I was stunned to learn it had been 25 years already since “The Pick,” and it was the craziest moment that I’ve experienced as a season-ticket holder for 33 years at Autzen Stadium. Oregon had put on a valiant drive to take the lead in the late stages of the game and then Washington was mowing right through Oregon with …
As most fans in the Northwest know, there’s no love lost between the Ducks and the Huskies; the hatred between the two programs runs deep. So, how did it all start? Let’s take a look at some of the exchanges between the two schools described in “The Border War” by Richard Linde. You will not believe some of the stories …
If you were to ask the question last week, most Oregon Ducks fans would have given a resounding “No”. I viewed the game against the Cal Golden Bears a little differently, however. I saw an offense rack up 409 yards of offense against a very good Justin Wilcox defense. But when offenses are plagued by turnovers and penalties, you end …
After Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert was 10-of-15 in the first quarter against Colorado, passing aficionados were giddy at the prospect of their Beloved Duck having the opportunity of throwing 50 or 60 times in one game. Unfortunately, Herbert cooled, hitting only 8-of-17 in the final three quarters, but that was plenty because the defense absolutely ate the Buffaloes up, defending …
I’m on the road this week, blessed to be writing this from beautiful Bend, Oregon. In light of getting to Bend, and my host’s love of the Dallas Cowboys driving us to a sports bar this afternoon, I will be brief. (Okay, please hold down the cheering … It’s a volunteer gig and I’m still slightly over hung from Friday …
… of the sand. What’d y’all think I was gonna’ say? After the Ducks came out throwing to start Friday night’s game against Colorado, ESPN color commentator (and former UW QB) Brock Huard repeatedly kept making the point of how the Ducks needed to establish the run. He emphasized that running is this team’s identity, as they have been formed …
No one’s going to confuse Oregon offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo for Oklahoma wunderkind Lincoln Riley. The latter is arguably the brightest offensive mind football right now, and his offense is once again lighting up the scoreboard this season. The same can’t be said about Arroyo, whose offense has struggled at times to live up to the lofty expectations of highlight-starved …
We can’t let this happen again. No way, not under any circumstances. No ifs, ands or buts about it: we won’t let this happen again! Three years ago almost to the day, a 17th-ranked Colorado team came into Autzen and stunned the Ducks 41-38. In that game, redshirt freshman quarterback Steven Montez made his first career start, and boy was …
I’ve been blustering about the Oregon offense and how I feel it is vastly underachieving its potential. Yet listening to Joey Harrington on Talking Ducks the other night helped give me a little different perspective on it. His 2001 team was truly the No. 2 team in the nation, yet that team won a ton of close games and the …
The last time Oregon was in the Pac-12 championship game, it handled the Arizona Wildcats in a 51-13 rout. As dominant and memorable as that game was, it was five years ago … Stanford, Washington and Washington State have each been a thorn in the Ducks’ side since then, preventing them from booking an early December trip to Santa Clara. …
And at the halfway poll … It always shows up suddenly, doesn’t it? Here we are in early October and many college football teams are already halfway through the regular season schedule. Does any sport have a longer offseason and a shorter regular season than does CFB? So, let’s review the bidding when it comes to the first half’s biggest …
The transformation of Oregon Football under Mario Cristobal is in full swing. The days of scoring 40 points a game are officially over, as it’s clear his strategy is to grind out hard-fought wins by using his team’s size and strength advantage. For Oregon fans who grew accustomed to high point totals and exciting offensive highlights, this new style is …