Notes from Around the College Football Nation: Expansion Rumors and Shaq Hosts Recruits

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Signing day is almost here, college football’s version of the NFL draft.  It gives fans a chance to see how their team is filling their offseason needs, and possibly put the pieces into place for a title run.  It can also give fans hope for the upcoming season if things didn’t go so well for them last year (Auburn knows …

Oregon Brings In Recruits — On And Off The Field

Sam Arney FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Since new coach Mark Helfrich has taken over for Chip Kelly, he has been very busy on the recruiting trail.  Not only has he and five assistant coaches had an in home visit with every current commit, he has also added some much needed talent to Oregon’s 2013 class.  Oregon is now up to 17 commitments, and looks to add …

Oregon Unknowns: Byrne and the Blow Torch

Josh White History

A new Friday series are the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting stories or facts about our beloved Ducks that few casual fans know about.  Former University of Oregon Athletic Director Bill Byrne’s tenure should evoke fond memories for most Duck fans.  Many would note his direct involvement in bringing the athletic department out of the conference cellar by laying …

Trading Reno for Monticello: Requiem for the Last Great Road Trip

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

On Monday, the Ducks announced that they were replacing a September 7th road game against Nevada in Reno with a game against Virginia in Charlottesville the same day.  It was a move that made sense for all parties involved: Nevada wanted out of an already loaded non-conference schedule that included UCLA and Florida State, and Virginia needed a replacement for …

Can Helfrich Keep the Class?

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With signing day less than a week away, Mark Helfrich has a chance to ace his first test as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks.  When Helfrich took over for Chip in mid-January, things didn’t look particularly good on the recruiting front.  For a couple of days, it looked like things could really fall apart. Fast forward to today …

A Home Away From Home for Duck Fans: A Brief History of Autzen Stadium

Joey Holland Oregon Football Repository

ABC Sports’ Keith Jackson has described Autzen Stadium as, “per square yard, the loudest stadium in the history of the planet.” While that may seem like an exaggeration, in reality it is probably not too far from the truth. Growing up as an Oregon fan, I had a glorified image of Autzen Stadium, dreaming of one day running out of …

Recruiting Update: Magnificent Seven Bag Their Bounty

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Commits/Offers While much of this week’s attention focuses on Oregon’s latest grab at receiver Devon Allen (4-Star/Phoenix, AZ/Rivals250), and quarterback Juwaan Williams (3-Star/Tucker, GA), little known hybrid Elijah George (2-Star/Las Vegas, NV) committed to the Ducks after taking an official visit last weekend (Read a detailed analysis of Allen here). “Coach (Steve) Greatwood said he loves my potential and my size,” said George. “He thinks …

Unsung Hero Shined At Oregon Despite Stars In His Way

FishDuck Staff Men of Oregon: Players and Coaches

The late 90’s – early 2000’s was a revolutionary turning point in Oregon football history, and especially renowned for the great rushers the program featured.  Oregon fans have seen many legends run the ball over the past two decades.  From 1999-2002, a talented tailback made a special difference in the Oregon backfield/special teams as a quiet and successful backup star.  …

Oregon’s In-Game Adjustment Skins Cats

Josh Schlichter Fish Reports

This post was originally featured at PacificTakes.com, and is being shared with FishDuck.com Oregon has seen dozens of variations of defensive schemes to slow down their offense over the years.  Some, like the Cover 0 defense, and Bear front were more effective in longer stretches, and others were, simply put, less effective.  Those less effective schemes have included the scrape exchange and fake injuries.  …

Swift-footed Hurdler Chooses Oregon Football

Ted Werth FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The athletes in this years Oregon Ducks recruiting class are shaping up to be a rather unique bunch; including a pair of twins and a pair of players who are the sons of former NFL players.  Now with committed running back Thomas Tyner and the addition of Devon Allen, the Ducks have a pair of the fastest high school sprinters …

No Barner? No Problem; Marshall Has Things Under Control

Joel Gunderson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The lineage of running backs coming through Eugene has been almost mythical the last 10 years. From Jonathan Stewart to LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner, the Oregon running game has been in good hands. In 2013, despite losing Barner, nothing will change, and that has nothing to do with De’Anthony Thomas, or the two highly touted recruits coming in. That’s …

Notes From Around the College Football Nation: NCAA Stinks and Recruiting Visits

Jeff Hostetler FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

As signing day approaches a few questions come to mind…how many Oregon recruits will be left after Urban Meyer is done raiding them all?  I bet the NCAA is wishing the Miami mess would go away, because it keeps getting worse, with more evidence turning up.  Anyone want to bet that #1 recruit Robert Nkemdiche will sign with an SEC team?  …