Welcome to “The 4|4 with Peter Sirmon”, the Bye-Week Edition. Every week throughout the remainder of the college football season, visitors to DuckSportsNews.com ask Peter four questions and he answers them.

If you would like to ask Peter a question for next week’s edition (only three more regular season games remain), leave it in the comment section or send Peter an email. Questions sent within the last twenty-four hours will be answered in next week’s edition.

Here’s the by-week edition of “The 4|4 with Peter Sirmon”.

Do you miss Walla Walla? - Doug, Eugene

Peter: I haven’t had many opportunities to spend time in Walla Walla.  My parents are still there as well as one of my brothers.  I have a lot of great memories of growing up there and it will always be a special place for me.  I still keep in contact with some friends and coaches from the high school.

Did you join the NFLPA? - Steve, Portland

Peter: I believe the NFLPA is vital to forwarding the issues facing current players. Currently over 99% of players pay into the union.  I served as a NFLPA player representative for three years and learned so much about what the NFLPA is trying to accomplish.  Dealing with issues such as: injuries, working conditions, workout schedules, salaries, injury grievances, and benefits are just a few things the NFLPA assists players in understanding.

Peter, with Jon Bacon going down for the year, it looks like Casey Matthews stepped in nicely at the end of the game. I think he has great potential for the Ducks.  What’s your assessment of Matthews? - Tyson, Corvallis

Peter: If Casey is cut from the same cloth as his dad and uncle then he should be just fine.  I had the privilege of playing with his uncle Bruce Matthews when we were both with the Titans.  Sons of ex-players have a unique background of being around the game growing up and understanding and emulating how their fathers handled themselves while they were playing.  It is very similar to being a coach’s son.  When you are around the game as a boy you get a chance to absorb a lot of the nuances that other kids don’t get to. That understanding and background will give Casey a great foundation to build upon.

Does attention focused on one player affect an entire locker room? - Ted, Ashland

Peter: I think the wrong kind of attention can be very distracting in the locker room. By the time these players get to college they understand that certain positions receive most of the notoriety.  I have been on several teams that I was excited and happy that certain players were receiving national attention.  When hard working, deserving players receive positive attention I think most guys are happy and proud of them.

Again, thanks for the great questions. Keep them coming and join me next week for the Arizona edition.

- Peter Sirmon