Oregon’s Tradition is Their Innovation

Kylie Stiglbauer FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the 2015-16 season quickly approaching, there has been a lot of talk about which team is the best “bet” to win the National Championship next year. After a trip to the Rose Bowl and National Championship last year, it seemed that the Ducks were on their way to a new level of recognition among college football fans. However, Vegas and …

The Punisher: LB Fotu Leiato II Provides Spark for Linebacker Corps

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon’s linebackers have continued to demonstrate that the Ducks are just as physical as the next team: lean, mean, hard hitting terminators that pace just beyond the defensive line, chasing after the ball like a gang of wild pit-bulls. But one recent Oregon commit for the 2015 class, Steilcoom high school’s Fotu Leiato II, may change the definition of what it means to be a Duck …

ESPN: ‘Oregon Football Has Officially Arrived’

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

From Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota winning the Heisman Trophy to playing in the College Football Playoff for a chance at a national championship, Oregon football has officially gained status among the college football elite. According to ESPN’s Ivan Maisel, the years of steady program building starting with head coaches Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti are paying big dividends, positioning the Ducks with an opportunity to realize their dream …

Rose Bowl Presser: Oregon Defense Speaks to Helfrich’s Impact on Team

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Ducks began a series of interviews and press conferences this morning at the L.A. Downtown Hotel in anticipation for the Rose Bowl semi-final game against Florida State. In a video interview posted by Comcast SportNet, defensive coordinator Don Pellum, senior outside linebacker Tony Washington, and senior safety Erick Dargan all spoke to Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich’s “Men of Oregon” philosophy …

New Look for Mariota: “Just Shave It” Campaign?

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Friday morning, the Ducks held their first practice at the StubHub Center in Carson, CA in preparation for the Rose Bowl game. The Oregon practice facilities are just a stone’s throw away from Pasadena. Yes, Duck fans, the first playoff game is drawing nigh, now less than a week away on New Year’s Day. Indeed, Oregon is on a “business trip,” according to first year defensive coordinator …

Oregon CB Ifo Ekpre-Olomu’s NFL Draft Analysis

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The NFL always needs good cornerbacks. Oregon senior Ifo Ekpre-Olomu should keep this fact in mind as the All-American corner begins the road to recovery after tearing his ACL at practice, abruptly ending an otherwise fantastic career with the Ducks. So, what are NFL draft analysts saying about the Ducks’ cornerback from Chino Hills, CA? According to CBS Sports analysts Dane Brugler and Rob Rang, it’s Ekpre-Olomu’s body-type, instincts, and willingness to provide support …

This Duck Defense Can Fly, Too!

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Now that the regular season is over and Ducks fans are more than happy with the result, we look back on an incredible season. Heading into the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, and one of the most anticipated match-ups in modern history, what more can a Ducks fan want? This year’s Heisman-to-be, and last year’s Heisman will battle it …

Oregon Playing With a Full Deck

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon Ducks have arrived at the Pac-12 Championship proving ground. Again. The time has come for them to finish what they started. They are now looking for their first conference championship under head coach Mark Helfrich and have earned the right to represent the Pac-12 North division in the final conference matchup against Arizona tonight. As we anticipate the Pac-12’s marquee …

The Secret Formula: A Defensive Game Plan from Coach Don Pellum

Ashley Young FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

“It’s an awesome day because we have a wonderful opportunity to go out and play this weekend. There are a lot of people that are not playing, and we have the opportunity to play. So we’re really fired up about it,” said Coach Don Pellum, the Ducks defensive coordinator. Insightful words of wisdom coming from a cool-handed Pellum in reference to this …

Helfrich: ‘Revenge’ not key part of preparation for Arizona

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Jordan Ingram reporting for FishDuck.com from the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex Sunday night about the Coach Mark Helfrich press conference. After celebrating a lopsided victory over Oregon State in Corvallis, the Ducks turn to face Arizona in the Pac-12 Championship game. Following Oregon’s back-to-back regular season losses to the Wildcats, the rematch between these two teams now holds much heavier implications, most notably, …

So … About This Defense …

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I was at the Oregon Club meeting 20 years ago in 1994 when Nick Aliotti christened the name of the “Gangrene” defense, and I recall the howls at the name. I remember thinking that “Gang-Green” was clever and fits us so well … but alas that was not the right spelling. I have been asked to consider a short (if …