It’s been a rough couple of weeks for Oregon fans. As if a failed comeback attempt in the midst of a 27-point deficit against Washington State wasn’t painful enough, the following week Arizona shellacked the Ducks 44-15. There are plenty of reasons that the Ducks find themselves staring at a potential three-game losing streak, but chief among them is their …
The only things that marred the Ducks’ decisive win over Portland State last Saturday were a blocked extra point, a roughing the kicker penalty, a face mask penalty, a roughing the passer penalty and for the second straight game, a substitution penalty which was blamed on the coaching staff. Otherwise, it was a country whupping and the Vikings were never …
“Defense wins championships.” Of all the things that have changed in the game of football over the years, this particular adage seems to have stood the test of time. Folks, that’s exactly why I’m so excited for this upcoming season. For the first time in a long time, we can confidently say that our defense is going to be elite. …
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. …
How a season is viewed is all a matter of perspective. Regardless of achievement or outcome, if expectations are not met, it is viewed as a disappointment. Conversely, if the result exceeds expectations, it is viewed as a success. More importantly, when those successes and failures happen is just as relevant to their perception as whether or not they happen …
National LOI signing day is a lot like Christmas for those of us who follow recruiting. A few of us have rich parents and expect the world, while others come from blue collar families. All of us wake up early and wait in agony for mom and dad to come downstairs so that we can start opening presents. Sometimes, we …
Football Recruiting Commitments Oregon’s newest coaching hire, defensive line front man Ron Aiken, is wasting no time in assembling a venerable commit list. This past Monday saw the addition of defensive end Jalen Jelks (3-Star/Phoenix, Ariz.) to the Duck fold and further reinforced Oregon’s commitment to winning the trench war. “I didn’t think I would commit before my (senior) season, …
Football Recruiting Offers At the turn of the month, Oregon landed a haymaker against national competition. Prized backfield prospect Joe Mixon (5-Star/Oakley, CA/Rivals#4 RB) received a long-awaited Ducks offer and guaranteed an appearance in Eugene in the near future. “I was so hyped when (Coach Gary Campbell) was telling me I had a full ride to Oregon,” said Mixon. “I …
Football Recruiting Visits/Offers A somewhat quieter front on the recruiting trail, Oregon’s D-Line brass made waves offering in-state talent Henry Mondeaux (3-Star/Portland, OR) and southwestern-based Jalen Jelks (3-Star/Phoenix, AZ). “I was down in Eugene Saturday and I spent I think around 10 or 11 hours around the school and football team,” said the 6’5″, 245 lb. Mondeaux. “I watched practice …