The Duck Stops Here

Moving the chains: all great stories start with a dream

2012-02-07T00:49:00.000-08:00

For many promising young players around the country, the Ducks have become nationally relevant and a part of their dream. They're forward-thinking enough to know that without one, you're just another spectator or critic.

Photo right: LaMichael James works out at the Super Bowl, part of the Gatorade Sports Perfomance Lab exhibit, his first pro endorsement deal.

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Jeff Lockie's used to being "the other qb" and winding up the one who wins

2012-02-03T17:30:00.000-08:00

He played in a league with two five-star division one prospects, both of whom got more notice. He played for a school that most years finishes in the middle of the pack. Coming to Oregon, he's invariably mentioned after Jake Rodrigues, the Ducks' other signee at quarterback on Letter of Intent Day.

When practice begins next fall, Lockie will be fourth on the depth chart.

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Can Oregon's football "Tall Firs" win a National Championship?

2012-02-03T02:25:00.000-08:00

Yesterday the football Ducks signed the 21 members of their 2012 recruiting class, and it includes ten players who are 6-4 or taller, and a dozen or so with a basketball background. The new "Tall Firs" are born.

Wheel, deal and throw down: Arik Armstead drives the lane in a baskeball game last season. The fluidity and quickness that makes him a legitimate division one basketball prospect at 6-8, 295 could make him an exceptional, unblockable defensive lineman (maxpreps.com photo).

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Oregon's official signing day list

2012-02-01T12:06:00.000-08:00

5-star defensive lineman Arik Armstead headlines a solid, deep, versatile 2012 recruiting class for the Oregon Ducks.

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Oregon football on National Signing Day: Chance Allen becomes a Duck

2012-02-01T07:48:00.000-08:00

A tough receiver with a strong, athletic body, Allen has great concentration in traffic (houstonnews.com photo).

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Oregon football on National Signing Day: Jake Rodrigue

2012-02-01T05:49:00.000-08:00

Already enrolled in school, Jake Rodrigues is Oregon's first commit of the 2012 class..

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Lessons from Signing Days past

2012-01-31T16:20:00.000-08:00

Jeff Maehl, soaring for a clutch catch in the 2011 National Championship Game, was a 3-star recruit at another position coming out of high school. The recruiting services said he ran a 4.72 40. They forgot to measure his courage, heart, and competitiveness.

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Ducks land Arik Armstead in Sunday ceremony

2012-01-29T17:38:00.000-08:00

Jubilation for Webfoots: before family, friends and an impressively large press contigent, Arik Armstead thanked each of the finalists among the schools that recruited him, then donned an Oregon hat, announcing his college choice (Dan Greenspan, twitterpic photo).

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New passing combination could inspire the next evolution of the Oregon offense

2012-01-29T15:11:00.000-08:00

An in-your-face leader when he needs to be, Kenjon Barner will be the heart of an Oregon offense with multiple playmakers and dimensions in 2012.

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Oregon recruiting: Shane Brostek a nimble big man with a great pedigree

2012-01-29T06:30:00.000-08:00

Shane Brostek won't replace LaMichael James, but he may pave the way for Byron Marshall and Tra Carson if the Mayans are wrong about the future.

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Assessing Oregon's immediate needs in recruiting

2012-01-28T18:21:00.001-08:00

This is the season of hype and hysteria in college football. Recruiting is such a compelling part of the game because it encompasses so much hope. Everybody's a potential superstar in February. Every high school phenom is can't-miss, and every program is sure to land four or five plays that will return Beloved U. to the glories of the past.

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Oregon recruiting: Kelly impresses Armstead with his wit and honesty, but exchange shows again that Ducks need a succession plan

2012-01-26T23:29:00.000-08:00

A forward-thinking operation: to secure the future, the Ducks can't let it take them by surprise.

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An exclusive interview with Cliff Harris, part two

2012-01-25T20:15:00.000-08:00

Sidelined and then dismissed, Cliff Harris' very bad, terrible, no-good year cost him a lot of money. Now he's working harder than he ever has for an opportunity to reclaim his dream.

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An exclusive interview with Cliff Harris

2012-01-25T17:45:00.000-08:00

Kash returns: Oregon's mercurial cornerback is looking for daylight and a new beginning at a sports clinic near the the site of the NFL combine (usatoday.com photo).

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It's a race for Arik Armstead, and coaches are swappin' paint

2012-01-25T17:42:00.000-08:00

Arik Armstead is one of the most sought after high school football players in the country, and the reason is simple: he has the ability and desire to physically dominate the man in front of him and devour the ball carrier or the quarterback. He's 6-8, 280 and agile enough to dunk a basketball.

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A key way Oregon could be better in 2012

2012-01-24T21:48:00.000-08:00

Bryan Bennett or Marcus Mariota could bring an extra dimension to the Ducks offense (sbnation.com photo).

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Oregon recruiting: Bralon Addison one to covet from Aggie cupboard

2012-01-24T01:42:00.000-08:00

Flies like a Duck: Bralon Addison would thrive in the blur-fast Oregon offense. He's the kind of player Chip Kelly excels at creating for (ihigh.comphoto).

