In an increasingly specialized football culture, almost all players are limited to one specific position or role. Since the return to the two-platoon system in the 1960s, college athletes have focused their efforts and development on one single facet of the game. As a result, we have nickel backs, pass-rushers, slot receivers, and numerous other specific positions that have led …
1916 was a milestone year for the University of Oregon. The Webfoots were talented. They were innovative and clever. They were also huge — an absolutely massive team whose line averaged an astounding 185 pounds! (C’mon folks…this is 1916!) Led by quarterback Shy Huntington and coach Hugo Bezdek, the 1916 Oregon team remains the only undefeated football team in the University …
Immediately following the conclusion of the Pacific Coast Conference games on November 21, 1948, the Conference’s faculty representatives convened by telegraph to cast their votes for the P.C.C.’s representative in the 1949 Rose Bowl game. While the vote was 6 to 4 to send California to the Rose Bowl, the Conference never released the actual vote. It is certain the …
When Oregon and Louisville tip it off tonight at 4:15 on CBS, the Ducks are matched up against arguably the hottest team in the country. But you should also know that this “Return of the Firs” team has been bending their knees and breaking all kinds of records this year. Also, Oregon has some distinct historical and statistical advantages in this game. …
We all know the Ducks are capable of posting ridiculous offensive numbers. However, one thing the team has yet to accomplish in the modern era is entering the realm of triple digits. Recently, Oregon has gained national attention for its explosive, high-scoring offense. Over the last three years, the team has averaged nearly 50 points per game on the way …
Coming off its decisive victory over Washington State, Oregon was ranked 14th in the country with five wins and one loss. The remainder of the regular season schedule included a final home game against the St. Mary’s Gaels, and three consecutive road games against the Washington Huskies, UCLA Bruins, and Oregon State Beavers. Oregon had played an annual Thanksgiving Day …
Prior to when the current 89 game sellout streak began at Autzen during the 1999 season, tickets to most Duck football games came easily for those that wanted them. Didn’t have season tickets? No problem; you could often walk up to the ticket booth and purchase seats up until kickoff. That is, if you made it past the “informal secondary ticket market” – …
It’s been awhile since Oregon has truly failed in football. Certainly, games have been lost and teams have failed to meet expectations over the years, but the simple fact is that since the early 80’s there have been few seasons when the Ducks have fallen flat. From 1984 until 2012 Oregon has had twenty-four seasons at or above .500, and …
Coming off a lackluster performance against against a mediocre Stanford team, Oregon would be on the road for the second consecutive week. This time the trip would be to Ann Arbor to face the Michigan Wolverines, who were coming off an unbeaten season, which included a 49-0 thrashing of Southern California in the 1948 Rose Bowl game. Michigan had tied …
Our new Friday series is the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting stories or facts about our beloved Ducks that few casual fans know about! Former Oregon running back Allan Amundson (#34, 1999-2002) started his career on the field quickly for the Ducks as a true freshman. He showed a rare burst of speed with a reported elite-level 4.2 second 40 yd. dash …
Most Duck fans are familiar with the play that changed Oregon football. Kenny Wheaton’s early break on Washington quarterback Damon Huard’s pass deep in Duck territory and subsequent 97-yard touchdown return propelled the Ducks into the 1995 Rose Bowl and forever improved the program’s trajectory. The play was spectacular in every way; the break on the ball, the exciting return, and the …
If you’ve ever wondered what kickers really do in practice, you’re not alone. In the off-season, kickers find themselves with plenty of time on their hands, maybe too much time, and when that happens the mind begins to wander. A lot goes into special teams play; it requires endless repetition to master the precise timing and technique necessary to be proficient. With …