Three Mental Approaches to Oregon’s 2014 Schedule

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

On paper, the Ducks are a lock. Ranked No. 4 in the initial Coaches Poll and No. 3 in the AP poll, Oregon seems to control its own destiny in its bid to participate in the inaugural College Football Playoff. However, any casual fan of college football knows that there is no way some coaches, pundits, and computers can even come close …

Ranking the Ducks’ Top Games in 2014

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The tendency in these types of posts is to rank the “Top 5” games in a team’s season. However, for so many reasons, this year calls for even more speculation and dialogue. With fourteen starters returning from an 11-win team, the Ducks will hope to finally capture a national title in the first season of the College Football Playoffs. Adding …

Like It or Not, the Pressure Is on for Mark Helfrich

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

After just one season in which his team posted an .846 winning percentage, Mark Helfrich is under significant pressure from many fans who doubt his ability to lead the Oregon Ducks to a national title. Such is the life of a head coach of a perennial top-ranked program. The intense scrutiny is nothing new for Helfrich, who inherited the impossible …

Autzen Stadium Expansion: Challenges and Benefits

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

What would you think if Autzen Stadium, already known for being loud, expanded and became a cradle for eardrum-splitting noise? Silly question. You’re a Northwest sports fan, which, by default, means you are always seeking acknowledgement as the most raucous fan base in the country. Just spend five minutes witnessing a game at the Rose Garden (Moda Center) or CenturyLink …

The Secret Factor in Mariota’s Heisman Bid

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Throughout this upcoming season, fans and media professionals alike will debate every stat, game, and “Heisman Moment” in an attempt to determine whether or not Marcus Mariota deserves to win Oregon’s first Heisman Trophy. If people bother to consider performance off the field this season, it will distinguish Mariota from the past two winners. Both Johnny Manziel and Jameis Winston …

New Stadium Catapults Softball to Top of Oregon Women’s Athletics

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Welcome to the club, Oregon softball! With former Oregon football player Robert Sanders‘ $10 million contribution to a new softball stadium this past week, the team joined the union of University of Oregon sports that have been christened with a new building to call home. In just the past five seasons, three of the four major sports (baseball, football, and …

Oregon Conference Update: Devastation on the Diamond, Hope on the Track, Course

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

After seasons that were riveting in their own unique ways, both the baseball and softball teams saw their season come to an end on Sunday. The No.1-ranked softball team fell short of its championship goals, while baseball could not advance in the NCAA playoffs — owing in large part to losing two of its top pitchers early in the season and the …

Oregon Conference Update: It’s Championship Time

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The playoff season is in full swing for all three major spring sports. While Oregon baseball showed signs of promise toward the end of the regular season, track and field took home Pac-12 Championships in both the men and women’s categories. After clinching its second trip the the Women’s College World Series in three season, top-ranked Oregon softball team can …

Oregon Conference Update: Multiple National Titles Within Reach

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s the time of year in spring sports where competition in the next few weeks will be as hot as the summer sun.  The playoffs are particularly exciting this season, as Oregon has a legitimate chance to win national championships in both softball and track field, while baseball looks to overcome devastating injuries to its pitching staff and surprise the …