A Season of High Expectations

It must be getting closer to college football season. The first feel of autumn is in the air with the rain and clouds. Fall camp is underway for all collegiate programs. Early season predictions and pre-season rankings are debated amongst the top analysts. And Oregon Duck season ticket holders are beginning to see that long awaited envelope arrive in the mail. It’s like Christmas, but instead of the jolly old fat man, it’s a postal worker. And instead of spreading Christmas cheer, it’s pre-season anticipation.

Oregon’s much anticipated first game is now less than a month away against Boise State, a team that came into Autzen upsetting the Ducks. Oregon players and fans are now seeking revenge against the boys in blue, as well as a great start to what many believe has the potential to be a special season.

The players and fans are right. This does have the potential to be a very special season. Many of the returning players have solidified themselves among the Pac-10’s best, such as quarterback Jeremiah Masoli, running back, LeGarrette Blount, tight end Ed Dickson and cornerback Walter Thurmond III. Many of the incoming and returning players have received a lot of hype to make their mark on this season, including running back LaMichael James, linebacker Eddie Pleasant and wide receivers Jamere Holland, and Tyrece Gaines. In addition to the players, the schedule is in favor of the Ducks with the Pac-10’s elite teams (USC, Cal, OSU) having to play in the always hostel Autzen stadium. And let’s not forget that the Ducks were featured on the upcoming issue of Sports Illustrated in the West region as one of the potential BCS “party crashers.” Needless to say, the expectations for the 2009 season are at an all-time high.

It is easy to buy into the hype and rightly so. Duck fans know that the pieces have been put in place to give the Ducks a chance to compete for a Pac-10 title and more. Believe me, I am right there with everyone. But the danger that comes with these high expectations is that any slip up has the potential to turn fans opinions around and those highs to be turned into disappointed lows. Let’s not forget the thousands of boo-birds that were nested in Autzen who turned on quarterback Masoli. Still holding the same opinions? This will be a special year, but those who are quickly joining the Oregon bandwagon, don’t be so quick to jump off. Good things are going to happen.

Is it fair to say “BCS or bust?” Maybe not. But I, as many other Duck fans do, believe that we have a chance to win every game. We should feel this way, because we can. This can be our year. But the season ends at the last whistle, not after the first interception or first blown coverage. Buy into the hype and jump on the band wagon, but be a loyal fan. It is a great feeling to be an Oregon Duck. It’s a good thing we don’t support a school like Duke or Syracuse, then we’d be asking ourselves, “when does basketball start?”

Let the countdown begin. Let’s make a statement in Boise. Is it September 3rd yet?

When One Door Closes, Another One Opens for Oregon Running Backs

On Tuesday, February, 10, it was announced that senior Oregon running back LeGarrette Blount was suspended indefinitely. With the first game of the season still so far away, it is hard to speculate what this suspension may mean for the season. Regardless of the ultimate outcome this is a situation for other Oregon running backs to step up and shine.

Outside of LeGarrette Blount, Oregon returns three running backs. Senior Andre Crenshaw, redshirt junior Remene Alston Jr. and redshirt freshman LaMichael James. These three combined have little experience at the college level, but may all be called upon at some point this season to make plays.

Andre Crenshaw is the most experienced back of the three. Andre was forced to step in and back up Jonathan Stewart during the 2007 season when Jeremiah Johnson went down with a torn ACL. Andre proved to be a very capable back. He has good speed, decent power with his 5’ 11” 196 lbs frame and can make his man miss the tackle. Andre may not be the one making the highlight real each game, but he can help keep the chains moving. What makes Andre most valuable is his ability to catch the ball coming out of the back field. He has good hands and a great burst after catching the ball, to turn and get up-field.

Despite Crenshaw’s strengths, there come some weaknesses. The first, as with the other two backs is experience. There is a learning curve to play running back at the collegiate level that only comes from being on the field. Crenshaw also hasn’t been in a situation where he is an every down back. He hasn’t taken 20 touches a game week-in and week-out. His durability hasn’t been tested, which may not prove to be a weakness, but something to keep in mind. Lastly, Crenshaw is the not homerun hitter or big play-maker that Jeremiah or LeGarrette are or have been. When he lines up, he doesn’t scare the defense the way the other two do.

