By Jay Jones
December 10, 2008

Duck fans, what is Oregon’s best Bowl moment?

CollegeFootballNews.com’s Richard Cirminiello has listed “Every Team’s Best Bowl Moment” for this year’s bowl participants.

Here’s what he listed as Oregon’s best Bowl moment:

Best Duck Bowl Moment: There have been Rose Bowls, a Cotton Bowl and a slew of minor bowls in Oregon’s history, all of which paled in comparison to the 2002 Fiesta Bowl. Joey Harrington threw four touchdown passes, Steve Smith picked off three passes, and the No. 2 Ducks put a bow on the most successful season in school history by pummeling No. 3 Colorado 38-16.

Without a doubt, that’s a very good Bowl moment.  But is that Oregon’s best?

Oregon has been in its fair share of bowl games, but there are a couple of periods there.  So, we’ll just keep this to the most recent run of bowl games since the 1989 Independence Bowl (the game that saved the Independence bowl).

[If you're old enough to remember bowl games previous to the 1989 Independence Bowl game and want to make the case for one of those bowls, have at it.  But take it easy.  You're not young anymore.]

Here’s a list of Oregon’s most recent bowl appearances:

1989 Independence Bowl Oregon     27 Tulsa     24

1990 Freedom Bowl Colorado State     32 Oregon     31

1992 Independence Bowl Wake Forest     39 Oregon     35

1995 Rose Bowl Penn State     38 Oregon     20

1996 Cotton Bowl Colorado     38 Oregon     6

1997 Las Vegas Bowl Oregon     41 Air Force     13

1998 Aloha Bowl Colorado     51 Oregon     43

1999 Sun Bowl Oregon     24 Minnesota     20

2000 Holiday Bowl Oregon     35 Texas     30

2002 Fiesta Bowl Oregon     38 Colorado     16

2002 Seattle Bowl Wake Forest     38 Oregon     17

2003 Sun Bowl Minnesota     31 Oregon     30

2005 Holiday Bowl Oklahoma     17 Oregon     14

2006 Las Vegas Bowl Brigham Young     38 Oregon     8

2007 Sun Bowl Oregon     56 South Florida 21

What’s Oregon’s best Bowl moment? What’s your best Bowl moment?

In terms of historical significance, the 1989 Independence Bowl is Oregon’s best Bowl moment. It was Oregon’s first Bowl appearance since the 1963 Sun Bowl. It began the modern era of Oregon’s Bowl appearances, making this year’s Holiday Bowl a possibility. And it saved the Independence Bowl. (Being from Shreveport, I got to know one of the members of the Independence Bowl committee while there for a visit. When he found out I was from Oregon, he let me know that in no uncertain terms, Oregon and the support of Oregon fans single-handedly saved the Independence Bowl.)

But there are a couple of honorable mentions. The 1995 Rose Bowl. The 2000 Holiday Bowl.

On the flip side, is there any doubt about Oregon’s worst Bowl moment? The 2002 Seattle Bowl. The Ducks saved a Bowl game (Independence), and killed a Bowl game (Seattle). Although, the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl is a close second.

As a personal side note, the 1996 Cotton Bowl was a pretty miserable experience. Cold. Rain. Neuheisel!

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By Jay Jones
December 5, 2008

[Update, 5:11 p.m. PST: According to this Mississippi television station, Coach Petersen is not interested in the MSU job.

Coach Pete Says New Job Rumor Isn't True

Take this report for what it's worth. As I stated below, based on several conversations, I do not believe that Chris Petersen is headed to Starkville.]

After Boise State’s Chris Petersen was effectively bronco-busted from coaching the Ducks in the foreseeable future, the rumor mills have been a wild ride today.

Based a couple of conversations, I believe these reports about Chris Petersen heading to Mississippi State to be rumors.

Why is this relevant to you, a Duck fan?

Because of what I stated at the top. Many Duck fans believed that Chris Petersen would most likely be the next head football coach to follow Mike Bellotti. Now that’s not going to happen, Duck fans are curious as to where he will land, if he leaves Boise State.

Until this is reported by multiple credible sources, I would not hang my cowboy hat on any of these reports.

