Antidote for the Dawg Daze of Summer

Michael Burgwin Editorials

Sigh. This happens every summer. It’s a recurring football-less pain made worse this year by the 70-21 drubbing, last year. The silver lining to that humiliation was that this loss, in our house no less, accelerated the onset of Alamo Bowl amnesia. Of course, I’m referring to the Dawg Daze of Summer, when Duckland is either in a euphoric daze …

Under-the-Radar HS QBs Finding Great Success at Oregon

Aaron Lewis Editorials

Over the past couple of decades, Oregon has developed into a top Pac-12 program and a force to be reckoned with on the recruiting trail. Oregon’s unique culture, exciting style of play, success on the field, world class facilities, flashy uniforms, etc., have enabled the Ducks to pull in a number of blue-chip recruits from around the country including De’Anthony Thomas, Royce Freeman, …

There Are Bright Spots Moving Forward

Caleb Couturie Editorials

I won’t lie, it was hard. I stood nine rows back on the 20-yard line, surrounded by my fellow students and friends, watching the Ducks let opportunity after opportunity slip out of their grasps. We were wet and cold, but simultaneously numb to all other feelings but that of overflowing anticipation for the next snap. Would this be the down the …

Oregon’s Steps to Football Excellence

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Make no mistake, Oregon football has been making great strides. In the past 20 years, Oregon’s football program has risen from an unsurprising loser to a perpetual championship contender and truly one of the nation’s elite programs. All of this has been accomplished with three different head coaches and the inevitable change in personnel as players graduate from college — …

Why Oregon Can Contend for a Spot in the Playoff

Tyler Timm FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon’s 2014 season was one to remember. Its fans witnessed another 10-win season, multiple records broken, a berth in the National Championship Game and a Heisman Trophy winner in Marcus Mariota. Circumstances, as well as players, have changed as the team heads into the 2015 season. According to an article published by ESPN, Oregon was chosen to return to the …

Why Oregon Will Have Two 1,000-Yard Rushers

Shonti Tager FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s no secret the Ducks are loaded in the backfield this year. With three proven every-down backs, and a slew of young talent waiting for a chance to shine, Oregon is in as good a position as any team in the nation. A favorable schedule, and a competent quarterback to keep teams from stuffing the box could mean Oregon will …

How the Ducks Attract Recruits Nationwide

Steven Jackson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The University of Oregon is, for the most part, tucked away in the northwest corner of the country and has historically had some trouble luring top recruits from across the nation to come and play for the Ducks. But, thanks to the efforts of former coaches Mike Belotti and Chip Kelly, the Ducks now have a tradition of winning and …

Charles Nelson Dominant at Spring Game

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s hard to argue that the biggest standout of Oregon’s Spring Game was two-way player Charles Nelson. The sophomore’s speed and athleticism was felt on both sides of the ball, dazzling more than 35,000 fans in attendance. Head coach Mark Helfrich praised Nelson after the game, impressed by his knowledge and leadership for such a young player. “He was out there lining …

Jeff Lockie Focused Heading into Spring Game

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

FishDuck.com sportswriter Ashley Young caught up with quarterback Jeff Lockie after Monday’s spring practice, getting his thoughts on the upcoming spring game. With the battle for the starting quarterback position stacked with candidates, Saturday’s spring game will be substantially important for redshirt junior Lockie. Vernon Adams will not be arriving on campus until summer, which means that now is the …

The Learning Curve for Jimmie Swain

Forrest Welk FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

FishDuck.com sports reporter Jordan Ingram was at Monday’s Duck scrimmage and caught up with Jimmie Swain. Oregon’s linebacker position is stacked. While veteran seniors Rodney Hardrick and Joe Walker will most likely start at the inside linebacker positions, Jimmie Swain is working to make an impression during spring football practices and scrimmages. “By the end of spring, I just want all …

Oregon’s QB Quandary: A Similar Situation?

Shonti Tager FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s 2008. Oregon’s Heisman hopeful quarterback Dennis Dixon is off to the NFL, and the next man up, Nate Costa, has just suffered his second major knee injury. With two weeks before the season opener, left on the depth chart are sophomore pocket passer Justin Roper, a much heralded, but just arrived junior college transfer Jeremiah Masoli, and three true …

Why Oregon Football Will Continue to “Win the Day”

Tyler Timm FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

What once used to be considered a “gimmick” has now turned into a dominant program. Ever since Mike Bellotti transitioned into an up-tempo spread offense team and then handed the reigns to Chip Kelly, the Oregon football program has since been in question. After making a Rose Bowl appearance in 2009 followed by a national championship game appearance in 2010, …