Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• With only two days left until national signing day, the few football related stories out there all revolve around recruiting and the last push to the finish line. There are also rumors flying around on Twitter that USC commit De'Anthony Thomas might be coming to Oregon.

• Dale Newton looks at the visit by OL Jake Fisher this last weekend.

• Scout has Oregon as the #10 recruiting class in the nation at this point.

• OregonLive.com has a fairly complete list of verbal commits along with respective highlight videos.

• Lindsay Schnell takes a closer look at Oregon commit DE Lake Koa-Ka'ai.

Duck fans should be excited because: Combined with quarterback prospect Marcus Mariota, Oregon has got the two best players in the state of Hawaii this year.


• Update: Rob Moseley confirmed this morning that things are heating up regarding De"Anthony Thomas as he made a surprise visit to Eugene over the weekend.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Lindsay Schnell takes a closer look at Oregon commit WR Devon Blackman in her continuing "countdown to signing day" series.

Duck fans should be excited because: Blackmon is so good with the ball in his hands that if Oregon is in a pinch, Blackmon could probably play quarterback.

• Greg Bolt at the R-G has an in depth look at details emerging regarding the new football operations building being built near Autzen Stadium.

• Bob Rickert wonders if Oregon might be the best coached team in the country.


Oregon's also had how many 2-star guys come through and make a massive impact? A lot. And not just guys that were hard to find. Should've been easy to find Walter Thurmond, Jairus Byrd, Max Unger, Matt Toeiana, etc. They weren't living in the middle of nowhere. St. Louis, Hawaii, and West Covina, CA. Pretty easy spots to find.


But even if they had been rated a little low, they clearly weren't impact players when they arrived, but wound up being NFL guys when they left.

The folks at Rivals also agree with Oregon's overachiever success.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley looks back at how the special teams group did in 2010 and then jumps ahead to 2011.

SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR: All Cliff Harris did in coming off the bench behind Kenjon Barner as the Ducks' punt returner was earn consensus all-America status, just the fourth UO football player to do so (and one of two in 2010, along with LaMichael James). Harris led the nation with four return touchdowns, two after replacing Barner in a blowout over New Mexico, and one at Washington State after Barner was knocked out of the game with a concussion.


Barner didn't resume return duties until the Civil War, and despite his talents in that area, the Ducks were just fine, because of Harris. While he could sometimes drive you nuts making risky decisions about whether to field the ball, that fearlessness served him well as a returner. In a list of Oregon's plays of the year from 2010, Harris' 64-yard punt return at California, for the Ducks' only points of the first half, deserves a prime spot.

• Ted Miller reviews his 2010 preseason "best case-worst case" story he did for Oregon last year.

Conclusion: Oregon's season fell just short of a best-case scenario that even exceeded our version. While the Ducks ultimately didn't end up splitting the title, it's hard to see a 12-1 finish and final No. 3 ranking as anything but pretty great.

• Lindsay Schnell continues her ongoing series, "countdown to signing day," with a closer look at Oregon commit OT Tyler Johnstone.

• Determination and heart seemed to be key ingredients in the Ducks success last year. One player on the Oregon roster, walk-on RB Ayele Forde, followed his dream of proving everyone wrong about his playing ability and in the process showed us just how far determination and heart can take you.

Good story and worth a read. (thanks go to Dale Newton for the link)

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley reviews the performance of the 2010 defensive backs and looks ahead to 2011.

SPRING PRACTICE: With Cliff Harris, John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant all back, the primary task is replacing the fourth starting spot held the last two years by Talmadge Jackson. As the most experienced veteran, Anthony Gildon probably is in line for the first practice reps during the month of April, but there are other compelling options on the roster. Terrance Mitchell starred in the 2010 spring game, and it wouldn't have been surprising to see him play in 2010 rather than redshirt. Avery Patterson is a physical player who may best fit the role Jackson filled. And then there are Dior Mathis and Troy Hill, two blazing fast freshmen.