If you want to take a look at the links, however, here you go:

Tell us you’re joking: Coach Pete to Miss State
BREAKING NEWS: Sources Confirm, Chris Petersen to Mississippi St
Ducks on the blue; Petersen rumors running wild

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By Jay Jones
December 3, 2008

The University of Oregon does a lot of things in collegiate athletics really well. But there is one thing it does better than any other school: Oregon is great at getting attention.

Unfortunately, it’s not always a good kind of attention.

Yesterday’s announcement that offensive coordinator Chip Kelly will be the next head football coach, following current head coach Mike Bellotti’s move to Athletic Director, has set off a bit of a firestorm regarding diversity, or the lack thereof, in the collegiate ranks of head football coaches.

In addition to some comments made on ESPN Radio, PTI’s Michael Wilbon made some pointed comments regarding this sudden (not really) trend of naming a “coach-in-waiting” on Wednesday’s show.

Take a look (at around 8:22 - thanks, pjones7):

Over the last couple of years, a number of schools have set up “succession plans” including Kentucky, Purdue, Florida State, and Texas.

So, here’s my question: why is this an issue now? How did Oregon’s actions propel this issue into the mainstream for the talking heads? Why is Oregon all of a sudden the face of the “diversity” issue? Why is Chip Kelly’s face all over PTI?  Why not Mack Brown’s? Was it a problem when current Kentucky, and former Oregon, head football coach Rich Brooks named Joker Phillips as his successor? Why wasn’t this “trend” addressed when it first started happening?

Here’s why. On the field of collegiate competition, the University of Oregon may not always be considered a “big boy” program. But when it comes to off-the-field issues, Oregon’s actions command attention because of its self-promotion.

In the background on my computer desktop, I have Slingbox open and on AMC. And this is no Joker.   “Kelly’s Heroes” is on.

If Oddball had a chance to talk to Mr. Wilbon, this is what I’d imagine he’d say to him:

“Why don’t you knock it off with them negative waves? Why don’t you dig how beautiful it is out here? Why don’t you say something righteous and hopeful for a change?”

Coach Kelly, kind of makes you want to duck next time, doesn’t it?

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By Jay Jones
November 25, 2008

On tomorrow’s fine, fine edition of The Writer’s Block with The Register-Guard’s George Schroeder, I will be sitting in with George to co-host the show, efforting to pull it up from the depths of mediocrity.

Here are the details about the show.

In addition to our banter about the Civil War game this weekend, University of Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti will be joining us for a segment

So, Ducks fans, here’s your chance: if you had the chance, what question would you like to ask Coach Bellotti? What question would like him to answer?  And those are different questions.

Now, I have to warn you: just about 99% of the comments don’t make it through our filtering system without needing editorial approval. If you’re tempted to be clever here with some inappropriate question, don’t waste your time, or mine. If you really can’t help yourself, I would suggest you use those creative energies to bother someone else at another site.

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By Jay Jones
One Click Sports News

It’s Civil War week! Can you feel the excitement? Huh? Huh?

OK. Maybe not quite yet.

But this week’s lineup on The Writer’s Block with The Register-Guard’s George Schroeder (9am - 10am, ESPN Radio KSCR 1320 AM “The Score”) should get both Duck and Beaver fans a little bit more prepared just about everyday this week.

Here’s what you can look forward to on The Writer’s Block this week:

Monday: George and I will be reviewing the Oregon State-Arizona game, looking forward to the Civil War, and talking to Oregon State head football coach Mike Riley.

Tuesday: George and The Register-Guard’s Rob Moseley will be talking Ducks and the Civil War.

Wednesday: George and I will be talking more Civil War, including a possible conversation with Oregon head football coach Mike Bellotti. We will also be giving away Oregon and Oregon State gear, compliments of Oregon Sports at The Gateway Mall.

Thursday: Thanksgiving. No show.

Friday: This isn’t for sure, but George and I are going to try to put together a show featuring nothing but Civil War talk, including replays of the interviews with Mike Riley and Mike Bellotti.

Duck fans, get all the latest Oregon sports news from Duck Sports News.

Beaver fans, get all the latest Oregon State sports news from Beaver Sports News.

