Thursday, September 24, 2009

Attitude

So typically this isn't the type of thing I would post for this blog but it really stood out to me when I came across it yesterday. I guess you could say this could apply to anything in life... including how you perceive your sports teams.

Your attitude impacts your life. Your attitude is more important than how intelligent you are. It is more important than your talents, your giftedness or skills. It is more important than your failures and than your successes. It is more important than what other people think or say or do. You cannot change the past. You cannot control what others do. The only think you can do is control your own attitude.

The remarkable thing is you have a choice every day regarding the attitude you will embrace for that day. Life is 10 percent what happens to you and 90 percent how you react to it.

Monday, September 21, 2009

Kelly: A Man Of His Word

Despite Oregon struggling during the first 3 games of the year (and the first 3 games under Kelly's tenure), the Ducks are 2-1 heading into a scary matchup with Cal this weekend.

It's understandable that Kelly has been getting a bit of scrutiny (despite the 2-1 start) because of some of the issues the team has had the last 3 games. But the Ducks are still finding a ways to win... Plus, I dare you to tell me this article doesn't silence, or at least soften, some of your bitching.

Thursday, September 17, 2009

Worried about the Ducks?

Back in 1994, Oregon started the season 1-2... You know what happened after that. Former Oregon QB Danny O'Neil explains why not to count the Ducks out quite yet.

Weekend Predictions

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Some Links

George Schroeder wrote a great article on reducing expectations yet not being surprised with this Oregon team if they develop into their new roles.. At this point, who knows what the Ducks will do.

Going into the Utah game, here are some defensive numbers.

If you didn't know, Oregon picked up two North Carolina recruits last week. Here's an interesting article on them and recruiting nationally.

While Oregon's opponents have been tougher, Utah is riding into this week's game with a 16 game winning streak.

Blount debuted on the scout team this morning. After breaking up last week's scrum and now practicing with the scout team I believe Blount deserves some much needed respect for rising above the Boise disaster.

Oregon is trying to work Ed Dickson into the offense more after only having 3 catches for 17 yards.

Oregon will likely play the Washington State Cougars at 6:15pm now so that if the game isn't picked up for two of the television windows it can be played on Oregon Sports Network.

Here is this week's football release for Utah.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Uniform Selection

What should Oregon wear (or not wear) with this interactive website. I just want the Ducks to wear something they'll win in this weekend.

Jimmy Kimmel

Jimmy Kimmel responds to the LeGarrette Blount incident.

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Huge Commitment Today

Chris McCain, a 4 star (rivals)/3 star (scout) linebacker recruit from Greensboro, NC, committed to the Ducks today on national TV. McCain is from the same school as Remene Alston. See the video here.

Clever Advertising

In The "Not So" Distant Past

It was only back in 2003 when Kellen Huston, a University of Nebraska walk-on junior, hit a fan and it was all caught on tape. What was Kellen's punishment you may ask? One game.

That fan was not only hit but he was flat knocked out and dropped to the ground. Makes you think.

Monday, September 7, 2009

Moving On

Ted Miller just posted this article on how the Ducks are ready to move on and what happened (and didn't happen) last Thursday.

Onto Purdue...

Getting Over It

In the wake of Thursday's "melee" all Duck fans, Boise fans, and the national media have had time to dwell on what happened. We've all had time to set aside our emotions of a horribly played game by the Ducks (that ended even worse) and look at things with some more rational thought. Boise played their hearts out and had one hell of a game, I'm not discrediting them one bit for that.

Yes, I still believe what Blount did was wrong. I felt sick and embarrassed as a Duck fan watching that tirade. Though I have to wonder if this hadn't been the kick off to the college football season, would the results and the media coverage been the same? Looking at it now, a few days later, was Blount's punishment too harsh? Did Oregon act too quickly because of the media coverage or take the easy way out?

Plus, has the instigator of it all, Byron Hout, treated like he barely had anything to do with the outrage that ensued? Will Hout really learn anything after this is all over or is Peterson failing to set the right example?

Even the new Pac-10 Commissioner, Larry Scott, called the WAC's Commissioner, Karl Benson and asked him to get involved since all Hout is only going to receive some "personal time" during the week with his coach. But Peterson and Benson defended their decision not to suspend Hout.

Sure everyone has their own opinion and who is to say one is right and the other is wrong. I'm happy Oregon reacted swiftly but I do believe the punishment was a tad harsh. The media blew things out of proportion as it had nothing better to do on Friday besides wait for college football to really kick off Saturday. I am proud that, rather than throwing Blount aside, the team will allow him to practice and prepare him for the NFL. Even having him talk with sports figures who have gone through the same experience. Should Blount decide to transfer to a division 2A school, I'll wish him the best of luck. As for Hout, in addition to the nice clock to the jaw, I believe something needed to be done publicly besides some internal disciplinary actions. If it weren't for him, the dominoes wouldn't have started to fall. But that's one man's opinion.

Regardless of the loss, I had a great time in Boise. Most fans were very nice with the exception of a few. But that is to be expected as a visitor to any away stadium... even for those visiting Autzen.

I'm glad it's over, I'm happy the national media has had other college football to focus on and I'm ecstatic there are still 11 games left! Remember Duck fans, that was a game the Ducks were "supposed to" lose... First games are meant to be sloppy and it's only up from here. The Ducks may be without their starting running back but the season's still just beginning.

All the best to LeGarrette, I'll be rooting for you too.

Go Ducks!

Wednesday, September 2, 2009

Boise State's Blind Side

Apparently Boise State will be starting a former walkon at tackle who hasn't played in an actual game for almost 5 years. He's a redshirt freshman but to his credit, the guy is 22 years old. Though he'll be guarding Kellen Moore's blind side against Will Tukuafu. That's a hell of a first start Michael.

A Little Civil War (and Boise State) Humor

Nick from Off The Pond goes Off The Pond and wrote a piece for The Norman Einsteins, Sports & Rocket Science Monthy college football preview regarding this year's Civil War (towards the bottom). There is also a funny peice on the Oregon vs. Boise State game at the top from One Bronco Nation Under God. Good work as usual Nick.

Ready?!?

Oh How The Mighty Have Fallen

Notre Dame hasn't even played one game yet this year and Weis already has some more pressure to win.

Michigan's Rodriquez got accused by his players for working them too hard. Maybe someone should tell the players that a 3-9 season isn't acceptable at Michigan.

A Little Break

With all the Duck related articles out there right now I've been having trouble keeping up... I have 24 hours and 10 minutes until my flight to Boise and Duck's kickoff has pretty much been the only thing on my mind... Though here's a good article on the Blazers and Rip City Revival if you need to consume your mind on something else... at least for a few minutes.