• Ted Miller looks at the recruiting needs for the Pac-12 North Division.

• Dale Newton has some lyrics for a winter workout rap song.

• The mens BB team broke a 24 game losing streak ('85-'86) when playing Stanford in Palo Alto as they took down the Cardinal 67-59 last night.

• The Heisman Pundit is taking a long look in their crystal ball to predict future Heisman candidates from the 2011 recruiting class. Oregon QB commit Jerrard Randall is on their list.

• Lindsay Schnell continues her "coutdown to signing day" series with a closer look at Oregon commit Colt Lyerla.


The Ducks highest ranked recruit in the 2011 class – he is considered the No. 26 prospect in the country according to recruiting service Rivals.com, and was given a five-star rating – Lyerla could play one of many positions at Oregon. In high school he did a little bit of everything and Hillsboro coach Ken Ingram said that no matter where he winds up, Lyerla "will be a weapon." Ingram believes Lyerla could play as a true freshman.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley reviews the performance of the linebackers in 2010 and previews what to expect in 2011.

SPRING PRACTICE: With Michael Clay figuring to step in for Paysinger, and Kiko Alonso and Dewitt Stuckey on hand to battle for the starting job in the middle, the picture in April seems to be pretty clear. But Don Pellum likes for his linebackers to be versatile, and in the search for the best trio to start games, might not the Ducks try Josh Kaddu at WILL and Clay at MIKE, allowing Boseko Lokombo to slide into the starting spot at SAM? They'd be hard-pressed to field a more athletic group than that. Getting Kaddu work at WILL would bolster the inside spots, which are generally lacking for experience, and Derrick Malone may be ready to step into a backup role at SAM behind Lokombo in that case.

• Three star prospect DE Roderick Byers, 6'5" 270lbs. from Rock Hill, SC has given his verbal commitment to the Ducks which fills a big need. Kid looks good in this highlight video with great pursuit and never gives up on the play.

• Oregon’s new recruiting class, considered among the top 10 in the nation, is shaping up to be its best ever.

• Lindsay Schnell takes a closer look at Oregon commit, LB Tyson Coleman.

• Dennis Dodd takes a way too early look at the 2011 Heisman race and you will find three Ducks on his list. The surprise, at least to me, after figuring LMJ and DT would be there, was the inclusion of Cliff Harris.

Dodd calls Harris his designated "Charles Woodson candidate for 2011."

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley reviews the defensive line for 2010 and then looks ahead to 2011.


ROOKIE OF THE YEAR: In his first year at the position, converted receiver/tight end Dion Jordan made the two-deep at end playing behind Turner on the field side of the formation, the end with more open space to cover. Tall and lanky, Jordan used his leverage to avoid being overpowered very often. He finished with 5.5 tackles for loss among his 33 total tackles, and proved himself a legitimate challenger for a starting spot come 2011.

• Ted Miller looks at the big payout from the BCS bowl games.

• Cliff Harris' little brother, LIZ, is a budding musician in Fresno. You can watch him (along with Cliff) in this video or listen to "Kash Harris" here.

• Recruiting driving you nuts? Rob Moseley provides recruiting links to help make sense out of it.

• ESPN has released their All-Senior Pac-10 team and more than one slot is filled by a Duck.

• Several Ducks are transitioning to the track team this spring, should be exciting.

• Dale Newton looks at all of the talent currently on the team, the exciting addition of incoming recruits, but wonders if they will have that X factor; leadership, will and desire.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley continues his review of the 2010 season with a look at how the offensive line did and then jumps ahead to what to expect in 2011.

