Oregon’s All-Underrated Team for 2015: Offense

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As a flagship program in college’s premier sport, football, Oregon faces consistent media scrutiny. If a team is able to find success, it is expected to maintain it. Oregon is no different, and in a year when the team loses arguably the best player it has seen this century, members of the media are eager to write Oregon off. ESPN.com releases an annual …

The Most Talented Receiving Corps in Ducks History

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive, History

Since the early days of Chip Kelly at the University of Oregon, the wide receiver has been given a big role. Though Kelly has moved on to the NFL, the now head coach Mark Helfrich and offensive coordinator Scott Frost have put a lot of effort into recruiting the best talent at the position, so over time we will see great results. On August 18, GoDucks.com Editor-in-Chief Rob Moseley released an article entitled, “Stanford …

Checking in on Mariota: NFL Debut Edition

Jay Garnett FishWrap, FishWrap Archive, NFL

It looked like it might get rough for a while there. Our beloved former Duck Marcus Mariota got off to a less than perfect start in his debut with the Tennessee Titans, throwing an interception and having a fumble returned for a touchdown on the two first possessions of his NFL career in a preseason matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Leading …

Vernon Adams’ Impact: The Fade Route is Back!

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Analysis, Fish Reports

One of the most complex pass routes to complete is the Fade Route, especially when used in the Red Zone, and even more so inside the five-yard line. Oregon has had difficulty completing this pass in recent years (fourth down against Stanford, anyone?), and a couple of us have been pondering if the unique touch of Vernon Adams throwing to freakishly athletic Kirk …

Oregon Football Practice: The Ducks Lay an Egg

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Editorials, FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

I could not believe my eyes when I got the email announcing an open practice for Oregon football season ticket holders a few weeks ago. No professional cameras allowed? This means that media are not having their usual place in this practice — hmmmm. I was thrilled and simply could not wait for the days to count down until I …

Oregon Ducks Football: “Fast Tony” Sees Opportunity in Backfield

Jordan Ingram Editorials

Jordan Ingram reporting for FishDuck.com from Autzen Stadium at Oregon Football Media Day. The news of Oregon Ducks running back Thomas Tyner‘s recent shoulder surgery has definitely changed the playing field in Eugene. Tyner will almost definitely miss the entire 2015 season, which is tragic for Oregon’s very own five-star recruit from Aloha High School. But just like an army supporting their fallen brother, a talented group of …

Recruiting Strategy: Two Remaining Questions While We Wait

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive, Recruiting

Fall camp is underway, and things have slowed on the recruiting trail. The Oregon coaching staff is now focused on developing the current roster in preparation for the upcoming season. We know, however, the recruiting game never fully stops in college football. Just over a month ago, the Ducks picked up verbal commits from a pair of four-star athletes in linebacker LaMar Winston (Portland, …

Royce Freeman, Oregon Ducks

Thomas Tyner’s Injury Thrusts Spotlight on Royce Freeman … Again

Caleb Couturie Editorials, FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

For a second consecutive season, the Oregon Ducks will have to figure out a way to win without star RB Thomas Tyner. On Sunday, it was announced that Tyner will miss all of the 2015 season due to shoulder surgery, a blow to a Ducks’ offense already struggling to find an identity in the wake of Marcus Mariota‘s departure. Famous for their running …

Oregon Football Analysis: O-Line Protection Creates BIG Plays for Ducks

Coach Jeremy McGuire Analysis, Fish Reports

Understanding the game of football can be a complicated process, but just being a fan and sitting down with your friends and family to cheer for your favorite college football teams on Saturday afternoon is simply fun. There are many words a football coach in Kentucky could use to describe the Oregon Ducks, but the one word that I always equate …

2015 Football Playoff Projection — A Feast of Revenge

Mike Merrell Editorials, FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out The wonderful thing about August is that every D-1 football program is undefeated, so dreams of what could happen have yet to be tainted with reality. The door for pundits to put together their Top-25’s and final fours is wide open. With not a whole lot of objectivity to go on, a certain amount of subjectivity is …

Oregon’s Quiet Success Against Elite Teams Contradicts “Soft” Reputation

Joey Holland History

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 …

Influencing the Defense in the Option Game

Levi Steier Analysis

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. …