The Holy of Holies: Duck Practices — Let Us In!

Steven Smith Editorials

Ancient Israel traveled in the wilderness for 40 years, led by Moses. A select few, the Levite priests officiated in the Tabernacle of the Temple. Fewer still were allowed entrance into the most sacred of areas, called the Holy of Holies, where the Arc of the Covenant and singular worship with God was held. Our leader is Mario Cristobal, his …

Oregon Ducks: Entitlement Is a Four-Letter Word, Stifling Success!

Steven Smith Editorials

We live in an “Entitlement Era.” There are clear reasons why Oregon’s football team is mediocre and its basketball team is under-performing. A MAJOR reason why they are not the best that they could be is a profligate persistent problem of throwing $$$ at athletics to achieve championships. Thanks, Uncle Phil, and other big donors, for the lavish contributions. How is that working …

Calling All Quarterbacks! What Makes a GREAT ONE?

Steven Smith Editorials

It’s a wonderful time to be an Oregon Ducks fan. Justin Herbert and nine other starters are set to return on offense, so 2019 could be a special season. But what will it take for the Ducks’ talented trigger-man to take the Ducks to the next level? Let’s explore the qualities and attributes that make a great quarterback, and see if Oregon’s …

Inside the Mind of Mario Cristobal

Steven Smith Editorials

We’re already half-way through Oregon’s football season. This would be good time to take a closer look at our head football coach. What motivates Mario Cristobal and how are his leadership skills translating on and off the gridiron? Wins and loses are readily quantifiable — an easy metric to gauge. Oregon’s record to date is 5-2, a pleasant surprise for …

Establishing a Successful Football Culture at Oregon

Steven Smith Editorials

CULTURE: Shared patterns of behavior, interaction and achievement… developing specific characteristics and knowledge toward a stated goal. Blueprints are available for building and maintaining successful football programs. Alabama is the current gold standard, and has been for nearly decade. Just how did the Tide pull off a culture makeover down south? It has been said that imitation is the sincerest …

Turnovers: the Existential Threat to Football Success!

Steven Smith Editorials

A key component to winning or losing on the football field is turnovers! TOs can play a huge part in any football game, for good or ill. Types of Turnovers Fumbles: dropping or losing hold of the ball when in play. Interceptions: A defensive player catching a pass intended for an offensive player. Muffs in the kicking game: on kickoffs or …

Why Oregon needs a Signature Win!

Steven Smith Editorials

Oregon’s football season is now just days away! The long wait is nearly over.  Expectations are high for Our Heroes. Every team is undefeated now, with visions of grandeur and — of course — championships. The harsh reality for those 129 programs is that only one will obtain the brass ring. Getting to the Penthouse requires building and taking the …

Assessing Risk: Oregon Football

Steven Smith Editorials

Life is full of uncertainty. Our lives take unexpected twists and turns, hence the need to assess Risk with personal and collective choices. So it also is with Oregon’s football program. Risk definitions: A situation involving exposure to danger. The possibility of suffering loss or harm. Any event that could compromise organizational assets. The probability of threat, loss, defeat and …

Could Oregon Football Become LINEBACKER U?

Steven Smith Editorials

The hiatus between spring practice and fall football camp allows us time to ponder possibilities regarding our defense, specifically the LBs, who are vital to stopping our opponents. Creating turnovers and getting off the field are crucial for a double-digit win season in 2018. We get that! Do we have the talent, coaching, athletes or recruits coming in to fulfill …

Top Ten Unforgettable Duck Football Memories

Steven Smith Blast from the Past!, Editorials

The hiatus between the conclusion of spring practice, last seasons pratfall and next August is here. We have time, then, to reminisce, ruminate and regurgitate past gridiron games, both great, sad and unforgettable. Upon reflection, here are TEN of mine, indelibly engraved in my gray matter. They could be called The Good, the Bad and the Ugly circa the Clint Eastwood spaghetti …

Oregon Ducks Football: Are You Buying, Holding or Selling?

Steven Smith Editorials

The football season is over, as is the stock market for 2017, and our investment accounts are bigger in the last year due to wise, informed trading methods! FishDuck.com writer Jon Joseph  recently wrote about the Pac-12 in stock terms … so how about an examination of Duck Football as a commodity?  Is Oregon Football worth trading, selling, or investing in? …