Bucs’ Choice, Baby-Talk Athletes and Fans’ Rights

Mike Merrell FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Merrell’sThree-and-Out While the national pundits make a bit of an about face on the Mariota vs. Winston draft pick issue, it’s not a bad time to take a look at some of the little things that maybe shouldn’t be so little in the convoluted relationship among athletics, universities and fans. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top draft choice, baby-talk athletes …

Scheming up a Storm

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon had something they haven’t had at any time in recent memory this past season; a potent passing game. Since Mark Helfrich has taken over the reigns from Chip Kelly, the Ducks’ passing attack has gotten stronger every season, culminating in the performance we saw last season. This unprecedented aerial proficiency led to the most balanced attack Oregon has had …

Identity Crisis: Byron Marshall With Something to Prove?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon Duck‘s star WR and RB, Byron Marshall, is looking to make a name for himself during his senior year. After leading the Ducks in rushing yards as a sophomore and then in receiving as a junior, it is clear to see that Marshall, much like Liam Neeson’s character in Taken, has a very special set of skills. These …

Danny Mattingly — The Next Great Oregon Linebacker

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With a new season just around the corner, a new Oregon team is about to emerge. The new players are now in the swing of spring practice and the veterans are ready for one final run as Ducks. A new quarterback, offensive line, secondary, and highly-ranked incoming freshmen for various positions are a lot to take in. So here is …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Raiding Deep in Enemy Territory.

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting News/Visits Now in the heart of the spring season, Oregon’s focus is two-fold, seeing an influx of visitors to Eugene. On the field, linebacker depth is slowly beginning to mature. One person not slowing down at any pace, however, is position coach Erik Chinander as the second year headman is pushing hard to fill his stable of players for the …

Focus for the Front Seven

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Spring practice is nearly halfway over, which means that it’s pretty much almost football season again. And with the season approaching with each passing day, the Oregon football team is preparing to defend its Pac-12 title and possibly make another run at a College Football Playoff berth. But in order to accomplish such lofty goals, a team must not only …

Simply Smashing: Recent Hitting Has Ducks Softball Hot!

Andrew Bet Editorials

In describing Oregon’s home run barrage against Washington, PAC-12 play-by-play announcer Ann Schatz said it best, “Off the pole, touch them all, I have never seen anything like this!” Oregon Softball capped a historic day with a school record eight home runs in a victory against Northwest rival Washington. Oregon’s hitting has been incredible since the Oregon State series. Fans have been …

2015 Could be the Best Ducks Defense in Years

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Last year Oregon’s defense was characterized by a bend not break mentality, allowing a ton of yards but keeping their opponent out of the end zone. It worked, evident by their 13-2 record, but it wasn’t perfect. After the departure of six starters on defense, Oregon is now in a peculiar position. To some, 2015 might seem like a scary …

Shorts, Passes, and Screens — The New Read Option?

Noah Smith Editorials

Needless to say, the Philadelphia Eagles have had an interesting offseason. With a flurry of moves that had (and still have) many Eagles fans questioning Chip Kelly‘s sanity, Philadelphia has set themselves up to have the strongest run game in the NFL. With potentially the strongest stable of runners Kelly has ever had, the Eagles are primed for dominance. Interestingly, what may …

Dargan a Victim of “40 Yard Dash Fanboys”?

Noah Smith FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon has a few players projected to be picked in the first round of the NFL Draft, but some of their most intriguing prospects are projected to be taken much later in the draft. Erick Dargan is one such player, a strong safety who led Oregon in both tackles and interceptions last season. Despite his play at Oregon, Dargan is projected as a late …

NBA Draft Profile: Joseph Young

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Oregon basketball enjoyed an electrifying season, one that it was never supposed to enjoy at all. After returning only three rotation players, the Ducks were expected to finish eighth in the Pac-12, all but certain to miss the NCAA tournament. Joseph Young saw to it that the Ducks proved all their doubters wrong.  Young led the Ducks to the Pac-12 …