Oregon Blog

December 7, 2009

Civil War win more than just Roses for Ducks
by Dennis Greenfield

Now that the dust has started to settle here is yet another Civil War article. But this isn’t the typical Ducks beating Beavers story.

We all know by now that the Oregon Ducks have beaten the Oregon State Beavers by the final score of 37-33 for the 2009 Civil War. And yes, the Ducks are the Pac-10 champions and will face Ohio State in the Rose Bowl.

This game has become an instant classic. But it’s more than that.

Just a few short years ago, who would have thought we’d be talking about the importance of the Civil War for both teams? Who knew it would some day be deciding the Pac-10 championship, which team from the state of Oregon heads to the Rose Bowl, or become a classic for the ages. The 113th edition of the in-state rivalry will be one we tell our kids and grand kids about.

This Civil War was also about more than just football.

First, you have former head coach and current Oregon AD Mike Bellotti. He helped raise Oregon to the current level of recognition and play that they’re at right now. Yet, he never had the opportunity to make it to the Rose Bowl as head coach. Bellotti didn’t take over the head coaching position until after the 1994 season. It was that 1994 team that made it to the Grand Daddy of Them All playing on January 2, 1995.

For 14 season Mike Bellotti coached the Oregon Ducks. He had ups and downs (mostly ups) during his tenure and in 2001 his team went 11-1 — barely missing out on a chance to play for the National Championship. The Ducks were the Pac-10 champs that season, but back then they didn’t play all four BCS bowls plus a National Championship game like they do now. Instead, they played three of the BCS bowls with the fourth being the National Championship. And that year the Rose Bowl was designated for the National Championship game. So, the Ducks went to the Fiesta Bowl where they smoked Colorado 38-16.

Fast forward to the 2009 season. In March of 2009 Bellotti officially stepped down as head coach and became the AD. Chip Kelly took over as the head coach and led the team to a 10-2 record, Pac-10 championship and Rose Bowl berth. Bellotti gets sandwiched in between Oregon’s visit to Pasadena for the Rose Bowl.

Then there’s LeGarrette Blount. Before the season he was being talked about as a Heisman Trophy candidate and NFL prospect. And there was no reason to think otherwise. Then, on September 3rd, on a nationally televised ESPN Thursday night game, it all went wrong for Blount — and it could have been disastrous for the entire team as well.

After Oregon’s loss to Boise State Blount punched one of the Broncos players. He went berserk and scuffled with teammates and then wanted to unload on Boise State fans who taunted him (one actually slapped Blount) as coaches and players tried to get Blount off the field. Chip Kelly suspended Blount for the remaining of the season.

Or did he.

You see, it would have been easy for LeGarrette Blount to quit, walk away from Oregon football and from school. All he had to do was get with a personal trainer and begin working hard for a shot at the NFL. But he didn’t. Blount stayed in school. He worked with the scout team helping prepare his teammates for upcoming opponents. He also spoke to several people who helped keep him on the straight path. He spoke to the likes of Tony Dungy, Kermit Washington and Jon Gruden among others. All while thinking he would never play on game day for the Ducks.

But then, on October 2nd something happened. Head coach Chip Kelly held a press-conference telling everyone he would be willing to let Blount rejoin the team if certain academic, football and human “ladders” were achieved by the running back. Oh man, did many come down hard on Chip Kelly –including some Ducks fans. They’d say things like, “he went back on his word,” or “how can anyone trust what he says,” and “what’s this teaching Blount.”

Listen, I believe Chip Kelly when he says lifting LeGarrette Blount’s suspension has nothing to do with football. I believe him when he says he wanted Blount to actually believe he would be suspended for the remainder of the season and that he wanted to see how Blount would react thinking he had no reason to be a part of Oregon — for football or academics. I mean seriously, it would have been so easy for Blount to bail and leave Oregon behind. But he didn’t. He faced his wrongs and I believe is trying to do right.

