| Rose Bowl: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel |
Tressel talks with reporters about what Ohio St. expects from the Oregon team. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Thursday, December 31, 2009
Rose Bowl: Ohio State coach Jim Tressel
Tressel talks with reporters about what Ohio St. expects from the Oregon team. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
The steady drizzle/rain couldn't dampen our spirits as we soaked in the pep rally yesterday afternoon. Had lunch at Bubba Gump's and then milled around the parking lot next to the Santa Monica pier with thousands of other giddy Duck fans.Here are a couple of links with photos from reporters catching the experience.
After that we headed to San Clemente and stayed with one of our friends. Had a great dinner and then walked down to the beach reveling in stories of seasons past and present (and maybe a few other tales.)
Today we will head back to the Pasadena area, check into our hotel and then go visit the Rose Bowl area in preparation for our epic victory tomorrow.
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Rose Bowl close-up: Bo Thran - Video
| Rose Bowl close-up: Bo Thran |
Bo Thran does an impromtu interview with Darrion Weems and then answers a few questions. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• Goducks.com has some nice photos from practice and the press conference.
• Norm Maves looks back at all of Oregon's previous Rose Bowl games.
Register Guard website is currently having technical difficulties but when the get back online these 2 stories will be worth a look.
• Duck of the Day is LaMichael James by Rob Moseley.
• LaMichael James is making the most of his chance to shine, again by Moseley.
• Nice little article by Bob Rickert giving the defense the props they deserve.
• Jeff Smith attended the press conference yesterday and reports that Bo Thran more than held his own.
• Bob Rickert has some great ideas on places to chow down.
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Rose Bowl close-up: Jeremiah Masoli
| Rose Bowl closeup: Jeremiah Masoli |
Confidence in a leader and a team to back you up, Jeremiah Masoli is that leader. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Rose Bowl - More Ohio St. - Video
| Rose Bowl: Ohio State |
Ohio St. defensive coordinator and players talk about the problems they will face trying to defend against the Ducks. Too bad none of it matters, there is no stopping destiny. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
Currently in the Bay Area (SF) with family, getting up bright and early to head out for the Santa Monica Pier and the pep rally tomorrow at 3pm.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• GoDucks.com has a nice collection of photos as the Ducks visited Beverly Hills for the Lawry's Beef Bowl. They also have press conference photos here.
• John Canzano reports the Ducks are all smiles, and that's a good sign for the Rose Bowl.
Right now, Oregon feels like a bunch of guys hanging out in a parking lot, throwing a ball around, about to play an important pick-up game. And while that normally might be reason to wonder if they're ready for Ohio State, this is exactly what Oregon needs to play its best game.
• Rob Moseley was prolific yesterday. He has a feature story, 2007 was a vintage year for recruits. Lots of names you will recognize so check it out.
Moseley also posted a handy fan guide if you will be in the LA area.
Rob's Duck of the Day was Eddie Pleasant.
Most memorable play: Though he had just one tackle, Pleasant chose Oregon’s win over Oregon State. “As long as the defense was going around hitting people, it didn’t really matter. I did my job.”
Rob also posted thise feature story, Pryor and the power running game are UO defensive keys.
[Brandon] Bair talked about the possibility of the Buckeyes employing a power running game Friday.
“We’re ready now,” Bair said. “We’ve experienced the Stanford game. If you saw by the second half, we changed our mentality, got ourselves squared away from a play-call standpoint, from a player standpoint. I don’t think we’d have any more issues if we were to play in a game like that.”
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Rose Bowl - Terrelle Pryor - Video
| Rose Bowl: Terrelle Pryor |
Slight injury? Tired? Wonder who the second string QB is? Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Monday, December 28, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• John Hunt wonders if Oregon's familiarity with the venue could be a factor?
Make no mistake: There will be a wow factor walking into the Rose Bowl on Friday.
It's a place in history that Oregon seems eager to accept.
"After the (UCLA) game, we were telling each other, 'We have to get back here, we have to get back here,'" Masoli said.
The Ducks are back here, with a slight edge in experience over Ohio State -- even if that flies out the window on the first whistle.
• Mike Tokito breaks down the common opponent theory (once again) about Oregon and Ohio St. and how they each played Purdue and USC.
• Rob Moseley suggests you read the stories that came in a special 20 page Rose Bowl preview section that was included in yesterdays Register Guard. A must read if you don't get the paper.
Moseley also has a feature story on how California feels like home to many of the Duck players. Here is what one of those players had to say.
“It was nice to spend Christmas at home, and then drive 30 minutes to join the team,” said linebacker Casey Matthews, a native of Agoura Hills, just west of this week’s bowl activities.
Last but not least, Moseley looks at Jeremiah Masoli's style of play in this piece and also named Masoli his Duck of the Day. Here is a sample:
The burly dual-threat star for the Oregon football team enjoyed running over opponents a year ago, but he figured there were times he probably would have to cut his losses and slide this season to save his body some wear and tear.
Lance Mitchell surely wishes Masoli had stuck to that plan.
The Oregon State safety was the unfortunate victim of Masoli’s powerful running style during the fourth quarter of Oregon’s Civil War win earlier this month.
The collision with Mitchell wasn’t the first time Oregon had seen such a play from its quarterback. In the Holiday Bowl last season, Masoli ran over Oklahoma State safety Quinton Moore on the way to a go-ahead, 41-yard touchdown run.
