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 …

1987: Low Expectations and Setting the Stage

Don Gilman History

Chris Miller was gone, off to the Atlanta Falcons as a first round draft-pick.  The team was young, and would be led that year by a redshirt freshman named Bill Musgrave.  The experts didn’t see much out of this team, and picked them to win only two or three games. Hogwash, according to Rich Brooks.  He expected his young guys …

A Home Away From Home for Duck Fans: A Brief History of Autzen Stadium

Joey Holland Oregon Football Repository

ABC Sports’ Keith Jackson has described Autzen Stadium as, “per square yard, the loudest stadium in the history of the planet.” While that may seem like an exaggeration, in reality it is probably not too far from the truth. Growing up as an Oregon fan, I had a glorified image of Autzen Stadium, dreaming of one day running out of …

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 …

Comparing Mariota to Past Greats: A Brief History of Oregon’s Freshman Quarterbacks

Joey Holland History

‘Twas the season of freshman quarterbacks, when all through the nation… not a defense could stop them, not even Nick Saban’s.” Ok, so a couple of defenses slowed them down, but you get the point. The impact that freshmen quarterbacks had on the 2012 college football season is undeniable. Johnny Manziel was the first freshman to ever win the Heisman …

Remembering Four Great ’80s Ducks

Brian Libby History

As the Ducks transition this week from a victory over Washington State to prepping for Washington, I’ve found myself thinking back to two pairs of star players from Rich Brook’s 1980s squads, each part of upset victories over these Northwest rivals. Many Duck fans remember Washington State running back Reuben Mayes’ NCAA record-breaking 357 yards at Autzen Stadium in 1984, …