For much of the 1900’s the Oregon Ducks were… not so good at football. For example, in the 1920’s saw the Ducks go winless four times in ten years. Other times, they were excellent, like in 1948, when they went undefeated in the regular season (7-0), only to do the exact opposite only two seasons later. The program also (sadly) …
FishDuck has published a number of articles in the past detailing surprising facts that are “Oregon Unknowns” to most Duck fans. Oregon’s generous benefactors, Phil and Penny Knight, have a number of these in their own amazing history of building one of the most influential sports companies in history. Phil Knight made his way from selling sports apparel out of …
Philip Knight has been an absolute godsend to the University of Oregon. Through his efforts and those of other mega donors, we have become relevant on the nation’s athletic stage. We are now an established an recognized program. Final Four appearances in both Men’s and Women’s Basketball, a Golf National Championship, Men’s and Women’s National titles in track and field …
Life is full of uncertainty. Our lives take unexpected twists and turns, hence the need to assess Risk with personal and collective choices. So it also is with Oregon’s football program. Risk definitions: A situation involving exposure to danger. The possibility of suffering loss or harm. Any event that could compromise organizational assets. The probability of threat, loss, defeat and …
As the debate rages on about the size and scope of the new Hayward Field, it got me thinking about what was going through the mind of the man who matters the most in all of this—Phil Knight. Could it be that building the world’s premier track-and-field-only stadium brings Oregon one step closer to hosting The Summer Olympic Games? Track …
In the aftermath of signing day, as we try to make sense of it all, I compiled a chart (see below) covering the past twelve years of Oregon recruiting to help put things in perspective—from the end of the Mike Bellotti era to the beginning of the Mario Cristobal regime. At first glance, it’s clear that things took a dip …
I wrote in the comments at 3:00 PM on Saturday, and I am more convinced, (75% to 25%) that Coach Willie Taggart will stay at Oregon. To some, the events of this last afternoon swirling in social media does not appear that way, but let me give you my reasons why I believe he will stay. (It is only fitting …
As I’m sitting here writing this, Willie Taggart is still the coach of the Oregon Ducks, but that could change at any minute. After just one successful, culture-altering season at one of the top programs in the country, Taggart is the top candidate for the blue-blood power Florida State. And it’s looking like he’s going to go. Welcome to the …
Lost in all the discussion about Oregon Head Football Coach Willie Taggart possibly leaving to coach at Florida State is whether or not he is even ready for the job leading the Seminole program. I don’t think he is, and this article serves as a statement of my reasons why. I invite your feedback–the best group of Oregon fans out …
Do you have mixed feelings about this upcoming Civil War game? You want revenge for last year, yet Oregon State’s 2017 season has been so dismal, maybe even the hardest Duck heart can empathize with beleaguered Beaver fans after what we experienced last season? On second thought … Nah! I have a unique perspective as an Oregon alum who grew …
Good ole’ figures of speech such as “going down swinging,” “take a roll of the dice” and “gotta’ be in it to win it” didn’t apply to the Ducks on Saturday. The Ducks offense was the equivalent of a baseball team whose batters stood at the plate all game long with the bat firmly resting on their shoulders. They were …
Make no mistake about it. Without Matthew Knight Arena, the Ducks wouldn’t have Dana Altman, they wouldn’t have the talent, and they wouldn’t be in the final four. Or would they? Because in a disturbing alternate reality where MKA is still a piece of land with an old bakery on it, the Ducks would still be celebrating 2017 in the …