“The Holiday Bowl was really fun,” Masoli said. “We made some lifetime memories. I’m looking forward to making more memories with my friends this time.”
One can only wonder if those new memories will include another unsuspecting safety, and another embarrassing effort at trying to tackle Oregon’s powerhouse of a quarterback.
• Andy Mac has posted some pictures from practice yesterday on his Duck Feed.
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Christmas Photos
I have uploaded all the photos I took over the holidays to Flickr. This photo of Noah and Amelia was a gift from Suzi and Chuck, I scanned it to share. Enjoy!
Day 2 Rose Bowl Coverage - Video
KVAL's coverage of the Pac-10 Champs' run for the Roses in Southern California continues. On a rather quiet day, Oregon's practice was closed to the media. Tom Ward & Dirk Weishaar did get to watch the Buckeyes workout for 45 minutes.
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Sunday, December 27, 2009
First Day Pictures
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
All involved reported a brisk workout that showed little rust; Ed Dickson said it was a day to work off the calories consumed over the holiday this week, and that they should hit their stride Sunday.
During the visit to Disneyland, Chip Kelly spent a few minutes with the mdeia.
As usual, Kelly had the line of the day during the event. While acknowledging the presence of Mickey Mouse on-stage, Kelly said he and his team would have preferred Donald Duck. Guffaws all around.
• Moseley also posted his Duck of the Day, Walter Thurmond III.
Quotable: “I hope these guys win the Rose Bowl. The would be a great way to end our careers.”
• Do you wonder what the local media is talking about in Ohio? Here is what one Akron reporter thinks.
Buckeyes must turn up heat on Ducks. Ohio State must stop run, slow pace, pressure the QB.
Pretty good article if you have a few minutes.
• Sometimes John Canzano has the knack of rubbing me the wrong way, maybe you too. But the story he wrote yesterday, on the most meaningful story of the year for the Ducks is excellent.
• John Hunt reports that coach Kelly and this Oregon team, dream of making a mark in the history books.
"They get a chance to leave an impression that's never happened," Kelly said. "There's only one team, the 2001 team, that won 11 games. We've got a chance to win 11 games. There's only one team that's won a Rose Bowl and that was in 1917."
But as Kelly told his team, this would be a step beyond, a step right into Oregon history.
"We have a chance to do something really, really special," he said.
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Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #3 - Haloti Ngata
Who can forget the impact Haloti had in 2005. By the end of the year, he'd made 61 tackles, which led the Pac-10 for stops by an interior lineman. Video courtesy of KVAL.
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Joey Harrington - 'it's not regret, it's just wishful'
Joey Harrington gives his thoughts on not playing in the "Granddaddy" of them all. Video courtesy of KVAL.
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Ducks at Disneyland - Video
KVAL (Eugene TV station) has first day coverage as both teams converged on the Magic Kingdom.
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Saturday, December 26, 2009
2008 Holiday Bowl Highlights
With only six days left to our Rose Bowl experience I thought it might be a good time to revisit last years win at the Holiday Bowl. Good time had by all.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• Bob Rickert reports that defensive lineman Dominique Easley will announce his decision between Penn State or Oregon at the Under Armour All-Star Game on January 2.
The defensive lineman could play either end or maybe even tackle for the Ducks if he comes to Eugene. He reportedly had a tremendous visit, loved the coaches and became good friends with Duck red shirt freshman end Anthony Anderson.
• Rachel Bachman at the The Oregonian reports that Rose Bowl tickets are still available if you do a little searching on the internet.
Commercial sites such as RazorGator and Stubhub on Thursday had hundreds of tickets for sale ranging from $200-$1,000, and more for VIP suites.
• Norm Maves at The Oregonian has a historical story on the 1958 Rose Bowl and it all came down to the difference on two late field goal attempts.
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Friday, December 25, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
You Ducks seem split. Do you want a Rose Bowl win. Or do you want what's behind door number two, a gift that requires patience as it doesn't mature for a year? A hint? Let's just say it's something new and it looks a lot like a Rose Bowl only different. It's played later. In Glendale, Ariz. That's all I'm saying. On Jan. 10, 2011.
I'll be happy with the Rose Bowl win myself.
• Bob Rickert looks at the Oregon recruiting list and has some thoughts.
Everyone's still buzzing about the nation's number one running back, Lache Seastrunk showing up last weekend in Eugene. The Temple, Texas star loved his visit. Asked by A.J. Jacobsen of Duck Sports Authority's A.J. Jacobsen to rate it on a scaleof 1-10, he said, "15". That's pretty good. I'm no math major but, that's pretty good.
Interesting read so check it out.
• Andy Mac announced that Rivals.com has named four Ducks to their All-Pac-10 First Team.
Jeremiah Masoli, LaMichael James, Ed Dickson and Javes Lewis made the first team. Brandon Bair was chosen as a second-team defensive tackle and Kenjon Barner landed on the second team as a kick returner.
Congrats guys!
• Rob Moseley has a nice feature story on Jeff Maehl and calls him a massive talent.
It was clear from the start this season that Masoli felt comfortable looking to Maehl when he was under pressure, and the relationship has matured over the course of the fall. As Damon Griffin was for Akili Smith, as Keenan Howry was for Joey Harrington, Maehl has become a safety valve for Masoli.
Moseley also chose Maehl as the Duck of the Day.