SPRING PRACTICE: It's a rebuilding month for the line in April. Darrion Weems, Carson York and Mark Asper seem like sure things to start, and Ryan Clanton too. Whichever guy takes the first snap as the fifth starter probably determines where Clanton fits. Is he at center, with Nick Cody or Everett Benyard at tackle and Asper at guard? Does Asper stay at tackle, with Cody or Ramsen Golpashin at guard? Is York a center, with Clanton at guard? Or is Karrington Armstrong ready to step in with the top five? Steve Greatwood figures to do a lot of mixing and matching throughout the month to help the line regroup after the loss to graduation of Jordan Holmes, C.E. Kaiser, Bo Thran and Max Forer.

• Dale Newton finished his assessment of rebuilding the defense last week and now starts to dissect how Oregon will rebuild the offense as he dives into the quarterbacks and offensive line.

• Lindsay Schnell continues to delve deeper into the recruiting class as she looks at QB Marcus Mariota.

• Joe Giansante has a nice story at GoDucks.com and says that "everyone knows about Oregon."

Oregon is clearly in unique and elite company when it comes to sellouts.  Duck fans have been among the greatest supporters of their team and no doubt will continue to be in the future.  

You are the root, along with fans of all the other schools driving attendance, tv ratings, merchandise and licensing, multi-media and web traffic higher, which allows us to be competitive at the highest level.  

Every time you visit the website goducks.com, watch or listen to Jerry Allen's daily show at goducks.tv, buy a hat online, a ticket or watch games on TV, post and spread our message on Facebook, etc. you are helping Oregon win, and for that all of us at Oregon athletics thank you.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Signing day draws ever closer and recruiting takes center stage.  

Four star WR B.J. Kelley has made a verbal commitment to Oregon after an official visit this last weekend. Residing in Fresno, CA Kelly is 6'2", 172lbs and has 4.5 forty time.

Here are his 2009 and 2010 prep highlight videos.

• Lindsay Schnell takes an indepth look at Oregon commit Christian French who has only been playing football for three years but made into the Army All-America bowl this year.

“There are a lot of great athletes, but there aren’t too many kids walking down the hall like him,” [HS coach Tim] Lewis said. “He’s always been such a basketball kid that he’s never lifted weights. Having never touched a weight, and to see him at 6’6, 220 with no fat on him, that’s pretty scary.

“He’s barely tapped into his potential.”

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• The Ducks received a much needed verbal commitment from four star DE Lake Koa Ka'ai out of Hawaii's Kamehameha H.S. Ka'ai is 6'4", 250lbs. and has 4.8 forty time.

• I rarely do any basketball coverage but Oregon's win over the Beavs yesterday in Corvallis deserves a mention. It is the first time the Ducks have won at Gil Coliseum since 2008. You can watch some video highlights at KVAL.

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Celebrating Champions Parade in Eugene - Video

• Footage of the parade yesterday courtesy of the U of O and then Chip Kelly's speech during the festivites courtesy of KVAL.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley reviews the efforts of the tight ends in 2010 and then looks ahead to 2011.

SPRING PRACTICE: The two guys in the spotlight will be Brandon Williams and Curtis White, as David Paulson simply needs to build on the progress he's already made. If Williams can make big strides absorbing the offense in April and then over the summer, he has the potential to be a major contributor as a senior in the fall. White will have a lot of people rooting for him, as the hometown star, but he's no sure thing for a big role in 2011, based on the guys in front of him and the fact that his practice participation was limited at times in 2010.

• The East-West Shrine game is being televised today at 1pm local time and it looks like Jeff Maehl has been improving his NFL stock in practices.

• John Hunt reminds everyone in Eugene today to join the fun at the Celebrating Champions parade. He includes a map of the exact route and the complete schedule of events.

• Dale Newton continues his series on reloading the defense with a look at the secondary. It's an indepth article and a good read.


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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley reviews the wide receivers in the third part of his 2010 season review.

ROOKIE OF THE YEAR/SIXTH MAN OF THE YEAR: Both go to Huff, who caught 19 passes for 303 yards and three touchdowns and also ran 12 times for 214 yards and two touchdowns. (Huff was the only Duck with more than one carry who didn't have a single run for negative yardage.)

