The Next Generation of Oregon’s Defense

Jay Garnett Editorials

Oregon’s defense, regardless of their (relatively) amiable performance against Arizona State this past weekend, is bad. Like historically bad. Prior to the game this weekend, the Ducks ranked in the bottom 10 in the country in rushing yards allowed per game, yards per rushing attempt and turnovers generated per game. They were 3rd-worst in total scoring defense and penalty yards allowed. …

Beaten Down Bears: “Bad Passes, Drops and Missed Tackles Doomed Us”

Mark Saltveit History

Well that escalated quickly. After giving up 10 quick points and an end zone interception to start the game, the Oregon Ducks exploded for 31 straight points before halftime, while stuffing Cal’s potent offense en route to a 44-28 win. The game was not nearly as close as the final score would suggest; it was 31-10 at the break. The …

Analysis: Oregon’s Defensive Back Technique Is Improving!

Jay MacPherson Analysis, Fish Reports

The Oregon Duck defensive backs have been through a trial-by-fire season, where they have yielded a lot of yards and points. They have learned many tough lessons as a young — but still talented — crew. Through these trials and lessons, they also have steadily improved. Will their improving skills and teamwork prove enough this coming week to vanquish one of …

Ducks’ Coaching Secures Big Win in the Desert

Mike Merrell Editorials

Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out Reminiscent of the Joey Harrington-led Miracle in the Desert of 2000, the Oregon Ducks once again broke hearts in Tempe, Arizona with a 61-55 triple overtime win over the Arizona State Sun Devils Thursday night. In what some fans would call a rebuilding year and others would call a year to fire all the coaches, the Ducks …

If Oregon’s History Is Any Indication, Things Are Looking Up for Young Secondary

Joey Holland Editorials

Oregon’s 4-3 start to the 2015 season is nothing to complain about. As fans, we are all lucky to have a team to root for at all, let alone a winning one. Still, it takes some getting used to watching the Ducks play without that ranking sitting next to Oregon’s logo on the broadcast scoreboard after a 98-week streak. A dropoff in …

Hope Springs Eternal for Ducks

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Two weeks into the season and as expected, the Ducks offense hasn’t faltered. Vernon Adams Jr. fought through a broken finger to throw for more than 300 yards and extend Oregon’s streak of games with a passing touchdown to 70 in last week’s defeat at the hands of Michigan State. The defense improved in a much tougher contest than the Week …

Putting a Wrap on Oregon’s Fall Camp

Jay Garnett FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Fall camp for the Oregon Ducks wrapped up last week, and at long last, game week is upon us. But before we dive into Oregon’s much-anticipated matchup with Eastern Washington, we ought to break down just how fall camp went for these Ducks and take a look at the shiny new depth chart, released on August 28. In a video for …

Duckling Profile: Khalil Oliver Fights to Fill Defensive Gap

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football recruiting is often akin to the careful planning of an investor. Coaches invest capital into players whom they feel will fill larger roles in the future. Oregon is no exception, as the Ducks are known for seeking youth and athleticism to fill gaps in their roster. With the departure of several key defensive backs, freshman Khalil Oliver looks to show …

A Prediction Much Too Early

Shonti Tager FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There comes a time in every FishDuck.com editorial writer’s life when he or she must make a prediction much too early, and for me, that time is now. It’s the perfect time. Spring ball has just finished, giving us all a chance to see the current team in action. Additionally, there are no major injuries that need to be accounted for, or …

Charles Nelson Finding His Comfort Zone on Defense

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Ashley Young of FishDuck.com caught up with Charles Nelson yesterday at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex following football spring practice. Nelson’s transition to the defense lit a spark of conversation about the capabilities of the overall Ducks’ defense forecasted for 2015. An incredible athlete that made his presence felt downfield on offense and special teams last year, Nelson is now learning how to break …

2015 Could be the Best Ducks Defense in Years

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Last year Oregon’s defense was characterized by a bend not break mentality, allowing a ton of yards but keeping their opponent out of the end zone. It worked, evident by their 13-2 record, but it wasn’t perfect. After the departure of six starters on defense, Oregon is now in a peculiar position. To some, 2015 might seem like a scary …

The Three Best Competitions to Watch During Spring Ball

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Every year players leave, whether it be for graduation or the draft. It’s sad, but it’s inevitable. This past year Oregon saw a particularly large amount of turnover, losing 11 starters in total. Although the loss of some is greater than others (cough Marcus cough), that’s still 11 positions where new faces will be this season. Spring ball is the …