How 2014 is like 2007, and How It Isn’t

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Imagine if the 2007 season never ended. That was the obvious connection following week six. Not just among the college football landscape because of tumult among the nation’s top teams, but within the dynamic of Oregon’s own team. Just as in 2007, Oregon started the season looking like one of the best teams in the nation, jumping out to a 4-0 …

One Team, One City, One Love. Go Ducks.

Ashley Young FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

If you are looking for an explanation as to why the Ducks lost, you’ve come to the wrong place. Likewise, if you are looking for someone to point a finger at, again, turn around now. I know, probably not the best way to begin this article, but I have a lot to say with an uneasy feeling in my stomach. …

How Royce Freeman Saved Marcus Mariota: Oregon Spread Offense Pass Protection

Charles Fischer, Mr. FishDuck Fish Reports

I know you’re shaking your head at my title; “Charles is shameless in how he tries to get hits.” There is truth in the shameless part, but there is also truth in how Royce Freeman made a huge play to help his teammates score a touchdown AND protect his quarterback, Marcus Mariota, from serious injury. Coach Tony Hoolulu in Hawaii …

What We Learned: 11 Newbs Critical to the Ducks’ Championship Run

Josh Hall FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Through three glorious weeks of college football, teams across the country have had their depth tested. Look to the east and observe a USC defensive line run over by a mediocre Boston College team in a below-average ACC conference. Look to the south and see a backup quarterback carried off the field heroically on teammates’ shoulders after managing a shaky …

Oregon Football Recruiting Analysis: Grading the Class

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

National LOI signing day is a lot like Christmas for those of us who follow recruiting. A few of us have rich parents and expect the world, while others come from blue collar families.  All of us wake up early and wait in agony for mom and dad to come downstairs so that we can start opening presents.  Sometimes, we …

Recruiting Analysis: The Truth About Rankings and a Full Class Prediction

Chris Charbonnier FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Kevin Cline If you’re expecting Oregon to finish high in the recruiting rankings this year, then prepare to be disappointed.  Last week, I went against popular opinion and explained why I thought Oregon would be taking a relatively small 2014 recruiting class.  Now it looks like they might take an even smaller class than I suspected. On Tuesday, Justin Hopkins …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Trumps SEC Girth with Speed!

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting In regards to The Oregonian‘s recent report, this writer will highlight two pieces of information that will put Oregon in the clear of any major sanctions. “…The (recently released) documents also state (that the) NCAA enforcement staff said they had “no finding of lack of institutional control and no finding of unethical conduct,” key points when it comes …

Recruiting Update: Oregon Finding Riches in the Muddy Bayou

Mark Flores FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Football Recruiting Offers In an offense that is predicated on speed, Oregon’s recent additions of interior brawn have only continued to bolster the relentless up-tempo “Blur.”  Offensive line coach Steve Greatwood is ensuring future trench battles go the Ducks way with an offer extension to Tyrell Crosby (NR/Henderson, NV).  Standing 6’4″ and carrying a playing weight of 298 lbs., Crosby’s …