Oregon Ducks Additional Information
Coaching Staff
There's your Oregon Duck offense. Entering the 2010 Rose Bowl the Ducks score an average of 37.7 points a game. The Quack Attack has beaten Washington State (1-11) by 46, Cal (8-5) by 39, USC (9-4) by 27, Washington (5-7) by 24, and Arizona State (4-8) by 23 this season. The high-flying fowl have put up 40 or more in 7 games and 30 or more in 10. Impressive, no?
To hear most people tell it, you'd think that Ohio State's offense is pretty much akin the above pic. But, not quite. It's really more like this:
A classic "old school" power car. Sure, it takes a little while to wind it up, but if you get it going, it can dust a lot of competitors. At the same time, if it's just a Sunday drive you're looking for, you're not out of place rolling along in this baby. As it is, Ohio State's offense scores a respectable 29.25 a game. The Buckeyes have beaten New Mexico State (1-11) by 45, Toledo (5-7) by 38, Minnesota (6-6) by 31, and Illinois (3-9) by 30. Ohio State has scored 40 or more just once, and 30 or more 7 times. Not great, but not bad.
That's really only half the equation though. As Ohio State fans know, there's a little thing called "Defense" and the Buckeyes have a very good one. The Ducks? Well, let's just say they're not hoping for a slobberknocker.
The Mallards put 11 guys on the field every defensive snap just like the Buckeyes, but maybe they do so only because the rules require it of them. In 2009 the Ducks yielded 51 to Stanford (8-4), 41 to Arizona (8-4), 36 to Purdue (4-8) and 33 to Oregon State. They've given up 20 or more points 7 times this season. An average Oregon game sees their opponents score 23.6 points, though to their credit Daffy held California and Washington State to 3 and 6 points respectively.
Ohio State, on the other hand, yields just 12.2 per game. They've recorded 3 shutouts in 2009 (Toledo, Illinois, and New Mexico State) while holding another two teams to a single TD (Minnesota and Penn State). The most points scored against Ohio State this season was 27 by Navy in the opener.
These differences aren't simply a 2009 season phenomenon. In fact, the contrast between the way Oregon and Ohio State treat defense is built in to their respective programs. Consider:
Since 2001 Oregon has shut out 2 opponents: 2003 Stanford and 2002 Portland State. The Buckeyes have 3 shutouts this year alone and 6 since 2001
Since 2001 Oregon has had 50 or more points scored against them 4 times. Ohio State has yielded that many 2 times since 1913.
Since 2001 Oregon has given up at least 40 points 15 times (13% of their games) while the Buckeyes have given up 40 plus just 15 times since 1913.
Since 2001 Oregon opponents have scored at least 30 42 times while Ohio State has given up 30 or more 66 times since 1913 and only 11 times since 2001.
Since 2001 Oregon, in 112 games, has yielded 20 or more 75 times. Ohio State has given up 20 or more just 36 times since Tressel began marching the sidelines.
These differences are also built into the typical game margins. In Duck victories, they win by an average of 19.42 since 2001, but when they lose, they lose by 16.1 on average. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, also win games by just over 19 points (19.2) under Tressel, but when they lose, they lose by just 9.95 on average. Think of it this way, in the Tressel Era, Ohio State has given up 40 points one time (Florida 41-14) while the Ducks have yielded at least that many two times this year alone. The Ducks 2009 team averages 37.7 points a game, right? Under Tressel the Buckeyes have given up that many points a grand total of 4 times. Care to guess how many times Oregon's Defense has yielded 37.7 or more in that same time frame? 20 times. As far as averages go, Ohio State scores just over 29 a game. How likely is Oregon to afford Ohio State that many? 42 times in the last 112 games.
Any way you slice up these numbers, one thing becomes perfectly clear. Ohio State takes defense seriously while Oregon does not. What does all that mean for this year's Rose Bowl? Well, look again at the pictures represented above.
Ohio State, a '57 Chevy, faces a green clad Matador (Well, we'll assume Oregon might wear a uniform which features its primary color) while the Ducks sporty 2009 Lamborghini takes on a brick wall.
Traditions & Opponent PerspectiveHistorical Data
Oregon Ducks (Eugene, Oregon) Founded in 1876
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
Coaching Staff
Head Coach:
Official School Bio - Chip Kelly
Assistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Steve Greatwood - Offensive Line
Nick Aliotti - Defensive Coordinator
Mark Helfrich - Offensive Coordinator
Jerry Azzinaro - Defensive Line
Gary Campbell - Running Backs
Scott Frost - Wide Receivers
John Neal - Secondary
Tom Osborne - Tight Ends & Special Teams
Don Pellum - Linebackers & Recruiting Coordinator
Jim Radcliffe - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Alex Miller - Graduate Assistant Coach
Peter Sirmon - Graduate Assistant Coach
Jim Fisher - Asst. Director of Football Operations/Recruiting
Kyle Wiest - Asst. Director of Football Operations
Jeff Hawkins - Senior Associate Athletics Director, Football Operations
RecruitingAssistant Coaches:
Official School Bios - Assistant Coaches
Steve Greatwood - Offensive Line
Nick Aliotti - Defensive Coordinator
Mark Helfrich - Offensive Coordinator
Jerry Azzinaro - Defensive Line
Gary Campbell - Running Backs
Scott Frost - Wide Receivers
John Neal - Secondary
Tom Osborne - Tight Ends & Special Teams
Don Pellum - Linebackers & Recruiting Coordinator
Jim Radcliffe - Head Strength & Conditioning Coach
Alex Miller - Graduate Assistant Coach
Peter Sirmon - Graduate Assistant Coach
Jim Fisher - Asst. Director of Football Operations/Recruiting
Kyle Wiest - Asst. Director of Football Operations
Jeff Hawkins - Senior Associate Athletics Director, Football Operations
Starters Returning: 11 (Offense 5, Defense 5, Special Teams 1)
2010 Verbals
Scout.com - #32 class - 1-5*, 3-4*, 9-3*, 3-2*, 0-N/R - 3.13* average
Rivals.com - #34 class - 0-5*, 6-4*, 8-3*, 0-2*, 2-N/R - 3.43* average
Bryan Bennett QB 6-3 185 Encino, CA - 4*/4*
Ryan Clanton OT 6-6 305 San Francisco, CA - 3*/4* - JUCO
Isaac Dixon OLB 5-11 195 Miami, FL - 3*/3*
Hroniss Grasu OC 6-3 250 Encino, CA - 3*/3*
Troy Hill CB 5-11 165 Ventura, CA - 3*3*
Drew Howell OL 6-2 210 Tehachapi, CA - 2*/N-R
Derrick Malone S 6-1 195 Colton, CA - 3*/3*
Chris McCain DE 6-5.5 196 Greensboro, NC - 3*/4*
Terrance Mitchell CB5-11.5 175 Sacramento, CA - 3*/3*
Isaac Remington DE 6-6 265 Phoenix, AZ - 2*/N-R - JUCO