Sure, Blount has an awful lot to lose with the NFL and all. But does it really matter why someone makes the effort to change for the better? It seems to be the more important issue is if they’ve actually made the change that lasts a lifetime.

Getting Blount into the Civil War game surely ignited a spark in the team and the Oregon crowd. He was able to make the best of it and even scored a touchdown. But you know what? Although that touchdown will never erase what was done on September 3rd, it can now be what may be a final impression for his Oregon football career. And that has to go a long way in helping him out in the future as a person.

Maybe, just maybe, down the road people won’t immediately or only remember Blount as the guy who punched a Boise State player. Maybe they’ll remember Blount as the guy who faced adversity, turned his life around and sparked one of the greatest Civil War wins in Oregon history.

I’m hopeful LeGarrette Blount will play in the Rose Bowl — if even for one play. But if not, I’ll always remember his final game as a Duck.

November 7, 2009

Stanford beats No. 8 Oregon 51-42, becomes bowl eligible.
by Dennis Greenfield

Surely the Oregon Ducks were on the high wave of emotion after beating USC last weekend. They controlled their own destiny toward their march to the Rose Bowl.

Then they traveled to Palo Alto and faced a Stanford Cardinal team that punched them right in the gut. Stanford flat out bullied Oregon up and down the field on their way to winning 51-42.

Toby Gerhart set a Stanford singles game rushing record with 223 yards. He also pounded out three touchdowns. Andrew Luck was lights out throwing for 251 yards, two touchdowns on a 12 of 20 day. Luck picked apart the Ducks’ secondary threading many passes in tight coverage.

For much of the season it has been Oregon’s special teams and defense that put them in control of many games. Against Stanford it was just the opposite — the Ducks defense just could not find an answer for stopping Luck, Gerhard and company.

The Ducks offense looked out of sync for much of the game, but really started to put it all together late. That was almost bad news for the Cardinal as the Ducks pulled to within 13 points with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Plenty of time for Jeremiah Masoli to orchestrate the high powered offensive attack.

After the Cardinal bled off some clock and missed a late field goal, the Ducks wasted no time flying down field. D.J. Davis caught a 21 yard touchdown pass from Masoli and the extra point pulled Oregon to within six points.

Two minutes and thirty-eight seconds left. Do you kick the ball away for the kickoff, or try the onside kick. Chip Kelly went for option two. And it wasn’t pretty. The ball didn’t even travel the required ten yards and Stanford recovered at the Oregon 38 yard line.

Three Gerhart rushes later and it looked as though Oregon’s defense might have given their offense a shot for the win.

But instead of safely punting away with 15 seconds left, Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh pulled a dagger out of its sheath. And with a Nate Whitaker 48-yard field goal he stuck that dagger right into the hearts of every Ducks coach, player and fan.

Jeremiah Masoli completed 21 of 37 for 335 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 55 yards. LaMichael James added 125 yards including a 60-yard touchdown run.

For Pac-10 discussion, news and stories be sure to visit Pac10Rivalry.com

November 2, 2009

Oregon in driver’s seat for Rose Bowl
by Dennis Greenfield

It was definitely fright night in Eugene on Halloween night for the USC Trojans as the Oregon Ducks whooped on the Trojans beating them 47-20. And those 47 points were the most allowed by the Trojans in 1996.

Oregon was faster and flat-out executed better than USC. Jeremiah Masoli could get to the corner faster than the Trojans. He had the defense on their heels as they didn’t know what he was going to do with the ball.

If it wasn’t Masoli, it was LaMichael James burning up yards. James put up a career best 183 yards on 24 carries and a touchdown. As a whole, Oregon’s running game was able to rack up 391 yards against a Trojans team that was fifth best in the nation allowing only 79.9 rush yards per game.

Oregon compiled a total of 613 yards on the evening; the most ever allowed during Pete Carroll’s tenure at USC.