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The biggest challenge Chip Kelly would face in the NFL

2012-01-24T01:38:00.000-08:00

Trojan hoarse: the NFL has big salaries, big egos and big pressures. For coaches, it's a crucible.

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Chip Kelly close to a deal to coach in the NFL at Tampa Bay. What now?

2012-01-22T19:20:00.000-08:00

In Chip we trusted. Chip Kelly's close to running out of town for a lucrative pro deal (katu.com photo).

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As Good As It Gets: Kyle Murphy is the best lineman on the board

2012-01-22T14:59:00.000-08:00

Kyle Murphy is on every West Coast coaches' short list, but landing him will be a tall order (espngo.com photo).

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Oregon recruiting: scouting report on Duck verbal commit Alex Balducci

2012-01-22T07:06:00.000-08:00

Protect this house: He wore Cardinal and Gold in high school, but his heart is pure Gang Green. Alex Balducci is a big man with a Duck dream (scout.com photo).

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Recruiting whispers, Saturday January 21

2012-01-21T10:05:00.000-08:00

11 days until National Signing Day.

Three years from now, Duck fans won't remember the kids Oregon missed out on in 2012. They'll remember the ones that came, including Hawaii defensive end DeForest Buckner, right, and linebacker Bryce Cottrell.

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New blog posts at The Duck Stops Here

2012-01-21T09:12:00.000-08:00

Cliff Harris update

Kash is going to an NFL boot camp in Indianapolis

Five burning questions: postseason edition

The Duck Stops Here sits down with the websites College Football Zealots and answers the most urgent questions about last season, the quarterback competition and the outlook for next year

Rose Bowl highlight video

Another top-notch production from the folks at oregongridiron.com. The 91-yard run by De'Anthony Thomas will give you chills all over again/

12-step program: the 12 essential steps to Oregon's first BCS Championship

Oregon comes up in every conversation about national title contenders. To stay there, they have to work their program and live the mantra.

Here's Oregon's checklist for football immortality:

Recruiting: #1 safety Shaq Thompson reconsiders his Cal commit; Oregon still in his top three

Shaq Thompson, 6-2, 210, the top-rated safety in the country and a consensus 5-star recruit, has reopened his recruiting and has a top three of Washington, Oregon and Cal. Nick Aliotti visited him today, and coach Chip Kelly has an in-home on Sunday.

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New stories at duckstopshere.com

2012-01-18T22:32:00.000-08:00

Fabian Moreau still hoping for Oregon offer

Oregon Recruiting: Whispers from the recruiting stretch drive

Oregon recruiting: Corey Whitaker is a big man with a big upside

Oregon recruiting: Damariay Drew a tough, talented player the star system overlooked

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Ducks had one day to feel sad about Darron Thomas leaving; drive to another conference championship begins now

2012-01-16T08:28:00.000-08:00

Now the Ducks have one more scholarship to give, and two very talented young quarterbacks will get their shot to lead a team that will contend for a fourth conference championship and a national title.

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James and Thomas struggle with the most resonant of human dilemmas, knowing when it's time to leave

2012-01-16T08:25:00.000-08:00

A college football team is a continuing story, and we follow it partly to escape our lives, and partly because the passion and energy of the game reminds of all the things we value most in life, including hope, the power of belief, and the will to commit to something greater than yourself.

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Searching for the future: how do the Ducks replace Darron Thomas?

2012-01-15T17:15:00.000-08:00

While Darron Thomas’ departure creates a lot of uncertainty, it sure just did make next season more anticipated and exciting.

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Darron Thomas leaves for the NFL--what now?

2012-01-15T00:07:00.000-08:00

Many fans say the Ducks will be fine with Bennett, but coaches have to be concerned about depth and experience. With a senior returning starter Oregon was sure to be a preseason Top Five team, but now Bennett and Mariota have to grow up quickly to prepare for defense of three straight conference titles.

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Kenjon Barner's commitment like landing a 6-star running back

2012-01-14T06:47:00.000-08:00

oregonlive.com photo

The Ducks secured a key element of their 2012 roster when Kenjon Barner decided to return for his senior season.

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Ducks pursuit of Bryan Harper shows evaluating, projecting, closing all crucial to recruiting success

2012-01-12T20:30:00.000-08:00

In the PAC-12, first place is a trip to Pasadena. Third place means you lose your job.

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Gifted defensive tackle Arik Armstead a prime example of the uncertainties and challenges of recruiting

2012-01-11T01:13:00.000-08:00

National title teams are built at the line of scrimmage, and nothing's more vital than a big, physical tackle who can anchor a defensive line. 6-8, 285-lb. Arik Armstead is that kind of player (maxpreps.com photo).

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The hardest days to win

2012-01-09T23:38:00.000-08:00

You know what it is: coaches can teach technique, strategy and tactics, squeezing as much instruction as possible into 29 preseason practices, but ultimately, every player is in charge of his own business (Corvallis Gazette-Times photo).