Nick Rowland OG 6-4.5 295 Peoria, AZ - 4*/4*
James Scales CB 5-10 180 Greensboro, NC - 3*/3*
Tony Washington DE 6-4 230 Rancho Cucamonga, CA - 3*/3*
Curtis White DE 6-5 240 Eugene, OR - 5*/4*
Brandon Williams TE 6-4 245 Joliet, IL - 2*/3* - JUCO
Dontae Williams RB 5-11 207 Houston, TX - 4*/4*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #26 class - 6-4*, 12-3*, 8-2* - 2.92* average
Rivals.com - #32 class - 4-4*, 16-3*, 6-2* - 2.92* average
Anthony Anderson DE 6-5 220 La Mesa, CA - 3*/3*
Keaton Arden DE 6-4 215 Piedmont, CA - 2*/2*
Karrington Armstrong DT 6-2 285 Reno, NV - 3*/3*
Everett Benyard OT 6-6 323 San Diego, CA - 3*/3*
Mike Bowlin PK 6-2 185 Aliso Viejo, CA - 3*/3*
Justin Brown DT 6-1.5 265 Compton, CA - 2*/3*
Jamaal Burrell OG 6-3.5 264 Compton, CA - 2*/3*
Zac Clark DE 6-3 250 El Dorado, KS - 3*/3* - JUCO
Michael Clay LB 6-0 220 San Jose, CA - 4*/3*
Nick Cole WR 6-3 185 Concord, CA - 2*/2*
Trevor Fox OG 6-4 295 Temecula, CA - 3*/3*
Tyrece Gaines WR 6-2 205 El Dorado, KS - 4*/4* - JUCO
Cliff Harris CB 6-0 170 Fresno, CA - 4*/4*
Taylor Hart DE 6-6 245 Tulatin, OR - 3*/3*
Daryle Hawkins QB 6-4 190 Omaha, NE - 2*/2*
Andrew Iupati DT 6-1 290 Huntington Beach, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Brian Jackson CB 5-10 184 Hoover, AL - 3*/3*
Diante Jackson WR 6-2 200 Walnut Creek, CA - 4*/4*
Wade Keliikipi DT 6-4 280 Waianae, HI - 2*/2*
[strike]Braxton Lane WR 5-10 191 Tyrone, GA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Bryson Littlejohn LB 6-2 230 Rocklin, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO
Boseko Lokombo LB 6-3 215 Abbotsford, BC - 4*/3*
Terrance Montgomery DT 6-2 285 Reedley, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Avery Patterson CB 5-9 165 Pittsburg, CA - 3*/3*
Jackson Rice P 6-2 195 Moraga, CA - 3*/2*
Lavasier Tuinei WR 6-5 197 Huntington Beach, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
2008 Recruting Class
Scout.com - #23 class - 1-5*, 6-4*, 12-3*, 1-2*, 1-1*, 0-N/R - 3.24* average
Rivals.com - #19 class - 0-5*, 8-4*, 9-3*, 3-2*, 0-1*, 1-N/R - 3.25*average
Kiko Alonso LB 6-2 228 Los Gatos, CA - 3*/3*
Kenjon Barner CB 5-11 170 Riverside, CA - 3*/3*
LaGarrette Blount RB 6-1.5 230 Scooba, MS - 4*/4* - JUCO
John Boyett S 6-0 197 Napa, CA - 4*/3*
Blake Cantu WR 6-1 190 Southlake, TX - 3*/3*
Nick Cody OT 6-6.5 290 Brush Prairie, WA - 3*/4*
Garrett Embry WR 6-1 208 Roswell, GA - 3*/3*
Blake Ferras DT 6-5 285 San Francisco, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Scott Grady CB 5-11 180 Tigard, OR - 3*/3*
[strike]Chris Harper RB 6-2 220 Wichita, KS - 4*/4*[/strike]
LaMichael James RB 5-9 185 Texarkana, TX - 3*/4*
Dion Jordan TE 6-6 215 Chandler, AZ - 4*/4*
Josh Kaddu LB 6-3 210 Vacaville, CA - 3*/2*
[strike]Ellis Krout WR 6-4 190 Gilroy, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Jeremiah Masoli QB 6-0 205 San Francisco, CA - 1*/N-R - JUCO
Mychal Rivera TE 6-4 228 Van Nuys, CA - 3*/3*
Hamani Stevens OC 6-2 290 Hemet, CA - 3*/4*
Dewitt Stuckey LB 6-0 215 Stockton, CA - 4*/3*
Zach Taylor TE 6-4 223 Brenham, TX - 3*/2* - JUCO
Darron Thomas QB 6-3 190 Houston, TX - 4*/4*
[strike]Justin Thompson DT 6-5 290 Torrance, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #09 class - 11-4*, 11-3*, 7-2*, 1-1*, 0-N/R - 3.07* average
Rivals.com - #11 class - 12-4*, 12-3*, 5-2*, 0-1*, 1-N/R - 3.24* average
Mark Asper OT 6-7 275 Idaho Falls, ID - 2*/2*
Charlie Carmichael OG 6-5 295 Sherman Oaks, CA - 4*/3*
Tonio Celotto DT 6-3.5 250 Piedmont, CA - 3*/3*
Drew Davis WR 6-2 205 Denver, CO - 4*/4*
[strike]Todd Doxey S 6-2 180 San Diego, CA - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Simi Fili DT 6-4 315 Salt Lake City, UT - 4*/4*[/strike]
Anthony Gildon CB 6-1 180 West Lake Village, CA - 3*/4*
Dominic Glover DE 6-4 240 Mission Viejo, CA - 3*/3*
Brandon Hanna LB 6-2.5 215 Couer D'Alene, ID - 3*/3*
Talmadge Jackson CB 5-10 Temecula, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]John Laidet LB 6-5 225 Bonanza, OR - 2*/2*[/strike]
Javes Lewis WR 6-0 180 Tustin, CA - 1*/N-R
Malachi Lewis LB 6-4 210 Oxnard, CA - 4*/4*
Jeffery Maehl CB 6-2 165 Paradise, CA - 3*/3*
Casey Matthews LB 6-1.5 220 Westlake Village, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]Rishard Matthews WR 6-0 180 Santa Ana, CA - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Charles Neal FB 6-2 210 Anaheim, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
Daniel Padilla K 6-1 200 Corona, CA - 2*/2*
David Paulsen TE 6-4 230 Auburn, WA - 3*/3*
[strike]Aaron Pflugrad WR 5-10 165 Eugene, OR - 2*/2*[/strike]
Eddie Pleasant S 5-10 205 La Palma, CA - 3*/3*
Terrance Pritchett LB 6-2 205 Sacramento, CA - 4*/4*
Kenny Rowe DE 6-3 225 Long Beach, CA - 4*/4*
[strike]Terence Scott WR 6-0 170 Santa Clarita, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
William Tukuafu DE 6-4 265 Mesa, AZ - 3*/4* - JUCO
Terrell Turner LB 6-2 225 Los Angeles, CA - 2*/3*
[strike]Myles Wade DT 6-2 305 Portland, OR - 4*/4*[/strike]
William Wallace CB 5-11 175 West Covina, CA - 2*/2*
Darrion Weems OT 6-5 265 Woodland Hills, CA - 4*/4*
Carson York OT 6-4.5 282 Couer D'Alene, ID - 4*/4*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #52 class - 2-4*, 10-3*, 9-2* - 2.67* average
Rivals.com - #49 class - 1-4*, 12-3*, 8-2* - 2.67* average
Remene Alston RB 5-9 184 Greensboro, NC - 2*/3*
Brandon Bair TE 6-7 238 St. Anthony, ID - 2*/2*
Nathan Costa QB 6-1 198 Hilmar, CA - 3*/3*
Andre Crenshaw RB 5-10 185 Lancaster, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]Jameel Dowling S 6-3 190 Oroville, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Jeremy Gibbs DT 6-4 285 Miami, OK - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Matthew Harper S 6-0 185 San Francisco, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Antwaun Harris WR 6-0 195 Garland, TX - 2*/2*[/strike]
Jordan Holmes OL 6-4 270 Yuba City, CA - 2*/2*
[strike]Micah Howeth DE 6-4 240 Miami, OK - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Marvin Johnson CB 5-10 185 Compton, CA - 3*/3*
C.E. Kaiser OL 6-5 260 Veradala, WA - 2*/2*
[strike]Cody Kempt QB 6-3 205 Portland, OR - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Dexter Manley II DE 6-4 260 Santa Monica, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Devin Mays CB 5-11 160 Stockton, CA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Spencer Paysinger WR 6-3 210 Beverly Hills, CA - 2*/2*
Chad Peppars CB 5-11 182 Los Angeles, CA - 2*/2*
[strike]Justin Roper QB 6-7 195 Buford, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Pat So'oalo OL 6-5 300 Fresno, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Bo Thran OL 6-5.5 275 Gresham, OR - 3*/3*
