Twenty years ago, Oregon began its 1994 “Cinderella Season” quest for its first Rose Bowl appearance since 1958. Picked no higher than 8th place in the Pac-10 preseason poll, Oregon stepped up its game to prove to naysayers that the team could compete on a national level. Particularly known for its defense that season (aka: the dominant and iconic “Gang Green” Defense), …
Chip Kelly, Brad Smith and the Wildcat
It was Dec. 1, 2013. With the score at 7-7 in the second quarter, the Philadelphia Eagles marched to the Arizona Cardinals’ 6-yard line. It was at this moment when Chip Kelly unveiled a surprising wrinkle. If Nick Foles was there, who was lined up as quarterback? Meet Brad Smith. …
What Ever Happened to Those Offensive Coordinators Before Mike Bellotti?
Over the past several decades, Oregon has had a number of offensive coordinators with rates of success all over the board. Most of us are familiar with College Football Hall of Fame recent inductee Mike Bellotti, Chip Kelly and Mark Helfrich, who eventually became Oregon head coaches, and Jeff Tedford and Dirk Koetter, who left the Ducks to take over …
Confession is Good for the Duck
Bless me Fish, for I have sinned. It’s been forever since my last confession, but I have to get a few things off my chest. My soul is weary with the pain and weight of iniquity. I yearn for absolution in the dark and cozy confines of the Fishfessional. Where shall I start? Well, in 1978, I had not yet …
Jared Siegel: Special Teams Icon — Special Person
The early 2000’s hold many fond memories for many Duck fans. Oregon was on the rise to the national spotlight, as they made a name for themselves with back-to-back 2000-2001 Pac-12 titles, and winning the BCS-rated Fiesta Bowl — finishing ranked No. 2 nationally (2001). Meanwhile, Autzen Stadium was rising – and so was a big name on the Oregon special …
First Year Results: Mark Helfrich vs Oregon’s Coaching Greats
Oregon’s 2013 season was without question one of the greatest in school history, as the Ducks finished with 11 wins for only the fifth time ever. The year started out about as well as it could have with the team setting a school record 772 yards of total offense against Nicholls State on its way to a 66-3 win. Oregon …
Oregon Ducks, How Do I Love Thee? Let Me Count the Ways.
Months away from the start of the season, one of the things that tide us over is our love for the Ducks. Throughout the off season, we remember great games, plays and quoteables, as well as looking forward to what the new season will bring. We remember the tailgating and gameday house parties of this last year, we shop for …
Former Player Tribute: Secret Success to a Big Man on Campus
In football, a strong and fast offensive line is key to a team’s success. The entire front must be strong enough to block for the backs, creating running room and giving the quarterback enough time to think. Especially in Oregon’s renowned spread offense, where it’s a physically daunting task, and easily taken for granted by many fans. All too often, spectators …
Son of Oregon Duck and NFL Hall-of-Famer Continued Family Legacy of Legends at Oregon
identi.info The tight end position has been a vital key in the success of Oregon’s rise to fortune and fame. Oregon has seen a perpetual string of stalwart tight ends since the Rich Brooks Era. One tight end in particular made his presence felt in a unique way, and is remembered fondly by many Ducks for his contribution to Oregon’s turnaround & …
Hold-Off, Duck Haters — the Verdict is Still Out
The tweets from the opposing fan camps flew immediately Friday afternoon in the minutes and hours after Oregon released the NCAA’s “proposed findings of violations” over the football program’s recruiting methods. This from Bucknuts.com columnist Matt Baxendell: “#NCAA findings are out & #Oregon is screwed. I cannot see Chip Kelly coaching another game now that it’s official. Said it since …
Thomas’ Rose Bowl 91-yarder Joins Shortlist of Oregon’s Most Transcendent Touchdowns
There it was: all those years of rooting and hoping, all the dreams and disappointments and surprises, and suddenly one ten-second moment transforms your whole world as a Ducks football fan. The first quarter of the Rose Bowl was just about in the books with just three seconds left. Oregon had already proven it could score, trailing Wisconsin 14-7 and …