Aaaand They’re Off!

Kim Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s the first Saturday in May and that means its time for the Kentucky Derby.  The food, the mint juleps, the pageantry … All of which make the Kentucky Derby the most exciting two minutes in sports … east of watching Beaver fans leave the Civil War early.  This year’s Run for the Roses is unusually special for the Pac-12. …

Oregon’s Conference and Post-Season Update: Dark Horse Mentality

Bryan Holt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon (14-5, 2-5 Pac-12) desperately needed a win Sunday after losing five straight games, and they delivered big with a 71-44 win over the Washington State Cougars.  This five-game skid now has the Ducks playing a game of catch up in the Pac-12 standings at six games back, out of the AP top-25 and unseen in many NCAA Tournament projections. …

Predictive Recruiting Analysis: Pac-12 Rankings, Top Recruits

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the 2014 recruiting cycle ending in five weeks, those teams atop the conference recruiting rankings are beginning to separate themselves.  Currently sitting atop these rankings is none other than the Oregon Ducks.  In question, however, is whether or not they can maintain their position.  What about your Pac-12 school of choice?  Here’s the objective data, commentary and individual school …

Oregon Football Recruiting Cycle Ending with Fab Five Finish

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Usually, early December is far too early to accurately predict an Oregon recruiting class, but this year might be the exception.  After landing their 15th verbal commitment earlier in the week from JUCO stud Offensive Guard Haniteli Lousi, it appears that the Ducks are going hard after just five more players.  Who are these five special targets? 1) …

What Oregon Did For the First Time in Six Years, and Other Thoughts From Saturday’s Game

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Craig Strobeck Thoughts from Oregon’s game against UCLA last Saturday: Saturday’s Win Was Much Bigger than People Realize The Ducks had 21 points going in the fourth quarter of Saturday’s game.  Since Oregon beat Cal 15-13 in 2010, the following have been the results of games when the Ducks had 21 points or fewer to start the fourth quarter: L, …

Duck Defense Dominates Da Bruins + Recruiting & Game Notes

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Great teams make good teams look average.  After last night, there’s no doubt that Oregon is a great football team.  The Ducks beat the UCLA Bruins, 42-14, in a game that showed the nation they’re more than just an offensive juggernaut.  After Saturday night, those left questioning Oregon’s championship credentials are few. With all due respect to Coach …

UCLA Brings Knowledgeable Fan Base — and Decidedly Average Team — to Autzen

Kim Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

www.camping-bourgogone.com Everything that I tell you folks is true.  Some things may be a little truer than others.  The conversation that I am about to share with you is, I swear, the gospel truth.  It was Monday morning about 8:45 am.  I was talking to a UCLA fan about the upcoming game.  He said, “You guys wouldn’t be any good …

College Football Nation: FSU Scalps Clemson and SEC in Mutiny

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  This could be the best Saturday we have had in college football this season.  The upset bug was at work all around the country.  We are really starting to see who are the contenders (Alabama, Oregon, FSU) and the pretenders (Clemson, Georgia, LSU).  Team stocks are rising for the contenders and falling for the others.  We had teams in …

BCS Preview

Bryan Holt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline It’s here! The time of year we all yearn for! An ongoing fiesta has engulfed Duck fans since Oregon’s victory over Kansas State last January. Fans across the country have been anxiously waiting to commence another journey towards destiny.  The highly anticipated college football season has finally arrived and though the road for the Ducks may look a …

PAC-12 Talent Rankings: Who’s on Top?

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There is no debate: in college football, nothing is more important than talent. The overwhelmingly positive correlation between talent and winning says it all. While many factors go into becoming a successful, winning program, no other has as much of an impact as talent. There’s a reason coaches take recruiting so seriously. This week, we look at the four most …

The Absolute MUST-WATCH Games in 2013

Sam Arney FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Photography With football season less than a month away, it is time to announce my top six games of the season.  If you missed my bottom six, you can check them out here.  I am excited for any game that involves the Ducks, but more excited for certain ones.  Here are my top six and why I can’t wait to see them. 6. Nicholls State – August 31 …

Conference Analysis: The Final Stretch

Bryan Holt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Two teams converged in a Civil War are set to battle once again, but this time there is more than just pride and bragging rights between the schools. This time it’s for the Pac-12 baseball title. With two weeks left to go in the season, the games are limited and every game is important. The race has narrowed down to three …