[strike]Fenuki Tupuo OL 6-6 325 Rocklin, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #30 class - 1-5*, 5-4*, 6-3*, 9-2*, 2-1* - 2.74* average
Rivals.com - #28 class - 1-5*, 2-4*, 13-3*, 7-2*, 0-1* - 2.87* average
[strike]Matt Bramow S 6-3.5 191 Eugene, OR - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Jairus Byrd CB 6-0 200 Clayton, MO - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Tucker Callahan LB 6-2 206 Fairhope, AL - 2*/2*[/strike]
Edward Dickson TE 6-5 225 Bellflower, CA - 4*/3*
[strike]Matt Dragich P 6-1 210 Torrance, CA - 1*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]James Finley WR 6-3 200 Compton, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Kevin Garrett S 6-0 200 Harbor City, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Levi Horn TE 6-7 260 Spokane, WA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Titus Jackson S 6-0 185 Pomona, CA - 2*/3*
[strike]Jeremiah Johnson RB 5-10 190 Los Angeles, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Derrick Jones WR 6-1 185 Long Beach, CA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Palauni Ma Sun OL 6-5 330 Fresno, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Chris Mulvanny LB 6-0 215 Pleasant Hill, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
[strike]Blair Phillips LB 6-2 240 Perkinston, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Nick Reed DE 6-2 228 Mission Viejo, CA - 3*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Pat So'oalo OL 6-5 300 Fresno, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Jonathan Stewart RB 5-10 218 Olympia, WA - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Mark Sunga LB 6-1 230 Sharman Oaks, CA - 1*/2*[/strike]
Walter Thurmand III CB 5-11 160 West Covina, CA - 2*/3*
Simi Toeaina DT 6-3 285 Pago Pago, AS - 2*/2*
[strike]Brian Truelove OL 6-2 278 Snellville, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jason Turner LB 6-2 230 Culver City, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Mat Webb OL 6-7 295 Vancouver, WA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]No longer with team[/strike]
Behind the NumbersNotable Returners: QB Jeremiah Masoli, WR Jeff Maehl, TE Ed Dickson, LG Bo Thran, RT C.E. Kaiser, DE Will Tukuafu, LB Spencer Paysinger, LB Casey Matthews, CB Walter Thurmond, S T.J. Ward, PK Morgan Flint
Starters Lost: 13 (Offense 6, Defense 6, Special Teams 1)
Notable Losses: RB Jeremiah Johnson, WR Terence Scott, WR Jaison Williams, LT Fenuki Tupuo, C Max Unger, RG Mark Lewis, DT Ra'Shon Harris, DT Cole Linehan, DE Nick Reed, LB Jerome Boyd, CB Jairus Byrd, S Patrick Chung, P Josh Syria
Incoming Recruits:
2010 Verbals
Scout.com - #32 class - 1-5*, 3-4*, 9-3*, 3-2*, 0-N/R - 3.13* average
Rivals.com - #34 class - 0-5*, 6-4*, 8-3*, 0-2*, 2-N/R - 3.43* average
Bryan Bennett QB 6-3 185 Encino, CA - 4*/4*
Ryan Clanton OT 6-6 305 San Francisco, CA - 3*/4* - JUCO
Isaac Dixon OLB 5-11 195 Miami, FL - 3*/3*
Hroniss Grasu OC 6-3 250 Encino, CA - 3*/3*
Troy Hill CB 5-11 165 Ventura, CA - 3*3*
Drew Howell OL 6-2 210 Tehachapi, CA - 2*/N-R
Derrick Malone S 6-1 195 Colton, CA - 3*/3*
Chris McCain DE 6-5.5 196 Greensboro, NC - 3*/4*
Terrance Mitchell CB5-11.5 175 Sacramento, CA - 3*/3*
Isaac Remington DE 6-6 265 Phoenix, AZ - 2*/N-R - JUCO
Nick Rowland OG 6-4.5 295 Peoria, AZ - 4*/4*
James Scales CB 5-10 180 Greensboro, NC - 3*/3*
Tony Washington DE 6-4 230 Rancho Cucamonga, CA - 3*/3*
Curtis White DE 6-5 240 Eugene, OR - 5*/4*
Brandon Williams TE 6-4 245 Joliet, IL - 2*/3* - JUCO
Dontae Williams RB 5-11 207 Houston, TX - 4*/4*
2009 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #26 class - 6-4*, 12-3*, 8-2* - 2.92* average
Rivals.com - #32 class - 4-4*, 16-3*, 6-2* - 2.92* average
Anthony Anderson DE 6-5 220 La Mesa, CA - 3*/3*
Keaton Arden DE 6-4 215 Piedmont, CA - 2*/2*
Karrington Armstrong DT 6-2 285 Reno, NV - 3*/3*
Everett Benyard OT 6-6 323 San Diego, CA - 3*/3*
Mike Bowlin PK 6-2 185 Aliso Viejo, CA - 3*/3*
Justin Brown DT 6-1.5 265 Compton, CA - 2*/3*
Jamaal Burrell OG 6-3.5 264 Compton, CA - 2*/3*
Zac Clark DE 6-3 250 El Dorado, KS - 3*/3* - JUCO
Michael Clay LB 6-0 220 San Jose, CA - 4*/3*
Nick Cole WR 6-3 185 Concord, CA - 2*/2*
Trevor Fox OG 6-4 295 Temecula, CA - 3*/3*
Tyrece Gaines WR 6-2 205 El Dorado, KS - 4*/4* - JUCO
Cliff Harris CB 6-0 170 Fresno, CA - 4*/4*
Taylor Hart DE 6-6 245 Tulatin, OR - 3*/3*
Daryle Hawkins QB 6-4 190 Omaha, NE - 2*/2*
Andrew Iupati DT 6-1 290 Huntington Beach, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Brian Jackson CB 5-10 184 Hoover, AL - 3*/3*
Diante Jackson WR 6-2 200 Walnut Creek, CA - 4*/4*
Wade Keliikipi DT 6-4 280 Waianae, HI - 2*/2*
[strike]Braxton Lane WR 5-10 191 Tyrone, GA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Bryson Littlejohn LB 6-2 230 Rocklin, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO
Boseko Lokombo LB 6-3 215 Abbotsford, BC - 4*/3*
Terrance Montgomery DT 6-2 285 Reedley, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Avery Patterson CB 5-9 165 Pittsburg, CA - 3*/3*
Jackson Rice P 6-2 195 Moraga, CA - 3*/2*
Lavasier Tuinei WR 6-5 197 Huntington Beach, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
2008 Recruting Class
Scout.com - #23 class - 1-5*, 6-4*, 12-3*, 1-2*, 1-1*, 0-N/R - 3.24* average
Rivals.com - #19 class - 0-5*, 8-4*, 9-3*, 3-2*, 0-1*, 1-N/R - 3.25*average
Kiko Alonso LB 6-2 228 Los Gatos, CA - 3*/3*
Kenjon Barner CB 5-11 170 Riverside, CA - 3*/3*
LaGarrette Blount RB 6-1.5 230 Scooba, MS - 4*/4* - JUCO
John Boyett S 6-0 197 Napa, CA - 4*/3*
Blake Cantu WR 6-1 190 Southlake, TX - 3*/3*
Nick Cody OT 6-6.5 290 Brush Prairie, WA - 3*/4*
Garrett Embry WR 6-1 208 Roswell, GA - 3*/3*
Blake Ferras DT 6-5 285 San Francisco, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO
Scott Grady CB 5-11 180 Tigard, OR - 3*/3*
[strike]Chris Harper RB 6-2 220 Wichita, KS - 4*/4*[/strike]
LaMichael James RB 5-9 185 Texarkana, TX - 3*/4*
Dion Jordan TE 6-6 215 Chandler, AZ - 4*/4*
Josh Kaddu LB 6-3 210 Vacaville, CA - 3*/2*
[strike]Ellis Krout WR 6-4 190 Gilroy, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Jeremiah Masoli QB 6-0 205 San Francisco, CA - 1*/N-R - JUCO
Mychal Rivera TE 6-4 228 Van Nuys, CA - 3*/3*
Hamani Stevens OC 6-2 290 Hemet, CA - 3*/4*
Dewitt Stuckey LB 6-0 215 Stockton, CA - 4*/3*
Zach Taylor TE 6-4 223 Brenham, TX - 3*/2* - JUCO
Darron Thomas QB 6-3 190 Houston, TX - 4*/4*
[strike]Justin Thompson DT 6-5 290 Torrance, CA - 5*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
2007 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #09 class - 11-4*, 11-3*, 7-2*, 1-1*, 0-N/R - 3.07* average
Rivals.com - #11 class - 12-4*, 12-3*, 5-2*, 0-1*, 1-N/R - 3.24* average