Quotable: “This year has been amazing, going to the Rose Bowl. But looking to next year, we can take it one step higher and try to win a national title. That’s something not many people get to be a part of, so that’s what I’m working for.”
• Jeff Smith has a fantastic story on Oregon DE Will Tukuafu, who rises toward stardom a nickel at a time.
Following practices and games, Will Tukuafu often gathers the many empty bottles and cans in Oregon’s lavish football locker room.
As Tukuafu sees it, one player’s finished bottle of water is five extra cents in his pocket.
The second youngest of 16 children, Tukuafu grew up in Salt Lake City and watched in awe as his parents did whatever they had to do to put food on the table.
“I learned from my parents that you don’t complain about things, you just get back up and go to work,” Tukuafu said. “There’s no job too small, no task that’s not important. You work hard and never take days off. You don’t take anything for granted.”
He can’t wait to play against Ohio State in the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day, with several family members in the stands.
“I always remember what it took to reach this point,” Tukuafu said. “I always look back and think of the past. It helps me stay humble and makes me very grateful. I’m really blessed to be here.”
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Merry Christmas!
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Thursday, December 24, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
The most anticipated matchup heading into the Rose Bowl is how Oregon’s explosive rushing attack stacks up against the Buckeyes’ brick-wall run defense.
“They have speed everywhere,” Tressel said of the Ducks. “We’re going to have to be in tremendous shape.”
“They always have guys in position to make plays,” Kelly said. “They don’t give up a lot of big plays, and they don’t make a lot of mistakes.”
“We’re going to see if they can match up with us,” Oregon senior tight end Ed Dickson said. “They do a lot of great things on defense. They are big, we know that. They’re very physical at the point of attack. (But) we can exploit some of the things they do. They’re not perfect.”
• Andy Mac relayed the news that junior wide receiver Jamere Holland won't be making the trip to Pasadena after being ruled academically ineligible.
Not to make light of losing the program’s fastest player, but Holland's role has been dimished as of late. On the other hand, Oregon’s starting wideouts - Jeff Maehl, D.J. Davis and Lavasier Tuinei - have all seen their playing time increase as the year has progressed with both Maehl and Davis taking nearly every receiver snap at their outside positions in the pivotal win at Arizona.
You hate to see anyone not make the trip but we are in capable hands with the depth of our receivers.
• As I mentioned in an early post, Ohio St. has their own troubles with academics. Coach Jim Tressel confirmed that three Buckeyes won't be making the trip.
• Rob Moseley named C.E. Kaiser as the Duck of the Day.
Quotable: “It’s weird, but I just go from game to game, and I kind of forget about games in the past. You don’t even know it, but you just put your head down and play, play, play. You’re living in the moment. You live for that game, and that moment, and it’s awesome.”
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Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
Patrick Chung was named Oregon’s special teams player of the year in both 2007 and 2008, and Marvin Johnson would like to make it two in a row to win two in a row.
“Anybody can play offense or defense, but not everybody wants to play special teams, to be a total team player,” said Johnson, who broke camp with his UO teammates Monday before the start of Rose Bowl practices in Southern California on Saturday.
“That lets you know I’ll do anything for the team. If I don’t play a lot on defense, I’ll go out and play my butt off on special teams, which is what I did.”
Moseley also named Johnson as Duck of the Day.
Stats: Playing on all four of the kickoff and punt teams, plus in reserve on defense, Johnson has been credited with 24 tackles this season.
• GoDucks.com announced the formal signings of three JC players yesterday.
Offensive lineman Ryan Clanton (Bakersfield, Calif./CC of San Francisco), defensive lineman Isaac Remington (Chandler, Ariz./Phoenix College) and tight end Brandon Williams (Merrionette Park, Ill./Joliet JC (Ill.)) have all signed a National Letter of Intent and will begin classes at the university at the start of winter term in January.
The Ducks lose only four seniors off the current defensive depth chart, but three are on the defensive line, including starters Blake Ferras and Will Tukuafu. Remington, who redshirted in the JC ranks and has two years of remaining eligibility, will be asked to provide much-needed experience in that area.
Williams, a dynamic receiver who purportedly possesses 4.5 speed in the 40-yard dash, will ease the impending departure of all-Pac-10 tight end Ed Dickson and push the likes of young TEs Dion Jordan and David Paulson. Like Remington, he also has two years to play two.
While the current offensive line remains intact for 2010, gaining a player of Clanton's stature should pay big dividends in the years to come. Clanton has true junior status for next season, meaning he has three years remaining to play two.
Signing day for current high school student-athletes is Feb. 3, 2010.
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Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
Defensive back Javes Lewis returned and suited up today after missing two days of practice for undisclosed reasons. Receiver Jamere Holland missed his third straight workout, but he hasn’t officially been eliminated from consideration for the travel party. “Everybody’s going right now,” Kelly said.
• Sounds like Ohio St. won't be taking the whole team to the Rose Bowl according to John Hunt.
According to the Columbus Dispatch, Ohio State seniors Ray Small and Rob Rose as well as sophomore running back Bo DeLande will not make the trip to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl after violating team rules.
That's in addition to freshman receiver Duron Carter, who was declared ineligible last week.
• Adam Jude did a nice feature story on wide receiver coach Scott Frost.
“It’s just been a great first year, and not just because of the highs,” said Frost, 34, who joined the UO staff this year after two seasons at Northern Iowa. “We’ve been through so many highs and lows, and it’s even more fun to accomplish when you’ve tasted the other side of it.”