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Oregon recruiting: Bears, Ducks in a battle for elite Texas high school receiver Thomas Johnson

2012-01-08T15:18:00.000-08:00

Jitterbug, juke or jet: With the ball in his hands, Thomas Johnson is one of the most dynamic receiver prospects in the country (dallassouthnews.org photo).

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Oregon recruiting: they are young, with both promises and demands

2012-01-08T08:47:00.000-08:00

Something wondrous that way goes: Gifted high school All-American safety Shaquille Thompson joined the California Bears yesterday, and he took two of the West's prime recruits with him (goldenbearlair.com photo).

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LMJ is leaving--what now?

2012-01-06T16:51:00.000-08:00

The decision: it's rational, practical, and logical, and the roster still returns 34 of 42 players from the two-deep, but man, are we going to miss the Touchdown Frog Jump (abcnews.com photo).

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The singular genius of Chip Kelly

2012-01-04T13:56:00.000-08:00

Chip Kelly doesn't coach doctors, and he's not going to find a cure for cancer or discover a new fuel cell technology. But he does have particular gift for coaching football, evidenced by a Rose Bowl Championship, three conference titles in his first three seasons, and a 34-6 record. That's 85% wins if you're scoring at home, far better than Bo, Woody, Bill Walsh or Amos Alonzo Stagg.

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Oregon recruiting: DeForest Buckner adds agility, athleticism to Duck defensive line

2012-01-04T13:54:00.000-08:00

DeForest Buckner announced for Oregon last night at the Semper Fidelis Bowl, a high school all-star game, and it's another reason for already-exhilarated Duck fans to be giddy about the future.

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Keys to the game: Oregon versus Wisconsin in The Granddaddy of Them All

2012-01-02T10:52:00.000-08:00

A win stamps the careers of Eddie Pleasant, LaMichael James, David Paulson and Mark Asper as the most special team in Oregon history, a team that went to three BCS bowls culminating in a break-through win in the Rose Bowl, the first in 95 years. Oregon has been in an amazing run as a PAC-12 program. All it needs now is a signature accomplishment.

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After the hype and press conferences, they have to play a game

2011-12-31T08:36:00.000-08:00

Will Oregon earn their wings in the 2012 Rose Bowl, and shake off the image of the flashy, fancy team that can't get it done in big games? (brobible.com photo)

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Rose Bowl facts and friction: Wisconsin versus Oregon

2011-12-28T20:29:00.000-08:00

One expert already predicts the Badgers to win. Rob Moseley of the Register-Guard, beat writer extraordinaire among Duck fans, has the game 28-24, Wisconsin. Moseley, having picked Oregon to beat Ohio State, Auburn and LSU, now says the Ducks have to prove it, outplaying their opponent in a big game instead of falling flat.

The matchup with Wisconsin looks more favorable than their previous confrontations against the nation's elite squads.

Photo right: Shining moment for a young legend? Oregon's chances for their first Rose Bowl victory in 94 years increase dramatically with a big game from their explosive all-purpose threat, freshman De'Anthony Thomas (koin.com photo)

Going bowling: how Chip Kelly and the Ducks avoid another gutter ball in a BCS game

2011-12-26T13:24:00.000-08:00

Wisconsin is a good, solid football team with many weapons. But the good news is they don't have the physical, overpowering defensive line that Auburn or Ohio State had. It's a much better matchup for the Ducks.

They will still have to play very well to win.

photo left: Darron Thomas needs to be accurate and effective against an exploitable Wisconsin secondary next week, or the Ducks will struggle to sustain their offensive tempo.

On Christmas Day Oregon fans count their Duck blessings

2011-12-25T11:22:00.000-08:00

It's gratifying to see that not only are the Ducks winners and champions, they are also good people.

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What Matt Barkley's decision means for the Ducks

2011-12-22T16:05:00.000-08:00

The easy road of dominance Oregon enjoyed over the last three years has ended. Next year, the Ducks face the prospect of beating USC twice to make the BCS final, at least once to make the Rose Bowl next year.

Conquest: Barkley's golden moment, leading the Trojan band after the upset win over Oregon this November on national TV, led directly to his decision to return for his senior year (Patrick Gee photo).

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Trading places: A Wisconsin blogger says why Oregon will win the Rose Bowl

2011-12-21T07:25:00.000-08:00

Special Guest Post by Andrew Coppen, writer/editor for wiscobadgers.com

As part of the ongoing agreement with The Duck Stops Here we bring you our 2nd feature in Opposition Recon and it’s a bit different than anything we’ve really done before, we’re giving the opposition the reasons they will win the Rose Bowl. So, Ducks fans, I hope you enjoy our 5 Reasons Why Oregon Will Win.

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Oregon recruiting: Kyle Long blessed by the broken road that led him straight to the Ducks

2011-12-20T16:12:00.000-08:00

Older, wiser and stronger, Kyle Long is eager for his second opportunity to become a major college athlete at a top program (rivals.com photo).

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Oregon recruiting: Can the Ducks pry Jeremiah Poutasi loose from the Utes?

2011-12-18T13:06:00.000-08:00

Desert Pines strongman Poutasi is a pile-driving warrior with uncommon strength and size (rivals.com photo).

