An Oregon Unknown: No Duck Coach Better Than Mark Helfrich — EVER

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The name tag at the Oregon Coaches Clinic simply said, “Charles Fischer,” and the staff kind of smirked at me as I picked up the intro packet before the first speaker began.  I was surprised at the brevity of my ID considering that all the other attendees had their name, and the high school they coached at, written on their …

Chip Kelly Update: Radio Silence

Mark Saltveit FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With all the controversy over his team releasing DeSean Jackson, a friend asked me a very good question.  What has Chip said about all this? The answer: next to nothing.  Kelly has almost completely avoided talking to the press since the season ended in January.  He has spoken publicly only three times during a period of constant media scrutiny, free agent …

UO Acro: The 3-Time National Champs You Didn’t Know Existed

Kerry Merrill FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Quick, name the UO sport that features double-downs, back-tuck baskets, twist double fulls, scorpions and kick doubles (hint: it’s not gymnastics, skiing/snowboarding, cheer or dance).  Figured it out yet?  UO is the reigning national champions.  Getting closer?  For those who are new to these incredible acts, this terminology relates to just one sport: Acrobatics and Tumbling, also known as the …

NFL goal helps Oregon tight end Pharaoh Brown push past tragedies

Victor Flores Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

When Pharaoh Brown called his mother on graduation day, he sounded calm. Jeannetta Smith assumed her son was pulling another prank, but this one angered her. “This is not how you play,” Smith said. Brown wasn’t joking. His friend, Fred Zuber, had drowned hours earlier. He sounded calm because he was in shock. Brown, Zuber and three […]

Big Losses, Yes — Big Problems, Not So Much

Joey Holland FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The college football season is one of the most grueling and challenging in all of sports.  Young men are pushed to the limit both physically and mentally as they trek through a 12-game regular season schedule, while also pursuing a degree in the classroom. It is for this reason that college football is so unpredictable.  Big stars can disappear in …

Recruiting Update: “Vile Lyle” Inks LOI

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

  Basketball Recruiting Sometimes no matter how committed an athlete is, the apprehension surrounding the recruitment only subsides when a fresh letter of intent slowly emerges from the fax machine. Oregon head coach Dana Altman netted top guard Jaquan Lyle (5-Star/Huntington, WV/Rivals150) last month but locked up the touted shooter for good when Lyle released a photo of his signed …

Oregon Receivers Are the Key to Ducks’ Explosive Run Game

Levi Steier Analysis

When analyzing Oregon’s offense, it quickly becomes clear they have an uncommon number of explosive plays.  According to ESPN’s PAC-12 Blog, an explosive play is defined as any play that gains 20 or more yards.  In 2013 the Ducks were able to gain 20+ yards on a single play 106 times. 42 of these were rushing plays; 14 of which …

The Chuck Norris of Oregon Sports Fans: Mike Merrell

FishDuck Staff For the Fans

FishDuck.com has a distinct ability to connect with the casual fan.  I say ‘casual’ because for most fans, the roaring spirit of Duck sports can be an escape from the harsh realities of life. Not so for Mike Merrell, however, who is an editor and writer for FishDuck.com. See, Mike doesn’t view Duck sports as just a hobby, he also …

Questions to Consider When Renewing 2014 Season Tickets

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Two things that are done with frequency in or around Autzen Stadium on game days that are forbidden in the Press Box: 1) Audibly cheering for the Ducks 2) Any type of activity usually found at a tailgate Since those are two of the best things about going to Ducks games, I prefer to find myself in the stands instead …

The NCAA is Doomed — and They Know It

Alex Kirby Coach's Opinion

With the recent ruling of the National Labor Relations Board in favor of the athletes at Northwestern, the whole order of college athletics finds itself at a tipping point unlike anything ever seen since the inception of the NCAA more than a century ago. Currently, the vast majority of college athletes do not receive full scholarships but are still required to abide …