I’m wondering — does Matt Barkley still think Autzen Stadium and its fans won’t compare to Ohio State or anywhere else? His team was flagged for six false start penalties while the noise was deafening inside Autzen.

With this win the Ducks clearly control their own destiny in heading to the Rose Bowl. They’re sitting alone at the top of the Pac-10 conference with their 5-0 conference record and 7-1 overall.

But, the Ducks aren’t out of the woods yet.

Of their four remaining game, the Ducks still face Stanford (No. 3 in the Pac-10) coming up next weekend in Palo Alto, as well as Arizona (No. 2 in the Pac-10) down in Tucson. The Civil War game against Oregon State will take place at Autzen.


For Pac-10 discussion, news and stories be sure to visit Pac10Rivalry.com

October 28, 2009

Ducks beat down Dawgs, prepare for Trojans’ visit
by Dennis Greenfield

Coming off their bye week the Oregon Ducks took a trip to the land of purple and gold. Yep, they traveled north to face the Washington Huskies.

After starting the game looking very rusty, Oregon’s offense and QB Jeremiah Masoli started to pull it together. Masoli, returning from a knee injury ran for two scores and threw for another as the Ducks beat the Huskies 43-19. They move on to a 6-1 record (4-0 Pac-10) and sit atop the Pac-10 standing.

The special teams and defense once again looked sharp. The special teams unit blocked a punt for a touchdown and also pulled off a fake field goal that set up another score.

LaMichael James rushed for 154 yards and a pair of touchdowns, including one for 56 yards in the fourth quarter.

This type of overall team work has been the general theme for much of the season so far. It’s as if each unit is feeding of each others success. And they’re just getting started.

The No. 5 USC Trojans will be visiting raucous Autzen Stadium on Halloween night. ESPN’s GameDay will be in town for their live broadcast, and, since Oregon is No. 10 in the BCS and USC is No. 5, ABC’s number one crew of Brent Musburger and Kirk Herbstreit will be calling the game.

This is the game of the season and could very well tell us who may be Rose Bowl bound.


For Pac-10 discussion, news and stories be sure to visit Pac10Rivalry.com

October 2, 2009

LeGarrette Blount issues letter of apology to school paper
by Dennis Greenfield, Pac10Rivalry.com

The Oregon Daily Emerald published a letter to the editor today that came from UO student athlete LeGarrette Blount. Blount is the now infamous Oregon Ducks running back who cold-cocked Byron Hout after the Boise State game.

In the letter Blount apologizes for his actions and lets it be known he does not “expect to be given a second chance to be a positive and responsible member of the football program.”

Blount also discusses how being a student athlete should be taken as a privilege and not taken for granted.


For Pac-10 discussion, news and stories be sure to visit Pac10Rivalry.com

September 27, 2009

Oregon dismatles No. 6 Cal, 42-3
by Dennis Greenfield

Not many gave the Oregon Ducks much of a chance of winning against then-ranked No. 6 Cal. Afterall, Cal boasts one of the nation's best running backs and Heisman hopeful Jahvid Best. Best entered this game atop the touchdown list of all RB's with nine and ranked third on the rushing list with 429 yards.

Oregon's offense has struggled mightily compared to years past, so they certainly haven't given anyone reason to believe the Ducks could win against the Golden Bears.

But Oregon wasn't intimidated. Especially not in the raucous Autzen Stadium.

Walter Thurmond III received the opening kickoff, but after returning it 13 yards he was hit and fumbled. Cal recovered and the pressure was on early. Oregon's defense stepped up right away forcing Cal to go three-and-out and kick a field goal; 3-0. But that's all Cal would score.

Let me say it again: three points is all the No. 6 ranked Cal Golden Bears would score all afternoon.

For the first time this season it was both Oregon's offense and their defense that shined. And QB Jeremiah Masoli looked like he did last last season when he could do no wrong. He went 21 of 25, 253 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 23 yards.

Tight end Ed Dickson was the beneficiary of all three of Masoli's touchdown throws. Dickson also had 11 catches for a career-high 148 yards.