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Fentress takes on the Oregon fanbase: Is Chip Kelly the best Oregon coach ever, better than Bellotti?

2011-12-17T17:28:00.000-08:00

Chip Kelly's pointed the way to 33 wins in three seasons as Oregon coach, and both his parents and his players believe in him. Is he Oregon's best ever?

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Oregon recruiting: breaking down the Oregon defensive line class

2011-12-17T17:25:00.000-08:00

Special guest writer Michael analyzes the Oregon recruiting class at defensive line, which has a been a bugaboo and a bone of contention among fans for many years. "Why can't Oregon recruit any more stud defensive lineman?" fans ask, but as McCoy points out, this year they may be doing exactly that.

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Oregon recruiting: Marcus Rios would be a great fit for an athletic Oregon secondary of the future

2011-12-17T17:22:00.001-08:00

Marcus Rios is a standout cornerback, rated one of the best 20 in the country by scout.com. (photo semperfidelisbowl.com)

At 6-0, 170, he is physical and athletic, with an aggressive style that would make him a great fit along with Terrance Mitchell, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu and Troy Hill in John Neal's ballhawking secondary of the future.

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Saying good-bye to LaMichael James

2011-12-14T19:45:00.000-08:00

abc.com photo

Whether he's decided or not, announced or not, confirmed by a reliable source or not, LaMichael James is probably leaving for the NFL after the Rose Bowl. And he should.

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Oregon recruiting: recruiting decisions take faith, ripple through many careers and futures

2011-12-14T17:42:00.000-08:00

This week Oregon got a verbal commitment from defensive tackle Stetzon Bair, and in doing so they said good-bye to Faith Ekakitie.

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Oregon recruiting: new verbal commit Stetzon Bair could become a giant problem for PAC-12 offenses

2011-12-14T17:34:00.001-08:00

He has the most kickass football name since Bronko Nagurski. You'd expect Stetzon Bair to manhandle offensive linemen like steers, chasing down ball carriers like strays in the mesquite, all the time exuding the confident, manly fragrance of victory.

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Badgered by the Badgers: a two-part Rose Bowl preview with wiscobadgers.com

2011-12-13T00:18:00.000-08:00

Andrew Coppens and the writers at wiscobadgers.com join DSH for a preview of the Rose Bowl. Who prevails, blur-fast speed or smashmouth power?

Part one

Part two

Oregon, Wisconsin seek to climb over each other to reach the top rung of college football

2011-12-11T12:27:00.000-08:00

With a win over the other in the Rose Bowl, Wisconsin or Oregon takes a leap forward as a national program.

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Oregon recruiting: Texas speedster Trey Williams will remind you of another one, but he has potential all his own

2011-12-10T14:41:00.000-08:00

Trey Williams is a 5-8, 170-lb. running back from Houston, Texas. He's fast, shifty and has great vision, with talent you can't help but compare to LaMichael James.

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Oregon recruiting: Ohio tight end Pharaoh Brown is building his own success pyramid

2011-12-07T19:34:00.000-08:00

From the Brush High Arcs of Lyndhurst, Ohio, Pharaoh Brown is rising like a wonder of the world.

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A stab at the college football awards, and Oregon players who deserve an honorable mention

2011-12-06T22:31:00.000-08:00

Only the Army-Navy game remains in college football's regular season, so it's time for bowl predictions, season recaps and award ceremonies. Here's a look at the superlatives in a super year of college football:

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Cliff Harris smoked it all, and burned all his bridges

2011-12-05T22:58:00.000-08:00

It's a testament to the character and resilience of the Oregon team that in each of Chip Kelly's first three years, they won a conference title with a key player suspended or dismissed for disciplinary reasons. The Ducks went 36-6 without running back LeGarrette Blount in 2009, returning starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli in 2010, and All-American returner and cornerback Cliff Harris in 2011.

In a different era, with a different coach or in a different part of the country, these three players would have been coddled through. Urban Meyer's Florida teams had 31 arrests involving 25 players. Many of those players missed no more than a half against Central City Tech, and the Gators won two national championships.

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Oregon finishes a great accomplishment; now faces a month of unfinished business

2011-12-03T06:07:00.000-08:00

Bruce Ely photo, oregonlive.com. For a terrific photo essay on
Oregon's win in the PAC-12 Championship Game visit here

Darron Thomas has led an 11-2 team that scores 46 points and averages over 500 yards a game, but like his teammates, his resume won't be complete until he wins a BCS bowl.

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Keys to the game: UCLA at Oregon, for the Rose Bowl

2011-12-02T00:54:00.000-08:00

Temporary banners, an unfamiliar stadium announcer, a diluted crowd, weird start time, short week, emotion-charged opponent, that's all so much fluff. This is the PAC-12 Championship. UCLA's come to town hoping to send out their embattled coach with a storybook victory and shock the world, but the Ducks have to ignore the hysteria and hype and win their 11th football game.

Oregon is 60 minutes away from an historic accomplishment. A win earns their third straight conference championship, and makes them the only team to appear in a BCS bowl for the last three years.

photo left: Everybody wears their game face, but a game head, heart and hands are what matters. The Ducks must execute to beat UCLA and finish a run to the Rose Bowl (AP, Greg Wahl-Stephens photo).

