I was at the Oregon Club meeting 20 years ago in 1994 when Nick Aliotti christened the name of the “Gangrene” defense, and I recall the howls at the name. I remember thinking that “Gang-Green” was clever and fits us so well … but alas that was not the right spelling.
I have been asked to consider a short (if that is possible with me) article that offers a little pondering with room for conversation for readers on a regular basis. I like the idea of it, being beyond my usual role as an analyst or an intermediary to coaches. A Duck buddy, Jeff White, offered a factoid he read that got me to thinking about this defense and that infamous one 20 years ago — how, in Oregon’s first two games, have our opponents scored only three points in the 2nd halves this year?
Whoa. Should we start thinking about nicknames?
Arik Armstead
It may seem premature with all the young talent that is emerging on this defense. New starter Reggie Daniels has quietly created two turnovers in two games — he knocked loose a fumble against the ‘Yotes and tipped the Spartan pass that Ifo Ekpre-Olomu intercepted.
These are plays that make teams win, but our reliance on so many young players, such as Chris Seisay, Tyree Robinson, and Torrodney Prevot, gives me pause. We have other players who have played before, but with low impact. Arik Armstead had a good game, but will it last?
Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum
Such few points scored after intermission by the opps means some serious adjustments are being made by new Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum at halftime. In the past we did not always make wholesale changes going into the second half; does this mean we are taking more risks under Coach Pellum?
So far the results have been impressive, and I personally wanted to see one-of-our-own do well this year. I really felt he would be a great defensive coordinator, with a 30% chance of the defense performing even better than before. While we have only a small sample size to make a judgment call on — my gut tells me we’re going to be in good shape under this new DC.
That terrific defense of the 1994 Rose Bowl team did not start out as well as this year’s defense, and yet is remembered fondly. Am I being too harsh in asking for more proof from this year’s defense?
What do you think of the defense thus far? Of the veterans, the newbs, and the new man in charge? (My suggested nickname is … “The Green Wall“)
[EIC Note: Charles, I’m thinkin’ you may be “Wing man” material — just sayin’ *wink*.]Top Photo from Video
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Charles Fischer has been an intense fan of the Ducks, a season ticket holder at Autzen Stadium for 35 years and has written reports on football boards for over 23 years. Known as “FishDuck” on those boards, he is acknowledged for providing intense detail in his scrimmage reports and in his Xs and Os play analyses. He and his wife Lois, have a daughter Christine, reside in Eugene Oregon, where he was a Financial Advisor for 36 years and now focuses full-time on Charitable Planned Giving Workshops for churches and non-profit organizations.
He does not profess to be a coach or analyst, but simply a “hack” that enjoys sharing what he has learned and invites others to correct or add to this body of Oregon Football! See More…