• Keith Becker continues his breaking down the Rose Bowl series as he looks at the offensive line.
But the guys who go unnoticed, the guys who allow for the skill players to do what they do, those are the guys in the trenches. Those are the guys who win games.
• Rob Moseley pegged Lavasier Tuinei as Duck of the Day yesterday.
Quotable: “I watched the Rose Bowl when I was a little kid and I dreamed of playing in it. And now I get a chance to start, and it’s awesome.”
• John Hunt has a nice article on defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti.
“Every day when I wake up – I honestly mean this – every day when I wake up, I look in the mirror,’’ Aliotti said. “And the guy that sometimes I love and sometimes I hate, the guy that sometimes makes mistakes and the guy that sometimes does things real well, I say to that guy as I’m brushing my teeth, ‘We’re going to the Rose Bowl.’ And that’s special.
“Now I hope we finish the deal.’’
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Monday, December 21, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
"Our offense revolves directly around the quarterback,'' [Chip] Kelly said. "When Jeremiah plays really well, we play really well."
In conference play, Masoli generates 275 yards of offense per game to [Terrelle] Pryor's 190. Even [LaMichael] James' carries start with Masoli's zone reads. It's all about the quarterback in college football.
"That's every quarterback's job, pretty much,'' Masoli said of the responsibilities. "In this offense, even more, just because of all the decisions I have to make on every play.''
Masoli is quick enough to evade most hits and sturdy enough to withstand the ones he does take. Yes, he has a strong and accurate arm, excellent speed and much-improved decision making. But his physicality is what sets him apart.
• Rob Moseley noted that the Civil War for 2010 has been re-scheduled for Dec. 4th instead of November 27th. Moseley also attended practice yesterday but missed the action as they let the players out early. The team will meet today at the Mo Center to practice in shells before taking 3 days off for a Christmas break and then meeting/travelling to LA where they will practice in Carson, CA starting on the 26th.
• If you are going to be in the Los Angeles area, starting on Dec. 26 and would like to know the team schedule, Steve Summers has their complete itinerary leading up to the Rose Bowl.
• Rob Moseley has posted a feature story on T.J. Ward, keeper of the flame.
To his friends, he was one of “The Amigos,” the talented quintet of De La Salle High football stars who planned to play together at Oregon.
Ironic, then, that Ward, the hard-hitting senior safety for the Ducks, is the only member of the group who will appear in the final game of his UO career. Circumstances tragic and traumatic kept the others from doing so, but Ward will lead the Oregon defense onto the field for the Rose Bowl on New Year’s Day against Ohio State.
Be sure to check out the complete story here.
Moseley also had T.J. as the Duck of the Day yesterday.
Most memorable play: His interception of Matt Barkley in the closing seconds of the Ducks’ victory over USC. “We just demolished them, and that was my first game back (from injury) and to get that pick put the nail in the coffin for them.”
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Sunday, December 20, 2009
Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #5 - Nick Reed
KVAL has Nick Reed at number five as they continue the countdown to number one. #49 put many QB's flat on their back as he stormed in from his DE position.
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Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #6 - Max Unger - Video
KVAL has selected Max Unger to fill the number six spot as they continue to countdown the top ten players of this decade. #60 created running lanes for many Oregon backs and QB's during his career.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
I spent a lot of time on the defensive end of the field, where there weren’t as many turnovers forced as in the last couple of days. Tyrece Gaines had a nice day on the scout team, and as usual Diante Jackson had a couple of nice receptions.
At the other end, scout safety Brian Jackson had a great leaping interception. He’s having an impressive month (on the field, that is). Late in the day, Scott Grady had an interception during the clutch period.
If you are still looking for tickets you might check out the comments on Rob's post, folks are selling still selling them. There are some lively discussions in these comments as well.
• John Hunt looks back at Mike Bellotti's coaching career at Oregon and noticed he just missed out on the Rose Bowl at the beginning and end of his coaching span. This article is a very good read, be sure to check it out.
• Steve Mims at the RG has a nice feature story, walking tall, walk-ons from local high schools enjoy Ducks’ ride to Pasadena.
Here is just one of the many quotes:
“I couldn’t have imagined a situation like this,” said former Churchill star Nick Musgrove, who joined the Ducks last spring as a linebacker after first playing club lacrosse at Arizona and Oregon. “I couldn’t have picked a better season to jump in. Before I joined the team, this was my wildest dream.”
• Morgan Flint is featured as the Duck of the Day in Moseley's continuing series.
Most memorable play: “I’d have to say the worst kick of my career, at Arizona,” when his career-best 43-yard field goal hit the crossbar and bounced in, tying the score in the fourth quarter. “I don’t think I’ll ever forget how terribly I kicked that ball, but somehow it went through. I don’t know if it was special, but it was memorable.”
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Saturday, December 19, 2009
Be Inspired
While this particular Duck team might not be "perfect" in the sense of zero losses they are very much a "team" and I have no doubt that they will be remembered for their outstanding achievements and winning the day.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
There was good energy today, keeping with a general trend upward as the Rose Bowl approaches. T.J. Ward and John Boyett had nice interceptions, D.J. Davis and Ed Dickson made tough receptions when they had to adjust to balls that were off-target, and Terrance Montgomery was in on a big collision during a run play.
• Moseley continued his Duck of the Day series with Michael Clay.