Crenshaw will be a very serviceable back for Oregon. Will he pick-up where Jeremiah left off? Hopefully, but those are big shoes to fill.

Remene Alston Jr. is a hard one to peg. He has shown flashes of brilliance, but has also been limited on the field. And just as things started to click for Alston in 2008, he broke his foot. Alston is a fireplug at 5’ 8” and 200 lbs. He is a shifty runner and hits the hole hard. He has the ability to break the big play, because once he gets into the open field he can be tough to bring down. Alston is again a serviceable back, but he won’t be your every down back for an entire season.

The biggest knock on Alston is experience. He was buried in a talented backfield his first two years and broke his foot the following year. Alston has been recognized as a key contributor on the scout team during his time at Oregon, but practice is a different atmosphere than game day. Alston will find areas where he can contribute, but he may not be the every down back Oregon needs.

LaMichael James is the sleeper of the three. He has yet to play a down of college football. If you haven’t seen his high school highlights, I suggest you do so. LaMichael is a game-breaker with track speed. (He will be running track at Oregon.) LaMichael is a very shifty runner who won’t be taken down easily in the open field and won’t get caught from behind. When a player with his speed and his ability to break the big play steps on the field, everybody’s eyes on defense start looking into the backfield. He is small at 5’ 9” and 180 lbs, but this can work to his advantage at times. He can hide behind his linemen and sneak under those arm tackles. LaMachael has already started receiving the hype, since the week before the Civil War, players and reporters were raving about this kid’s ability as he helped the Ducks prepare as a member of the scout team.

There are two major concerns with LaMichael. First, is a lack of experience. Not to sound like a broken record, but experience can’t be taught. Second, is size. I know I commented about how this could be an advantage, but there are times when it is a disadvantage. At 180 lbs, James will have a difficult time pushing the pile forward or falling forward against the defense. Also a player of LaMichael’s size, his body will get beat up more so than Blount 230 lbs frame. This may limit him how many touches he can take. But with multiple backs around him, the carries will be split, decreasing the pounding any one of them will take.

The issue with LeGarrette Blount has every Oregon fan concerned. The running game has been key to Oregon’s success in the past few seasons and Blount was going to keep this trend going. It is too early to rule Blount out for the season or even for the Spring game. (I have my own theory what is going on, but that’s for a different article). But if Blount is on the field or not, there will be a need to have the other players step in and get some touches. Of the three backs discussed, I think LaMichael has the most potential to be a game-breaker and become a key player at Oregon. Crenshaw is the most experienced and polished back of the three. He can be used in more situations than the others. But Alston started to show his abilities, so don’t sleep on hi

It will be interesting to see what happens in the next few months. Is it September 5th yet?

The Holiday Bowl, Living Up to Expectations

The 2008 college football season for the Oregon Ducks came to an end Tuesday night. Throughout the many ups and downs of the year, the Ducks ultimately finished tied for the second most wins Ducks football history. The 10th and final win came at the hands of the 13th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys. On paper, this was a perfect match-up. The match-up featured two great offenses and star-studded talent all across the field, there was no doubt it was going to be a shootout.

FIRST HALF
The first half was far from a dream half for the Ducks. Dropped passes, the inability to convert 3rd downs and missed (blocked) kicks allowed the Ducks offense to be on the field for less than 10 minutes. The Cowboys capitalized by utilizing their All-American receiver Dez Bryant. In single coverage, he managed to get open nearly every time and often get yards after the catch. In double coverage he would also make catches, or leave the field open for Pettigrew or the other playmakers. Unfortunately all that could slow Bryant down was an awkward plant and twisting of the knee, sidelining him for the rest of the half and limiting his ability in the second half.

