It’s that time of year again for the Oregon Ducks. A successful season has led to a possible head coaching opportunity for one of Coach Mario Cristobal’s coordinators. It is being reported that Coach Joe Moorhead is the top target for the vacant spot with Akron Zips. Though he has yet to accept the position, and I sincerely hope that …
Five Candidates to Replace OC Marcus Arroyo
First off, congratulations to Coach Marcus Arroyo on becoming the new head coach of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels. Coach Arroyo has been an important contributor to Oregon’s resurgence, and his place among FBS head coaches has truly been earned. Whoever becomes the Oregon Ducks’ new offensive coordinator will undoubtedly benefit from the solid foundation that Coach Arroyo …
Coach Jim Mastro: The Perception, and the Truth
There is a bit of a perception out there that Coach Jim Mastro might not be holding up his end of the bargain as the Oregon Ducks’ running backs coach. It’s something that I’ve heard from a handful of people, but to be honest, it’s not a story that I’m buying. I’m not buying it because I went back and …
Has Oregon Turned the Corner on Offense?
If you were to ask the question last week, most Oregon Ducks fans would have given a resounding “No”. I viewed the game against the Cal Golden Bears a little differently, however. I saw an offense rack up 409 yards of offense against a very good Justin Wilcox defense. But when offenses are plagued by turnovers and penalties, you end …
Ducks, Taggart Punish Beavers; Earn Bowling Trip
First-year coach Willie Taggart got with the spirit of the 121st Civil War and personally led the Ducks to a 69-10 massacre over the hapless Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Taggart had no pity on OSU, even calling a time out right before halftime to ice a kicker who was attempting a 47-yard field goal with the Beavers down, …
Textbook Defense, Herbert’s Return Energize Duck Victory; Civil War Next
In one of the most complete games played by an Oregon defense in years, Jim Leavitt’s defensive unit put the kybosh on the most explosive player and team in the Pac-12, and Duck quarterback Justin Herbert returned to action prompting a surge of adrenaline that awoke a somnolent offense for a 48-28 Dad’s Day win over Arizona. The win gave …
Ducks (Coaches and Players) Need to Focus Against Arizona
Last week, the Ducks came to Seattle to play tough, hard-nosed football and scored on their first possession for a 3-0 lead. After stopping the Huskies on their next possession, they marched down the field only to fumble on UW’s 16-yard line. This mistake was the first of many to follow that would undo the Ducks, mistakes they could not …
Husky Nightmare Over; Time to Heal for Arizona
After a five-week glimpse of medieval offensive football, many Oregon fans are looking forward to quarterback Justin Herbert’s return at the helm of the Ducks offensive. The latest indignity was a 38-3 thrashing at the hands of Washington that conjured up visions of last year’s 70-21 humiliation. In both years, Huskies coach Chris Petersen mercifully called off the players in the …
After Duck’s Utah Win, Huskies to Test if Oregon’s Swag is Real
After disposing of Utah 41-20, the Ducks travel to Seattle and take on highly-ranked Washington, boasting a defense that is coming of age. Defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt and a staff of energetic, talented coaches have transformed a corpse into a fighting defense worthy of respect in the Pac-12. Despite inexperience, and in some instances limited athleticism, coaches have molded the …
Ducks Must “Do Something DIFFERENT” versus Utah
Coach Willie Taggart has shown remarkable restraint on the sidelines the past three games, all defeats for his Ducks, who have gone down under a flurry of penalty flags, missed assignments and classic gaffes that border on insubordination and attention deficit disorder. Against UCLA, Oregon fell behind quickly 14-0, but worked their way back into the game to tie at …
Stanford Defeat Seems Like Last Year — Explosive Bruins Wait Their Turn
Since the loss of quarterback Justin Herbert, long-suffering Duck fans have watched Oregon’s offense curl up and wither. Still “PTSD’d” from the Alamo Bowl two years ago, it has blurred the brighter, optimistic future that was on the horizon. After Braxton Burmeister threw two interceptions, Coach Willie Taggart threw away his pass play sheet and decided he would attempt a comeback …
Coach’s Opinion: “It’s Time to Calm Down”
My Friends, this article refutes much of what I’ve written over the last month and is an example of how we do not censor writers to be an Oregon “Pravda” like the official Oregon site and others that follow the Ducks. The readership here is professional, high-brow, and cannot be snowed. Thus, I present all sides of the discussion and let you, …