Quotable: “I’ve been in awe, coming in during the summer through fall camp. I’m playing with grown men; I came to fall camp as a 17-year old, and I’m playing with grown men, rotating in on defense and special teams. It’s been an amazing experience as a true freshman.”
• Huge recruiting news hit the blogs yesterday. Duck Territory reported that Lache Seastrunk was in town on an official (surprise) visit.
Lache is a 5 star running back from Texas that shows explosive speed and vision, making him an ideal fit for a Chip Kelly spread attack.
• The Ducks won the Rose Bowl back in 1917 and Bob Welch relates the story in "how the west was won."
That times have changed since Oregon’s 14-0 football win over the University of Pennsylvania on New Year’s Day 1917 is as obvious as watching a certain Duck highlight clip and realizing “Kenny Wheaton’s gonna score!”
But that Rose Bowl game 93 years ago and Oregon’s showdown in Pasadena, Calif., against Ohio State this Jan. 1 have at least one thing in common: Then and now, the pride of West Coast football was, and is, on the line.
• John Hunt reports that the Buckeye's D-line poses a challenge for the Ducks.
"They're a big, physical D-line," Masoli said. "Their D-ends are really tall, really big -- they look to get after you, real physical. So we'll have our work cut out for us."
Said UO coach Chip Kelly: "He understands what we're trying to accomplish, and when the game's on the line, he always finds a way to make a play."
• Andy Mac announced that Chip Kelly is in the running for another post season honor.
Kelly is one of seven head football men being considered for the Paul "Bear" Bryant Award, the American Heart Association announced Thursday.
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Friday, December 18, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• Rob Moseley attended practice at the Moshofsky Center last night as the team got back into the swing of things in shells.
The practice featured a slew of interceptions by the defense against the scout offense. Anthony Gildon picked off two passes, while Javes Lewis and John Boyett had one apiece.
• Keith Becker continues his series, breaking down the Rose Bowl, with a look at the tight end position. Not much to compare as Ohio St. has only 15 catches this year.
This matchup is a about as close as any Pac-10 game involving Washington State since 2007.
Everyone knows about Ed Dickson, but sophomore David Paulson has come out of nowhere to become an excellent complement the two-time all Pac-10 honoree.
So let’s see, tOSU has 15 catches for 156 yards and zero touchdowns from the position and the Ducks have, well, a lot more than that.
I’ll take Oregon.
• John Hunt has an excellent story on T.J. Ward who would like to vent his frustrations at the Rose Bowl.
Oregon senior T.J. Ward is happy but not satisfied. He's proud of his team but peeved at the system. He respects Terrelle Pryor but would really like to hit him. Hard.
Mention "Ward'' and "bowl'' together, and the image of a contorted Zac Robinson comes to mind.[Oklahoma St. QB at the Holiday Bowl]
"I'm just going to try to get him down. He's a little bit bigger than Zac - he's like Taylor Mays at quarterback.''
A collision between Pryor and Ward, who gives up seven inches and 30 pounds to the quarterback, would be an interesting test of physics.
I'll put my money on T.J.
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Thursday, December 17, 2009
Do the Oregon Boogie
Props to ATQ for finding and posting this video. A little something to keep our Duck fans hopping.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
For those fans who still want tickets, you’ll have to find someone willing to part with them through online ticket sites such as Stubhub.com, Razorgator.com. or Fansnap.com. Or try craigslist or eBay.
• A lot has been made of the fact that Ohio State's two losses (Purdue and USC) and the Duck victory over both those teams leads you to believe we should beat Ohio St. But is that sound reasoning? Check out Chris Hansen's story to learn more. Here is a sample:
“There’s just so many other things that factor in to it,” said UO linebacker Spencer Paysinger, bringing a cautious tone to such thinking. “Things like overall intensity on the field. Schemes that they run that we don’t run. Maybe they had an off day. A lot of people say, ‘Oh since we beat them and then they beat them … ,’ but I feel like, no, it just comes down to the emotion of game day and whoever executes the best.”
• Rob Moseley has a nice feature story on how the Oregon offense is run by committee.
A head coach who calls his own plays. An offensive coordinator with no background in the spread-option. A line coach who also carries the title of run-game coordinator.
Too many cooks spoil the broth? Not so, members of Oregon’s offensive staff said.
“It’s been a really good exchange of ideas,” line coach Steve Greatwood said.
“When you’re in (meetings) it’s not that one guy has more influence over the other guy, or ‘He’s in charge,’ ” Kelly said. “It’s really a free-flowing thing, and we all just end up agreeing on things.”
“We’re going to do what we do,” Greatwood said. “It’s really a matter of how you dress it up.”
• Ted Miller posted his underrated player of the year for each Pac-10 team. For Oregon it was Spencer Paysinger.
Paysinger may have been the Ducks' best linebacker among three very good linebackers. The junior tied with Casey Matthews for third on the team with 72 tackles, with 6.5 tackles for loss, six pass breakups and two fumble recoveries.
• Rob Moseley continues his Duck of the Day series. Yesterday was Mark Asper.
Quotable: Playing in Rose Bowl “Hasn’t sunk in. It doesn’t feel like anything’s special because we’re just out here working every day. It’s business as usual.”
Today Moseley has punter Jackson Rice.
Quotable: “It’s been an awesome first year here at Oregon. Being able to go to the Rose Bowl in your first season is pretty nice. Obviously I’ll have a high standard every year now.”
