Oregon Baseball World Series Bound?

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon baseball team has come a long way since the reinstatement of the program in 2009. That year, the Ducks finished dead last in the Pac-10 with a record of 14-42. Since then, the Ducks have improved drastically, earning a trip to the NCAA Regionals four out of the last five years and hosting the event in 2012 and 2013. But …

Looking Ahead to the 2015 Non-Conference Schedule

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

No one is ever happy when it comes to non-conference scheduling. Fans want to play top-ranked teams year in and year out, and sadly, that’s just not possible. Oregon scored big time when it secured the home and home with Michigan State, adding a key match-up of Top 10 teams early in 2014. Early out of conference games are a win-win …

Remembering the Offensive Line: A Look towards 2015

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

If there was a weakness for the Ducks last year, it was without a doubt, the offensive line. As difficult as it is to say, the line play is the reason we lost the Arizona game, and almost lost against Washington State. But when we got healthy, we were once again the usual explosive offense us Duck fans were used …

Eastern Washington Coach Takes Shot at Ducks

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Vernon Adams, the Eastern Washington quarterback, will officially be a Duck this June following his graduation from EWU. But his coach, Beau Baldwin, isn’t too thrilled about the quarterback’s decision to leave for another school, and he expressed his displeasure to ESPN700 in Washington. Adams won’t be able to workout at the facilities or throw with his teammates while he …

Mark Helfrich Five-Year Extension a Steal for Ducks

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Yesterday, Oregon announced an extension of Head Coach Mark Helfrich‘s contract. The deal (five-years, $17.5 million) will make him the Ducks’ coach through the 2020 season. Helfrich has gone 24-4 since taking over the job after Chip Kelly left for the NFL, and he has been rewarded for his success. Helfrich is an Oregon native and grew up an Oregon fan, …

Who Needs Braxton Miller Anyways?

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Not too long ago, there was a lot of buzz regarding Braxton Miller transferring to Oregon – considering the quarterback situation at Ohio State. So much so that ESPN’s PTI and Around The Horn talked about the possibility of the move on their shows. That rumor has lost its luster as of late, and honestly, I’m not even mad about …

Two Junior College Linebackers Add Depth for Ducks

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Signing day is in the rear view mirror and high school seniors across the country have largely made their decisions on where they will play college football. But what often goes unnoticed is the junior college players who also sign their letters of intent. These players already have college experience and can have an instant impact on their teams and …

Ducks’ Recruiting Class Stockpiling Weapons

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

National Signing Day is tomorrow. Recruits nationwide will decide which college they will attend, and teams’ recruiting classes will begin to solidify. The Ducks already received signed letters of intent from five players, including five-star defensive lineman Canton Kaumatule, so this class is shaping up to be one of the best in Oregon history. Currently, the Ducks have the No. 14th-ranked …

Hawaii and The Oregon Ducks

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Recruiting is the life-blood of college football. Coaches work almost year round to convince players to buy into their program and get the kids to believe that their school is the best fit for them. Many elite programs have the luxury of recruiting top-notch in-state athletes, but Oregon has no such luxury. To begin, Oregon is an elite program. The …

Another Mariota Headed to Eugene

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Late last night, Marcus Mariota’s younger brother, Matthew Mariota, announced his intention to sign with the Ducks on National Signing Day on February 4. Matthew earned All-State honors this past season playing defensive end for St. Louis High School, the same school Marcus attended. The younger Mariota checks in at 6’3, 230 lbs, which is small for a defensive end at …