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Can the Bruins win one for the Slickster?

2011-12-01T19:47:00.000-08:00

On Wednesday, the UCLA players carried their coach off the field at the end of practice. It was a subdued rather than a jubilant tribute, and Neuheisel, often despised by many opposing fans for his glibness, was visibly moved and humbled by their show of affection and support.

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Marvin Johnson, master of the hustle and flow

2011-12-01T19:45:00.000-08:00

Remember Marvin Johnson? A hard-hitting special teams player and nickleback, Johnson played for the Ducks from 2007-2010. He made a big interception in the win over Arizona that clinched the Rose Bowl in 2009. He had 26 tackles and a fumble recovery as a senior, including two tackles in the National Championship Game against Auburn.

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Oregon recruiting: Reggie, Reggie! New verbal commit Daniels is a home run for the Ducks

2011-11-29T22:33:00.000-08:00

Secondary coach John Neal and the Ducks got a big verbal commitment today, from four-star defensive back Reggie Daniels of Chandler, Arizona.

photo right: Daniels flies in for another tackle, one of 83 he's made in his senior year at Hamilton High (Pat Shanahan, Arizona Republic photo).

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Handicapping the Heisman: despite a great season, LMJ gets a stiff arm from the Heisman voters

2011-11-29T22:26:00.000-08:00

LaMichael James is an outstanding football player with exceptional talent He has more yards per carry than either Trent Richardson or Montee Ball, but he isn't going to New York this season for the Heisman Trophy Awards ceremony. He won't be a Heisman finalist, barring a gigantic game in the last weekend versus UCLA.

photo right: None of the other major candidates has a 90-yard run to his credit, and no one has more runs of 30 yards or more than James (abxnews.com photo).

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The Ducks cram for a final: UCLA comes to town Friday with the Rose Bowl at stake

2011-11-28T19:09:00.000-08:00

The Ducks just need to stiffarm the Bruins to punch their ticket for the Rose Bowl (eugeneregisterguard.com photo, Chris Pietsch).

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Grading the Ducks, Oregon State at Oregon

2011-11-27T10:13:00.000-08:00

49-21, and it wasn't that close. The Ducks could have named a score against the Beavers, but they throttled down the offense and emptied the bench late in the third quarter. Jennings Stewart recovered the last fumble and Ayele Ford scored the last touchdown. No chance of a Bobby Petrino/Les Miles lip reading outrage in this game. The Beavers passed for 150 yards and two touchdowns in the fourth quarter, against a three-man rush and a secondary fresh off the scout team.

Here are the grades, for the keys DSH identified Saturday morning.

photo right: Chip Kelly has pointed the way to 32 victories as Oregon head coach, and the Ducks need one more win for a third straight conference title.

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Ducks dispatch Oregon State to win North Division, host first PAC-12 Championship Game

2011-11-26T18:05:00.000-08:00

Darron Thomas draws fans' ire with every overthrow, but in Oregon's last three games, he's completed 65% of his passes with eight tds and no interceptions. The offense sputtered at times today but hit their number with 49 points, manhandling the Beavers with 669 total yards even after shutting down the offense for most of the fourth quarter.

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Black Saturday: what the Ducks must do to avoid getting trampled by a door-busting deal

2011-11-25T08:59:00.000-08:00

If the Ducks can avoid the curse of the Grello Helmets, they should find running room against the Beavs (oregonscout.com photo).

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Oregon recruiting: Dwayne Stanford II is the receiver the Oregon offense needs

2011-11-21T18:49:00.000-08:00

He's announcing tomorrow morning and they may not get him, because a dozen elite schools have him at the top of their board. But Dwayne Stanford II is the type of target Oregon's quarterback needed on the final drive on Saturday night.

Photo left: Dwayne Stanford II, a bright kid with an infectious smile and awesome ability--born to be a Duck. (espngo.com photo).

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Grading the Ducks, USC at Oregon

2011-11-21T01:50:00.000-08:00

How they respond, rather than this loss will be the measure of the 2011 Ducks. A third conference title and a Rose Bowl win are still possible, representing a tremendously successful season.

photo right: Matt Barkley celebrates with his teammates and a slim contingent of Trojan fans after conquering Autzen Stadium in what may be the highlight of his college career. (Patrick Gee photo, usctrojans.com)

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Morbid thoughts on a painful loss, and an invitation to buck up

2011-11-20T08:17:00.000-08:00

Oregon joined Boise State as victims of a missed field goal at the end of the game, ending their run at the national championship. Other worthy goals remain. Photo by Thomas Boyd of oregonlive.com.

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USC at Oregon preview: Can the Ducks create "Fright Night 3" for USC?

