For those expecting an epic border clash, there was disappointment. For those that were hoping to see a resurgence to save the season, there was despair. For those that predicted a win, there was embarrassment. If you watched looking for discipline and effort, I imagine you turned the channel. On top of that, there was plenty of celebrating in Oregon …
The Path to Glory Is Covered in Blue-Blood
There’s been a lot of grousing about preseason rankings and critics. When did Ducks fans develop such a thin skin? Rather than pound the table, I say bring it on. To the national pundits we’re known as the Blur or Track Town, USA. Speed may impress, but it doesn’t always earn long-term respect. We hear it all the time. They …
Cranky Curmudgeon: How much do you know about the SEC?
1. Is new UGA coach Kirby Smart’s nickname: a. ‘Get;’ b. ‘Not Too;’ c. ‘Wicked?’ 2. If no one showed for a Coach Saban press conference would he: a. yell at the Coke bottle; b. yell at the Dasani bottle; c. yell at both bottles? 3. If Nick Saban coaches ALABAMA …
The Top Is a Lonely Place: The End of Dominance in College Football
Dominance is defined as “the condition of being dominant,” and to be dominant is to “occupy or be in a commanding or elevated position.” For a team to be dominant in college football is now somewhat rare, and apparently becoming more so. Regardless of how you define dominance – including which era (No. 1 ranking in a poll or polls, BCS champion, …
The Pac-12, Not the SEC, Will Be the Conference to Beat This Year
Okay, so I write for an Oregon Ducks sports blog, so what? I’m biased, that much is obvious, but there’s actual evidence that supports the title of this piece. Now that college football has finally moved to a playoff to determine a champion, the door has been opened for more teams to prove they can hang with the best, or in …
Have You Ever Cried After a Duck Game?
Duck Family Day is a new feature for every Saturday where Oregon fans share their stories of … being Oregon fans! Email charles@fishduck.com to share your experiences of you and your family and what it means to be a Duck fan. Mike Ostrom is a writer for FishDuck.com and is extremely passionate about our beloved Ducks, the same as you. Contact us and …
College Football Needs More Non-Conference Games Between Power 5 Teams
College football finally got a playoff last year, and based on the record-setting television ratings for both the semifinals and championship game, fans really enjoyed it. The playoffs gave us what we wanted — the best college football teams in a playoff on the biggest stage. That is of course unless you were a Baylor or TCU fan which finished …
Will Oregon Overcome the Departure of Multiple Key Players?
The Oregon Ducks football team has been practicing hard for about three weeks now, and with the Ducks’ spring game right around the corner, it’s the perfect time to foreshadow the upcoming season. I’ve been holding my peace for quite some time now, and I still find myself thinking back to last season and asking “what if?” What if Oregon …
Oregon to Tie The Knott Because of Nike?
Oregon Ducks recruit Nigel Knott, a CB from Mississippi, was named the MVP of the New Orleans Nike Opening Regional. For those of you who don’t know, The Opening is a combine-like event that is hosted by Nike for high school athletes. The Opening consists of regional competitions around the country from which the top 150 recruits are selected to …
Chip Kelly Update: Alabama Bias
Phase 1 of the Eagles’ next step is done: Chip Kelly has assembled his complete coaching and front office staff. Many have complained of “Oregon Bias” (especially in Kelly’s player selections) or “New Hampshire Bias” (with his recent choice of Ryan Day — Kelly’s first great QB — as the Eagles’ quarterbacks coach). Now we have a new accusation — …
How The Mighty Have Fallen: SEC, Pac-12 and Ranked Bowl Games Review
Oh how the mighty have fallen. West Coast football fans have been saying it for years, but finally the SEC took an undeniable turn and it wasn’t in an upward direction. The storied “powerhouse” conference saw it’s least successful bowl season in years among ranked teams, of which it led the nation with seven. When the final bowl game with a …
We All Know Grasu Wants to Play, But Will He?
With only two days left until the commencement of the 101st Rose Bowl, the Ducks have been utilizing the last couple of days to recap their game plan come kickoff. This especially includes sharpening things on the defensive side of the ball in order to stop “Famous” Jameis Winston from controlling the game. On the offensive side, one of the …