Just a little over ten years ago at this time, the final NCAA BCS rankings were released. At 11-0, The Miami Hurricanes were the only undefeated team and earned the undisputed #1 ranking in each poll. The Oregon Ducks were one of only four one-loss teams at 10-1, and had done everything right other than their difficult, heartbreaking loss at …
Revisiting the Wisconsin series: 2000-2001
The upcoming Rose Bowl pitting Big-10 champion Wisconsin vs. Pac-12 champion Oregon is not the first time the two teams have met. A decade ago the Badgers and Ducks played in a home-and-home grudge match that was as bitterly fought of a series as had occurred in recent memory. With the Rose Bowl looming and the recent series tied 1-1, …
LaMichael James: Greatest Duck Ever?
He has yet to even finish his career at Oregon. There is still a Rose Bowl game remaining and, though unlikely given his NFL prospects, the potential of a senior season. Yet as LaMichael James wraps up his third year of play for the Ducks—which happens to also be the greatest three-year stretch in team history—it may be time to …
Oregon’s 2001 Postseason: Part 1
On December 1, 2001; the celebration was on in the pouring rain at Autzen Stadium. Hundreds of fans swarmed the field despite the harsh weather conditions, knowing their beloved Ducks had won the undisputed Pac-10 Championship and were bowl bound. Many had brought Tostitos Chips to celebrate the berth of the Fiesta Bowl, but all true fans had hoped for …
The Oklahoma series: Part 1 – Bad Play (2004) & Bad Luck (2005)
It wasn’t the first time Oregon and Oklahoma had played. Four times previously the Ducks and Sooners had faced off, every time they had trounced Oregon. It wasn’t pretty how lopsided the series had been. 1958 – Oklahoma 6 Oregon 0 1966 – Oklahoma 17 Oregon 0 1972 – Oklahoma 68 Oregon 3 1975 – Oklahoma 62 Oregon 7 (Oklahoma …
The Oklahoma series: Part 2 – Bad Calls (2006)
Both Oklahoma and Oregon were undefeated heading into the final chapter of their trilogy of games, with Oklahoma dreaming of a national championship shot, but it hadn’t been without a close call. Opening the season playing at UAB, Oklahoma had been the beneficiary of a horrendous referee call on a muffed punt, where the Oklahoma return man was incorrectly ruled down on an obvious fumble that would have set up UAB for the potentially game-tying score late in the 4th quarter. Instead Oklahoma retained possession and ran out the clock, winning 24-17. In the aftermath of the events that would transpire between Oklahoma and Oregon, this gift from the referees was conveniently forgotten by all Oklahoma fans and made their whining highly hypocritical.
2010 vs 2011: (some) Oregon Stats Through 13 Games
On Friday night in Autzen Stadium, The Oregon Ducks claimed a third straight conference championship and a spot in the Rose Bowl Game for the 2nd time in 3 years. The last two seasons led by Darron Thomas, LaMichael James, and Kenjon Barner have been among the most successful and productive in school history. This season, with the addition of the Pac-12 Championship …
Decade Anniversary: Ducks win memorable 2001 Civil War
An entire decade ago to date, the 105th edition of the Civil War was set. Both teams had waited weeks for this game after a long absence, as ABC had given each school one million dollars to postpone the battle for a national television audience prior to the start of the season. Expectations for both schools were very high in …
Making Oregon’s Special Teams–SPECIAL
For a football team to be successful, it requires being proficient in offense, defense, and…oh, what’s that other thing? Oh yeah, special teams. It’s easy to forget about special teams and its importance in the game, as often anonymous players go through the motions of a kick while fans casually await the next offensive series to commence. But make no …
Oregon’s 1996 comeback, Part II: 100th Civil War
Approximately 15 years ago to date, Oregon headed to Corvallis’ Parker Stadium for the 100th Civil War game. Sitting at 5-5 overall, Oregon wanted their third consecutive winning season and a shot at a bowl game. Oregon State was 2-8 overall, but always wanted to end their season on a high note by beating their instate rival. The previous two …
Oregon recruiting: Dwayne Stanford II is the receiver the Oregon offense needs
He’s announcing tomorrow morning and they may not get him, because a dozen elite schools have him at the top of their board. But Dwayne Stanford II is the type of target Oregon’s quarterback needed on the final drive on Saturday night. Stanford is 6-4, 185, out of Taft High School in Cincinnati, a rangy, physical receiver with good hands, …
Great Seasons In Duck History: 2007 Jonathan Stewart
Jonathan Stewart came into the 2007 season with high expectations, and he would deliver with a record setting season at Oregon. Earlier in his career at Oregon, the running back showed unbelievable flashes of previously unparalleled potential, but was often hindered by injuries. In 2006 was when Stewart really got things going. He started 12 games, was named 2nd team all …