Stewart Mandel on Oregon: Taking that Last College Football Step

Omar Garibay FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

College football has been one of the most talked about sports in recent memory. Whether it’s been the Southeastern Conference’s (SEC) dominance or Florida State‘s off-the-field issues, it has kept people glued to their seats. However, despite the fact that the southern portion of the United States is known as “football country,” west coast football has been on the rise, …

Recruiting Strategy: Filling Holes in the Front Seven

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Speed is synonymous with Oregon football. The Ducks do a fantastic job in maintaining that connection by recruiting athletes who fit their fast-paced style of offense. Last year, of the top five players signed by the Ducks, all but five-star Canton Kaumatule were on the offensive side of the ball. With the stockpile of speed and explosiveness in the Ducks …

Stepping-Up: Offensive Line Edition

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The system that the Oregon Ducks employ, in theory, allows for any player to come in and be successful. Years of recruiting less-talented athletes than other elite universities forced the coaching staff to adapt to what they were given. This mindset led to developing one of the best offensive systems in college football. None of the above would be possible without the stellar play …

Salary Update: 2015 Draft Class

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

For the most part, Ducks fans were pleased with the way the 2015 NFL Draft played out. Other than Ifo Ekpre-Olomu dropping lower than expected, everything went well. Rookie minicamp recently started around the NFL, so lets take some time to catch up with the five Ducks taken in this year’s NFL draft. 1. Marcus Mariota (1st Round, Pick No. 2: Tennessee Titans) We …

Ducks Defensive Line Ready to Push Back

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Just as every fight starts on the feet, every play in football starts on the line of scrimmage. The outcome of every play is determined by the “big uglies” up front. Nothing was more evident about the above theory than the College Football Championship game against Ohio State. An article I wrote in the days leading up to the game titled The National Championship …

Open Letter About a Ducks Fan and Friend, Gone but Never Forgotten

Norm Hightower FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Duck Family Day is a new feature for every Saturday where Oregon fans share their stories of …. being Oregon fans! Email charles@fishduck.com to share your experiences of you and your family and what it means to be a Duck fan. Norm Hightower (below) is a writer for FishDuck.com and is extremely passionate about our beloved Ducks, the same as …

Former Player Tribute: Dave Cusano — The Man in the Middle

Norm Hightower Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

The University of Oregon football team ended their bowl-game drought of 20 years by making it to the 1989 Independence Bowl. There were several players who helped to make the ’89 team successful: Bill Musgrave, Derek Loville, Terry Obee, Tony Hargain, Rory Dairy, Latin Berry and Chris Oldham. However, I believe there was a player on the defense who played a …

The Ducks Remain National Championship Contenders

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s about time that Oregon wins a national championship. That’s a bold statement, I know, but I assure you there are reasons for such a claim. The Ducks — specifically, Marcus Mariota –  finally got a Heisman Trophy last year, but winning the final game still eludes the green and yellow. That is going to change soon. Here is some …

Athlon Ranks Helfrich in Bottom Half of Pac-12 Coaches

Mike Merrell FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out In a move certain to offend all college football fans who haven’t been advised to sell when their IQs reach 50, Athlon Sports’ Steven Lassan labeled ASU’s Todd Graham (77-41) the best head football coach in the Pac-12. If that wasn’t gray matter-challenged enough, he relegated Oregon’s Mark Helfrich to the bottom half. It’s time for Lassan …

Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and the Conundrum for Student-Athletes

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Remarkable, isn’t it? One ACL tear and a dislocated knee later, and arguably the top cornerback in all of college football barely squeaks by in the seventh round of the NFL Draft. It’s sad, but it’s a reality. One play can ruin everything. For Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, all it took was one unlucky play while practicing for the 2015 Rose Bowl. …

DeForest Buckner Expected to Be a Hot Commodity

Omar Garibay FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The 2015 NFL Draft, which took place in Chicago, Illinois, last week, was a memorable experience for the 256 players that were selected. In total, the ACC had 20 players chosen in the draft, while the SEC had 22 and the Pac-12 had 25. There’s no doubt that the SEC is known as a college football powerhouse, but it’s become …

Three Reasons Mariota Will Save the Tennessee Titans

Jordan Ingram FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There’s a new sheriff or two in Nashville. Along with Tennessee Titans’ second-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt, former Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota has joined a freshly assembled Titans’ posse, and is already regarded as THE guy in Tennessee. The NFL franchise that once boasted the careers of Earl Campbell, Warren Moon and Steve McNair, capitalized big time by swooping up the Heisman Trophy-winner at No. 2 in the first …