No college football program faces a greater disparity between reality and reputation than Oregon. One would think that having the nation’s highest winning percentage over the past five seasons in what could easily be argued as college football’s deepest conference would warrant some respect. And, in fairness, it has to a certain extent – the Ducks do ultimately earn the rankings …
Football is a game of position and space, and coaches spend a great deal of time analyzing their schemes to incorporate wrinkles and techniques that will influence the opposition. In most cases, causing a slight hesitation, or a few small steps in the wrong direction, can result in a big play. Option football, which includes the zone read, is predicated on this. …
The NFL off-season was filled with talk about Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariota, the match made in heaven that was so good it couldn’t possibly happen — and it didn’t. Now they’ve moved on to talking about Kelly and Sam Bradford. Kelly’s the coach so desperate for a headline, he traded for a QB coming off of two ACL tears in the …
Dynasties are defined by long-term success and longevity. Programs at Alabama and Ohio State have defined what it’s like to have success, displaying the ability to adapt to new challenges every year. Right now, whether fans realize it or not, the University of Oregon Ducks’ football team is on the cusp of greatness. Molded by seven 10-win seasons in a row, Pac-12 dominance, and big-game wins; …
“He’s a project … second-best quarterback in the draft … not pro ready!” Such were the cries of many draft analysts in the first quarter of the year. Of course, they were talking about Marcus Mariota. Many so-called “experts” such as Bucky Brooks, had Mariota falling to the late teens before being drafted. Many others saw him as playing second fiddle to …
In an article posted to the ESPN Pac-12 Blog on July 2, Travis Haney delved into the question marks surrounding the top teams in each division of the Power 5 conferences (ACC Atlantic and Coastal, Big Ten East and West, Big 12, Pac-12 North and South, and SEC East and West). For his section on the Pac-12 North, Haney naturally elected …
In the history of the Heisman Memorial Trophy, only two colleges have had back-to-back Heisman winners — in 1945 and 1946 by Army with fullback Doc Blanchard and running back Glenn Davis winning the award. Then 28 years later when Ohio State running back Archie Griffin won the award twice in 1974 and 1975. Coming off Marcus Mariota’s Heisman Trophy season, could Oregon be the …
Charles Nelson is a perfect picture of what Oregon football represents. Athleticism, strong work ethic and above all a willingness and ability to stretch himself. The sophomore exploded on to the scene as a rookie, showcasing his physical capabilities as he caught 23 passes for five touchdowns, averaging 14.2 yards per catch. Nelson has spent the offseason training with the defense, …
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 …
In Oregon’s history, there have been many players and coaches of note — from coach Cal Young and his one-game inaugural season in 1984 to Chip Kelly and Marcus Mariota. Although most people say Mariota is the greatest Oregon player of all time, another man held that honor since the 1950s. Back in the era of leather helmets, the hero of …
Oregon is certainly not Notre Dame or USC with their rich histories of great football, but we still have had our fair share of great players — from great running backs and wide receivers to a host of great quarterbacks. This is my list of the top five Oregon football players on the offensive side of the ball. 5/4. Bill Musgrave …
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 — …