LaMichael James carried 21 times and rushed for 118 yards and one touchdown. It was the second straight games James reached the 100 yard mark.

It took four games, but the offense really looked in sync. It was critical for the passing game to get something going this season, and they picked the right time to do it.

The defense played extremely well, too. Cal entered the game as the nation's tenth best rushing offense. But the Oregon defense held them to 77 yards on 32 carries. They bottled up Jahvid Best who was held in-check with 55 yards. Cal QB Kevin Riley was limited to only 123 passing yards as the Bear offense struggled all day.

The win over Cal jumped Oregon back in to the AP Top 25 with a No. 16 ranking. Cal dropped to No. 24.

The Ducks will host Washington State next Saturday, while Cal will host USC for their homecoming game.


For Pac-10 discussion, news and stories be sure to visit Pac10Rivalry.com

September 20, 2009

Oregon ends No. 18 Utah’s win streak at 16; beat Utes 31-24
by Dennis Greenfield

September 13, 2009

Oregon's defense should get credit for win over Purdue
by Dennis Greenfield

Eighteen points. That’s the total number of points that can be directly attributed to the Oregon defense in the Ducks’ 38-36 win over Purdue on Saturday night.

With the offense still struggling and finding their way, it was the defense who lead the charge with a Walter Thurmond III interception returned for a touchdown, Javes Lewis’ fumble recovery returned for a touchdown and Casey Matthews’ interception which set up an Oregon field goal. Add to that the blocked extra point by the Ducks, and it adds up to 18 points.

Even with the points attributed to the defense, the game was almost lost on a late Purdue touchdown that brought the Boilermakers to within two points. A two-point conversion would have sent the game into overtime.

Purdue QB Joey Elliott threw the ball to the back of the end zone where Kyle Adams leapt for the catch. Ducks fans held their collective breathe and watched as Adams landed with the ball in hand and out of bounds. With only 1:01 remaining the game and victory were securely in hand for Oregon.

The Ducks offense started slowly, but looked better in the second half. QB Jeremiah Masoli completed 11 0f 21 passes for 163 yards. He was also the Ducks leading rusher with 84 yards.

The team was penalized nine times for 99 yards. They’ll definitely need to clean up their game and cut back on penalties.

LeGarrette Blount was on the field with the team before the game started, but once game time came he left the field.



Dennis Greenfield is the Founding Editor of Pac10Rivalry.com

September 5, 2009

Game One Wrap-up
By: Dennis Greenfield

Oregon senior running back LeGarrette Blount has been suspended for the remainder of the 2009 season following his actions after the conclusion of last night's 19-8 loss to the Boise St. Broncos.

With the game over, and while the two teams were exchanging handshakes and exiting the field, Boise St. defensive end Byron Hout said something to Blount and slapped Blount's shoulder pads. Blount then turned around and punched Hout on the jaw sending him to the ground. As if that weren't enough LeGarrette Blount then started tussling (and actually threw a punch at) with a teammate who appeared to be pulling Blount away from the situation.

With coach Scott Frost escorting him to the locker room, Blount then heard some taunting from Bronco fans which set him off once again. It took several coaches, security, and police officers to restrain him and get him into the locker room.

During today's press conference Oregon head coach Chip Kelly announced Blount will remain part of the team, but he will not be allowed to play in any of the remaining games. Coach Kelly also said the lesson his team should learn from this is, "the game of football is played with emotion, but you can't let emotion play with you."

For video and a poll about Blount and his suspension please visit Pac10Rivalry.com.


Dennis Greenfield is the Founding Editor of Pac10Rivalry.com 

August 29, 2009

Ducks TE Ed Dickson's Time is Now
By Dennis Greenfield

After having an up-and-down season last year Ed Dickson knows this is his final shot to show he is something special. The senior tight end realizes this maybe his final opportunity to impress NFL scouts. And why not be thinking about the NFL? He has the ability to play at the next level and to do it well. At 6' 5" and 243 pounds Dickson has the size, but he also has the speed to get downfield quickly. He's very versatile being able to play inside or out, go deep or run across the middle. He can be a mismatch for many defenders.

