Former Player Tribute: Dave Cusano — The Man in the Middle

Norm Hightower Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

The University of Oregon football team ended their bowl-game drought of 20 years by making it to the 1989 Independence Bowl. There were several players who helped to make the ’89 team successful: Bill Musgrave, Derek Loville, Terry Obee, Tony Hargain, Rory Dairy, Latin Berry and Chris Oldham. However, I believe there was a player on the defense who played a …

Former Player Tribute: Tony Hargain- Successful Wide Receiver to Business Owner

Norm Hightower Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

The University of Oregon football team didn’t have the nationally ranked program or the impressive offense back in the 1980’s that it does now. In fact, the Ducks hadn’t even played in a bowl game for over twenty years until the 1989 Independence Bowl. However, there was a wide receiver who added plenty of flash to the program from 1987-1989 …

Former Oregon QB Bill Musgrave Hired as Raiders Offensive Coordinator

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Since former Oregon head coach Chip Kelly left Eugene for the NFL, Oregon fans have seen some of their brightest star players join Kelly in Philadelphia. But, one former Duck, Bill Musgrave, is leaving Kelly’s coaching staff after accepting the offensive coordinator position with the Oakland Raiders. Bill Musgrave has joined the Oakland Raiders coaching staff as offensive coordinator. — OAKLAND RAIDERS (@RAIDERS) January …

Consistency Amidst the Chaos

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Much of the narrative for Oregon fans this season has centered on the uncertainty many have felt about the possible outcomes from week-to-week. In recent years, the Ducks had always been a near-certainty to defeat any team it was clearly better than; only in the last year or so has that certainty begun to shift. Prior to that return to …

Brooks, Musgrave, and the Exuberance of 1989: What Would Duck Fans say Now?

Sean Goodbody History

John Giustina I received the Mighty Oregon DVD as a Christmas gift from my fiance, who knew as well as I, that I would need some Ducks football material to get through the dog days of summer (and neverending baseball broadcasts).  I am just about halfway through the 4-DVD, 7-hour set, and just watched the summary of the 1989 season.  …

Recruiting Update: Top QB’s Oregon Connection

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline Football Recruiting News Oregon’s 59-10 thrashing of the Virginia Cavaliers of the ACC, solidified a No. 2 ranking amongst all three major polls and places the Ducks in the driver’s seat to play for it all, come January.  Not to be overlooked in our triumph, Saturday, was the presence of several preps who took in the flash that is …

The Bowl Game that Changed Oregon Football

Joey Holland History

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 …

Remembering Past Heroes: The Best Bowl Performances in Oregon Football History

Joey Holland History

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 …

Bowl Games Were Different When Dinosaurs Walked the Earth

Kim Hastings FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

November 19, 1989: We had just beaten the Beavers in the Civil War.  Most seasons that would have been a good end to a season.  This year we had a chance for more.  I went to a local liquor store that I knew sold papers from around the country.  (Remember, this was before there was a computer in everyone’s home.)  I wanted to …