This continues a new Friday series: the OREGON UNKNOWNS, where we look at interesting aspects about our beloved Ducks that few fans know about. In the 1980 season, Oregon notched victories against each of the other three Northwest schools: Oregon State, Washington, and Washington State. The Northwest sweep stood out in particular that season, marking the first time the Ducks …
History Shows that Four Straight BCS Bowls Warrants Elite Status for the Ducks
We all remember what happened back in September of 2009. In perhaps the worst start to a season (and a new era under head coach Chip Kelly) imaginable, the Ducks’ nationally renowned offense was held to 152 total yards in a 19-8 loss to Boise State. Things only got worse after the game, when stud running back LeGarrette Blount answered …
Recruiting Update: Helfrich’s NSD Success Already Carrying Over
Football Recruiting News It’s been exactly one week since Oregon inked 19 preps. You know what that means?! Just under a year until the hysteria of National Signing Day comes around again. (For a quick analysis of all 19 Oregon signees by Head Coach Mark Helfrich, please click here.) Looking ahead, the 2014 class — especially the corps coming out of …
FLYOVER COUNTRY—Next Man In
This is not my regular column because the topic is not about anything that regularly happens with Oregon Football. Chip Kelly has departed for the Philadelphia Eagles. To that I am inclined to say only, “Thanks Chip and good luck.” The man doesn’t technically owe Oregon Football anything but ongoing gratitude for plucking him out of obscurity. He strikes me …
Ducks Zone Blitz Attack De-Claws the ‘Cats Deep Passing Game
Early in the Fiesta Bowl, Collin Klein and the Kansas State offense had success with short throws to help put together some lengthy drives. My article last week described how the Duck defense stuffed the K-State option game when it counted in the first half, helping Oregon score three unanswered times to build a comfortable lead. Once the Ducks began piling on points, …
All-Hands Team Member — Darren Carrington Jr.
When a team expects an onside kick they send out what is known as the hands-team, a group player most likely to be able to grab and hang onto a short kick before the kicking team can arrive. If there were a hands-team for receivers Darren Carrington Jr. would be on the first team. The 6’3″ 180 lb. receiver from …
Out of the Desert, But Can He Teach Shakespeare?
Out of the Desert, But Can He Teach Shakespeare? ANOTHER IN A SERIES FROM OUR FRIENDS AT MIGHTY OREGON AN INTERVIEW WITH ISAAC REMINGTON By Dusty Ritter As a native of Queen Creek Arizona, Isaac Remington escaped the desert heat and started fresh in the Willamette Valley. His first meeting with head coach Chip Kelly was after the Ducks’ Rose …
Notes From Around the College Football Nation: Ole Miss on a Roll and a Recruiting Recap
Signing day has come and gone. If you’re an Ole Miss fan, you likely think you just won a national championship, while other schools felt like they lost the big game. Now it’s time to start speculating who will be the #1 team going into the preseason. 1. Ole Miss pulled off the recruiting heist of the century, landing the …
1987: Low Expectations and Setting the Stage
Chris Miller was gone, off to the Atlanta Falcons as a first round draft-pick. The team was young, and would be led that year by a redshirt freshman named Bill Musgrave. The experts didn’t see much out of this team, and picked them to win only two or three games. Hogwash, according to Rich Brooks. He expected his young guys …
Meet Your New Ducks: Heeeere’s Johnny… Mundt
Oregon’s young and versatile tight end group just became younger now that 4-star John Mundt has signed his letter of intent. He comes out of Modesto, California from Central Catholic High School where he just led his team to a Division IV state title. Mundt initially verbally committed to Oregon last summer prior to his senior season. John rose in …
Signing Day Recruits And An Eye On 2014
Yesterday, a long, perplexing and generally crazy cycle came to an end. 19 commits faxed in their letters of intent. Here’s a look at the class using the tier system I created a couple ago: Tier-E: 5-star rating by at least one service Tier-1: 4-star rating by at least two services Tier-2: 4-star rating by one service Tier-3: 3-star rating …
Heaven In The Emerald Valley
Every September fans pile into the magnificent stadium that is home to the Oregon Ducks football team. Students take the mile or so walk to Autzen Stadium and get hyped up, as they enter into what some consider the loudest stadium in the nation. Autzen has come a long way, from season after season of unwatchable football, to hosting the …