• Ted Miller looks at the 2010 biggest team performances in the Pac-10 and Oregon stands out in several categories.

• John Hunt notes that Kenny Rowe will be lining up for the East squad while teammates Jeff Maehl and Brandon Bair will play for the West in Saturday's 86th annual East-West Shrine Game in Orlando, Fla.

• Also coming this Saturday is the "Celebrating Champions" parade in Eugene. The Oregon football team will be among the participants. The parade starts at 10 a.m. on campus and will conclude at the Park Blocks in downtown Eugene at approximately 11:30 a.m.


• Dale Newton continues his series on rebuilding the defense with part four that looks at the LB position.

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Colt Lyerla Will Enroll Early - Video

• According to the video above Lyerla will be enrolling this spring and will get a head start on his career at Oregon. And how about the crazy jumps the kid has? Videos courtesy of Dirk Knudsen of Oregonpreps.com (Rivals) and the links courtesy of Braga at the SportsBrewery.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley continues to review the different positions for last year and looks at the running backs in his next segment.

SPRING PRACTICE: LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner don't figure to get a real long look in April, because the Ducks know what they can do. Spring ball will be about determining how much Dontae Williams and Lache Seastrunk are ready to contribute, as both figure to get a ton of carries in April.

• Junior DB Javes Lewis surprised everyone at the Casanova Center yesterday when it was announced that he will be entering the NFL draft in April.

• Casey Matthews has been selected to play in the Senior Bowl.

The 62nd game is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET on Jan. 29 in Mobile’s Ladd-Peebles Stadium. The game and all practices will be televised live by NFL Network.

• Ted Miller notes that three former Oregon players have been selected onto the All-NFL team. The team was compiled by the Pro Football Weekly and the Professional Football Writers of America.

• Dale Newton brings us part three of reloading the defense and focuses on the defensive ends.

• Lord Beverage and Muchas G look back at the 2010-11 season and ahead to 2011-12 in their season finale podcast. Very entertaining, you should check it out.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley is starting his annual positional review for the previous year and starts with quarterbacks.

After winning the quarterback competition in fall camp, Darron Thomas never looked back over the course of the regular season, and it's hard to imagine a rookie starter handling himself with as much poise and so few mistakes.

• Ted Miller looks back at the top 10 moments in the Pac-10 last year where the Ducks hold the top three spots.

• John Hunt reports that the Oregon recruiting class this year is shaping up to be one of the best ever.

• PaulSF at ATQ makes 5 bold predictions for the 2011 season.

• With the new format starting this season in the Pac-12, each team will not play two of their conference opponents. Who gets lucky and doesn't have to play Oregon in 2011?

• Dale Newton thinks there is an overlooked Duck with a world of promise; meet Marcus Mariota.

Mariota also has things you can't measure or put in a highlight tape.  He is bright, mature, grounded and poised.  He has a solid family structure and an exceptional work ethic.

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Cliff Harris Interception Ruled Out -BCS Title Game - Video

• I had a couple of subscribers ask that I find this play and post it so here you go. The play happened on the first Auburn TD drive in the 2nd quarter. Looked like Cliff maintained complete control of the ball to me but you be the judge.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley is back after a few days off and offers up his BCS experience along with a gentleman who came to his rescue after Rob's laptop bit the dust in Glendale. Rob also asks for the stories of fan's experiences, some interesting ones in the comments.

• Dale Newton at The Duck Stops Here has a couple of good reads. In the first he has part two of rebuilding the defense. The second story involves a goal line play the Ducks should master.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Dale Newton at The Duck Stops Here looks at the different scenarios as Oregon tries to replace some outstanding seniors.

• Perhaps the biggest provider of Oregon related sports video clips on YouTube, keeerrrttt1, has been notified that his channel might be shutdown because of copyright violation complaints from ESPN. You might take a moment to watch his video where he explains exactly how he feels and give him your support.