2011-11-18T15:17:00.000-08:00

For three years now, California Golden Boy Matt Barkley has tasted turf in the state of Oregon, going 0-5 in the Willamette Valley, battered and bruised. Zac Clark lines him up in this 2009 file image from prphotos.com

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Oregon recruiting: prospect Gehrig Dieter is si.com's National High School Player of the Week

2011-11-17T10:21:00.000-08:00

Check out the accompanying video, which starts with Dieter throwing a key block downfield, and features his coach, Atwon Jones, praising his focus and work ethic. Both Gehrig's parents are police officers, and he's a directed, dialed-in guy, who faces the camera and speaks modestly.

But someone has to do something about that Auburn Tiger sweatshirt.

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Oregon recruiting: new verbal commit Byron Marshall has a plan of his own

2011-11-17T10:04:00.000-08:00

Byron Marshall stiffarmed Cal and ASU to become a Duck, and fans will be delighted he did (bearinsider.com photo).

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Not so fast, my friend: Dano "Coastal Duck" Dunn offers the opposing view on a BCS playoff

2011-11-17T10:01:00.000-08:00

Special guest post by Dano "Coastal Duck" Dunn

(photo left) King of the hill, top of the heap: Les Miles doesn't see anything wrong with the current playoff system, at least not yet. But around the country, fans of a dozen different schools think they deserve a crack at The Hat and his Tigers.

Let's explore the playoff - WAY too many questions to be answered first.
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Solving the BCS mess is so easy even a girl-crazed 18-year-old can do it

2011-11-17T09:56:00.000-08:00

Special guest post by Adam "Indiana Kendall

[Editor's note: Adam Kendall, a sharp-shooting basketball forward from Roosevelt High in Seattle, is a lifelong Duck fan. He tweets prolifically under the handle"The WisequacK" and eschews capitals, much in the manner of e.e. cummings]

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De'Anthony Thomas' Oregon career off to an historic beginning

2011-11-15T00:59:00.000-08:00

De'Anthony Thomas is not the next Reggie Bush. He's not the next anyone. He's the first De'Anthony Thomas.

photo left: A familiar sight in Oregon's drive to a third straight conference crown: the player they stole from the Trojan's backyard, claiming some more valuable real estate for the Oregon offense. (insidesocal.com photo).

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Sometimes can't-miss superstars do exactly that

2011-11-15T00:50:00.000-08:00

An athlete's career is uncertain. For every John Elway or Robin Yount, with a long tenure of sustained excellence, there are a dozen Joe Charbonneaus or Mark Fidryches, guys who had a taste of fame and flamed out for one reason or another.

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Grading the Ducks: Oregon at Stanford

2011-11-13T12:21:00.000-08:00

It was the most complete team victory and focused effort since last week.

photo right: Oregon's pint-sized superman, LaMichael James, darted and bulldozed for 146 yards and three touchdowns in a 53-30 victory over Stanford Saturday night. But the Ducks have to produce an encore against a USC team that is already talking trash. (photo Ezra Shaw, Getty Images).

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The Duck Stops Here on The Johnny Ballgame Show

2011-11-11T02:19:00.000-08:00

Appearing on The Johnny Ballgame Show 1450 AM in Eastern Oregon, 4:05 this afternoon. Watch live: http://johnnyballgameshow.com/live/

We'll be previewing Oregon-Stanford and the rest of the PAC-12 and Top Twenty schedule.

Interview with a vampire--well no, just a blood-red Cardinal blogger

2011-11-11T02:12:00.000-08:00

Hank Waddles of the website GoMightyCard.com dropped by to ask some Oregon-Stanford questions.

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Darron Thomas vs. Andrew Luck, in high school, 2007

2011-11-11T02:08:00.000-08:00

The two Houston-area quarterbacks locked up in a district playoff game in the fall of their senior years. Luck's team won, but Thomas had better stats, including 101 yards rushing.

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Grading the Ducks: Oregon at Washington

2011-11-08T02:18:00.000-08:00

It wasn't a massive stat accumulation, but it was the most complete victory by the Oregon team this year.

photo left: Right now, he might be the most maligned and muttered about 19-2 starter in the country. Fans are restless about Darron Thomas, who is plagued by inconsistency but continues to pad an impressive Oregon resume. Will he rise to the challenge, facing two top-drawer quarterbacks in the season's next two weeks? (AP Photo/Greg Wahl-Stephens).

Keys to the game: Oregon at Washington

2011-11-05T02:00:00.000-07:00

The Northwest football writers are chittering like squirrels as Husky Hate Week reaches its culmination. The tree branches and telephone lines of the interwebs are filled with upset talk, much of it coming from Seattle. Art Thiel and Bob Condotta of the Emerald City papers, along with Ted Miller of ESPN and even Adam Jude of the Oregon are opining that the Ducks have likely flown high long enough, and in The Last Game in Old Husky Stadium, with Don James tossing the coin and the The 1991 National Champions honored at halftime, the foghorns of the yachts steaming out of Lake Washington will blow loud and long in historic triumph.

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Scouting the Huskies

2011-11-04T01:30:00.000-07:00

For much of the year the Duck defense has given up chunks of yards between the 20s, and this week they face an offense with the firepower to exploit that weakness. The Huskies are much tougher in the red zone than Arizona, California or Colorado, the gamut of also-rans the Ducks have pummeled on their way to 7-1. UW has a 1,000-yard rusher in Chris Polk, and a quarterback who's shocked the conference with his first-year effectiveness.

photo right: Can the Ducks hang on to their share of first place against Washington? A lot depends on wrapping up Chris Polk, who thrives on yards after contact (nfldraftmonsters.com photo).

