Life on earth is filled with both joy and sorrow, as we all understand that concept as part of the human condition. Oft-times the new pains and injuries to body, mind and spirit is out of our control. Mortality brings injury, illness, disease, broken relationships and “man’s inhumanity to man” directly upon us. No one is immune! Self-inflicted trauma however …
“To be, or not to be: that is the question […]” — William Shakespeare, Hamlet, Act 3, Scene 1 It’s also the question college football fans are asking about the 2020 season. There may be sea changes coming to athletics as we know them. Is college football big enough to withstand this crisis, or will it never be the same? …
Philip Knight has been an absolute godsend to the University of Oregon. Through his efforts and those of other mega donors, we have become relevant on the nation’s athletic stage. We are now an established an recognized program. Final Four appearances in both Men’s and Women’s Basketball, a Golf National Championship, Men’s and Women’s National titles in track and field …
Dear Fellow Pac-12 Members, Here on the campus and across the state and nation, many a Duck fan is becoming aware of a budding intra-conference displeasure with Oregon. This presents itself in subtle and not-so-subtle ways. Call it an identity crisis of sorts, even bordering on ENVY (one of the Seven Deadly Sins). Are we not all supposedly united together …
WOW… This past season brought us a 12-2 record, a Pac-12 Championship and a Rose Bowl ring. Two years into his tenure, coach Mario Cristobal has a 21-7 record and two outstanding recruiting classes. One could say he’s developing Oregon into “U$C North.” But with football still eight months away and expectations sky high for next season, let’s ask the …
When caught up in the moment, it’s easy to exaggerate and embellish the facts. That’s not the case with the Autzen Stadium experience. There’s truly nothing like watching a football game in one of the most raucous, breathtaking and spectacular stadiums in the country. Whether you’re an Autzen regular or a first timer, I can promise that the experience will …
Unless they’ve been living under a rock, almost every football fan in the Pacific Northwest has been to Autzen Stadium. It is quite the deal for the newbie and the seasoned veteran alike. The atmosphere can be electric and the venue just plain fun and exciting. Here are some observations and suggestions from one who started attending there since the …
So often, we fans analyze the teams we follow, breaking down their strengths and weaknesses as if we’re on the coaching staff ourselves. Rarely, though, do we take a look inward and evaluate our own role as fans of our respective teams. Fans are more than just loud-mouth, obnoxious onlookers; they’re critical elements to a team’s morale, and they play …
In football, the quarterback is far and away the most important position on the team. His performance is pivotal to success. Oregon has a quarterback who should hear his name called early on the first day of the 2020 NFL Draft. So, what’s the problem? As much potential as Justin Herbert has, he hasn’t necessarily lived up to the mounting …
During this summer hiatus and before fall camp bursts into view, let’s explore our first vital intersectional football game. The Ducks’ early matchup against the Auburn Tigers offers a huge opportunity to launch Oregon into the limelight of prominence — with a win. Lose, and here we go again … hype happens! While one game a season does not make, …
Ever feel really let down by a loss, especially an upset? It kinda ruins your weekend. A grey-blue pall overhangs one’s thoughts, feelings and attitudes for days on end. An entire lost season can crush our individual or collective spirits for even longer. How do you cope? Do you hit the sauce, snort something, rage at your spouse and kids, …
The topic of concussions in football has steadily gained traction over the past couple decades, with more research focused on protecting players than ever before. During this interregnum between last season and the upcoming spring game, let’s explore head injuries. They have a huge impact on the game we enjoy. Concussions affect the following key groups: the individual, the team, …