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Oregon Ducks Aurburn Tigers Motivational 2011 - Video

• OregonGridiron outdid themselves on this video. I loved the whole James Bond/Mission Impossible sequences along with the staircase scenes and of course the game footage. This is one I will watch over and over again. I linked to it yesterday but thought it deserved a spot in a separate post.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Slim pickings for fresh Duck news yesterday but the one thing we heard really is great news. DT Ricky Heimuli will be back for his sophomore season in the fall rather than leave school to take a religious mission. Rob Moseley and John Hunt report on the announcement.

”This was a personal decision that, after I sought opinions from others, I made on my own,” Heimuli said in a statement released by the athletic department. “Playing football at the college level and going to school at Oregon is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I feel that I have a great thing going.

“I love my church and will always put the Lord first in my life but trust that he will lead me along the way. I just don’t want to lose this opportunity that is in front of me right now.”

• Oregon is trying to fill a couple of the open spots for non-conference games for the 2012 schedule and announced yesterday that they will have a home opener game against Arkansas State on September 1, 2012.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley provides the numbers to every early preseason poll he could find and the Ducks rank from 2nd to 7th.

• Ted Miller has posted his All Pac-10 Bowl team which includes Jeff Maehl, Casey Matthews, Kenny Rowe, Rob Beard and Cliff Harris.

• Rachel Bachman follows up on the news that Duck football tickets will cost more this year along with increases in the required donation levels for premium seats.

• OregonGridiron released their motivational video for the BCS title game. As usual, it is very well done.

• Adam Jude has learned (from a source) that LMJ has reaffirmed his decision to return for his junior year. Today is the deadline to declare for the NFL draft which is held in April.

• Even The LA Times recognizes that the balance of power in the Pac-10 has shifted to the Northwest, specifically, Eugene.

USC and UCLA are scrambling just to keep up with the big boys in Eugene. We are Los Angeles. For us, being king of the hill, top of the heap, has always been more than song lyrics. We have treated it like our birthright.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley projects the 2011 starting lineup and then determines that Oregon has a BCS blueprint for returning to the title game.

• Cliff Harris won another award yesterday as he was named the 2010 College Football Performance Awards punt returner trophy recipient.

• John Canzano talks with Chip Kelly about things learned from Oregon's BCS experience. You can listen to the audio of the interview here.

• One last thought on the BCS game.

I don't really add any commentary to my blog posts but one thing has been nagging at my subconscious ever since our loss on Monday night. At what cost would a team go to,  to win that Crystal Trophy?

My conclusion, while seemingly simplistic, nevertheless is honorable.

I would rather rather lose that game with honor, dignity, character, and a clear conscious than to proverbially or literally, "sell my soul" for a win.

I truly believe that the University of Oregon, along with their coaches and student athletes, play by the guidelines. I believe Chip Kelly cares more about our athletes as young men rather than a means to an end.

Perhaps one day we will be at the "Natty" again, and perhaps not, it doesn't really matter.

What truly matters, is that we get there with our values intact.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• George Schroeder thinks size matters when it comes to playing on the biggest stage.

“We’ll be back,” Kelly said after Monday’s loss.

We’ll see. And if they do return, we’ll see what they’ve learned, and how they’ve grown (hopefully, larger).

Monday night, Kelly called Oregon football a “forward-thinking operation,” which is how it should be.

Already you figure Kelly is thinking toward Sept. 3, and Oregon vs. LSU in a matchup of probable top-five teams with potential national-title implications.

Let’s hope he’s considering how the Ducks might erase the mismatches.

That’s the difference that separates elite from almost.

• Ted Miller looks at the Pac-10 bowl season and has a way too early look at the preseason rankings.

• Chip Kelly won his fifth coach of the year honor yesterday.

• Ken Goe looks ahead to the 2011 season.

• Lindsay Schnell can't believe she gets paid to witness the most memorable moments in Oregon sports.