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New stories at duckstopshere.com

2011-11-02T07:33:00.000-07:00

At our new url, duckstopshere.com, we have the following features so far this week:

Recruiting updates on Fabian Moreau and Gehrig Dieter.

Tales from the stat sheet: which Oregon defense will emerge in November?

The Washington-Oregon rivalry--this is how long it's been since the Huskies won.

Grading the Ducks, Washington State at Oregon

2011-10-31T18:53:00.000-07:00

With the ten-point quizzes out of the way, the Ducks take their midterms in November.

photo left: Three weeks running Bryan Bennett has provided the spark in an Oregon win with his mobility, poise and playmaking verve. With a big game in a hostile stadium, will an experienced but banged-up Darron Thomas solidify his hold on the Ducks' starting quarterback job? (photo by Jim Rider, presswire.com)

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Is this the next great Oregon running back?

2011-10-31T18:51:00.000-07:00

This Oregon prep sensation and national talent as a track and field sprinter may become the heir to the tradition established by J-Stew, LMJ and DAT.

With a great recruiting visit, Randy Uzoma could be the Fishduck catch of the day

2011-10-29T07:10:00.000-07:00

Randy Uzoma, smart, fast and talented, could be a perfect fit in the Oregon offense of the future (photo courtesy conagaparkhs.org).

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Keys to the game, Washington State at Oregon

2011-10-28T16:51:00.001-07:00

One day, Oregon will lose again in Autzen Stadium. But it won't happen tomorrow.

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Life without Cliff means young dbs get the isolation camera

2011-10-26T00:13:00.000-07:00

Meanwhile, as the coaches sort out the police report and Cliff Harris' future, the Ducks have a game to win to get to 7-1 and the crux of their season.

It's a great test for the young secondary with the Washington State Cougars having the 10th-best passing attack in the NCAA, averaging 313 yards per game. Jeff Tuel's doubtful with myriad injuries (leg and collarbone) so senior Marshall Lobbestael again takes over at quarterback. The Cougar offense hasn't stalled under Lobbestael; he's thrown for over 1700 yards, with 15 touchdown and just 5 interceptions, a very healthy ratio. He's been sacked 14 times but stays cool in the pocket, completing 64% of his passes.

photo left: Troy Hill, Terrance Mitchell and Ifo Ekpre-Olomu will have a opportunity to grow up in a hurry facing Marquess Wilson and a capable Wazzu passing attack. (espnnorthwest.com photo)

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Cliff Harris' Oregon career at the crossroads, and this time we hope he lets someone else drive

2011-10-25T01:50:00.000-07:00

Until June 16th of this year, Duck fans counted on Cliff Harris to be one of the strengths of Oregon's drive for another successful season. Even then, everybody hoped Cliffy would go back to being Cliffy, the dynamic, wonderfully gifted athlete with the flair for the memorable quote or the highlight film moment.

As a sophomore he set a school record with four punt returns for touchdown. He led the team and the conference in interceptions and pass breakups, returning a pick of Tennessee's Matt Simms for a back-breaking 76-yard touchdown. When the Oregon offense couldn't get anything going against the Cal strategy of crash the zone read, fake injuries and hold receivers, Kash elevated the entire team with a 64-yard punt return for a score. He picked Andrew Luck twice. He blanketed the Trojans and baited Matt Barkley into an interception.

Photo right: Cliff Harris, brilliant, electric, enigmatic, and a colossal screw-up, soars for a pass breakup against Tennessee last season. Can he harness his ability and find the maturity to succeed, as a player and a person? (photo courtesy footballsfuture.com)

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(links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

Grading the Ducks: Oregon at Colorado

2011-10-24T02:04:00.000-07:00

Beating Colorado was never the issue. The only question was by how much and how well. The Ducks needed a game where they got out of Boulder without falling between a rock and a hard place: no injuries, good focus, using their deep and continuing to develop as a team. A 45-2 win accomplished all of those goals.

Chip Kelly's team was lightning efficient, striking for four quick touchdowns on their first four possessions. Bryan Bennett never blinked. He took to the opening assignment like it was another week at Crespi High, prepared for the situation, in command, with adept feet and vision and a passing arm that found its rhythm as the game went on. Misfiring early on a couple of long throws, before walk-on Dustin Haines took over Bennett tossed pretty strikes to David Paulson, for a 31-yard touchdown, and a 31-yard catch-and-run to Lavasier Tuinei that hit LT in stride running down to the one, falling short of the end zone by one skinny buttcheek, laying out over a defender with maximum effort.

Photo left: this Bleacher Report file photo from 2009 illustrates what great defense should look like, and the Webfoots displayed plenty of the same kind of swarming intensity in Colorado. Can they dial it up again for Washington State?

