Oregon Unknowns: Byrne and the Blow Torch

Josh White History

A new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting stories or facts about our beloved Ducks that few casual fans know about.  Former University of Oregon Athletic Director Bill Byrne’s tenure should evoke fond memories for most Duck fans.  Many would note his direct involvement in bringing the athletic department out of the conference cellar by laying …

Oregon Unknowns: Phil Knight Didn’t Help the Ducks…

Josh White Honoring Phil Knight

A new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting aspects about our beloved Ducks that few fans know about. Some are amusing facts or stories from the inside, while others are the humorous incidents that we fans rarely hear about. Oregon Football did, in fact, exist prior to repeated generous donations by Phil and Penny Knight.  …

Oregon Unknowns: Puddles Not Allowed in Autzen Stadium?

Josh White The Duck

The Oregon Duck. You know the one: fluffy white feathers, big feet, good dancer.  Always wears that infectious, if not permanent smile, even after hammering out a few hundred push-ups. The mascot for the University of Oregon has seen his popularity surge to unprecedented heights in the last decade. Largely attributable to entertaining gameday antics and a good-natured personality, combined …

An Oregon Unknown: We Were Never Ducks

Josh White History

When the University of Oregon began searching for an athletic nickname in the late 1800s, the name “Webfoots” was the obvious choice. After all, until 1909 the State of Oregon was known as the Webfoot State. It didn’t become the official moniker of the student body until 1926, when then Oregonian Editor L.H. Gregory submitted the winning choice in the …

Thanks For Nothing, Alabama

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When the top-ranked Crimson Tide flopped at home against former UO commit “Johnny Football” and the Texas A&M Aggies, the BCS championship hopes (expectations?) of the entire SEC took a huge hit. After winning six consecutive national championships, the proud conference now has no undefeated teams, and appears to be on the outside looking in. You would be hard pressed …

3 & Out: The “Unfinished Business” Bowl

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

This week’s take: USC Causes for Concern? 1. Unfinished Business, Part I When Matt Barkley announced his return to the now postseason-eligible Trojans for another season, he cited “unfinished business” as the primary reason for his return. Most national prognosticators predicted that return would translate into the highest levels of individual and team success, as evidenced by a preseason #1 …

3 & Out: Modern Day Buffs Overmatched in Autzen

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

“3 & Out” is an informal, marginally educated, and consistently biased weekly look at the state of the Oregon Ducks Football team and season prospects in a short and simple format. This weeks’ take: The Colorado Buffaloes Causes for Concern?: 1. Don’t Look Now If someone was scrounging around deep enough in the “what-if?” dumpster for a “Colorado can pull …

3 and Out: Good and Bad of the 6-0 Ducks

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

“3 and Out” is a completely informal, marginally educated, and completely biased look at the most current highs and lows of the Oregon Ducks and their next opponent in a short and simple format that should be easy enough for even an OS(U) or UW grad to read! This week’s take: Halftime!   Three Down: 1. Injuries “If Jimmy didn’t have a bum ankle, …

OREGON FOOTBALL WEEK 6: #23 huskies hoping for upset in Autzen

Josh White FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Who they are: University of Washington Huskies – Pacific-12 North Conference Head coach: Steve Sarkisian (4th year) School Colors: Purple and Gold Located: Seattle, Washington Mascot: Harry the Husky 2011 record and rankings: 7-6 (5-4, 5th place Pac-12) Alamo Bowl losers to Baylor 67-56. This year/Last week: #23 3-1 (1-0)/ Recorded an upset of then #8 Stanford on Thursday night, …