ZION, NIKE, ESPN and the NCAA

Notalot Editorials

ALL CAPS? Yes, all capital letters. You can make what you will of it. Clearly though, ESPN is the “all caps” network, NIKE holds the same moniker in the athletic footwear industry, and ZION WILLIAMSON is achieving a similar level of awareness and acclaim among sports fans. It’s a new world, full of “always with us” technologies such as smart …

Cristobal Is Steadying the Ship at Oregon

Notalot Editorials

On the afternoon of February 6th, Oregon held its traditional Signing Day press conference during which coach Mario Cristobal commented on the Ducks’ 2019 signing class and offered a glimpse into the overall status and health of the football program. Cristobal didn’t unveil anything new or revolutionary at the presser, but one thing did stand out. There was a marked …

A Tipping Point? The X Factor in Willie Taggart’s Decision

Notalot Editorials

When Coach Taggart was first offered the job in Eugene — I wrote an article about Willie Taggart‘s family, and in particular, his wife Teneshia Taggart. However Charles (FishDuck) was reluctant bring WT’s family into the discussion as he wanted the transition for the Taggarts in Eugene to be as smooth as possible and without any outside media intrusion. So …

Oregon Ducks Football: Getting “Juiced?”

Notalot Editorials

The two previous football seasons were torture for Oregon fans. Our expectations of winning, even the national title, were crushed as mediocrity, confusion and mistakes became the norm, replacing the dominance, resourcefulness and the high-scoring Ducks performances we had become so accustomed to. The Ducks’ 2016 defense became a doormat of Division I teams. Another year in sports is fast unfolding. …

Carolinian’s Talk About Oregon vs North Carolina in Saturday’s Final Four

Notalot Editorials

“I thought that Kansas would be the Champion, but now I believe it will be the Tar Heels” - Tommy Ogburn, Eden, N.C., Retired from Sales (life-long UNC supporter) Saturday’s Final Four Semi-Final game looms at the apex of the universe of NCAA basketball. The match-up in the second game of the night pits the (Carolina) blue bloods of UNC against …

Ducks Basketball National Championship Run Hinges on BALANCE

Notalot Editorials

A Ducks run at the NCAA men’s basketball national championship lies ahead. How the team performs and its final place in the tournament will be destined by its overall balance. Depth and balance have been the defining characteristics of the 2016-2017 team throughout the regular season and so far in the tournament. Balance is a key to how deep the …

What Really Happened When the Ducks Played Rhode Island?

Notalot Editorials

What really happened when the Ducks played the Rhode Island Rams on Sunday night? Why did the game go down to the wire and how did the team build its lead, squander it and then roar back? Many of you who are reading this article saw the game in part or whole for yourselves, and you have your own thoughts about …

Mama’s Bigger, Stronger Guys and Ducks Football

Notalot Editorials

I have often thought in the past few years about bigger, stronger and faster football players at Oregon.  I guess that’s because of the success and the overall upward trajectory of the UO football program over the last seven or so years.  Some of that thinking was propelled by Chip Kelly’s “big guys beat up little guys’ illustration.  Some of it …

Ducks Basketball Endgame: Which Team Shows Up?

Notalot Editorials

The 2016-2017 men’s basketball season has been a remarkable run. One for the ages and one to remember, indeed. But will the Ducks finish strong and as the best they can be, or will they hit the wall, unable to put the finishing touches on the season? Will they re-write more of the record books and finish as champions — of …

Rob Mullens: “Pass” or “No Pass” as Athletic Director?

Notalot Editorials

To “pass” is to complete something successfully and move on. Or, one can “get a pass” meaning one didn’t fully complete the agreed requirements, but can move on, anyway, exempted from the agreed requirements.  “No pass,” on the other hand, typically means one is not qualified to move on and results in a penalty or fine. In its strictest form …