Time to Take Off the Training Wheels — Let Thomas Tyner Run Wild

Will Denner FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The running back duo of Byron Marshall and Thomas Tyner have made headlines together lately as each player was named to the Maxwell Award and Doak Walker Award preseason watch lists earlier this month. But it’s their much-hyped battle for a starting backfield spot opposite Marcus Mariota that is making for an even more intriguing story line this summer. The …

The Decline and Fall of the Trojan Empire

Kim Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It seems like such a short time ago. The very name “USC” brought about a sense of awe. Many of us liked to say the whole thing without shortening it – ”The University of Southern California.” They were who we wanted to be – a perennial power. The top of the college football world. They played in “The Coliseum.” No need for …

Chip Kelly Update: Tonka Trucks and a Media Blitz

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Wow. After weeks of dull silence, there was an explosion of Chip Kelly news this week. The somewhat reclusive coach went over the head of the local press and swept national football reporters off their feet, while his players improved, fought and generally created genuine excitement. As near as anyone can remember, Chip has given only a single one-on-one print interview …

Division Power Rankings: Pac-12 South

Pat Pannu FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There is no doubt in anyone’s mind that the Pac-12 is one of the best conferences in the country. It has changed vastly since its conception, but one thing has always stayed the same: winning. After the addition of Utah and Colorado three years ago (how time flies), the Pac-12 was split into two divisions: North and South. Though the North division …

Jake Pisarcik: The “High School Football ‘Rocky'”

Laura Brehm FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

You may recognize this six-foot-four, 278-pound redshirt freshman’s surname if you’re an avid Eagles and/or Giants fan. NFL quarterback Joe Pisarcik’s – most infamously known for “The Miracle at the Meadowland” (if you’re on the Eagles’ side) — youngest son is this relatively unknown recruit. Jake Pisarcik wasn’t a guy on a lot of college radars. Sure, he attended camps and sent in …

Oregon’s High-Speed Offense Shows No Sign of Slowing Down

Rob Liggins FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon Ducks’ dynamic high-speed and high-tempo offense has been truly amazing to watch during the last several years. With a brilliant mix of veteran talent and developing young stars looking to make names for themselves in the 2014 season, the Ducks show no sign of slowing down. Fortunately, the 2014 version of the Oregon offense will include several crucial veteran returnees from …

No. 1-Ranked Texas Bullets Build Powerhouse With Oregon’s Blueprint

Adam Sharp Advice for the Coaches

After three consecutive turnovers on the first three drives, the Texas Bullets stood calmly on the sideline knowing that this was it. Down 10-0 to the back-to-back league champion and current national champion North Texas Longhorns, this was not the start to the Bullets’ first shot at a championship we had dreamed about for the past seven years. John McGuire’s …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Setting up Shop in Tornado Alley

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News Head coach Mark Helfrich hasn’t been bashful about looking for talent at the JUCO level. A long recruiting rapport with high-profile defensive end Ulric Jones (3-Star/El Dorado, KS) has paid off and the big man from the south is ever closer to donning Oregon colors. “I talk to the Oregon coaches at least twice a week,” said …

Register-Guard to sue UO after district attorney denies appeal requesting records from sexual assault case

Victor Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Lane County District Attorney rejected two newspapers’ appeal for the University of Oregon to disclose public records from the sexual assault case involving three former Oregon men’s basketball players: Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin. One newspaper, The Register-Guard, will sue the UO in Lane County Circuit Court as a result. “The rejection of our appeal […]

Like It or Not, the Pressure Is on for Mark Helfrich

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

After just one season in which his team posted an .846 winning percentage, Mark Helfrich is under significant pressure from many fans who doubt his ability to lead the Oregon Ducks to a national title. Such is the life of a head coach of a perennial top-ranked program. The intense scrutiny is nothing new for Helfrich, who inherited the impossible …

Post Up: Oregon’s Winning Red Zone Pass Play

Brian Flinn Analysis

With Eagles’ camp opening last Friday, it’s a great time to talk Oregon Spread Offense here in Philadelphia. The success of the Eagles in 2013 excited both the fan base and the local sports media. The extensive coverage of the Eagles, especially their offensive scheme, has brought a new understanding and appreciation in this region for the Oregon offense. I …

Scott’s Turf: Unacceptable Behavior

Scott Reed Editorials

Last fall, during a game at Autzen Stadium, I witnessed a moment I am most embarrassed about; the booing of a college player. Has there ever been a more maligned player in Oregon history than Alejandro Maldonado? Criticism of players is fair game in my opinion; it is what we do. But as George Wrightster told me last week, it’s …