Mark Asper OT 6-7 275 Idaho Falls, ID - 2*/2*
Charlie Carmichael OG 6-5 295 Sherman Oaks, CA - 4*/3*
Tonio Celotto DT 6-3.5 250 Piedmont, CA - 3*/3*
Drew Davis WR 6-2 205 Denver, CO - 4*/4*
[strike]Todd Doxey S 6-2 180 San Diego, CA - 4*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Simi Fili DT 6-4 315 Salt Lake City, UT - 4*/4*[/strike]
Anthony Gildon CB 6-1 180 West Lake Village, CA - 3*/4*
Dominic Glover DE 6-4 240 Mission Viejo, CA - 3*/3*
Brandon Hanna LB 6-2.5 215 Couer D'Alene, ID - 3*/3*
Talmadge Jackson CB 5-10 Temecula, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]John Laidet LB 6-5 225 Bonanza, OR - 2*/2*[/strike]
Javes Lewis WR 6-0 180 Tustin, CA - 1*/N-R
Malachi Lewis LB 6-4 210 Oxnard, CA - 4*/4*
Jeffery Maehl CB 6-2 165 Paradise, CA - 3*/3*
Casey Matthews LB 6-1.5 220 Westlake Village, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]Rishard Matthews WR 6-0 180 Santa Ana, CA - 2*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Charles Neal FB 6-2 210 Anaheim, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
Daniel Padilla K 6-1 200 Corona, CA - 2*/2*
David Paulsen TE 6-4 230 Auburn, WA - 3*/3*
[strike]Aaron Pflugrad WR 5-10 165 Eugene, OR - 2*/2*[/strike]
Eddie Pleasant S 5-10 205 La Palma, CA - 3*/3*
Terrance Pritchett LB 6-2 205 Sacramento, CA - 4*/4*
Kenny Rowe DE 6-3 225 Long Beach, CA - 4*/4*
[strike]Terence Scott WR 6-0 170 Santa Clarita, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
William Tukuafu DE 6-4 265 Mesa, AZ - 3*/4* - JUCO
Terrell Turner LB 6-2 225 Los Angeles, CA - 2*/3*
[strike]Myles Wade DT 6-2 305 Portland, OR - 4*/4*[/strike]
William Wallace CB 5-11 175 West Covina, CA - 2*/2*
Darrion Weems OT 6-5 265 Woodland Hills, CA - 4*/4*
Carson York OT 6-4.5 282 Couer D'Alene, ID - 4*/4*
2006 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #52 class - 2-4*, 10-3*, 9-2* - 2.67* average
Rivals.com - #49 class - 1-4*, 12-3*, 8-2* - 2.67* average
Remene Alston RB 5-9 184 Greensboro, NC - 2*/3*
Brandon Bair TE 6-7 238 St. Anthony, ID - 2*/2*
Nathan Costa QB 6-1 198 Hilmar, CA - 3*/3*
Andre Crenshaw RB 5-10 185 Lancaster, CA - 3*/3*
[strike]Jameel Dowling S 6-3 190 Oroville, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Jeremy Gibbs DT 6-4 285 Miami, OK - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Matthew Harper S 6-0 185 San Francisco, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Antwaun Harris WR 6-0 195 Garland, TX - 2*/2*[/strike]
Jordan Holmes OL 6-4 270 Yuba City, CA - 2*/2*
[strike]Micah Howeth DE 6-4 240 Miami, OK - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Marvin Johnson CB 5-10 185 Compton, CA - 3*/3*
C.E. Kaiser OL 6-5 260 Veradala, WA - 2*/2*
[strike]Cody Kempt QB 6-3 205 Portland, OR - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Dexter Manley II DE 6-4 260 Santa Monica, CA - 3*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Devin Mays CB 5-11 160 Stockton, CA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Spencer Paysinger WR 6-3 210 Beverly Hills, CA - 2*/2*
Chad Peppars CB 5-11 182 Los Angeles, CA - 2*/2*
[strike]Justin Roper QB 6-7 195 Buford, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Pat So'oalo OL 6-5 300 Fresno, CA - 2*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
Bo Thran OL 6-5.5 275 Gresham, OR - 3*/3*
[strike]Fenuki Tupuo OL 6-6 325 Rocklin, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
2005 Recruiting Class
Scout.com - #30 class - 1-5*, 5-4*, 6-3*, 9-2*, 2-1* - 2.74* average
Rivals.com - #28 class - 1-5*, 2-4*, 13-3*, 7-2*, 0-1* - 2.87* average
[strike]Matt Bramow S 6-3.5 191 Eugene, OR - 3*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Jairus Byrd CB 6-0 200 Clayton, MO - 2*/2*[/strike]
[strike]Tucker Callahan LB 6-2 206 Fairhope, AL - 2*/2*[/strike]
Edward Dickson TE 6-5 225 Bellflower, CA - 4*/3*
[strike]Matt Dragich P 6-1 210 Torrance, CA - 1*/2* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]James Finley WR 6-3 200 Compton, CA - 4*/4* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Kevin Garrett S 6-0 200 Harbor City, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Levi Horn TE 6-7 260 Spokane, WA - 2*/2*[/strike]
Titus Jackson S 6-0 185 Pomona, CA - 2*/3*
[strike]Jeremiah Johnson RB 5-10 190 Los Angeles, CA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Derrick Jones WR 6-1 185 Long Beach, CA - 4*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Palauni Ma Sun OL 6-5 330 Fresno, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
Chris Mulvanny LB 6-0 215 Pleasant Hill, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO
[strike]Blair Phillips LB 6-2 240 Perkinston, MS - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Nick Reed DE 6-2 228 Mission Viejo, CA - 3*/4*[/strike]
[strike]Pat So'oalo OL 6-5 300 Fresno, CA - 2*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Jonathan Stewart RB 5-10 218 Olympia, WA - 5*/5*[/strike]
[strike]Mark Sunga LB 6-1 230 Sharman Oaks, CA - 1*/2*[/strike]
Walter Thurmand III CB 5-11 160 West Covina, CA - 2*/3*
Simi Toeaina DT 6-3 285 Pago Pago, AS - 2*/2*
[strike]Brian Truelove OL 6-2 278 Snellville, GA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]Jason Turner LB 6-2 230 Culver City, CA - 4*/3* - JUCO[/strike]
[strike]Mat Webb OL 6-7 295 Vancouver, WA - 3*/3*[/strike]
[strike]No longer with team[/strike]
If you have picked up a sports section or turned on a television set in the past month, you are aware that the 2010 Rose Bowl pits Strength vs. Strength. The talking heads can't help but blurt the tired cliche about the irresistable force and the immovable object. Of course, this view marginalizes the match-up between the Ohio State Offense and the Oregon Defense; but the truth is that these units have performed only adequately when compared to their more celebrated teammates on the other side(s) of the ball.
When comparing traditional numbers, it is hard to get a feel for a match-up like this. The good news then, is that we need not rely on traditional statistics. Differential Statistical Analysis(TM) provides a unique glimpse behind the numbers of this intriguing game.
When Ohio State Has the Ball
So as to save the best for last, let us first examine the match-up between the Buckeye Offense and the Duck Defense.
Strength vs. Strength indeed...
Ohio St: 24-27 points, 312 to 330 yards
Oregon: 17-19 points, 302 to 311 yards
The Lighter SideWhen comparing traditional numbers, it is hard to get a feel for a match-up like this. The good news then, is that we need not rely on traditional statistics. Differential Statistical Analysis(TM) provides a unique glimpse behind the numbers of this intriguing game.
