551 yards, that’s the NFL passing record for a single game. Every year, the league evolves to incorporate more passing into offenses, yet that mark, set in 1951, has remained untouched for over six decades. It was a record set by Norm Van Brocklin, one of six Ducks in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and the star of the …
This continues a new Friday series: the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting aspects about our beloved Ducks that few fans know about. In the 1980 season, Oregon notched victories against each of the other three Northwest schools: Oregon State, Washington, and Washington State. The Northwest sweep stood out in particular that season, marking the first time the Ducks …
We all remember what happened back in September of 2009. In perhaps the worst start to a season (and a new era under head coach Chip Kelly) imaginable, the Ducks’ nationally renowned offense was held to 152 total yards in a 19-8 loss to Boise State. Things only got worse after the game, when stud running back LeGarrette Blount answered …
Chris Miller was gone, off to the Atlanta Falcons as a first round draft-pick. The team was young, and would be led that year by a redshirt freshman named Bill Musgrave. The experts didn’t see much out of this team, and picked them to win only two or three games. Hogwash, according to Rich Brooks. He expected his young guys …
A new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting stories or facts about our beloved Ducks that few casual fans know about. Former University of Oregon Athletic Director Bill Byrne’s tenure should evoke fond memories for most Duck fans. Many would note his direct involvement in bringing the athletic department out of the conference cellar by laying …
The most important factor is Oregon’s football rise is the adopting of an insurgent’s faith. Historically, insurgents realize what is at stake when they work harder than their opponents, often their very survival. But getting the underdog to fully realize his circumstance is the key, and it took the Ducks years to figure this out. Their other advantage is that …
Many political theorists will you tell that revolutions occur during periods of rising social expectations. Political coup d’états rarely happen in dire living circumstances. When you expect little you demand even less. However, if you feel that you are owed more than what you are currently getting or social conditions, though vastly improved, have slowed to an unacceptable pace then …
This new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting aspects about our beloved Ducks that few fans know about. 1980 was a bizarre year. 1979 had seen the Ducks rebound from some less-than-stellar years, and they were expected to contend for the Pac-10 title. Instead, scandal rocked the conference before the season began. Oregon was found …
In this edition of Oregon Unknowns we look at some lighter, lesser-known moments in Oregon History; from Bill Hayward plying ‘Oregon Water’ on unsuspecting Californians, to Len Casanova being hung in effigy and crowned King of the Campus — all in the same day. We will look at Oregon’s original no-huddle, fast-paced offense from an era that might surprise you, …
Many people around Oregon are excited about 3rd year coach Dana Altman. Hopeful that he will be able to take the Ducks to the next level. This got me thinking about the contrast between Dana Altman and Ernie Kent, so I am going to compare the two coaches based on their first three years in the program. BACKGROUND: Ernie Kent: …
Everyone who knows football knows the value of the team. Part of the magic of the game derives from the fact that no play works unless all eleven players are doing their respective jobs the right way at the right time. With that being said, every once in a while there are individual performances so impressive that they deserve to …
I have often thought about what Coach Brooks achieved at Oregon, but the real accomplishment is where he brought us from when he began. But what about later? What was left after he moved up to the NFL, and later to the SEC at Kentucky? Coach Brooks turned Kentucky into a winner in the ruthless SEC and set a school …