The Ducks managed a few notable plays on both sides of the ball. A 76 yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Johnson got fans excited and the interception by Walter Thurmond near the end of the half showed some life for the Ducks. It wasn’t that the Ducks were unable to do anything during the first half, just unable when it mattered the most. You knew the Ducks weren’t out of the game, but the hope was that they wouldn’t let the explosive OSU offense get ahead by too much more after the 17-7 halftime score.

SECOND HALF
Fortunately football is a game of two halves and it was a different Ducks team that took the field in the second. The opening kick in the second half kept Thurmond’s momentum from his first half interception, taking the ball 91 yards to the Ok. State 5 yard line, which was later punched in for a touchdown.

The big kick return seemed to swing the momentum in Oregon’s favor. All of a sudden the Ducks defense brought an increased level of physicality to the game. It seemed that every player on the D was playing with more urgency. A big hit from TJ Ward, got the defense pumped and left Zac Robinson rattled and perhaps slightly concussed. The Ducks kept constant pressure on the Cowboys, eliminating the big play and forcing quick decisions from Robinson. There was even an uncharacteristic third down blitz call by Nick Allioti that was executed perfectly. The D was clicking against a great offensive team.

The offense and the defense seemed to play off each other, as the physical play transferred over to the other side of the ball. Masoli, recruited for his arm, made the biggest plays with his legs. You won’t see Masoli slide, as many QBs do, but be careful, because he will run right over you to get to the end zone. This happened on several occasions. Just ask Quinton Moore. Masoli has learned how to use his legs to set up the throw and his arm to set up the run. He showed again that he is a true gamer.

The game was back and forth, each team taking the lead, only to have it taken away throughout the majority of the second half. Late in the fourth quarter the Ducks finally were in position to make it a two score game and perhaps seal the victory. With only a few minutes left a first down was all that was needed to keep the clock running. The Ducks put the ball in LeGarrette Blount’s hands to hoping that he could move the chains. Though Blount did one better, as he scampered to the end zone, while hurdling one defender and dragging another 10 yards on his way to doing so. This just about decided it. Get the Gatorade ready, the Ducks were on their way to winning the 2008 Holiday Bowl and their 10th win of the season.

OVERVIEW
The Ducks didn’t let a less than ideal first half get them down. The Ducks showed a level of toughness that makes a good college football team, a great team. Not having Dez Bryant helped limit some of the options for the Cowboys, but the Oregon defense also limited the other play makers from taking over the game. It was a team effort and a great win to end a successful 2008 season. The Ducks physical play kept the Cowboys rattled. Who said that the Pac-10 couldn’t play physical football?

Game balls go to Jeremiah Masoli and Max Unger. Masoli did a great job managing the game and making huge plays with his feet and his arm. Max Unger played a great game. There were several plays to the outside when you would see a 300 pounder dive into safety opening up a few more yards of space, and that was Max. He controlled the line, allowing the Ducks to run all over OSU. You also have to give the big man credit for coming back in after being injured.

Go Ducks. Thank you for another great season. I can't wait for next year.

There is Still a Lot of Season Left

With the bye week the anticipation builds. Only one regular season game left, but still so much on the line. That’s the beauty of college football. One week can make or break a season, especially in a rivalry game.

Duck fans are waiting patiently for November 29. The focus is on the Civil War. No other games matter anymore. We’ve played ourselves into this position and now there are only 60 minutes of football left to decide our bowling (post-season) fate.

It’s hard to look at the year and feel complete satisfaction. The “what ifs” are in the back of every fans mind and the wonder of what position we would be in if we got the right bounces, avoided injuries or hung onto more footballs, but again that’s college football. You never know what one play can do to a 13 game season. As hard as it is to not think those “what if” thoughts, we should be pleased with what our team has accomplished.

The Ducks came into this season with high expectations, even though we had minimal experience at QB, only to have the experience we did have taken away by injuries. The defense at times hasn’t played up to the high standards set for them to start the season by fans and the media. But here we are, potentially two games away from tying the second best season for wins in Oregon history. It is hard to not see that as a success. No matter what happens this season has taught the fans and more importantly the young players a lot. Unexpected stars were given their moments to shine and expected leaders stepped up to keep the team moving forward.

