The 2013 NBA Draft had many story lines. It was commissioner David Stern’s last NBA draft as he is set to retire this upcoming February. The consensus projected number one pick, Nerlens Noel, fell all the way to the New Orleans Pelicans at number six only to be traded to the 76ers along with a first round pick in next years draft …
No Bowl-Ban Was A Win, Win, Win, Win
It’s become increasingly evident over the last week that Oregon got away with one as it pertains to the NCAA investigation. For all of the speculation, all of the rumors and all the worry, it came back as nothing more than a wave of the finger and a “Don’t do that again.” A bowl-ban was at the front of most …
Reggie Daniels – Layin’ the Wood and About to be Heard
If you haven’t heard about Reggie Daniels, you’re about to, whether you read on or not. The 6’1″ 200 pound redshirt freshman safety is said to be the real deal by program insiders. Ranked 4-stars by 247 Sports, Scout and ESPN coming out of Hamilton High School in Chandler, Arizona, Daniels was the prized catch of defensive backs coach John …
Notes from around the college football nation: Oregon in the clear and Michigan making money
As summer builds, so does the police blotter of athletes being arrested. Oh the joys of the off season. Oregon fans had some great news this past week from the NCAA Committee on Infractions. This could be one of the best teams Oregon has ever put together and now they’ll get a shot at the post season thanks to a …
Oregon’s Dominance Prevented Marcus Mariota From Being a 2012 Heisman Finalist
Marcus Mariota’s omission from the Heisman finalist group last season wasn’t the biggest travesty in world history, but he definitely should have been there. In fact, he played just as well as Heisman winner Johnny Manziel. Unfortunately, two things – both out of his control – prevented Mariota from getting the Heisman finalist spot he deserved: the team he played …
I Could Have Danced All Night
Good morning, Duck fans. The NCAA investigation is over and we were severely punished for our misdeeds. Now it’s time to take the high road, as befits the prestigious institution of higher education that we support. Rigghhhtttt… The reaction of Duck fans to the news was predictably understated. But surprisingly football fans around …
Chip Kelly, Philly’s Man of the Hour
Chip Kelly is all over the Philadelphia news this week. First, running back LeSean McCoy came down squarely on the coach’s side in the endless controversy over the competition for starting quarterback. He told reporter Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer that he, for one, is not going to pressure Kelly to pick a quarterback, while demonstrating some of that …
2013 Breakout Players
With the season still a little over two months away, all of the talk that’s going on is the release of the Oregon sanctions and those entailed. Of which I am very satisfied with the outcome. But I thought I would take this time to distract myself by making some predictions on who I think will be some of the …
Post NCAA Decision, What Lies Ahead For Recruiting?
Today, June 27th, 2013, marks the first day in a new era of Oregon Duck football. The Chip Kelly saga, bowl-ban hype, and 2-year NCAA investigation are now officially over with. This teams past is no longer making headlines, coach Kelly is on the other side of the country, and mystery man Willie Lyles is MIA. While it seems as …
Mac Court to Matt Arena
When considering Oregon men’s basketball, two things that come to mind are McArthur Court and Matthew Knight Arena. Both buildings were architectural achievements in the eras they were built and McArthur Court was known as one of the loudest courts in the country for decades. Comparing the two buildings reveals many differences, yet one common bond is the fans. Duck …
Chip shows true leadership in final act
It’s over and in the end, it looks like the Ducks did the right thing. The NCAA finally ended the 27-month Willie Lyles recruiting scandal by announcing sanctions on the Duck football program that included a loss of one scholarship for the 2013 and 2014 school year and a three-year probation. Oregon will be bowl eligible. A slap on the …
Life After Graduation
Early Monday morning, thousands of nervously excited University of Oregon seniors dawned their dark green gowns, caps, variously colored sashes, tassels, and chords. While some made their way directly to Johnson Hall at the center of campus, others (myself included) met at the local drinking hole, Taylor’s Bar & Grill, for pictures, funny banter, conversation, and yes, some morning mimosa’s …