We hate these games like Stony Brook, and we love them–right? We want to see tougher games against worthy opponents, yet we want to see the young-guns play and watch their development–hence our dilemma as fans with games such as this one. I know many look at it as a way to “get-things-right” and to “correct errors,” but I hardly …
Oregon Defense: “The Great Wall of Cristobal”
Do you like the above nickname for the Oregon defense? I like how it rolls and rhymes so well, and I have to give credit to my friend, Ugly Duckling, for creating it with me. It just seemed so appropriate that an Oregon defense had some kind of moniker for what is evolving as a crucial element of this 2021 …
Ohio State Game Day: The FishDuck Game Plan for Beating the Buckeyes
Look, I know winning in Columbus is not a high probability, and my head spoke yesterday with my predicted score. But the FishDuck heart bleeds green and feels there is always a way … and in fact my suggested game plan lines up with our personnel! Indulge me, humor me and let’s discuss before, during and after the game! The …
The Shotgun is Working: Time to Send the Pistol Packing?
The Oregon offense used to be a source of great enjoyment for Duck fans, while currently it has created a bit of angst among the faithful. My friends, there is too much to unwrap from that Fresno State game, but I must say that there have been astute comments below this article and this one that relay the feelings of …
What I’m Watching For: Fresno State GameDay!
The wait for the 2021 season has not been that much different than prior years … it just feels that way. We are all so anxious to see how the team will perform after an under-performing 2020, (hampered by COVID restrictions) not having a full team present for 2020 games and finally–now having full fall and spring 2021 camps with …
Tempo-Tempo-Tempo: Will We See it at Oregon in 2021?
A question I see often in the comments concerns whether Oregon will be running fast tempo this season. I am curious as to whether you think we will, or if we even need to run fast tempo and how often. We all know the story of how a former coach pulled that tactic out of the distant past and made …
Offense/Defense: What are Your Number Goals for 2021 Ducks?
We throw around a ton of stats and make our predictions, yet some fundamental ones are often bypassed. I am curious as to what your goals for the Oregon Football team in 2021 in terms of points scored and points allowed. You are also invited to give your numbers as to what you think they should be, and you think …
Blast-From-the-Past! Fresno State and Tim DeRuyter
It is hard to believe that it has been nine years since Tim DeRuyter came to Autzen Stadium as a head coach (before he joined Cal), when he brought his Fresno State Bulldogs to Eugene to play Chip, Marcus and Oregon’s Spread Offense in 2012. Oregon raced to a 35-3 lead with 1:40 left in the second quarter, and this …
Oregon QB Number Madness: Where Does it End?
The trend of receivers wanting quarterback numbers began years ago, and now has drifted to running backs. But to see Fat-Mac above with Joey Harrington‘s number–a Nose Tackle wearing a quarterback number? That is so wrong. So where did the No. 3 move to? On offense we saw Johnny Johnson III snag it, and now on defense we see that …
Has Cristobal’s “Physical” Offense Worked? Will It?
I’ve never heard as much about “a tough culture” or “being physical” from any coach at Oregon as I have from Coach Mario Cristobal. There was a feeling of toughness from Coach Rich Brooks and his Gang Green defense, but he did not preach it like we’ve heard over the last three years. Nationally known writer Steward Mandel provided some …
Oregon Wins: Pac-12 is Becoming Top-Heavy with Talent
A phenomenon that has never included Oregon is occurring before our eyes due to recruiting skills of Coach Mario Cristobal and his staff, and I was stunned at the recent numbers illustrating this trend. It has a profound impact on the future of the conference and begins to beg the question of “whether the Pac-12 is becoming the ACC of …
Huskies Will Go Undefeated in 2021: Do You Agree?
Oh brother, Ryan Leaf, the former great WSU quarterback has predicted the Huskies to go 12-0? I do not which I did not see coming more … a Cougar writing that, or it concerning “the-mistake-by-the-Lake?” I will let you read his reasons why in the link above, but I thought this would be a ponder-point to howl about on a …