Oregon Men’s Basketball: The Non-Conference Grades

Mark Weinrott Analysis

How good is this current Duck basketball team? Here is one fan’s assessment of the Oregon’s 2017-18 team roster through the non-conference games. Full disclosure: I have no basketball coaching background, nor did I have much of a competitive playing career. However, I have been an avid fan long enough to have attended NBA doubleheaders and to have observed Dick …

Too Many Cupcakes may be Unhealthy for Resurgent Oregon Ducks

Mark Weinrott Editorials

The Problem Last month, I speculated that Oregon’s future schedules may not be sufficiently strong to qualify for the College Football Playoff. In the event of a one-loss Pac-12 record, a weak nonconference schedule could have the Ducks on the outside looking in come a future January. This is precisely the situation facing Wisconsin. Were the Badgers to lose one of their …

Are Oregon’s Future Schedules Playoff-Worthy?

Mark Weinrott Editorials

Three years of college football playoffs have clarified the team selection criteria. The most heavily weighted variable, aside from won-loss record,  seems to be strength of schedule. The 2017 College Football Playoff committee looks favorably on those who challenge themselves out-of-conference even more than it values a conference championship. Recognizing that schools have no discretion in their league schedules, the only …

The Worst Game Ever Played at Autzen

Mark Weinrott Editorials, History

Duck fans interested in time-traveling to Eugene may want to skip Sept. 20, 1975.  That Saturday evening, Oregon and the San Jose Spartans played the most boring game in Autzen Stadium’s 50-year history. Yes, even worse than the infamous 0-0 “Toilet Bowl” versus OSU in 1983.  The latter, amidst a November monsoon, was more an exercise in survival than an …

Recruiting on Fire: A Conversation with David Kelly, Director of Recruiting Operations

Mark Weinrott Editorials

With 22 verbal commitments across ten states, it’s apparent that the new Oregon football coaching staff could sell Hummers during a gas shortage. Four months remain before the early signing period, yet there are only about a half-dozen slots to fill. And make no mistake, those who have committed are players with very impressive credentials. This is early quantity of high …