• John Hunt was in the Oregon locker room after the game and caught up with Cliff Harris.

But the emotion in the Oregon locker room was strangely loose. There were no locker doors slamming, nobody snapped at anybody. There were tears, mostly from seniors who realized they would never suit up for their team again. There was a realization that this was a great season that ended with a great game against a great team.

As Cliff Harris said, “I hope you all enjoyed the show.’’

Everybody, including the Ducks, did just that.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• With the 2010 season in the books folks are already looking ahead to 2011. David Leon Moore at USA Today thinks Oregon will be loaded for another title shot.

Oregon probably will enter next season favored to win the Pac-10 again and perhaps even will be No. 1 in national polls.

Many of the key ingredients to this season's run to the Bowl Championship Series title game Monday night will be back.

• Ted Miller caps the 2010 season with Oregon on top of his Power Rankings in the Pac-10, a position they held all year and puts them in the same spot as he looks ahead to 2011.

• Oregon has moved up to the fourteenth spot in the latest ESPN recruiting rankings.

• Some last minute links to BCS stories from Rob Moseley and Ted Miller's final thoughts.

• Ken Goe says that Oregon will need to replicate their amazing team chemistry in 2011 but is glad that Darron Thomas is returning.

• Rachel Bachman talks with Oregon athletic director Rob Mullens about the possibility of higher ticket prices for 2011 football games. One interesting note from this article is this quote:

Mullens said Oregon also is planning to start a waiting list for season tickets, for the first time ever, so the department can learn what the demand is for eventual expansion of Autzen.

• George Schroeder notes that we shouldn't forget how good this team was.

The locker room afterward was a very quiet place. Players dressed quickly, spoke very little and exited as soon as allowed.

“It’s not too cheery,” said [Jordan] Holmes, and like so many others, he was holding back tears. But he wasn’t quite finished.

“I’ve come to realize,” he continued, “just how special this group is.”

We all should.

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Oregon vs Auburn 2011 BCS Highlights - Video

• Even though it was a loss there was plenty to cheer for as the Ducks played their hearts out in this game. Here is the highlight video I put together yesterday.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley leads off the links today with his story on the bitter loss and perhaps Jeff Maehl said it best.

“Just a lot of emotions,” Maehl said later of his thoughts in that moment. “Obviously as a senior, it is not the way you want to go out.”

• Steve Summers files his report and his this quote from Chip Kelly.

“I'm just really proud of my players,” said Oregon’s Chip Kelly of his team. “I love these guys. They've competed. They've done everything we've ever asked them to do. It is a special group of young men.”

• Ken Woody gives Auburn's defense credit for the win.

• Ted Miller also credit the Tiger defense.

• Andy Mac notes that even with the loss LaMichael James has set a new season rushing total for the Ducks, eclipsing Jonathan Stewart's old record of 1,722 in 2007. LMJ's new record is 1,731.

• LMJ also won the AT&T All-America Player of the Year honor which is voted on by the fans.

• The final AP poll is out and Oregon finished in the number three spot following Auburn and TCU.

• Lucas Clark reminds us that we still have a lot to be proud of this year as Duck fans.

I think Kelly summed it up best:

"I watched those guys grow from last year, our first team meeting on Jan. 8 to where they are," he said. "It has been an unbelievable journey, and they should be proud of themselves."

Today, we should all be proud to call ourselves Ducks.

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Oregon loses heartbreaker 22-19

• It was a great season but when it came down to the end, size mattered. Auburn's huge defensive players stopped Oregon's running game and that was the difference. Here is a short video from the local television station, KVAL, that captures some of our players reactions.

I'll have other game stories in a little bit.

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Why is Oregon wearing the color neon? - Video

• Why is Oregon wearing the neon color? It's the blur. Video courtesy of Yahoo Sports.

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Last Minute GameDay stories

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• I will be heading out of town in a little bit to watch the game at my son's house and thought I would provide some last minute reading material.