Ed Dickson is often thought of as the second best tight end in the Pac-10; No. 1 being that of Arizona's Rob Gronkowski. While Gronkowski is a great player, and I don't want to take anything away from him, playing in Wildcats head coach Mike Stoops' offense does allow for more tight end productivity than that of Ducks head coach Chip Kelly's offense. Dickson also had two 1,000 yard running backs to contend with last season. Not that he's complaining. I'd bet Dickson would happily take team wins over his own personal productivity and day.

The 2007 season showed Dickson's talent emerge. He was the team's second leading receiver with 43 catches, 453 yards and three touchdowns. He was able to catch at least one pass in all 13 games.

Last season his total number of catches dropped to 35, but his receiving yards climbed to 508 total. He would go games without catching a single ball. And often times it was simply because the ball was not thrown to him. Many wondered why the offense didn't involve Dickson more. Surely his numbers would have been higher and closer to those of Gronkowski's had the ball been sent his way more often and on a more regular basis.

Oregon opens the 2009 season on the road against Boise St. and Ed Dickson wants to do well. Perhaps even extract a little revenge for a taking late hit during last years meeting with the Broncos in Autzen Stadium. It would be nice if that revenge came in the form of a 100 yard game, two touchdowns and a Ducks victory.


Dennis Greenfield is the Founding Editor of Pac10Rivalry.com.  

August 22, 2009

News and Notes: 8/22/2009
by Dennis Greenfield

The Oregon Ducks are ranked 16th in the AP preseason poll. If you recall, the Ducks are ranked 14th in the USA Today coaches poll.

We're less than two weeks away from the start of the 2009 college football season, and Oregon kicks off with a Thursday night ESPN game at Boise St. The September 3rd game is a big one for the Ducks. Win and it sets the tone for the rest of the season; which includes home games against other Pac-10 favorites Cal and USC. Lose and it will be the second straight year the Ducks went down in defeat to the Broncos. That alone can be the psychological defeat that sends the Ducks toward a three or four loss season. Right now the early Las Vegas lines have the Ducks as a 5.5 point underdog.

QB Nate Costa has been looking sharp in practice, but the job is still Jeremiah Masoli's to lose. If you recall, it did take Masoli a few games last season to really get into a rhythm. The Oregonian's Jeff Smith recently wrote an article saying projected O-line started Bo Thran may not be ready to play for the season opener at Boise St. Thran had knee surgery last April. RB LeGarrette Blount recently returned to practice after returning home to Flroida to attend his great-aunt's funeral service. RB LaMichael James has been having a real nice fall camp, but has fallen to the illness bug that has been gong around the team. The Ducks receiving corps looks to be mostly healthy, and they're making some big plays out on the practice field.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Ducks appear to be moving along nicely. So far, they've gotten the best of the offense during competitions, but that is usually to be expected at this point in camp. CB Walter Thurmond III is really itching to return punts as reported by Rob Moseley of the Register Guard.

I'm working on a piece about TE Ed Dickson so be looking for that in the next day or two.


Dennis Greenfield is the Founding Editor of Pac10Rivalry.com


 

August 12, 2009

News and Notes: Some Ducks Not Quite Ready To Fly As Practice Continues
by Dennis Greenfield

As the Ducks continue on with their first week of fall camp they have finally moved on to wearing full pads, and are ready for contact. However, some Ducks just aren't quite ready yet—most notably JC transfer WR Tyrese Gaines and WR Diante Jackson. Both were in pads, but did not participate much and did leave practice early. The Register-Guard's Rob Moseley posted on Twitter that WR Jeffery Maehl was spotted in just a helmet and not going in full pads today.

