Mario Cristobal hopes that new OC Joe Moorhead’s impact on the offense will match that of DC Andy Avalos‘ 2019 impact on the defense. After two seasons of rabid debate over the state of the Oregon offense, Duck fans are still abuzz of the recent hiring of Moorhead. He was widely regarded as the top OC hire of the offseason …
2020 Results: Cristobal Secures One of Oregon’s Finest Recruiting Classes
Early February has traditionally brought a host of emotions to Eugene. Optimism in the form of a handful of four-star recruits potentially keeping the upward momentum of our beloved program at a steady climb. Frustration following an announcement from a high-end prospect who had stayed in constant contact with coaches, and held the fan base close in tow until the …
The Ducks in 2020: A Greybeard Goes on Record
GREYBEARD UPFRONT DISCLAIMER: I admit that I have been indicted in the past for the crime of “sunshine pumping.” I probably could have been convicted on certain charges: specifically, having been huckstered by Brady Hoke. Later, the charisma of a certain ex-FSU coach beguiled me way longer than I care to admit. I am, by nature, optimistic. And, yes, sometimes …
Optimism Returns to the Oregon Offense
When Mario Cristobal took over as head coach two years ago, fans were excited about his insistence on getting bigger and tougher on the offensive line. Oregon was going to play a more physical, SEC brand of football. Many had visions of a high-flying Chip Kelly-type offense, complemented with pounding it in the trenches and controlling the clock. Maybe it …
It Doesn’t Matter Who Cristobal Hires as the Next OC
That’s right, it doesn’t. Mario Cristobal could hire a young reincarnation of Sean Payton, Lincoln Riley or Bill Walsh. Ya know, hire the next offensive “genius.” But, if that chosen one is only allowed to coach with one hand tied behind his back, then, it doesn’t matter. Oregon will not become elite. Oregon will not win a National Championship. It’s time …
Rose Bowl: Ducks Look to Be the Best of the Rest
LSU, Clemson, Ohio State and Alabama are currently the four best programs in college football. They are the elite, and the Ducks would love nothing more than to crash that party. A solid victory over No. 8 Wisconsin could serve as a solid “best of the rest” steppingstone in Oregon’s quest to join them. Five Thoughts on the Eve of the …
Is Cristobal Among the Coaching Elites?
The days of long, methodical rebuilds are over. Nowadays, it’s not uncommon for underperforming coaches to get the ax early on in their tenures, even if they show subtle signs of progress. Obviously that won’t be the case for Oregon’s Mario Cristobal. After winning the Pac-12 in just his second season, it’s safe to say that Cristobal’s job is secure. …
A Decade in Review: Oregon’s Coaching Carousel
Another decade of Oregon football is just about in the books. This one was a little bit different. After the long coaching tenure of Mike Belotti, the Ducks saw four different coaches at the helm: Chip Kelly, Mark Helfrich, Willie Taggart and lastly, Mario Cristobal. Each of these coaches formed their teams to have a unique identity to ensure success on …
Oregon’s 12 Gifts of “Cristo-mas”
Christmas is around the corner, but Mario Cristobal already gave Duck fans the biggest gift of all by surprising many and winning the Pac-12 in just his second season. Cristobal has gotten off to a fast start, building a roster capable of competing at the highest level in just a couple of years. But a Pac-12 title hasn’t been the …
Oregon’s Offensive Woes Start at the Top
It’s amazing how a coach who puts such an emphasis on being “tough” can trot out an offense that’s so weak. We get it, Coach Mario Cristobal. You want to control the ball, control the clock, dominate the line of scrimmage, and run vertically between the tackles. This is great when it works, but when it doesn’t, you simply look …
The Ducks Are on the Cusp of Something Great
No doubt about it, the Oregon Ducks are putting together a very special season. After the tumultuous events that played out after the fall of the program under former coach Mark Helfrich in 2016, Oregon fans must be elated about how things have turned around with current head coach Mario Cristobal. Having said that, while the Ducks are a solid …
Oregon’s Resilient Seniors Deserve Our Respect
Oregon football is back. There is no debating it. The last time Oregon won eight straight games, the Ducks were playing in the College Football Playoff National Championship Game. That team sported a nine-game winning streak headed in to the Ohio State match-up. Since then, the longest Duck winning streak is six games. Until now. Oregon had Auburn on the …