I wonder about the best Oregon football team ever, as we have three great teams as candidates. Everyone would assume that the 2014 team with so many stars highlighted by Heisman winner, Marcus Mariota, would be the natural selection, but I keep looking at that 2001 team as one that was loaded with Oregon stars and future NFL players. That …
Those of you who frequent this site are well-versed in the happenings of the Ducks’ offseason, from Justin Herbert staying, to Jim Leavitt leaving, to Kayvon Thibodeaux and Andy Avalos arriving. It’s clear Oregon has improved this offseason. But the Ducks aren’t the only ones who’ve had a successful spring and summer. Here’s what our fellow Pac-12 North members have …
Washington State head coach Mike Leach has graced the Pac-12 with his presence and entertaining press conferences since 2012. Before arriving in Pullman, Leach coached the Texas Tech Red Raiders in a then-competitive Big 12 Conference where he was quite successful. Overall, at Tech, Leach went 84-43 from 2000 until 2009, when he was relieved of his duties. Over the …
“Some of God’s greatest gifts are unanswered prayers …” Garth Brooks recently played at a packed Autzen Stadium, and while I’m no country music fan (rock n’ roll is my game), I respect what the man has accomplished in the world of entertainment and can recognize most of his hit songs. The song “Unanswered Prayers” — a song about the …
Once in a Blue Moon, an event or person comes along and touches your life, making you realize how fortunate you are to be given an opportunity to experience something only that particular event or individual can offer. It can immediately transform lives or transport you back to a time and place where life seemed simpler and more meaningful. You …
“Son, this is your fifth season at State and you haven’t come close to living up to your five-star rating. I don’t get it, son. Are you simply lacking in IQ, or are you just absolutely apathetic? What in the hay do you have to say for yourself, son?” “Coach, I don’t know and I don’t care.” With the way …
In the offseason, it is fun to look at how coaches advise other coaches, and the article below by legendary Coach Tony DeMeo got me to thinking about how Coach Mario Cristobal is assembling his team. How much of Aristotle’s advice are we seeing with this current team? More coaching advice can be found at Coach DeMeo’s site right here …
We have heard a lot about Mario Cristobal’s attempt to turn Oregon into “Alabama West.” While this is certainly an appealing vision for Oregon fans, I want to propose a more realistic, equally effective model for success: the Clemson Tigers. Quick background: In 2008, Dabo Swinney took over midway through the season as interim head coach after Tommy Bowden’s resignation. Prior …
Today, we are going to compare two Oregon teams of the past with different offensive schemes against the same opponent and style of defense: the Michigan State Spartans (MSU). The 2015 Oregon Ducks (9-4) played MSU in the second game of the season, and the 2018 Oregon Ducks (9-4) faced MSU in the RedBox Bowl, our most recent game. After …
In his years at Oregon, Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert has cemented his place in the top tier of college players. Following the 2018 season, Herbert’s junior year, many speculated that he would declare for the NFL draft. This was not to be the case. Now, with Herbert returning to Eugene for his senior season, a great opportunity presents itself for the …
Sports fans are enamored with the star players of their favorite teams, often deifying them with stories passed from generation to generation. As a child, I knew Bill Walton was one of the greatest basketball players of all time without ever seeing him shoot a basketball, simply because his number hung from the rafters of the Rose Quarter. Currently, the …
Mark Helfrich and Chip Kelly led their respective teams to appearances in the Natty. “Fast, Hard, Finish” was their motto. They scored quickly and they scored often. The Oregon Duck offense was a sight to behold, but they couldn’t bring home a national championship. Enter Mario Cristobal, who promised to add a physical brand to the Ducks’ version of shock and awe. …