What Sets Oregon Apart From FSU?

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Seminoles have been dubbed the underdogs for today’s match-up with Oregon in the 101st Rose Bowl. So what has happened this season to cause the undefeated, defending national champions to come into the inaugural College Football Playoff with anything less than assurance of a second consecutive title? Chantel Jennings of ESPN.com stated 10 reasons why Oregon will be successful …

While Offense Makes Headlines, Defense Wins Championships

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

This year’s Rose Bowl is a momentous occasion for everyone involved. The teams are fighting in the inaugural College Football Playoff, FSU is attempting to keep a 29-game winning streak alive and defend a national title, and the Ducks are fighting for their first national title in school history. Naturally much of the burden and attention is falling onto the …

Receiver Depth Makes Oregon Dangerous

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Royce Freeman and Marcus Mariota have been the talk of the sports world leading up to the first college football semi-playoff game. The Ducks’ offense thrives on being able to run the ball in order to control the pace of the game as well as keep pressure off of Mariota. However it is the receivers that are going to do …

Freshman Phenom Key For the Ducks

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

This year’s Rose Bowl features two of the biggest names in college football today. Between the clout that comes with Florida State’s 29-game winning streak and the way the Ducks can put points on the board, it is a fitting match up for the biggest stage outside the National Championship. While Oregon fans feel confident the Ducks can keep their momentum …

Two Young, Hungry Teams To Battle New Years Day

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

A fire was sparked on the Scout.com message boards this week over Jason Staples’ Know Your Foe piece breaking down the strengths and weaknesses of FSU, Oregon’s last hurdle to clear before the College Football National Championship Game. While Florida State’s strengths are highlighted, the number three seed has plenty to fear with their 29-game-winning streak on the line against the …

Young Ducks With A Chance To Fly

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The loss of All-Amercan cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu on Tuesday was a blow to the morale of a Ducks team that was beginning to get healthy after an injury-riddled season. While losing this top defender and emotional leader of the secondary, as Tyson Alger of The Oregonian called him, the Ducks have the chance to put their young players to a …

Why Turnovers Will Make the Difference Against FSU

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

All-American cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu gave his praise to Florida State quarterback Jameis Winston this week, telling reporters, “There’s a lot of Pac-12 quarterbacks that are really smart, but the difference between [Winston] and them is he’s able to throw it into those small windows.” Ekpre-Olomu’s respect is well placed as he has witnessed the threat Winston poses to opposing defenses. …

Mariota Looking To Make More History

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Marcus Mariota is the leading candidate for the Heisman and deservedly so. Mariota has had an unbelievable year completing 68.3 percent of his passes, throwing for 3,783 yards and 38 touchdowns with only two interceptions along with a total quarterback rating of 91.9 to lead the country. Should Mariota win Saturday night he will have the chance to accomplish a …

It’s Up to the Ducks

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Florida State Seminoles have not lost a game since November 24, 2012 against the Florida Gators. That final loss came before the arrival of two-sport star quarterback Jameis Winston. Despite his off-the-field problems leading to inconsistency on the field and a one-game suspension earlier this year, Winston has produced big numbers (3,559 yards passing, 24 touchdowns) and led the …

Ducks Don’t Care About Revenge, Just Winning

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

While fans and writers around the country are labeling this year’s Pac-12 title game as a revenge game for the Ducks, the team is taking a different approach. Redshirt senior Hamani Stevens who has played in place of Hroniss Grasu at center filled us in on the team’s outlook for Friday. Tyler Robinson of FishDuck.com caught up with Stevens after practice …

Ducks Ready to Fly Over Wildcats

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Another game, another win, another stat sheet explosion for the Ducks. Marcus Mariota is all but assured the Heisman with his sixth game this season of 300 or more yards passing. Royce Freeman and Byron Marshall executed to perfection; both breaking the 100 yard barrier for rushing and receiving, respectively. So, can the Ducks carry that momentum into this weekend’s …