• Ron Bellamy takes a look back at how Oregon rose to its winning attitude.

Whether or not the Ducks win tonight, they’ve reached the small group of programs at the summit of the mountain that is college football, and they’ve got the ability to stay there for awhile. They’ve got a special, multi-faceted head coach in Chip Kelly — and if he sometimes comes across as the smartest guy in the room, well, this season he has been — and a system that works, and a willingness to invest in the program, and some remarkable athletes.

• Ken Goe looks at 20 pivotal moments in the Oregon Ducks' undefeated season.

• There is a definite battle tonight but one battle, marketing,  has already been won by Oregon.

• Ted Miller provides his three keys for an Oregon victory.

• Nate Costa provides leadership whether he is in the game or on the sideline.

• Capturing the Crystal Trophy is definitely on Jeff Maehl's mind.

“I always say, really the only people that can stop us is us,” receiver Jeff Maehl said. “When we come out early and don’t make penalties, don’t turn the ball over, we usually get off to a fast start. I think that’s the most important thing for us.”

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• I didn't think this day would ever get here but now here we are, less than 12 hours to kick-off and I can't wait. On to the links.

• Ted Miller picks his top ten plays for the year and then provides some fun facts and trivia about the title game.

• George Schroeder says the Ducks maybe locked down but more importantly, they are locked in to a single purpose.

• Rachel Bachman says that the BCS title game will literally put Oregon on the map.

• The Oregonian provides a photo gallery from the pep rally last night.

• Oregon and Auburn both play at such a fast pace will Erin Andrews even get a chance to report from the sideline during the game?

• The venue for today's game is a technological wonder.

• Ex-Oregon stars like Ducks’ chances in BCS title game.

• Casey Matthews is seeking to earn some respect for Oregon's "D".

• Rob Moseley takes an indepth look at the Oregon "D".

• Jared Sawyer shot some video yesterday and has short interviews with lots of well known Oregon personalities. Good stuff Jared!

• Ken Goe says win the day once more, and Oregon Ducks will make football history.

The Ducks steered away from off-the-field trouble throughout the fall, played fast, clean and hard and marched through an unbeaten regular season.

Now they are poised to do what last year’s Rose Bowl team could not: finish.

• My prediction for the game:

Oregon 42
Auburn 38

Unis: White jersey with the grayish/black numbers outlined in neon green; black pants, neon green socks and white/neon green shoes..finishing touch is the black arm bands with their number on them outlined in the neon green…helmets will be carbon…

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Oregon Pep Rally - Video

• Chip Kelly fires up the crowd last night at the Oregon Pep Rally and then Supwitchugirl and On the Rocks perform for the crowd. Video courtesy of the Oregonian.

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Chip Kelly Press Conference 1-9 - Video

• Chip holds court as reporters throw questions his way this morning. Video courtesy of the Oregonian.

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"The Natty" Motivational - Video

• A little motivational video to get your juices flowing this morning. The game footage is courtesy of OregonGridiron and I think you'll recognize the soundtrack.

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Dennis Dodd reports that Chip Kelly finds out-of-the-box inspiration for the Ducks.

What you don't know is that Kelly is a hopeless romantic when it comes to the hackneyed football practice of motivation. Try figuring out what Jon Gruden and Secretariat have in common. Spend a few minutes with former champion boxer Micky Ward, the inspiration for the current movie The Fighter.

The Ducks have.

"There is no one talking to our team this week," Kelly said.

The Ducks couldn't hear anyway. Their hearts are beating too loud, beating with more than blood.

• The Duck mascot and cheerleaders spent some quality time at a local Arizona school yesterday.

• Rob Moseley has a nice story of two young Duck fans who connected with the team yesterday courtesy of the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

• Ted Miller says that something has to give in the second half as both Auburn and Oregon are known for their second half heroics.

• The Oregonian has a nice selection of photos from the practice yesterday.

• George Schroeder is glad Cliff Harris is finally talking with the media again.