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Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
Most memorable play: Oregon takes a knee to clinch a victory in the Civil War. “We knew that we were in the Rose Bowl and we had a chance to play for a BCS win.”
• Ron Bellamy posted a feature story on the 1958 Rose Bowl. Good read, here is a sample:
“Ohio State won the football game, but scrappy little Oregon won all the other honors in yesterday’s thrilling Rose Bowl classic, including the lasting respect of those who came to scoff,” wrote Dan Hafner in the Los Angeles Examiner.
“We were the darlings of America,” [former AD Norv] Ritchey said. “All of a sudden, we were nationally recognized in the sports world. … The Rose Bowl meant so much to us at that time. It was everything you could ask for. It put us in the big leagues for quite a few years.”
Back in that bygone era when it was possible to lose and, somehow, still win, too.
• Andy Mac reports that LaMichael James' list of accolades continues to grow with the latest addition being today's third team all-American selection by Sporting News.
• Adam Rittenberg at ESPN reports that Ohio State wide receiver Duron Carter and defensive end Rob Rose are ineligible to play in the Rose Bowl presented by Citi against No. 7 Oregon, according to one of their sources.
• Addicted to Quack contributor, Takimoto, tries his hand at poetry with "Beerdrops on Roses." Funny stuff and his nomber one slection is my favorite too.
• John Hunt used FanSnap to calculate that the Rose Bowl is second to only the national championship game in fan interest.
• Keith Becker compares running backs as he continues to break down the Rose Bowl. My favorite part of his story is this quip about Ohio St. QB Terrelle Pryor.
In fact, their leading ball carrier is none other than the quarterback. Not a good sign for a team that is known for grinding it out on the ground. It’s amazing what teams will do to land a top recruit.
Apparently Ohio State was willing to throw their entire offensive strategy out the window. But hey, I guess it was time to change it up. Getting smashed harder than Lindsay Lohan at an open bar in BCS games is only fun for so long.
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Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #7 - Kellen Clemens
KVAL continues their countdown and Kellen Clemens is picked as #7.
As it is, he still stands third in all-time passing yards at Oregon (7,555), third in total offense (8,090) and second in touchdown passes (61). But if he hadn't suffered a broken leg against Arizona, with three games remaining in the season, Clemens almost certainly would have overtaken Bill Musgrave for the lead in career total offense (8,140) and Danny O'Neil for the most touchdown passes in school history (62).
One of Clemen's favorite targets was Demetrius Williams (#6), as seen in these clips.
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Tuesday, December 15, 2009
David Paulson after practice - Video
David Paulson talks with Jerry Allen after practice yesterday. Video courtesy of GoDucks.com.
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Chip Kelly after practice - Video
Coach Kelly talks with reporters after practice yesterday. Courtesy of GoDuck.com.
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2010 Rose Bowl Promo - Video
This video was done by a Purdue student with OSU roots but it is pretty well done. Enjoy!
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
A couple of the usual suspects provided highlight plays today. Diante Jackson went up to make a catch only to have the ball tipped away by John Boyett, except that Jackson maintained his balance and focus and came up with the football anyway on his second try. A few reps later, during the same 7-on-7 session, Cliff Harris had a leaping interception.
• Moseley also continued his "Duck of the Day" series, this time spotlighting Casey Matthews.
Quotable: “We started off on a bad note, and it showed our character, how we responded. We knew we had a special unit coming into this year, and it’s been a great ride, with some great guys who play hard for each other.”
• Ted Miller posted his All-Freshmen Pac-10 team and it included 3 familiar names.
RB LaMichael James, OL Carson York and DB John Boyett.
• On the recruiting front, Adam Jude posted a feature story as most of the coaches hit the road yesterday in search of the next batch of recruits.
“I know one thing: If you don’t go out and battle for ’em, you’re not going to get ’em,” said Kelly, who made stops in Detroit and New York last week. “It’s all just about time and if you’re willing to travel the distance. We’re not afraid to work.”
• Bob Rickert announced that JC Defensive Lineman Isaac Remington was offered and accepted. Not a week later. Not a day later. Right then.
Remington is 6' 6", 265lbs. and played this past season at Phoenix College in Arizona. He played his high school ball at Valley Christian in Chandler, AZ. A small school that made it tough for him to get attention. In the past two years he's added 25lbs. and become a terror on the end of the line.
• John Hunt relays Ohio St. coach Jim Tressel's impressions on meeting Chip Kelly. When asked if he thought Kelly was aggressive Tressel replied, "he didn't take me down and pin me or something, so he wasn't that aggressive."
• John Hunt was also at practice yesterday and talked with Nick Aliotti and Will Tukuafu.
"Our goals aren't just to get there, but to win the thing,'' Tukuafu said of the Rose Bowl. "That's kind of where our mentality's at. We're excited to take this up to the next level.''
"I don't think I'm going to have to get anybody jacked up to play,'' defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti said.
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Monday, December 14, 2009
Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #9 - Samie Parker
KVAL has Sammy Parker as number nine on their list of the top 10 players of this decade. Again a solid choice and one of my favorites. You can read their article here.
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Oregon's top 10 players of the 2000s: #8 - Keenan Howry
One of our local television stations, KVAL, is producing this series as a prelude to the Rose Bowl. Can't really argue with the choice of Keenan Howry. How many times did Joey throw the ball his way in clutch situations? You can read KVAL's article here.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
It was a competition day and the defense won 62-52.