Here’s a look at some pre-game photos of Oregon’s new ‘Lights Out’ black uniforms, among other things. 

Duck fan ready for big game. 

Javes Lewis, Walter Thurmond III, Spencer Paysinger, Kenny Rowe

Ed Dickson

Daniel Padilla

T.J. Ward

Chris Harper

Mike Bellotti and John Bacon

Kenny Rowe

Defensive backs coach, John Neil and Patrick Chung

Student section during opening kickoff

Cheerleaders watch Oregon’s first TD on big screen

Duck fans celebrate Oregon’s first TD

And this guy…

By Jay Jones

The Brothers Arnold (Phil & Keith) of RoadtoGameDay.com and The Sports News fame visited Autzen Stadium last Saturday to take in the Oregon-Stanford game.

Here’s their video take on the Autzen Stadium game day experience:

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University of Oregon Athletic Department
Media Services
November 11, 2008

DUCKS REASSIGN WOMEN’S GOLF COACH
Meredith Jones named interim head coach.

EUGENE – The University of Oregon Athletic Department will not renew the contract of women’s golf coach Shannon Rouillard upon expiration of the contract June 30, 2009. Rouillard will be relieved of her duties as women’s golf coach immediately. During the interim period, she will be reassigned to another position within the athletic department. University of Oregon athletic department officials have been in discussions with Rouillard since last Wednesday regarding her reassignment within the department.

The university is not aware of any major NCAA or Pac-10 violations, and the reassignment is related strictly to the overall long-term success and direction of the program. The university remains committed to providing student-athletes with the best possible experience.

Meredith Jones will assume the head coaching duties on an interim basis. The University of Oregon will begin a national search immediately for a new head women’s golf coach. Jones, a Eugene native, is in her second-year as Oregon’s assistant women’s golf coach.

Jones was a successful student-athlete at Baylor University from 2003-06, and was rewarded with All-Big 12 Tournament honors for her three, top-15 conference finishes. She also played on Baylor’s first-ever NCAA tournament qualifying team in 2004 and completed her collegiate career by posting seven top-10 finishes.

By Jay Jones

Have you seen the new Oregon baseball uniforms? If you haven’t, here’s just one of the jerseys.

Kind of cool. Sort of, future-retro. Sharpen a few rounded corners…Voila!  Retro-future.  Or future-retro.  Since it’s Oregon, either one works.

You know what else is pretty cool?

I’ll tell you what.

Jeff over at Oregon Sports at The Gateway Mall has given Duck Sports News one of these jerseys to give away Friday morning between 9am-10am on The Writer’s Block with The Register Guard’s George Schroeder (1320 AM, Eugene/Springfield).

But you know what will need to be cool in order to win?

Your call!

I’m not quite sure what the contest will be, if you can even call it that.  I know Senior Associate Athletic Director Joe Giansante is looking for ideas for a signature concession item to be featured at PK Park.  We might give the jersey away to the caller with the best food (or drink) idea.

The University of Oregon is known for their creative billboards with pithy sayings on them. What’s your idea for a baseball billboard (because you’re know you’ll see them around town)?

I don’t know what George and I will decide on, so you’ll need to be listening and ready to call the show right from the beginning.  Although, you might want to think about strategy.

Can you see yourself sporting that jersey to the Stanford game?

If you can, be prepared to call The Writer’s Block (541-284-8571) Friday morning between 9am-10am with a really cool call.

One more thing: you need to be in the Eugene/Springfield area in order to win.  Just to make sure you get the right size, you’ll need to go over to Oregon Sports at The Gateway Mall to pick it up.  Once you’re there, Jeff will set you up.

Well, I guess there is one more thing: all next week Duck Sports News will be giving away new Nike gear produced exclusively for Oregon on The Writer’s Block.

That’s all I can say about it now.  Just make sure you listen.  It’s going to be cool.

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By Jay Jones
October 28, 2008

Duck Sports News has learned that the judge in the wrestling lawsuit against the University of Oregon has dismissed the case, and found in favor of Oregon.

Developing…

[Update: 12:20 p.m.]: Click here for the AP report on the lawsuit dismissal.

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