This weekend, every Duck fan will have their eyes and ears open towards what is happening in Tucson. And there are certainly mixed feelings on the desired out come of the game between the Oregon State beavers and the Arizona Wildcats.

For some, they want it to be Oregon who knocks the Beavs off their high horse in the Civil War. Others want to see the smell of roses turn to that of mulch in the Arizona night, only have a chance to rub in one more loss, knocking the Beavs even further down the Pac-10 food chain.

So much is dependent on what happens in this weekend’s game. Hey, if everything happens just right the Ducks could be the ones in Pasadena at seasons end. But don’t hold your breath. What we do know, is no matter what happens, next weekend is now our biggest game of the season.

The Beavs are the media darlings of the Pac-10, on their way to potentially a season to remember. A stud true freshman and an underrated defense have helped lead this team from an ugly first loss to thoughts of a first Rose Bowl appearance in 40+ years nearing a reality.

Let the Beaver fans bask in their current limelight. Don’t fire back at all the trolls that patrol the Duck blogs and forums, who merely just try to get a rise out of us. Be the bigger person here. Congratulate them on their season so far. Tell them you’ll be cheering them on against Arizona (even if you aren’t). You don’t have to wear black and orange or even give a “go beavs,” but just show the courtesy, that Beaver fans don’t, because next weekend it is going to feel that much sweeter to rub it in their faces when the Ducks bring the Beavs back down to earth and send the OSU faithful canceling their holiday trips to Disneyland and rescheduling their flights to San Francisco and the Emerald Bowl.

There is still a lot of season left.

Go Ducks!

Beating Arizona is the First Step Towards a Strong Finish

There are three games left in the season and each one holds its own individual importance.

1. There is a feeling of revenge going into the game against Arizona after last years loss (and loss of Dennis Dixon from a torn ACL).
2. The game against Oregon State always has the hype, with bragging rights for the upcoming year.
3. And then whatever bowl and against whatever team, there is always pride on the line. Pride for your conference, your team and your season while playing on a national stage.

Even though each game has it's own story line, each game will greatly dictate what happens in the next game.

We all know about the late season collapses of the past. A loss to Arizona would is not what Oregon needs. The Ducks must have momentum going into their rivalry game with Oregon State, as the Beavs have everything to play for and the Rose Bowl in their sites. There is no time to let down with only three games left. This season is far from being a loss, but if the Ducks don't show up Saturday, a potential 10-3 season could turn to a 7-6 season.

First Order of Business: Arizona
Oregon has not had success against Arizona in the past three years.

• 2007: Lost the game and lost Dixon for the remainder of the season.
• 2006: Lost in Autzen Stadium as part of the downward spiral to a blowout loss in the Las Vegas bowl to BYU.
• 2005: Won a close game, but loss Kellen Clemens to a broken foot.

This is not the Arizona team of the past. This team will, actually be playing in a post season game. This Arizona team has a balanced offense led by four talented players. Quarterback Willie Tuitama, running back Nic Grigsby, wide receiver Mike Thomas and tight end Rob Gronkowski. These four players have helped Arizona become the top scoring team in the conference at just under 40 points a game. On the other side of the ball deserves respect too. This Zona defense also held USC to only 17 points.

But this game is not as much what Arizona brings, but what Oregon team shows up. Any given Saturday, you can have a Ducks team that scores 50+ points and blows out it opponent or you can have a team that only manages 16 points, even while causing 5 turnovers.

What Ducks team will we see?

The home field advantage is key in this match up and gives Oregon the edge. Players will be excited to play in front of the home crowd for the last time this season. Everyone will want to make their mark, especially those seniors who have given so much to this program.

We need to support this team. The first poorly thrown ball or the first decision to run instead of pass, does not mean it is time to boo. Remember the guy you are booing led the winning drive against Stanford, despite the thousands of fans against him.

I have a feeling this is going to be a great final game for our Seniors.

Thank you to all the Seniors and good luck to whatever you do next.

Work with what we got!

