What if Oregon had Hired Aliotti Instead of Helfrich?

Garrett Sharp-Craig Editorials

In January 2013, following Chip Kelly‘s departure to the NFL, Oregon elected to do what they had done for decades by hiring offensive coordinator, Mark Helfrich as head coach. Nevertheless, an interesting question lingers: What if the Ducks had instead selected defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti as the lead man? I think most are happy with the Ducks’ current state, but would …

What if MIKE BELLOTTI Was Still on the DUCKS Sidelines and Other Coaching “What-ifs?”

Jon Joseph Editorials

I am certain that there are those who will disagree, but in my opinion, the head coach of a college football team has a much harder row to hoe than does a guy coaching in the NFL. NFL teams acquire players through the draft, free agency and trades. Every NFL team has a bevy of professionals to assist its GM …

Oregon Defense Analyses

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Analysis Library

Go to the OREGON FOOTBALL ANALYSIS LIBRARY by FishDuck.com front page to find the articles and links here.    Articles about the Oregon Spread Offense under coaches Chip Kelly, Mark Helfrich, Scott Frost, Mario Cristobal, Marcus Arroyo and Willie Taggart are present along with plays and tactics. The Oregon Defensive Articles and Analysis are present on this page as well in …

Five Losses? Or Five Wins? The High Stakes for Mark Helfrich and Oregon Football

Matt Bryant Editorials

Readers: Every writer on FishDuck.com is allowed to express their opinion in their articles. However, articles do not represent the views of the other writers, editors, coaching consultants, management, or the principals at FishDuck.com    Charles Fischer I never say “I told you so” and I don’t like people who do. But I told you so. I didn’t put any money on yesterday’s …

Don Pellum: College Football’s Best-Dressed Genius

Henry Swift Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

In my last article I discussed all that Gary Campbell has done for the Oregon Duck program and his impressive collection of game-day suits. Even though his collection of suits is impressive, he may not even be the best dressed coach at Oregon. There is one man who can challenge him for college football’s best dressed coach and that is Don …

Old Foes Unite: What Chip Kelly Learned From Facing Nelson Agholor

Joe Kearns Analysis

When it comes to the NFL Draft, Chip Kelly heeds the advice of Horace Greeley: “Go West, young man.” In Kelly’s three seasons as the Philadelphia Eagles head coach, the team has used nine of its 21 draft picks on Pac-12 prospects. For this reason, it was unsurprising that Kelly decided to go west with USC receiver Nelson Agholor in …

Miami Dolphins: Dion Jordan to Linebacker?

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Former Oregon defensive end Dion Jordan currently shares the crown as one of the highest NFL draft selections from the Eugene campus. The Miami Dolphins chose Jordan with the third overall pick in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft, hoping to bolster their defensive line. But according to multiple media sources, the Dolphins are now considering moving Jordan to …

Scouting a Duck: What Should NFL Scouts Think of Arik Armstead?

Joe Kearns Analysis

It was April 6, 2012. The Oregon Ducks football team had finished a spring practice and defensive line coach Jerry Azzinaro met with OregonLive reporter Aaron Fentress. Fentress was interested in hearing about a heralded four-star high school recruit and incoming freshman: Arik Armstead. Azzinaro quipped, “Arik who?” It did not take long for Armstead to make a name for …

Oregon Lands Another Big Defensive Lineman

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

When you think of the Oregon Ducks, the first thing that may come to mind is the blazing offense, crazy uniforms and incredible facilities. Not many people think defense, and Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum took that to heart when he accepted the position after former coordinator Nick Aliotti announced his retirement before last season. Helping to strengthen this push toward a more dominant defense is …

If Oregon Doesn’t Give Don Pellum a Raise, Could He Leave?

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It was reported by 247sports two days ago that LSU might have some vested interest in Oregon Defensive Coordinator Don Pellum. While Duck fans should not worry about Pellum making any decision in the very near future (he is obviously focused 100% on Ohio State right now), should we be worried about Pellum leaving after the season is over? Coach Pellum has been …

Ducks Success Hangs in the Balance

Alex Towne FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

“Happiness is not a matter of intensity but of balance, order, rhythm, and harmony.” – Thomas Merton After attending college for three years now and absorbing as much enlightening knowledge as a naive 21-year-old is capable of, I feel that I can say one thing for sure. Life is about balance. Balance of work and play. Health and vices. Pleasure …