• Duck fans in the Glendale area will be treated to "The Huddle with Oregon Football" later this morning. The event is being hosted by Dan Fouts and can be watched online at GoDucks.tv if you aren't in the area. It starts at 10am Pacific.

• The top prospect in Oregon verbally committed to the Ducks yesterday. Lyerla is a 6'4" 220lb. TE/LB/RB and was recruited to Oregon as an athlete. He is from Hillsboro.

• Have you ever wondered about the little routine Jeff Maehl goes through after scoring a touchdown? Dennis Dodd explains Maehl's tribute to fallen teammate Todd Doxey.

The routine will be a familiar one at Monday's game. Before it, Maehl will pray silently and talk, as he always does, quietly to Doxey. During it, if Maehl scores, he will tap his ribs with one hand ("God is on my side.") and point to the heavens with the other.

"It's something I like to do, I like to pay my tribute to him," Maehl said. "Todd was one of the hardest workers on the team at the time," Maehl said. "We go out with the same mentality he had. We're blessed to have the opportunity to play football. His was cut short of that."

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Chip Kelly and Jeff Maehl Interviews - Video

• Chip Kelly answers questions after practice yesterday in the first video and then Molly Blue put together several of his soundbites throughout the season in the second video. Jeff Maehl talks with reporters in the third video. Videos courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.

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Because of Heart - Video

• Just a little season tribute my son Dave put together. Enjoy!

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Oregon Ducks Defense Highlights Part Two 2010 - Video

• Defensive play is featured in the eighth and last of my season highlight videos. If you like this video please take a moment and subscribe to my YouTube channel so you don't miss any of the new Duck videos I upload. Enjoy!

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Duck Stuff: Morning Mud

Morning Mud

• Rob Moseley notes that although the Oregon OL is smaller than most it is rarely overmatched.

Oregon is thriving thanks to a group of intelligent, hard-working players who created just enough room this season for Darron Thomas, LaMichael James and company to lead the nation in scoring.

• Lavasier Tuinei is pain-free and ready to help his team anyway he can on Monday night.

• Rob Beard is glad that Jackson Rice is back to be the holder on place kicks. They have been working hard at getting their timing and rhythm fine-tuned.

• Nate Costa says that you shouldn't count him out of making an appearance in the title game.

• I like the way Cliff Harris answered questions yesterday during the media day and A.J. Jacobson has the transcript.

• Ted Miller notes that the Oregon offense is greater than the sum of its parts

• GoDucks.com reports on activities to participate in if you are in the Scottsdale area as well as online broadcasts.

• Rob Moseley provides links to all of the stories in the special BCS section of the Register Guard that was included in the paper yesterday. I am definitely saving my copy.

• Ken Goe has a nice story on the rapid and unconventional rise of Oregon head coach Chip Kelly.

• Kenjon Barner is Oregon's not-so-secret weapon and it will be nice to have him and LaMichael in the backfield.

• Oregon's 2011 schedule fell into place yesterday with the addition of a Missouri St. home game on Sept. 17th. Click here for the full schedule.

• Dale Newton lists his six keys for an Oregon victory. Solid analysis.

• Dom over at Addicted to Quack has posted a very personal story on how "Win the Day" became more than catchphrase to him. Excellent read, don't miss it.

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Jeff Maehl, Talmadge Jackson and Cliff Harris - Videos

• Jeff Maehl, Talmadge Jackson III and Cliff Harris talk with the media yesterday. Videos courtesy of Molly Blue and the Oregonian.

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Oregon Football 2010-Our Season - Video

• A little behind the scenes tailgate action my son put together. We have been doing this a long time and this season will be one we remember forever. Nice job Dave.

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Oregon Ducks Speed - 2010 Highlights - Blur Offense - Video

• There are all sorts of new videos on the Ducks but I like this one better than most and thought you might enjoy it as well. Video courtesy of themilman2000.

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