If Oregon’s History Is Any Indication, Things Are Looking Up for Young Secondary

Joey Holland Editorials

Oregon’s 4-3 start to the 2015 season is nothing to complain about. As fans, we are all lucky to have a team to root for at all, let alone a winning one. Still, it takes some getting used to watching the Ducks play without that ranking sitting next to Oregon’s logo on the broadcast scoreboard after a 98-week streak. A dropoff in …

Oregon Football Analysis: Is it A Blitz?

Jay MacPherson Analysis

On to Boulder! Questions remain as to how the Duck defense will surprise the Buffaloes. This analysis looks at one way in which Oregon might do just that: with a well-timed blitz from the secondary. Oregon’s success in stopping opponents hinges largely on defensive back (DB) play. One play we may see this this weekend is the safety (S) blitz. The safety blitz …

Hope Springs Eternal for Ducks

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Two weeks into the season and as expected, the Ducks offense hasn’t faltered. Vernon Adams Jr. fought through a broken finger to throw for more than 300 yards and extend Oregon’s streak of games with a passing touchdown to 70 in last week’s defeat at the hands of Michigan State. The defense improved in a much tougher contest than the Week …

In Defense of the Ducks Defense

Jay Garnett FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

In the immediate aftermath of the systematic dismantling of the Oregon Ducks by the Ohio State Buckeyes in last year’s inaugural College Football Playoff National Championship Game, fans and analysts were left wondering: what’s next for this Duck program? ESPN’s KC Joyner published an article in the days following the title game debacle outlining exactly how the team was positioned heading …

3 Ducks that are Flying Under the Radar Heading into 2015

Tyler Timm FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

It’s mid-July and the time of year when college football fans are in limbo. Spring practices have been over for close to two months and fall camp is still a couple of weeks away. Fans are looking for anything to read, watch, discuss or interact with regarding college football. It is the time of year when fans dissect their favorite …

The Numbers Can Lie

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

With the conclusion of the NBA and NHL Finals, baseball has taken center stage, meaning that football is right around the corner. Bringing with it many questions, hopes and fears for Oregon fans. Is the Pac-12 the best division in college football? Can a team without a definitive quarterback take them to another National Title game? Will Oregon put up …

Defense Will Determine Ducks Heights in 2015

Spencer Thomas FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The quarterback battle going on in Eugene has certainly received its share of local and national press, and justifiably so. The Ducks are replacing the single greatest player in program history, who also happened to occupy the single most important position on the field. While I do not want to diminish the importance of this position — indeed, Oregon cannot …

A Prediction Much Too Early

Shonti Tager FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

There comes a time in every FishDuck.com editorial writer’s life when he or she must make a prediction much too early, and for me, that time is now. It’s the perfect time. Spring ball has just finished, giving us all a chance to see the current team in action. Additionally, there are no major injuries that need to be accounted for, or …

Charles Nelson Finding His Comfort Zone on Defense

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Ashley Young of FishDuck.com caught up with Charles Nelson yesterday at the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex following football spring practice. Nelson’s transition to the defense lit a spark of conversation about the capabilities of the overall Ducks’ defense forecasted for 2015. An incredible athlete that made his presence felt downfield on offense and special teams last year, Nelson is now learning how to break …

Three Critical Questions Heading into Spring Practices

Austin Willhoft FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Starting on Tuesday, March 31st, Oregon will officially open up their facilities to kick off spring practices. The NCAA permits only 15 spring practices, which Oregon will take advantage of in order to prepare and showcase old, along with new, talent. So, without further ado, here are three important questions going into spring practices: 1. Who’s going to step up on the …

These Ducks Have Answers For Defensive Questions

Max Thornberry FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Only four of Oregon’s top 10 tacklers from the 2014 season will return to Autzen Stadium this year. Thankfully for Duck fans those four, Reggie Daniels, Joe Walker, DeForest Buckner and Rodney Hardrick finished 3rd-6th on that list. Along with their physical skill they bring leadership and experience to a defense that is still defining their style of play. Daniels …

Four-Star Cornerback to Visit Eugene in April

Nik Brownlee FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Oregon football team is already making good strides when it comes to the 2016 recruiting class. So far, the Ducks have five verbal commits for next year, and if things go well, possibly a sixth could join them soon. Andrew Nemec, of OregonLive, reports that four-star cornerback Jared Mayden will be taking an unofficial visit to Eugene the first …