“They were fired up,” UO coach Chip Kelly said. “They love competition day. ... They cranked it up."
“I just wanted to see the guys compete,” Kelly said. “We’ll watch the tape. Daryle Hawkins obviously really is athletic when he has the ball in his hands, and Nick Cole made a nice play over the top. There was some banging going on on defense, too. I’ll be anxious to look at the tape.”
• Jeff Smith was at practice also, and says the Ducks aren't focusing on the Rose Bowl just yet.
"I haven't thought about the Rose Bowl, I can honestly say that," Ducks freshman running back LaMichael James said. "Really, I'm not thinking about that. I'm just thinking about practice."
"We won't really start our game plan in earnest until Thursday," Kelly said.
James, the nation's seventh-leading rusher with 1,476 yards, said Kelly's emphasis on increasing each practice's importance has made it easier to avoid getting caught up in the hype of the Rose Bowl. Not even the constant talk from friends and family about the game seems to have had an effect on the laid-back James.
• Keith Becker compares the Rose Bowl quarterbacks at his website, UOSportsDude.com.
Masoli is what Pryor was supposed to be, a spread-option machine, perfect for Chip Kelly’s wide open system. And well, Pryor is the tenth most efficient quarterback in the Big Ten – slightly behind expectations.
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Ducks practice: Competition day - Video
| Ducks practice: Competition day |
The Ducks held a competition day yesterday at practice and Chip Kelly talks about a couple of new wrinkles he might use. Video courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.
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Sunday, December 13, 2009
2007 Sun Bowl Highlights
Figured we might as well get prepared for the inevitable Rose Bowl highlight video with a recap of 2007. I didn't make this particular video but the quality is descent. Don't really care for the music but that might just be me. Still fun to relive the smackdown we put on South Florida, 56-21, and the incredible day Jonathan Stewart had. He was voted MVP for his performance.
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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
Tempo is usually a primary focus for Chip Kelly, and he seemed pleased with that.
Eddie Pleasant and Cliff Harris had diving pass breakups to highlight the day. On the other side of the ball, Rory Cavaille and Malachi Lewis both had a few nice grabs.
• Moseley is also doing a daily spotlight report with a different player each day. Carson York was yesterday and Blake Ferras is in the spotlight today. Rob has a different piece on the friendly competition between Spencer Paysinger and Casey Matthews to see who would end up with more tackles this season. Currently they are tied with 72 each.
“You could see Pays or Case at the strong-side position or the weak-side position, or out in space,” UO linebacker coach Don Pellum said. “You could see them both blitzing at times, or you could see them covering receivers down the field. It’s been very good for us defensively that those kids have been able to learn those techniques, and perform them at a high level.”
“We’re going to have to get back to old-fashioned fundamentals,” Pellum said of Oregon’s practice regimen this month. “Put your foot down and hit the sleds.”
Paysinger and Matthews will oblige, in their quests to both slow the Buckeyes and outpace each other in tackles.
• Ken Goe looks at the benefits of having the Moshofsky Center to practice in to prepare for the Rose Bowl. No more practicing outdoors as they did to prepare for the 94/95 Rose Bowl.
• John Hunt says the coaches are finding that the recruiting trail has been easier for the coaches with all the national recognition the Ducks have received.
"I hit Miami, Florida, and the first place I walk in, I get, 'Hey, the Ducks are here!' running backs coach Gary Campbell said. "It's nice.
"We've had a good reception around the country. Everybody knows who the Ducks are now.''
• Steve Summers talked with Oregon cornerback coach John Neal about playing in "big" games.
“They’ve been around, but so have we,” observed Neal of Ohio State. “This is not the first big game we’ve played. Certainly not ever and certainly not this year. We’ve played a lot of big games against really good opponents and we get another one. That’s what part of being a Division I team is.”
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Saturday, December 12, 2009
Ohio St. Buckeye Jokes
Two Ohio State University fans were walking down the street when they came upon a dog lying on the sidewalk licking and cleaning his groin like dogs do.
The first Ohio State fan says to the second, "Boy, I wish I could do that."
The second Ohio State fan replies, "Yeah, me too. But I wouldn't try it."
The first Ohio State fan asks, "Why not?"
The second Ohio State fan replies, "Because I'm afraid the dog might bite me."
*******************************************************
Q: What's the difference between an Ohio State fan and a carp?
A: One is a bottom-feeding, scum sucker, and the other is a fish.
*******************************************************
Q: Did you hear about the fire in Ohio State University's football dorm that destroyed 20 books?
A: The real tragedy was that 15 hadn't been colored yet.
*******************************************************
Q: Why don't Ohio State Buckeyes fans let their kids play in sand boxes?
A: Because cats keep covering them up.
*******************************************************
Q: What do you get when you breed a groundhog and the Ohio State Buckeyes?
A: Six more weeks of bad football.
*******************************************************
Q: What does the average Ohio State University student get on his SAT?
A: Drool.
*******************************************************
Q: What do you call a good looking girl on the Ohio State University campus?
A: A visitor.
*******************************************************
Q: What do Ohio State and pot have in common?
A: They both get smoked in bowls!
*******************************************************
Four college alumni were climbing a mountain one day: an Ohio State, an Oregon grad, a Florida grad, and a Notre Dame grad. Each proclaimed to be the most loyal of all fans at their alma mater.
