Another Running Back

According to both Scout and Rivals Dontae Williams, a running back from Aldine, Texas is ready to commit to the Ducks. Williams is listed as a 1 star (which means he hasn't been evaluated yet) on Scout and a 4 star on Rivals. Dontae and Darron Thomas played together in high school and it's said Dontae is one of the top 3 running backs out of Texas this year.

Pac-10 Coaches Awards

Nick over at Off the Pond posted this year's Pac-10 Coaches Awards. If you enjoy reading that hopefully FOTB (Fiance of the Blog) will return this year... Or is it WOTB now Nick?

Alamo Bowl

Apparently the Holiday Bowl will be getting a demotion and become the conferences bowl for the 3rd place finisher. The Alamo Bowl will become the conference's bowl for the 2nd place finisher offering $3 million per team and will take place January 2nd, giving the Pac-10 another post-New Years Bowl. San Antonio could be fun.

Cheerleader Power Rankings

Bleacher Report has recognized the Duck's cheerleaders as #1 in their cheerleading power rankings...

SI Cover

Here is what the cover will look like...

And in response to the many comments... Yes, the Ducks (and Beavers) did grace the cover of Sports Illustrated before the 2001 season (actually have it hanging behind my bar at home)... The same season the Ducks ended up 2nd in the National Polls after beating Colorado in the Fiesta Bowl while the Beavers dropped out of national recognition. Maybe there isn't such thing as the SI curse... Each team will make it's own destiny

F?!?

I'd like to believe there is no such thing as the SI curse...

Jeremiah Masoli and Jordan Holmes will be on the cover of the Sports Illustrated in the latest edition. Pretty cool the Ducks will get some regional recognition and show off the "lights out" jerseys... Hmmm... The last Duck to grace the cover... None other than Jason Fife after beating Michigan. Any good Duck fan knows what happened next.

Lucky Number #13?

ESPNs Power rankings were released today and the Ducks came in at #13.

Day 4

Scout has continued to cover practices throroughly. Today it was great news to hear that the players who stood out the most were OG, Mark Asper and DE, Kenny Rowe... especially considering what most believe to be the larger questions (Offensive & defensive lines) going into Oregon's first game.

Duck Sports News also has an interview with Jeff Maehl for your viewing pleasure.

Diante & Crenshaw

Here's a good article from Adam Jude at the Register-Guard on Diante Jackson's arrival in Eugene, Andre Crenshaw's return for fall practice and other tid bits...

Sounds like Diante's going to put on a fashion show by himself as his mom will dying his hair the same color combos as the team is wearing each week. Diante was also assigned the number 85 and pronounced himself 'the Ocho Cinco of college football — without the attitude.' I like this kid already.

26 days, 7 hours, 43 minutes till kickoff... Go Ducks!

Fall Camp Begins

So it's been a little while and we're finally through the lull of summer sports. As always, this is the time of year a lot of people get that itch for football... I'm no different.

Here are practice reports from the last three days. After reading these it's great to hear that LaMichael, Holland, Costa and others are starting to impress...

• Day 1 - Friday, Aug. 7th
• Day 2 - Saturday, Aug. 8th
• Day 3 - Sunday, Aug. 9th

The Oregonian has been running a few practice interviews for those who don't have access to EDuck or DSA

• LeGarrette Blount
• Will Tukuafu

Moseley also has an updated depth chart after the first few days of practice.

I have been hearing nothing but good things about what Chip's been doing down in Eugene since he's taken over as head coach. It's just little things like this that reassure me that he's got the team headed in the right direction and keeping them motivated.

Oregon is also a team that can schedule a date with destiny if it plays it's cards right this season.

Go Ducks!

Ranking Non-Conference Schedules

Mark Schlabachfrom ESPN ranked the top 10 toughest and easiest non-conference schedules. Just so happens that Oregon's schedule ranks as the 3rd toughest schedule. While the Pac-10 doesn't have any other teams in the top 10 toughest there also isn't 1 team from the Pac that shows up in the many teams listed in the 10 easiest.

Oregon's Facilities

If you haven't been to see Oregongridiron.com, they recently added some videos to their facilities page. Oregon players give you a tour of the facilities they use on an everyday basis.

Carroll At It Again...

Even though we as Oregon fans have a hatred for Neuheisel it's great to see him sticking pointing "Pissy Pete" out. Is it me or does Carroll act just like a 2 year old when he/she doesn't get something they want? Grow up Carroll and pick your battles.

Kelly Aiming High

Looks like Kelly is looking to make a splash with Oregon's last position coaching spot to fill. A little while back loos like Kelly offered Jon Gruden to become the offensive coordinator . I'm still thinking that having Bellotti coach the QBs during spring ball shows that Kelly won't hire just anyone to take over that open position.

'08 Oregon Football Video

Back in January I posted a link to a 2008 Oregon video. After I posted the video, it was password protected and the creator of the video he wasn't able to release the password to me. Oregon posted that same video here for all to see. Enjoy.