Sports Illustrated released their College Football Preview covers and the Ducks made one of the regional covers. It features quarterback Jeremiah Masoli and center Jordan Holmes.


Dennis Greenfield operates Pac10Rivalry.com

August 7, 2009

Oregon Ducks Preview
by Dennis Greenfield

With fall camp quickly approaching, this will be a high-level view of what to look for. Don’t expect a lot of earth-shattering news from this first blog post, but I hope to at least offer an overview heading into fall camp. The Oregon Ducks begin fall camp on Friday and for the first time since 1995 Mike Bellotti (116-55 overall, 72-43 conference) will not be at the helm. Bellotti, now Oregon’s Athletic Director, stepped down as head coach and handed the team over to coach-in-waiting Chip Kelly.

Oregon is one of the few Pac-10 teams that knows going into fall camp just who their starting quarterback will be. That job belongs to junior Jeremiah Masoli who was recently named to the 2009 Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award Watch List. Coach Kelly’s spread offense really started to fit Masoli as last season went on. Going into the 2009 season as the starter has got to add to he confidence of the tough-running QB. Masoli won’t scare anyone away with his passing ability, but he is accurate enough that you have to respect it. Backing up Masoli are junior Nate Costa and sophomore Darron Thomas. Neither has much game experience, but I suspect both would produce enough for Oregon to compete should they be called upon.

The Ducks receivers did lose some solid talent during the off-season. Experienced and consistent wideout Aaron Phlugrad transferred to Arizona State and stud athlete Chris Harper transferred to Kansas State. Jamere Holland shined during the spring and looks to be a true play maker while slot receiver Jeferey Maehl and tight end Ed Dickson bring back experience. This is Dickson’s last year, so he really needs to play well to impress NFL scouts. There are plenty of athletes in the stable just waiting to prove themselves for this receiving group - JC transfer Tyrece Gaines, Rory Cavaille and Dion Jordan just to name a few.

Jeremiah Johnson and his 1,201 yards are off to the NFL, but 1,002-yard rusher and leaper extraordinaire LeGarrette Blount is back. Last season Blount also set a school record with 17 touchdowns. During the off season he was suspended from the team for missing winter workouts and for not taking his academics seriously. He needs to step up, mature and prove that he can be the feature back. Behind Blount are three guys who all have talent in Andre Cremshaw, Remene Alston and LaMichael James.

 

The biggest question with the Duck’s offense surrounds the offensive line. Three key starters are gone from last season’s squad - Max Unger, Fenuki Tupou and Mark Lewis. The o-line does return several who have plenty of playing experience, however. Look for an underclassman, or two, to step up and see plenty of playing time. Overall this years group should be solid and play well barring a ton of injuries.

The defense also lost several key players from last year. But this years group looks like they will fill in nicely and not miss much of a beat. With the loss of sack leader Nick Reed, Ra’Shon Harris and Cole Linehan the defensive line looks to be the weakest link. With that said, I think the Ducks will be fine up front. Will Tukuafu will be the anchor of the front four and can hold the end position with the best of them. The linebackers will be very solid this season with the return of Spencer Paysinger and Casey Mathews. Marvin Johnson will run the rover spot. The secondary will be led by Walter Thurmond III and T.J. Ward. However, they need players to step up and fill the roles of first-team all-conference players Patrick Chung and Jairus Byrd.

Thurmond will also server as the team’s kick returner and may be called on to return punts. Kicker Morgan Flint returns while Tim Taylor looks to replace departed punter Josh Syria.

Oregon’s first game of the season could really set the tone for how the season goes as they travel to Boise State to play a Thursday night ESPN game. With last years loss, it’s hard to believe the Ducks will be overlooking the Broncos. Win that game and the Ducks get a boost of confidence going in to four straight home games - one of which is against Cal. Oregon also gets USC at home on October 31st and Oregon State at home on December 3rd.

Dennis Greenfield operates Pac10Rivalry.com.