Differential Statistical Analysis (DSA) compares each team's results on both offense and defense to the average results of the other games played by their opponents. The upshot is that DSA provides numbers that are unit-less. There are no yards or points - only ratios.
For example, if a team rushes for 300 yards against a team that typically gives up 150 yards per game, then their Differential Rushing Offense (DRO) for that day is 2.00. If the same team holds their opponent to 60 yards on the ground, when the opponent typically runs for 120 yards per game, then their (DRD) for that day is 0.50. Clearly, numbers greater than one are good on offense and bad on defense. The same principles can be applied to an entire season, and in fact the data for the 2009 regular season has been entered into the BtN Computer and the results for every FBS team have been tabulated. What follows is a comparison of the participants of the 2010 Rose Bowl with respect to DSA for this season, and their national ranks for each DSA category.
One final note before breaking down the numbers: All data for games between FBS and FCS teams were thrown out before any computations were made.
When examining the national ranks of each team for each DSA category, the results are consistent (roughly) with the common story line for this game. In fact, it is fascinating how closely matched these teams are on both sides of the ball.For example, if a team rushes for 300 yards against a team that typically gives up 150 yards per game, then their Differential Rushing Offense (DRO) for that day is 2.00. If the same team holds their opponent to 60 yards on the ground, when the opponent typically runs for 120 yards per game, then their (DRD) for that day is 0.50. Clearly, numbers greater than one are good on offense and bad on defense. The same principles can be applied to an entire season, and in fact the data for the 2009 regular season has been entered into the BtN Computer and the results for every FBS team have been tabulated. What follows is a comparison of the participants of the 2010 Rose Bowl with respect to DSA for this season, and their national ranks for each DSA category.
One final note before breaking down the numbers: All data for games between FBS and FCS teams were thrown out before any computations were made.
When Ohio State Has the Ball
So as to save the best for last, let us first examine the match-up between the Buckeye Offense and the Duck Defense.
Ohio State's Differential Total Offense (DSO) for 2009 was barely above the Mendoza line at 1.002, which ranks 63rd nationally.
Oregon's Differential Total Defense (DSD) this season was 0.855, which was good for 21st nationally.
So in terms of the Buckeyes' ability to move the ball vs. the Ducks' ability to stop them, Oregon appears to have a decided advantage. But there is more to scoring than simply marching the ball down the field. Other factors come into play; field position, special teams, turnovers... There is a reason why Jim Tressel's Buckeyes are 5-time defending Big 10 champs in spite of having such a perfectly average offense (yardage-wise).
Ohio State's Differential Scoring Offense (DSO) for 2009 was 1.148, which ranks 35th nationally.
Oregon's Differential Scoring Defense (DSD) this season was 0.839, which was good for 34th nationally.
So in terms of the Buckeyes' ability to put points on the board; the match-up against the Oregon defense is too close to call.
When Oregon Has the BallOregon's Differential Total Defense (DSD) this season was 0.855, which was good for 21st nationally.
So in terms of the Buckeyes' ability to move the ball vs. the Ducks' ability to stop them, Oregon appears to have a decided advantage. But there is more to scoring than simply marching the ball down the field. Other factors come into play; field position, special teams, turnovers... There is a reason why Jim Tressel's Buckeyes are 5-time defending Big 10 champs in spite of having such a perfectly average offense (yardage-wise).
Ohio State's Differential Scoring Offense (DSO) for 2009 was 1.148, which ranks 35th nationally.
Oregon's Differential Scoring Defense (DSD) this season was 0.839, which was good for 34th nationally.
So in terms of the Buckeyes' ability to put points on the board; the match-up against the Oregon defense is too close to call.
Strength vs. Strength indeed...
Ohio State's DTD for 2009 was 0.710, which was good for 5th in the nation.
Oregon's DTO for 2009 was 1.185, which was good for 15th nationally.
The Ohio State Defense appears to have a slight advantage against the Oregon Offense in terms of moving the ball. Once again, however, the match-up looks closer when examining point production.
Ohio State's DSD for 2009 was 0.465, 5th nationally.
Oregon's DSO for 2009 was 1.599, which is 2nd only to Boise State.
So when the Oregon Offense has the ball, they appear to have a very slight advantage where it counts, on the scoreboard.
The Match-UpOregon's DTO for 2009 was 1.185, which was good for 15th nationally.
The Ohio State Defense appears to have a slight advantage against the Oregon Offense in terms of moving the ball. Once again, however, the match-up looks closer when examining point production.
Ohio State's DSD for 2009 was 0.465, 5th nationally.
Oregon's DSO for 2009 was 1.599, which is 2nd only to Boise State.
So when the Oregon Offense has the ball, they appear to have a very slight advantage where it counts, on the scoreboard.
So does DSA really suggest that the Ducks have the upper-hand heading into the Rose Bowl? Not so fast. When one peers just a bit further behind the numbers, that Buckeye Defense looms very large.
First, it should be observed that these teams are not just champions of their respective conferences; they also serve as fitting metaphors for their conferences. The Ducks are the Pac-10 prototype; all-world offense and pretty good defense. The Buckeyes are the Big 10 cliche; all defense and enough offense to get by.
DSA bears this out. Four Pac-10 teams are in the top-25 in DSO, while only 1 Big-10 team makes the grade. On the other hand, three Big-10 teams are in the top-10 in DSD, and the fourth place Big-10 defense shut down Miami on Tuesday night, and the Hurricanes were 19th in the nation in DSO entering the contest.
Based on the DSA comparison, while the Pac-10 has good offenses, the Big-10 has better defenses. And it is against those defenses that Ohio State's stop troops are compared in compiling those Differential Defense numbers. Advantage Buckeyes
The second extrapolation extends not to the conferences, but to the past. Nine years of DSA has made it clear that there is a very steep drop off from the elite defense to the very good defenses - far steeper than the drop off among the offenses. As has been the case in seven of those nine years, Ohio State is among the elite defenses. Simply comparing rankings does not do justice to the difference between the good defenses and the truly great ones.
This year, there are seven teams (2 from the Big-10) that held opponents to fewer than half of their average points (DSD lower than 0.5). This is a larger number of teams than in most years, though the drop-off after 0.5 is just as steep as it always is. Texas comes in at number 8 in DSD with a 0.555. Just four spots later at number 12, North Carolina has a much less robust 0.641. By the time the first Pac-10 team shows up in the rankings (USC at number 17), the number has risen to 0.763.
This brings us to the third point... USC. While anyone who paid attention this season knew that USC fell apart as the season wore on, DSA can put a date on it. October 17th.
In their first 5 games, USC's worst defensive performance was a DSD of 0.593 against Washington. This improved to a .104 against California (which was more about the Bears woes than anything else) before absolutely falling apart against Notre Dame on the aforementioned date. They posted a 0.889 that day, which ballooned to a 1.129 against Oregon State and culminated in a 1.596 disaster against Stanford (55 points). To say that this was not the same defense that played the first 5 games would be an understatement. The Ducks got the Trojans in the middle of this littany of horrors. Thus, DSA puts the lie once and for all to shallow transitive arguments.
The PredictionsThe best thing about DSA is that it can be used to provide predictions for the game (for entertainment purposes only). By combining one team's total/scoring offense with the other team's DTD/DSD, a prediction for yards/points scored by the first team is obtained. An alternative prediction can be made by combining a team's total/scoring defense with the other team's DTO/DSO; this time producing an "expected" outcome for the second team's yards/points. For the 2010 Rose Bowl, the numbers come out thus:First, it should be observed that these teams are not just champions of their respective conferences; they also serve as fitting metaphors for their conferences. The Ducks are the Pac-10 prototype; all-world offense and pretty good defense. The Buckeyes are the Big 10 cliche; all defense and enough offense to get by.
DSA bears this out. Four Pac-10 teams are in the top-25 in DSO, while only 1 Big-10 team makes the grade. On the other hand, three Big-10 teams are in the top-10 in DSD, and the fourth place Big-10 defense shut down Miami on Tuesday night, and the Hurricanes were 19th in the nation in DSO entering the contest.
