Next man up. That mantra doesn’t apply only to the roster, it applies to Oregon’s coaching staff as well. 1977 was the last time the Ducks didn’t hire their previous offensive coordinator to fill their head coaching vacancy. On Sunday, Mark Helfrich became the latest one to follow that path, and in doing so allowed a staff that had previously …
Oregon Unknowns: The Year Rich Brooks Resigned
This new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting aspects about our beloved Ducks that few fans know about. 1980 was a bizarre year. 1979 had seen the Ducks rebound from some less-than-stellar years, and they were expected to contend for the Pac-10 title. Instead, scandal rocked the conference before the season began. Oregon was found …
Meet Your New Ducks: The Big Uglies Up Front
The Ducks are chock full of offensive linemen entering the latter half of their careers. They are nowhere near in trouble of having extra bodies to plug in should a couple of starters go down next year; however, picking up some OL recruits is great for our offense given the constant rotation OL coach Steve Greatwood has in games. Upwards of …
Recruiting Update: Go Baby Go!!!
Football Recruiting Editorial On the eve of my one-year anniversary with the fine folks of FISHDUCK, the news concerning Chip Kelly’s departure reared its head. As I processed the early morning ESPN text alert, I was strangely at peace with the announcement and similarly to new headman Mark Helfrich, directed my thoughts to February 6th and beyond. While not …
The Man Who Brought Oregon Football to New Heights: A Tribute to Bill Byrne
When college football fans hear the words “innovation” and “Oregon” in the same sentence, most would immediately picture Chip Kelly’s high-speed spread offense or the Ducks’ deep selection of sleek uniforms. However, before Oregon’s modern era of immense creativity and success, the football program required a period of rapid innovation on a much more basic level, a level that is …
Fiesta Bowl No Huddle Dynamics
One of the most exciting moments from the 2013 Fiesta Bowl had to be the half-ending touchdown drive Oregon put together to effectively finish off the Kansas State Wildcats. After the Wildcats had marched down the field and threatened to take a 17-15 lead, Oregon’s defense held tight and forced KSU to kick a field goal, which they promptly missed, …
6′-7″, 311lbs, Can’t Block Destiny
6′-7″, 311lbs Can’t Block Destiny Another in a series from our friends at Mighty Oregon, an interview with Kyle Long by Dusty Ritter Kyle Long has some huge shoes to fill, both literally and figuratively. His father, Howie Long, played 13 seasons with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL and amassed eight pro bowl appearances. It earned him a spot …
There Are Days When Life Sucks Major Eggs
I opened Facebook Wednesdy morning and saw a sad face beside the headline ”Kelly to take Eagles job.” I felt bad for the Notre Dame fans. You see, it had to be Brian Kelly because we had already gone through this with Chip Kelly. Then, in response to the cold finger of fear that was working its way from my …
We Were Mighty Oregon Before Chip Kelly Got Here. We Still Are.
For me, it seems that a byproduct of getting older is a certain jadedness. There isn’t a whole lot anymore that emotionally stuns me the same as it might have in years past. I’m still surprised now and then, but rarely do I get blindsided and emotionally drained. I suppose that after experiencing gut-wrenching events in my life, the impact …
Oregon Just Got Dumped: The Aftermath
When my wife emailed me at work yesterday to let me know that Chip Kelly was going to the Eagles, it felt like someone punched me in the jejunum. All I could type was, “no…” before hitting send. I didn’t want to think about the possibility. I didn’t want to see the inevitable fallout. I didn’t want to know the …
Oregon TE Commit has the Credentials
Chip Kelly has reiterated many times that when it comes to an ideal Oregon Duck quarterback he looks for a great passing QB who can run, not a running back who can throw. Although it has not been said as such, I believe similar criteria can be applied to the ideal Oregon Duck tight end. What Oregon looks for in …
Too Good Not to Get the Ball
Another In A Series From Our Friends At Mighty Oregon An Interview With Kenjon Barner By Dusty Ritter Kenjon Barner came in to his senior season ready to capitalize. Finally out of the shadow of LaMichael James, he prepped by stepping it up in the gym, the community, and as a leader. His preparation paid off huge as Oregon finished …
