Gateway to the Playoffs: Ducks Don’t Coug It; ‘Noles Survive Sans Winston

Evan Gilges FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

Marcus Mariota shines under pressure in conference opener  The first road trip for the Oregon Ducks was not pretty despite managing to survive. Highlighted by seven sacks, the Washington State Cougars exposed Oregon’s obvious weakness in Week 4. With three starting linemen sitting out Saturday due to injuries, the Oregon running game never got going, and the health of Mariota became a concern. Luckily we have this …

Surviving Pullman on Struggling Saturday

Nathan Roholt FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

This is what we wanted, right? The Oregon fan’s burden has always been that there will never be enough respect for the Ducks: that the offense is a gimmick, that their schedule isn’t tough enough, largely due to playing in an underwhelming conference. They’re told the Pac-12 isn’t anywhere near as good as the mighty SEC, winner of seven of …

Opponent Analysis: The Covert Claws of the Cougars

Rory Davidson FishWrap, FishWrap Archive

OK, get your laughs in now. Joke about how terrible the Cougars are, including their defense. The usual: “My 6-year-old brother’s Pop Warner team could beat WSU.” You guys got the giggles out? Good. Now we can move on to business. Washington State isn’t the joke you may think. They have a proven head coach, Mike Leach, in his second year …