Down to the Wire
Two wet ones in a row. IT NEVER RAINS IN AUTZEN held true for a few brief moments in the second quarter as the sun came out. After halftime the rain was back. First Cal, then Stanford.

The weather wasn't the only thing sloppy about this game. Oregon's play was at times careless and hard to watch. Fumbles, poor execution and inconsistency plagued the Ducks. It was as if Oregon was doing everything they could to keep Stanford in the game. That being said, they managed to pull out a win.

Oregon had to drive the length of the field in slightly more than 2 minutes. Masoli completed 3 of 6 passes, but it was his 25 yard run on 3rd and 8 that made saved the game. A few plays later it was LeGarrett Blount running the ball in for 6. It was an exciting win after a sloppy game. A few fans ran onto the field to celebrate the last drive heroics, but most fans merely walked out of the stadium relieved to have won, frustrated by a team that hasn't met expectations.

High Expectations
7-3! We have 7 wins. We could end up with 10 wins. As far as I am concerned that is a good year. Now, before I get ahead of myself we still need to win out to get to 10, but even if we win 2 or even just 1, its a winning season while dealing with all of the QB problems we have had.

Oregon fans have high expectations for their teams and they should. Oregon has had great talent at the program. Top facilities and nationally recognized recruiting classes. This hasn't brought a national championship or even numerous Pac-10 championships, but Oregon is always considered competitive. Last year spoiled Duck fans. Everyone tasted what it felt like to be at the top, close to a national championship and a Heisman winner. Only to have it taken away by a torn ACL.

A season later with out Dennis Dixon or Jonathan Stewart, Oregon isn't living up to the high expectations set. But should they? The Ducks have dealt with numerous quarterback issues. Pre-season projected starter Nate Costa never made it to the first game. Sun Bowl hero Justin Roper didn't have the desired mobility and was injured in the third game. JC transfer Jeremiah Masoli was knocked out in the first drive against Boise State. True freshman Chris Harper has the legs, but lacks the arm and was promptly moved to WR. Lastly, true freshman Darron Thomas was supposed to redshirt, only to burn it in a late 4th quarter comeback attempt.

Bringing us to where we are. Jeremiah Masoli has started the majority of the games for Oregon. He has had moment of brilliance and times where his decision making are questioned. But on Saturday, it became clear how Oregon fans feel about inconsistent play. In the first quarter Masoli was boo'd after miss reads or poor passes or not staying in the pocket. Fine. Those are reasons to be frustrated. There were moments when he was boo'd for running instead of passing or boo'd for passing instead of running. Ok? Now its becoming clear. Dennis Dixon was the perfection of a Oregon QB. Masoli is a ways away from being that at this point. But let me point out that he is a sophmore. Remember where Dixon was as a Junior? Those same boo-birds were out. Settle down. This season is not lost, but its not the one you are going to be telling your kids about 20 years down the road. We still have plenty to play for and should be pleased with the season we have with the inexperience at QB.

That brings me to my final thought. Oregon has been known as a great passing team, making this season statistically one of the worse in the past decade. But look at the running numbers. We lead the nation in rushing TD's. I know that people want Roper, because he is a better passer and will help "balance" the offense, even though he is not the running threat that Masoli can be. But Roper is the wrong decision.

Let me explain. First, Mike Belotti gets paid a lot of money to make this decision. He is the one who choose Dixon over Leaf, Clemens over Jason Fife, Joey Harrington over AJ Feely. Get my point? He knows what he is doing. Second, the strength of Oregon's offense is their running attack. In the spread offense, Masoli is more of a threat to run, making the defense have to pay attention to him during the hand off. If Masoli keeps it he can hurt the D, whereas is Roper is in, you only need to key in on Johnson or Blount, making the "one-dimensional" offense even more so. Masoli is a capable passer. 11-21, 144 yards with 1 TD is a respectable game. I know most of these yards come after the catch, but he gets the ball to play makers. He could've easily had a second TD, if not for a dropped pass. The point is Masoli is a gamer. He took the game into his hands and won it for Oregon. He used his skills and strengths to take the Ducks the length of the field and win. I'll take it.