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Keys to the game: assorted quack, smack and facts for Oregon at Colorado

2011-10-22T08:15:00.000-07:00

The keys to the game are different for this one. An Oregon loss is so unlikely, given the dismal state of the Colorado football program, which is a walking MASH unit at 1-6, that this game is more about what the Ducks achieve and accomplish to push forward in their season.

The old coaching cliche is true, this mile-high massacre is Oregon's only opportunity to play football and get better this week. As Chip notes, you get thirteen chances a year to strap it up and play. Execution is a habit. Excellence is learned, and earned.

photo left: Bryan Bennett showed poise and athletic ability leading a comeback off the bench last Saturday against ASU, scampering on five carries for 65 yards, but what is his role this afternoon? (Jim Rider, US Presswire photo)

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The future isn't written: that's why college football is so compelling.

2011-10-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Every season has its rhythm and plot lines, its unexpected twists and turns, moments of glory and disbelief. There's the seemingly overwhelming adversity and miracles of belief. There is triumph, pleasure and disappointment. Few seasons are perfect, but perfection is always an elusive possibility. The Ducks came damn close a couple of times. And they've shot themselves in the foot more than once.

If you follow a team closely enough and lovingly enough, you'll experience the lows of a disaster in grello helmets, losing by 30 to Brigham Young in a lackluster bowl game, an underachieving team dogging it the desert after an underachieving and injury-riddled season, leaving their games in the casinos and gentlemen's clubs a few days before kickoff. Coach made embarrassing excuses, questioned how poorly the opponent would have played in the PAC-10. He vacillated between one quarterback and another. Johnathan Stewart was bottled up, hemmed in on the ground, just 7 carries for paltry 21 yards. After beating Oklahoma and starting 4-0, the Ducks finished 7-6. 2006 was a bad, crazy year.

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(links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

Keys to the game: ASU at Oregon

2011-10-15T13:41:00.000-07:00

When the grousing, predicting and supposing is done, the Ducks kick it off and play football. They'll be in silver and black today, an unintended tribute to Al Davis, perhaps, but fitting in that Chip Kelly and his coaches share Davis' celebrated affection with speed. The NFL's longtime mad genius used to say "Just Win, Baby" while the Ducks say "Win The Day."

Every team in any competitive field, whether football or the battle for corporate supremacy, looks for a rallying cry that means something and a formula that isn't empty hype.

photo left: The Ducks, in silver in black tonight, create an unavoidable echo of one of the NFL's most storied franchises and their recently departed mastermind. Before he lapsed into self-parody, Al Davis was as thorough, innovative and successful as Chip Kelly (Getty images photo).

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links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

If you're not worried, you're not paying attention

2011-10-14T18:39:00.000-07:00

This is Dennis Erickson's best team since 2007, when they won ten games and cracked the Top Ten for a while. Oregon beat them that year, but it cost them Dennis Dixon's knee. The ending of that game was the beginning of sadness for the Ducks, a dream laying in ruins by a twist in the turf.

Football seasons don't always follow the form chart, or become the neat row of dominations and crafted x's and o's we'd like them to be. A lot could go wrong tomorrow. The Sun Devils are good. They're 18th in the country, 5-1, with their only loss to #16 Illinois in Champaign. They clubbed USC by three touchdowns, and their tailback Cameron Marshall busted loose for 141 yards on the Trojans.

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(links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

Friday run-through: news, notes on ASU at Oregon

2011-10-14T17:57:00.000-07:00

The Vegas line on this game is Oregon -14.5, which means the Ducks have to win by more than two touchdowns without LaMichael James. They might do it, but it's crazy to bet more than a sixpack on that point spread.

Key matchup: Oregon's secondary versus the ASU wideouts. The Sun Devils' potent offense has scored 38 points a game this year, and six of the receivers have double-digit receptions. Gerrell Robinson and Mike Willie are both 6-4 and fast, and Aaron Pflugrad (an ex-Duck) runs precise routes and has good hands. Brock Osweiler accounts for 2/3 of the ASU offense through the air, and they mix bubble screen, the zone read running game and effective shots downfield.

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(links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

My mock Heisman ballot--who's on yours?

2011-10-10T18:52:00.000-07:00

Each week I fill out a mock Heisman ballot for the website College Football Zealots. These are my selections this week, with commentary on each one:

photo left: Luck has all the tangibles and intangibles you could ever want in a college football player. He's a leader and a winner, smart, tough, and fundamentally sound. Unless and until the Cardinal lose 2-3 games, he's the solid choice for the sport's most prestigious individual award (everyjoe.com photo).

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(links to our new url, duckstopshere.com after the jump)

Oregon recruiting: update on the Ducks' new verbal commit, T.J. Daniel

2011-10-10T10:00:00.000-07:00

J. Daniel may not be your typical 4 or 5 star Oregon recruit, but his upside is through the roof.

He stands at 6'7 240 pounds, and if you look at his body type, he looks as though he hasn't fully grown into it yet. He gained 20 pounds in the offseason this year, which shows this kid has the work ethic worthy of an Oregon football player.

photo left: With his rangy body and athleticism, T.J. Daniel might remind Duck fans of The Preying Mantis, Dion Jordan (scout.com photo).

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