man held himself accountable, and each man saw that  there was hope for the team. “I thought I played well.  I could have played better,” Kline said. “We have a lot to work on for sure.  Definitely as a team we were …

With All Due Respect . . . Oregon is the Best Team in the Nation

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

 Kevin Cline Alabama is a great team.  They have rightfully earned the accolades and awards heaped upon them with multiple national championships.  Nick Saban is a great coach, one of the best ever.  However, and again, with the utmost respect, this year’s Alabama team, at least on defense, does not resemble the championship teams of the past several years.  The …

Defeated But Not Downtrodden: Inside the Nicholls State Locker Room

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Nicholls State had just lost 66-3.  Oregon had three 100-yard rushers.  The Ducks had a school record 772 yards of total offense.  Yet when quarterback Kalen Henderson and running back Marcus Washington walked into the visitor’s tent to answer questions from the press, their demeanor was not one of a team who had just gotten shellacked, but rather, …

How Far Can Oregon Go?

Don Gilman FishWrap

Kevin Cline Since it is the cusp of a new season and bloggers, pundits and fans are indulging in rampant, ecstatic speculation about their favorite college teams, it seemed appropriate that this column indulge in a little speculation, as well. Suppose Oregon, in this 2013 campaign, ends up with a dream season, running undefeated through the gauntlet of patsies (talking …

Ducks’ Championship Quest Stands at a Pivotal Moment

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline “The Quest stands upon the edge of a knife. Stray but a little, and it will fail.” — J.R.R. Tolkien, Lord of the Rings This year is one of the most important years in the history of Oregon football. During the years of Mike Bellotti, the football program was solid – very successful, but never quite reaching the …

The Inherent Unfairness of Sanctions

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Sanctions. You either love them or hate them.  We love them when the teams we hate get leveled by them, and hate them when teams we love get the same treatment. Ironic, isn’t it? But there is something inherently unfair about the way sanctions are carried out, no matter what team we are rooting for.  I began thinking of this …

Are the Ducks in for a Letdown Season?

Don Gilman FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

On paper, this Oregon Ducks football team looks strong. Marcus Mariota, DeAnthony Thomas and Josh Huff all return as starters. The offensive line looks tough, as does the defensive secondary. In fact, there isn’t a single position that looks particularly weak, yet there are some vulnerabilities that should be troublesome to Duck fans. One of the issues Oregon fans should …

Oregon Unknowns: The Undefeated Season and Actresses in Pajamas!

Don Gilman History

1916 was a milestone year for the University of Oregon. Mighty Oregon was penned by the songwriting team of John Dewitt Gilbert and Albert Perfect. Before the song was written Oregon actually played On Wisconsin as their fight song! YIKES! Also in 1916 the Pacific Coast Conference was formed, the precursor of the Pac-10 and now Pac-12. The Webfoots were …