As they climbed higher, they argued as to which one of them was the most loyal of all. They argued all the way up the mountain, and when they reached the top, the Notre Dame grad hurled himself off the mountain, shouting "This is for the Fighting Irish!" as he fell to his doom.
Not wanting to be out done, the Florida grad threw himself off the mountain proclaiming, "This is for the Gators!"
Seeing this, the Oregon grad walked over and shouted "This is for the Ducks!" and pushed the Buckeyes fan off the side of the mountain.
*******************************************************
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The first Ohio State fan says to the second, "Boy, I wish I could do that."
The second Ohio State fan replies, "Yeah, me too. But I wouldn't try it."
The first Ohio State fan asks, "Why not?"
The second Ohio State fan replies, "Because I'm afraid the dog might bite me."
*******************************************************
Q: What's the difference between an Ohio State fan and a carp?
A: One is a bottom-feeding, scum sucker, and the other is a fish.
*******************************************************
Q: Did you hear about the fire in Ohio State University's football dorm that destroyed 20 books?
A: The real tragedy was that 15 hadn't been colored yet.
*******************************************************
Q: Why don't Ohio State Buckeyes fans let their kids play in sand boxes?
A: Because cats keep covering them up.
*******************************************************
Q: What do you get when you breed a groundhog and the Ohio State Buckeyes?
A: Six more weeks of bad football.
*******************************************************
Q: What does the average Ohio State University student get on his SAT?
A: Drool.
*******************************************************
Q: What do you call a good looking girl on the Ohio State University campus?
A: A visitor.
*******************************************************
Q: What do Ohio State and pot have in common?
A: They both get smoked in bowls!
*******************************************************
Four college alumni were climbing a mountain one day: an Ohio State, an Oregon grad, a Florida grad, and a Notre Dame grad. Each proclaimed to be the most loyal of all fans at their alma mater.
As they climbed higher, they argued as to which one of them was the most loyal of all. They argued all the way up the mountain, and when they reached the top, the Notre Dame grad hurled himself off the mountain, shouting "This is for the Fighting Irish!" as he fell to his doom.
Not wanting to be out done, the Florida grad threw himself off the mountain proclaiming, "This is for the Gators!"
Seeing this, the Oregon grad walked over and shouted "This is for the Ducks!" and pushed the Buckeyes fan off the side of the mountain.
*******************************************************
GO DUCKS!
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
[Jeremiah] Masoli said the Ducks had minimal rust to shake off Friday. “You can feel the buzz around here,” [Chip] Kelly said.
The only regulars declared out for the Rose Bowl are cornerbacks Walter Thurmond III and Willie Glasper, plus linebacker Josh Kaddu, who remains on crutches with a foot injury.
On Friday, Thurmond did strength and flexibility exercises on flat ground for the first time since his knee injury.
John Hunt also attended practice and filed this report.
• Andy Mac announced that LaMichael James picked up some more hardware. James was named as the College Football Performance Awards national freshman performer of the year. Congrats LaMichael.
• GoDucks.com has posted their postseason weekly release for the matchup with Ohio St. Click through to learn all you need to know about facts, figures and trivia.
• Keith Becker at TheUofOSportsDude.com filed this article on a bit of marketing strategy. He relays the story behind the "GreenMan," who appeared at most of the football games this year. Good stuff.
• Going to conclude today with this story filed by Fletcher Johnson that appeared at eDuck yesterday, Oregon Offense vs. Ohio State Defense. It's a good read.
Oregon’s offense will test the Ohio State corners and outside linebackers with their quickness off the snap. If Tight End Ed Dickson and the other receivers as well as the Oregon offensive tackles can seal the outside linebackers and kick out the corners, the Ducks could run all over the Buckeye defense.
If you tell me that Oregon averages over five yards a carry in this game, I would probably say the Ducks win by two touchdowns. If Ohio State can contain James, Blount, and Masoli, the Buckeyes will be in it right to the end.
GO DUCKS!
Friday, December 11, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
• It has been a big recruiting week, Oregon picked up commitments from two defensive players.
Wednesday night defensive back Troy Hill (Ventura, Calif./St. Bonaventure) made public that he'll be an Oregon Duck next fall.
On Monday it was announced that Colton (Calif.) defensive back Derrick Malone took an official visit to Oregon this past weekend and as expected, the talented athlete has committed to the Ducks.
• Chip Kelly is on the national radar. Ted Miller reports Kelly is one of seven finalists for the Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year Award.
The winner will be announced at a reception on Jan. 5 in Newport Beach, Calif.
John Hunt announced that Kelly was awarded coach of the year honors by CBS Sports.
• The team returns to practice this afternoon after a week of finals so we should have some team news by this time tomorrow.
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Thursday, December 10, 2009
Duck Stuff: Morning Mud
The Ducks should start the 2010 season ranked in the preseason top five, particularly if they beat Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. Nearly the entire two-deep returns, topped by Masoli and LaMichael James -- both of whom figure to make a number of preseason Heisman Trophy lists. A Sept. 11 visit to Tennessee should be intriguing.
• Andy Mac details more honors that have been bestowed on coach Kelly (2009 Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award), LaMichael James and John Boyett (freshman all-America team sponsored by CollegeFootballNews.com).
• Planning a trip to the Rose Bowl? Need advice on where to stay, how to get to the game or festivities to attend? Rob Moseley has started a running Rose Bowl fan thread on his blog. Lots of good information and advice from fellow Duck fans who went to the 1995 Rose Bowl.
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