Oregon’s Steps to Football Excellence

Adam Kruse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Make no mistake, Oregon football has been making great strides. In the past 20 years, Oregon’s football program has risen from an unsurprising loser to a perpetual championship contender and truly one of the nation’s elite programs. All of this has been accomplished with three different head coaches and the inevitable change in personnel as players graduate from college — …

Taxing the Athletic Department: A Bad Idea

Mike Merrell FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out The University of Oregon Senate has proposed a 3 % “tax” on the Athletic Department (A.D.)  to help fund general University expenses. ESPN’s Ted Miller likens reluctance to go along with this idea to a 12-year-old child actor getting $10 million and not wanting to share it with his parents while living under the same roof. It …

FSU: Fans Accept Glory in Winning at Any Cost

Mike Merrell FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Mike Merrell’s Three-and-Out Throughout history, entire populations have been duped into following charismatic leaders with no scruples whatsoever. The unwitting populace draws power from the promise of the spoils of war, and celebrates the exclamation that they are the chosen, that they are the master race, that they are better than everybody else. Under these leaders, hubris and disregard for …

Oregon Looking to Lockdown Helfrich

Jason Selby FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

In this year’s inaugural College Football playoff, all but one coach have taken a team that they have coached in the past to a National Championship victory.  Nick Saban of Alabama, Jimbo Fisher of Florida State, and Urban Meyer of Ohio State have all led previous teams to the glory land.  The fourth coach in the mix this year, is Oregon’s Mark Helfrich. It has been reported by oregon.247sports.com …

Rob Mullens Talks Championship Game and Playoffs

Caleb Couturie FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Athletic Director Rob Mullens has enjoyed his fair share of success during his tenure here. From the cross country team to the basketball team, Oregon has constantly exceeded expectations. No team has ever had the opportunity that this year’s Duck football team does, though. As of right now, the College Football Playoff Committee has the Ducks ranked as the second …

Register-Guard to sue UO after district attorney denies appeal requesting records from sexual assault case

Victor Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

The Lane County District Attorney rejected two newspapers’ appeal for the University of Oregon to disclose public records from the sexual assault case involving three former Oregon men’s basketball players: Damyean Dotson, Dominic Artis and Brandon Austin. One newspaper, The Register-Guard, will sue the UO in Lane County Circuit Court as a result. “The rejection of our appeal […]

Autzen Stadium Expansion: Challenges and Benefits

Jack Heffernan FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

What would you think if Autzen Stadium, already known for being loud, expanded and became a cradle for eardrum-splitting noise? Silly question. You’re a Northwest sports fan, which, by default, means you are always seeking acknowledgement as the most raucous fan base in the country. Just spend five minutes witnessing a game at the Rose Garden (Moda Center) or CenturyLink …

Note from a Wounded Duck – an Open Letter to Rob Mullens

Randy Morse FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Dear Rob, Let me be clear. I am a Ducks fan. Have been since I was a three-year-old in Salem, holding a basketball almost as big as I was.  Have been since I played tennis and football for the South Eugene Fighting Axemen, the latter at venerable old Civic Stadium, within spitting distance of the new roundball palace that is …

Inside the Crystal Ball: Autzen Expansion and Oregon’s “You vs Yesterday” Mindset

Steven Holstad FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Quick, answer a seemingly impossible question, “What will Oregon’s football program look like in 10 years?”  What about these, “Who will be the powerful programs within a conference as up in the air as the Pac-12?”  ”How long will the college playoff system remain at only four teams?”  (Some might even predict that the NCAA won’t even be around in a …