Based on the DSA comparison, while the Pac-10 has good offenses, the Big-10 has better defenses. And it is against those defenses that Ohio State's stop troops are compared in compiling those Differential Defense numbers. Advantage Buckeyes
The second extrapolation extends not to the conferences, but to the past. Nine years of DSA has made it clear that there is a very steep drop off from the elite defense to the very good defenses - far steeper than the drop off among the offenses. As has been the case in seven of those nine years, Ohio State is among the elite defenses. Simply comparing rankings does not do justice to the difference between the good defenses and the truly great ones.
This year, there are seven teams (2 from the Big-10) that held opponents to fewer than half of their average points (DSD lower than 0.5). This is a larger number of teams than in most years, though the drop-off after 0.5 is just as steep as it always is. Texas comes in at number 8 in DSD with a 0.555. Just four spots later at number 12, North Carolina has a much less robust 0.641. By the time the first Pac-10 team shows up in the rankings (USC at number 17), the number has risen to 0.763.
This brings us to the third point... USC. While anyone who paid attention this season knew that USC fell apart as the season wore on, DSA can put a date on it. October 17th.
In their first 5 games, USC's worst defensive performance was a DSD of 0.593 against Washington. This improved to a .104 against California (which was more about the Bears woes than anything else) before absolutely falling apart against Notre Dame on the aforementioned date. They posted a 0.889 that day, which ballooned to a 1.129 against Oregon State and culminated in a 1.596 disaster against Stanford (55 points). To say that this was not the same defense that played the first 5 games would be an understatement. The Ducks got the Trojans in the middle of this littany of horrors. Thus, DSA puts the lie once and for all to shallow transitive arguments.
Ohio St: 24-27 points, 312 to 330 yards
Oregon: 17-19 points, 302 to 311 yards
A Clash of Style
There's your Oregon Duck offense. Entering the 2010 Rose Bowl the Ducks score an average of 37.7 points a game. The Quack Attack has beaten Washington State (1-11) by 46, Cal (8-5) by 39, USC (9-4) by 27, Washington (5-7) by 24, and Arizona State (4-8) by 23 this season. The high-flying fowl have put up 40 or more in 7 games and 30 or more in 10. Impressive, no?
To hear most people tell it, you'd think that Ohio State's offense is pretty much akin the above pic. But, not quite. It's really more like this:
A classic "old school" power car. Sure, it takes a little while to wind it up, but if you get it going, it can dust a lot of competitors. At the same time, if it's just a Sunday drive you're looking for, you're not out of place rolling along in this baby. As it is, Ohio State's offense scores a respectable 29.25 a game. The Buckeyes have beaten New Mexico State (1-11) by 45, Toledo (5-7) by 38, Minnesota (6-6) by 31, and Illinois (3-9) by 30. Ohio State has scored 40 or more just once, and 30 or more 7 times. Not great, but not bad.
That's really only half the equation though. As Ohio State fans know, there's a little thing called "Defense" and the Buckeyes have a very good one. The Ducks? Well, let's just say they're not hoping for a slobberknocker.
The Mallards put 11 guys on the field every defensive snap just like the Buckeyes, but maybe they do so only because the rules require it of them. In 2009 the Ducks yielded 51 to Stanford (8-4), 41 to Arizona (8-4), 36 to Purdue (4-8) and 33 to Oregon State. They've given up 20 or more points 7 times this season. An average Oregon game sees their opponents score 23.6 points, though to their credit Daffy held California and Washington State to 3 and 6 points respectively.
Ohio State, on the other hand, yields just 12.2 per game. They've recorded 3 shutouts in 2009 (Toledo, Illinois, and New Mexico State) while holding another two teams to a single TD (Minnesota and Penn State). The most points scored against Ohio State this season was 27 by Navy in the opener.
These differences aren't simply a 2009 season phenomenon. In fact, the contrast between the way Oregon and Ohio State treat defense is built in to their respective programs. Consider:
Since 2001 Oregon has shut out 2 opponents: 2003 Stanford and 2002 Portland State. The Buckeyes have 3 shutouts this year alone and 6 since 2001
Since 2001 Oregon has had 50 or more points scored against them 4 times. Ohio State has yielded that many 2 times since 1913.
Since 2001 Oregon has given up at least 40 points 15 times (13% of their games) while the Buckeyes have given up 40 plus just 15 times since 1913.
Since 2001 Oregon opponents have scored at least 30 42 times while Ohio State has given up 30 or more 66 times since 1913 and only 11 times since 2001.
Since 2001 Oregon, in 112 games, has yielded 20 or more 75 times. Ohio State has given up 20 or more just 36 times since Tressel began marching the sidelines.
These differences are also built into the typical game margins. In Duck victories, they win by an average of 19.42 since 2001, but when they lose, they lose by 16.1 on average. The Buckeyes, on the other hand, also win games by just over 19 points (19.2) under Tressel, but when they lose, they lose by just 9.95 on average. Think of it this way, in the Tressel Era, Ohio State has given up 40 points one time (Florida 41-14) while the Ducks have yielded at least that many two times this year alone. The Ducks 2009 team averages 37.7 points a game, right? Under Tressel the Buckeyes have given up that many points a grand total of 4 times. Care to guess how many times Oregon's Defense has yielded 37.7 or more in that same time frame? 20 times. As far as averages go, Ohio State scores just over 29 a game. How likely is Oregon to afford Ohio State that many? 42 times in the last 112 games.
Any way you slice up these numbers, one thing becomes perfectly clear. Ohio State takes defense seriously while Oregon does not. What does all that mean for this year's Rose Bowl? Well, look again at the pictures represented above.
Ohio State, a '57 Chevy, faces a green clad Matador (Well, we'll assume Oregon might wear a uniform which features its primary color) while the Ducks sporty 2009 Lamborghini takes on a brick wall.
What's in a name?
While Oregonian sports editor L.H. Gregory has sometimes been credited with first calling the Oregon athletic teams the Webfoots, Oregon students themselves had been referring to themselves as Webfoots since the turn of the previous century. The reference itself traces its genesis to a group of Massachusetts fishermen who helped General George Washington defeat the British. When their ancestors migrated west of the Cascades and settled the Willamette Valley in the mid 1800s, the "Webfooter" name came with them. Prior to 1909, Oregon was known as "the Webfoot State." Despite some initial resistance to referring to themselves as anything, the University students began referring to themselves as "the Webfoots" and their yearbook as "The Webfoot." In 1909, the State of Oregon took on a new motto, "The Beaver State." It might come as a bit of surprise, considering the rivalry with the Oregon State Beavers, but the yearbook even changed briefly too, being called "the Beaver" before switching back to "the Webfoot".
In any event, as headline writers searched for ways to refer to the Oregon athletic programs, Webfoots eventually gave way to "Ducks." The students eventually put their official nickname up to a vote, and Ducks won over "Timberwolves" and "Lumberjacks." Then in 1932, the name "Ducks" was kept over the challenges of "Trappers," "Pioneers," "Yellowjackets" and "Spearsmen." The latter nickname was in reference to football coach C.W. Spears, who left before the '32 season for a similar post at Wisconsin.
The Mascot - (It really is Donald Duck)
In the 1920's a Millrace duck named "Puddles" was the first mascot to be escorted around to both football and basketball games. Puddles and his offspring continued to represent at Ducks' sporting events until the 1940s when the Human Society, after repeated complaints, finally made it more hassle than fun to bring the live animals to the games.
But, Puddles' memory was honored when in 1947 Oregon's first athletic diretor, Leo Harris, struck a deal with Walt Disney. It was agreed between the two that Disney's Donald Duck could serve as a likeness so long as it was always done in good taste. While there was no formal contract between Oregon and Disney, Walt Disney Productions provided Oregon with several versions of the duck and did so until Walt Disney's death in 1966. Oregon was in a position to remake thier mascot entirely, but eventually Oregon and Disney negotiated a contract which permitted the former continued use of Donald as a mascot.