It's not time to start thinking of next season. We have a lot to play for still and need to be proud of what we have done. Don't just be a fan, be a supporter of the Ducks. It's easy to forget they are kids, playing as hard as they can for a respected program. It will come, we just need to take a step back and calm down. We'll be OK.

Make or Break the Season?

I've neglected the blog lately. So I need to do a little catch up.

I was present for the game in Berkley. It was wet and it was hard to watch. I will always defend the Ducks, but will also know when we aren't playing up to the standards that have been set. In the past decade, these expectations have been high. (Which seems to be the fire behind many Beaver fans comments).

The game was sloppy from both teams offenses. Cal couldn't hold onto the ball in the first half. There were four first half fumbles and Oregon couldn't capitalize on these turnovers. This was due to the one dimensional offense the Ducks have developed. I don't believe this is because Masoli can't pass, but rather he doesn't fully trust himself yet. He gets happy feet and is looking to leave the pocket before the pressure is there. He does a great job breaking a couple of tackles and buying himself some time, but the problem is two-fold. He isn't finding receivers down field and the receivers seem to struggle at finding open space. This has resulted in forced runs, which against UCLA worked great, but against Cal's fast 3-4 defense he was not able to create. This has made Oregon very one-dimensional. Jeremiah Johnson and Legarrette Blount have been outstanding this season. They have taken the team and carried them to six wins this season. But the Ducks have lost all three games against teams with winning records. This will against be challenged this weekend against Stanford.

What I need to point out from the Cal game was the stellar play by the defense. Jahvid Best did get loose for some big runs, but he is an exceptionally explosive runner. There were some plays where the play calling was questionable and executing wasn't great, but Oregon's defense was what kept this game from being a blowout. TJ Ward specifically. This was one of the most dominant games by a defensive player I have ever seen from an Oregon player. He was all over the field. Defending the pass, stopping the run and getting the ball back to the Oregon offense. Nick Reed also played well, but this is now expected.

There were plenty of plays that could've swung the game the other way. A questionable pass interference, a muffed punt and missed field goals. But that is college football. The same things happen to Cal and it's Oregon's game to win.

This is Oregon's chance to look themselves in the mirror and decide if this is now a wasted season and they will settle for the emerald bowl, hopefully get a win against a marginal team and end the season 8-5. Or they can decide that they are going to play the spoilers. Anything can happen in the Pac - 10 and the holiday bowl is still in reach. USC had two losses in the Pac-10 last year and went to the Rose Bowl. Anything can happen. Injuries, sleeping on a lesser team or just getting out played can swing a season.

For the seniors, Jaison Williams, Max Unger, Patrick Chung, JJ, and Nick Reed, they need to take the rest of the season as an interview. Are these guys winners? Are these guys football players? Can they dominate at the collegiate level?

This list of five players can take the Ducks, win out and end the season 10-3. To me, that is a great season. That is a season you hang your hat on and will put you into the top 25.

Stanford will be a great test to see where the Ducks are at. If they have the character and desire to not give up on a season that feels lost and turn it into something special. Stanford has a great running game. But Oregon can stop the run. Stanford is marginal in the air and the Ducks have been suspect against he pass. Stanford's D gives up the pass and aren't a juggernaut against the run. Looking at the stats, this seems like Oregon's game to win.

This is what needs to happen. Oregon has to score first. They need to score, score and score. If they can get a two TD lead, they will win. Stanford will not come back with their air game, but will keep a lead with their ground game. This will be greatly dictated on the play of Cole Linehan and Sonny Harris. Casey Matthews is strong against he run, but if these two can fill up lanes, the speed a LB for the Ducks can do their best to contain and slow the running attack.

My prediction for this game: Oregon 40 - Stanford 24

Oregon is up 21-10 in the first half. Stanford scores on their first drive to get the game close. Oregon scores 19 unanswered points. Stanford gets one more score in garbage time, but the game never feels close. Oh and it is supposed to rain in Eugene on Saturday. But IT NEVER RAINS IN AUTZEN.

Go Ducks.

- Berns