Not everyone was thrilled. Former football coach, Jerry Frei (1967-71), for example, wanted a more agressive looking duck with teeth while the men's basketball coach, Dick Harter (1971-78), had little regard for the name "Duck" altogether and insisted that his team(s) be refered to as "Kamikaze Kids".
After all of this, Donald was put to a vote in 1978. A cartoonist for the student paper had proposed his Mallard Drake as a nice replacement for Donald. Donald, however, was an overwhelming choice, winning a 2-to-1 landslide in the election, which saw almost double the typical voter turnout for other matters on campus.
In 1984, Donald Duck celebrated his 50th Birtday and was joined by some 3,000-4,000 fans at the Eugene City Airport, and presented with a cap and gown and named an honorary alumnus of the Universtity of Oregon. Apparently thousands of area residents signed a congratulatory scroll for Donald. The document is now part of Disney's corporate archives.
Little known fact: Prior to 1993, Oregon's Duck was the only duck mascot in any sport. In 1993 the Anaheim Mighty Ducks joined the National Hockey League and put an end to Donald's lone reign.
In any case, after that history, the fact that Oregon changes its uniform design seems to be perfectly fitting.
Alma Mater/Fight SongNot everyone was thrilled. Former football coach, Jerry Frei (1967-71), for example, wanted a more agressive looking duck with teeth while the men's basketball coach, Dick Harter (1971-78), had little regard for the name "Duck" altogether and insisted that his team(s) be refered to as "Kamikaze Kids".
After all of this, Donald was put to a vote in 1978. A cartoonist for the student paper had proposed his Mallard Drake as a nice replacement for Donald. Donald, however, was an overwhelming choice, winning a 2-to-1 landslide in the election, which saw almost double the typical voter turnout for other matters on campus.
In 1984, Donald Duck celebrated his 50th Birtday and was joined by some 3,000-4,000 fans at the Eugene City Airport, and presented with a cap and gown and named an honorary alumnus of the Universtity of Oregon. Apparently thousands of area residents signed a congratulatory scroll for Donald. The document is now part of Disney's corporate archives.
Little known fact: Prior to 1993, Oregon's Duck was the only duck mascot in any sport. In 1993 the Anaheim Mighty Ducks joined the National Hockey League and put an end to Donald's lone reign.
In any case, after that history, the fact that Oregon changes its uniform design seems to be perfectly fitting.
Oregon, our Alma Mater, we will guard thee on and on.
Fellows gather 'round and cheer her; chant her glory, Oregon.
Roar the praises of her warriors, sing the story, Oregon;
On to victory urge the heroes of our Mighty Oregon.
We will march, march, on down the field, fighting for Oregon.
Plough through the foeman's line their strength we'll defy.
We'll give a long cheer for our men. We're out to win again.
OSU may fight to the end but we will win.
The Oregon Marching BandRoar the praises of her warriors, sing the story, Oregon;
On to victory urge the heroes of our Mighty Oregon.
We will march, march, on down the field, fighting for Oregon.
Plough through the foeman's line their strength we'll defy.
We'll give a long cheer for our men. We're out to win again.
OSU may fight to the end but we will win.
The Oregon Marching Band (OMB) is the musical representation of University of Oregon spirit at home and selected away football games. Interestingly, woodwind and brass players interested in the OMB are not required to audition for their spot and are only required to be competent on their instruments. Percussion and color guard, however, do go through a formal audition with a primary purpose of being able to properly place members within their sections. Still, to make the OMB all you have to do is be willing to work hard, have fun, and attend rehearsals. This open door policy makes the OMB one of the largest student groups on campus.
During the fall term, the OMB rehearses on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 3:20 to 6:00 p.m., and Marching Band is a recognized university course that requires registration and awards credit. On game days there are light morning rehearsals followed by lunch and tailgating.
The Civil War
Oregon's rivalry with Oregon State was first played in 1894, and has been played 113 times since then. There were no games in 1900, 01, 11, 43 and 44, but the Ducks and Beavers played twice in 1896 and 1945. Oregon holds the edge in the series, 57-46-10. The name "Civil War" was first used in 1929, before becoming the common term by 1937. Prior to 1929 the game was called the "Oregon Classic" or the "State Championship Game".
Even numbered years are played at Oregon State while odd numbered years are played in Eugene. From 1959 to 1961 the teams played for the "Platypus Trophy" but it was stolen and lost. At some point it appears to have been reappointed as a trophy for the schools' water polo games as it was spotted in a trophy case with a brass plaque commemorating 4 Oregon victories in the sport from 1964-68. In 2000, the building and the trophy case were destroyed as part of a renovation project. Then, in 2005 the trophy was found in a closet at the University of Oregon's McArthur Court. and beginning in 2007, the trophy is awarded to the winning school's alumni association.
It's not just football, however, other competitions between Oregon and Oregon State are also referred to as "Civil War" games.
Oregon Hates WashingtonIt's not just football, however, other competitions between Oregon and Oregon State are also referred to as "Civil War" games.
First played in 1900, Oregon and Washington have an unofficial rivalry which seems based in pure hate. One website says "Even though Oregon has always considered Washigton a rival, the Huskies had always taken the attitude that the Ducks were beneath them, and were just another game. That was the famous Husky "arrogance" that Ducks fans had always hated so much." As the school's respective fortunes have changed, however, now it's Oregon which claims that playing Washington is just a game they expect to win.
The back and forth has been fueled over the years by any number of incidents and "beat downs." In 1948, for example, Cal and Oregon - with QB Norm Van Brocklin - tied for the Pac 10 (then known as The Pacific Coast Conference) championship. A vote would occur to determine the league's representative to face the Big Ten's Northwestern University in the Rose Bowl. Washington voted for Cal. In 1962 Washington fans who had rushed on to the field tackled Oregon's Larry Hill who was trying to catch a game-winning pass. In 1973 Oregon pummled Washington 58-0. In 1974, Washington pounded the Ducks 66-0. The swing of 124 points may be the largest in consecutive games of a series by any team. Washington fans believe it was Oregon which turned U-Dub in for "quiet day" rules' violations in 1999; and Oregon fans have been accused of throwing urine and feces at Washington players in 1999. It can get pretty ugly and this rivalry doesn't appear to be based in any mutual respect, but instead mutual hate.
Washington leads the series 58-39-5, but Oregon won 43-19 this past season.
Washington leads the series 58-39-5, but Oregon won 43-19 this past season.
Oregon Ducks (Eugene, Oregon) Founded in 1876
Football 1st Season: 1894
Stadium: Autzen Stadium
Constructed: 1967 (Renovated 2002)
Seating Capacity: 54,000
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Pac 10 (since 1915 (Pacific Coast Conference), charter member) Note: From 1959 - 1964 the PCC was disbanded owing to a "pay for play" scandal. Oregon was an independent until it joined the Pac 8 in 1964
Colors: Green & Yellow
Mascot: The Oregon Duck
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 8 Pac-10 Titles: 1919*, 1933*, 1948*, 1957*, 1994, 2000*, 2001*, 2009 (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 13 (13 different players as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 20
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Dan Fouts, Alphonse (Tuffy) Leemans, Mel Renfro, Norm Van Brocklin, Dave Wilcox, Gary Zimmerman)
Award Winners: None
National Championships: None recognized
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-9 years, Coaches-9 years
RecordsConstructed: 1967 (Renovated 2002)
Seating Capacity: 54,000
Playing Surface: FieldTurf
Conference: Pac 10 (since 1915 (Pacific Coast Conference), charter member) Note: From 1959 - 1964 the PCC was disbanded owing to a "pay for play" scandal. Oregon was an independent until it joined the Pac 8 in 1964
Colors: Green & Yellow
Mascot: The Oregon Duck
College Classification: D-IA (or equivalent) since 1937 (first year of NCAA classification)
Conference Championships: 8 Pac-10 Titles: 1919*, 1933*, 1948*, 1957*, 1994, 2000*, 2001*, 2009 (*=Co-Champions)
Consensus All-Americans: 13 (13 different players as of 2005)
College Hall-of-Famers: 20
Pro Hall-of-Famers: 6 (Dan Fouts, Alphonse (Tuffy) Leemans, Mel Renfro, Norm Van Brocklin, Dave Wilcox, Gary Zimmerman)
Award Winners: None
National Championships: None recognized
Number of AP/Coaches final rankings: AP-9 years, Coaches-9 years
All Time: 559-462-47 (.5454)
Bowl Games: 9-13-0 (.409) Most recently a 42-31 win over Oklahoma State in the 2008 Holiday Bowl
All Time vs the BigTen: 13-24-0 (..351) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 0-7-0 (.000) Most recently a 24-14 loss to the Buckeyes in 1987 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Chip Kelly, 2009, 10-2-0 (.833)
2009 Season: 10-2-0 (.833)
09-03 @ Boise State L 8 - 19
09-12 Purdue W 38 - 36
09-19 Utah W 31 - 24
09-26 California W 42 - 3
10-03 Washington State W 52 - 6
10-10 @ UCLA W 24 - 10
10-24 @ Washington W 43 - 19
10-31 USC W 47 - 20
11-07 @ Stanford L 42 - 51
11-14 Arizona StateW 44 - 21
11-21 @ Arizona W 44 - 41 2OT
12-03 Oregon State W 37 - 33
01-01 Ohio State @ Pasadena, Ca. (Rose Bowl)
2008 Schedule/results
08/30 Washington W 44-10
09/06 Utah State W 66-24
09/13 @ Purdue W 32-26
09/20 Boise State L 32-37
09/27 @ Washington State W 63-14
10/04 @ Southern California L 10-44
10/11 UCLA W 31-24
10/25 @ Arizona State W 54-20
11/01 @ California L 16-24
11/08 Stanford W 35-28
11/15 Arizona W 55-45
11/29 @ Oregon State W 65-38
12/30 Oklahoma State W 42-31 @ San Diego, CA (Holiday Bowl)
LinksAll Time vs the BigTen: 13-24-0 (..351) versus teams with conference membership at time of game.
All Time vs the Ohio State Buckeyes: 0-7-0 (.000) Most recently a 24-14 loss to the Buckeyes in 1987 in Columbus.
Coach's Record: Chip Kelly, 2009, 10-2-0 (.833)
2009 Season: 10-2-0 (.833)
09-03 @ Boise State L 8 - 19
09-12 Purdue W 38 - 36
09-19 Utah W 31 - 24
09-26 California W 42 - 3
10-03 Washington State W 52 - 6
10-10 @ UCLA W 24 - 10
10-24 @ Washington W 43 - 19
10-31 USC W 47 - 20
11-07 @ Stanford L 42 - 51
11-14 Arizona StateW 44 - 21
11-21 @ Arizona W 44 - 41 2OT
12-03 Oregon State W 37 - 33
01-01 Ohio State @ Pasadena, Ca. (Rose Bowl)
2008 Schedule/results
08/30 Washington W 44-10
09/06 Utah State W 66-24
09/13 @ Purdue W 32-26
09/20 Boise State L 32-37
09/27 @ Washington State W 63-14
10/04 @ Southern California L 10-44
10/11 UCLA W 31-24
10/25 @ Arizona State W 54-20
11/01 @ California L 16-24
11/08 Stanford W 35-28
11/15 Arizona W 55-45
11/29 @ Oregon State W 65-38
12/30 Oklahoma State W 42-31 @ San Diego, CA (Holiday Bowl)
Official Sites:
Official School Site - University of Oregon
Alumni Association Site - Oregon Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - Daily Emerald
Official Athletic Site - Oregon Ducks
Official Conference Site - PAC-10
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Duck Territory (ESPN)
Message Board - eDuck (Scout)
Message Board - Oregon Football (Rivals)
Message Board - Oregon Live (Independent)
Message Board - Oregon Ducks (Topix)
Blog - Addicted to Quack
Blog - Oregon Live
Blog - RegisterGuard
Blog - YardBarker
Blog - FanBlogs
Blog - DuckSportsNews
Blog - SBNation
Blog - BleacherReport
Blog - OregonFootball.net
Blog - WinesFamily
Blog - UO Sports Dude
Blog - CBSSports
Blog - Mahalo
Blog - Oregon MySpace page
Blog - Oregon BuzzTap
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Scout
Team Page - Rivals
Team Page - Bleacher Report
Team Page - Wikipedia
Team Page - Vegas Insider
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Oregonian - Local News
Eugene Weekly - Local News
Eugene Register-Guard - Local News
Portland Herald - Local News
Portland Observer - Local News
Portland Tribune - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2009 Oregon Preview - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Offense - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Defense - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2008 Oregon Preview - CFN
2007 Oregon Preview - CFN
2006 Oregon Preview - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Athlon
2009 Oregon Preview - Sports Network
2009 Oregon Preview - National Champs
2009 PAC-10 Preview - About.com
Rose Bowl Previews:
2010 Rose Bowl Preview (Video) - ESPN
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - ESPN U
2009-2010 Bowl Previews - Scout
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - FanHouse
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - CollegeSports Fans
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - Block-O-Nation
Official Rose Bowl links & Other Info.:
Official Site - Tournament of Roses
2010 Rose Bowl Game - Game Site
Official Site - Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
Official Site - Pasadena Rose Bowl Visitors
Official Site - City of Pasadena
Official Site - Pasadena Visitor's Bureau
Photos - Tournament of Roses Parade
Note: Statistical data was complied using a variety of sources, including:Alumni Association Site - Oregon Alumni Association
Student Newspaper - Daily Emerald
Official Athletic Site - Oregon Ducks
Official Conference Site - PAC-10
Message Boards & Team Pages:
Message Board - Duck Territory (ESPN)
Message Board - eDuck (Scout)
Message Board - Oregon Football (Rivals)
Message Board - Oregon Live (Independent)
Message Board - Oregon Ducks (Topix)
Blog - Addicted to Quack
Blog - Oregon Live
Blog - RegisterGuard
Blog - YardBarker
Blog - FanBlogs
Blog - DuckSportsNews
Blog - SBNation
Blog - BleacherReport
Blog - OregonFootball.net
Blog - WinesFamily
Blog - UO Sports Dude
Blog - CBSSports
Blog - Mahalo
Blog - Oregon MySpace page
Blog - Oregon BuzzTap
Team Page - NCAA
Team Page - ESPN
Team Page - USA Today
Team Page - Sporting News
Team Page - Fox Sports
Team Page - CBS Sportsline
Team Page - CNN/SI
Team Page - Scout
Team Page - Rivals
Team Page - Bleacher Report
Team Page - Wikipedia
Team Page - Vegas Insider
Team Page - Covers
Local News Sources:
Oregonian - Local News
Eugene Weekly - Local News
Eugene Register-Guard - Local News
Portland Herald - Local News
Portland Observer - Local News
Portland Tribune - Local News
Team Previews and Breakdowns:
2009 Oregon Preview - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Offense - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Defense - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Depth Chart - CFN
2008 Oregon Preview - CFN
2007 Oregon Preview - CFN
2006 Oregon Preview - CFN
2009 Oregon Preview - Athlon
2009 Oregon Preview - Sports Network
2009 Oregon Preview - National Champs
2009 PAC-10 Preview - About.com
Rose Bowl Previews:
2010 Rose Bowl Preview (Video) - ESPN
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - ESPN U
2009-2010 Bowl Previews - Scout
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - FanHouse
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - CollegeSports Fans
2010 Rose Bowl Preview - Block-O-Nation
Official Rose Bowl links & Other Info.:
Official Site - Tournament of Roses
2010 Rose Bowl Game - Game Site
Official Site - Rose Bowl Hall of Fame
Official Site - Pasadena Rose Bowl Visitors
Official Site - City of Pasadena
Official Site - Pasadena Visitor's Bureau
Photos - Tournament of Roses Parade
Stassen (Chris Stassen) - Data
College Football Data Warehouse - Data
American College Football-RSFC (Dave Wilson) - Data
D1A Football (Formerly WALJ 10 College Football) - Data
National Champs.net - Data
Hickok Sports - Data
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