Ducks favorite down the Pac-10 stretch

For those of us who have followed Oregon football over the years, few seasons have exceeded the expectations and more like the one that lies in front of us now. Unfortunately the same Duck fans have seen such promising seasons crumble towards the end. At this point in the season with the last ranked team on the schedule for Oregon coming to town, there seems to be a common understanding that anything short of a BCS berth will be a disappointment to the team and the fans. That's how exciting this season has been for the Ducks though, we've gone from a Brut Sun bowl-hopeful to one of the final teams vying for the national title along with boasting a top Heisman candidate.

Dixon has been the statistical leader as well as the general for this Oregon spread/option offense. His 3 inerterceptions are largely responsible for the Ducks 7-1 record.

So with a win over Arizona State this week where will the Ducks go from there? If you've listened to the players talk then you see them realizing every game is a big game, each win more important than the last. That is going to have to be the motto for the Ducks to win their final game @ Arizona, @ UCLA, and vs. Oregon State. Two of those games will be a national telecast, but it will be up to Oregon to match the intensity that those opponents are gonna bring down the stretch. Two away-games with sufficient crowds to cause some hostile environments, Oregon's real tests now in the season will come in those games they are supposed to dominate.

"We know we got a big target on our back," said senior quaretrback Dennis Dixon following the win over USC. The Ducks focus this year more than ever seems to all be directed at the opponent at hand, and you have to appreciate that. Running back Jonathan Stewart, who got some mention on ESPN.coms Heisman watch as well as other watch boards this week, commented on the win over SC. "I mean, it's a big win, it's seven and one, but we got more work to do this weekend," remarked Stewart. Stewart exemplifies that mentality that has made the difference between this team and teams past. On top of that whens the last time Oregon's offensive line was considered one of the countries best?

The foundation for Oregon's success has partly been the development of Dixon and the presence of Stewart, but the most consistent piece has been the offensive line. Lead by center Max Unger, the O-line has given Dixon the protection and has controlled the line of scrimmage every game. The fact that they haven't endured any major injuries on the line has kept this group close-knit and as a result they have opened up holes the Duck mascot could run through. Their continued success will determine how many more games they win.

If Oregon doesn't get upset the rest of the way, we know they will be favored for all their remaining games, it is almost frightening how good their chances of finishing the season 1 or 2 in the BCS are. For that to happen, of the three teams that are ahead of Oregon besides ASU, two would have to lose one more game. Ohio State has to still play Wisconsin, Illinois, and then the big one at the big house. Boston College could lose any one of its next four games against Florida State, at Maryland, at Clemson, then Miami. As for LSU, they will play at Alabama, at Ole Miss, and against Arkansas. Even if LSU wins those games a loss in the conference championship game would likely vault a one-loss Oregon team who won their conference ahead in the polls. So with the thought of national championship in the minds of Duck fans, for a team that was picked to finish 6th in the second-best (at worst) conference in football, I think Belotti would have to seriously be considered some coach of the year honors. He has done a remarkable job of turning around a team that finished at the bottom of the pack by their standards last year.

So enjoy the game this weekend and enjoy the season to the fullest because this opportunity doesn't come around that often. Just hope the team seizes the moment because now is the time for Oregon Football. I'll be out there bright and early saturday near the gameday set, and look forward to a wild day Autzen style.

GO DUCKS

Upset Specials Around the Country to watch for

Lot of interesting games this week as all of the top 7 teams are in action. For Oregon, you gotta be hoping for a couple of big upsets down the final stretch of the season. Oregon could possibly be ranked #1 come sunday, but that's a bet I wouldn't take. Here's the upset rundown...

#21 Wisconsin at #1 Ohio State
First off, no chance if PJ hill doesn't play in this game, he remains questionable right now. If the RB is able to go Wisconsin can play a physically challenging game with Ohio State. The bore that is the Big Ten however hasn't given the buckeyes any sort of test yet.

Florida State at #2 Boston College
Heres what I like. BC is coming off an emotional victory that showed their vulnerability. Florida state has the athletes to manhandle an undersized Boston College team. The problem is the Noles offense, which is average at best. I think FSU's defense can make enough plays though that they can create some turnovers, shutdown BCs offense, and hold them to 14 or 17 points so this could be the end to the eagle's title dream.

#3 LSU at #17 Alabama
This game means just as much for Nick Saban as it does for his players. Les Miles took his recruits and has developed LSU with Saban's players. Alabama will be a raucous environment and don't underestimate the effects of LSU's supended linebacker and QB Ryan Perilloux. Perilloux brought the change of pace to LSU's offense that National Champ Florida had last year. His loss lets the tide defense simplify their defensive plan and removes a valuable weapon from the tiger sideline. This game will be close and it will be likely be decided by less than 7.

What kind of score should we expect this saturday?

Two teams meet on saturday fighting for a conference championship as well as positioning for a national title run. Both teams feature high-powered offenses, although the Ducks have racked up more yardage against better competition. There is no doubt that the two biggest weapons on offense in this game are Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart, and if I had to vote for a third it would be Jaison Williams. He also has gamebreaking ability and don't be surprised if he has a season best in this game. The one statistic that favors Arizona State coming in is that they are control the ball around 45 minutes a game. The best way to defend Oregon is to keep them off the field so this is something to keep an eye on.

One common theme in ASU football this year has been the comeback. The trailed 14-0 to Colorado, 19-0 against Oregon State, 20-17 to WASU in the 4th, 17-10 to Washington, and just last week 13-0 to California. Mark my words, if ASU goes down two touchdowns early in Autzen stadium they will not recover. Oregon in the past has had a tendency to get out to an early lead and then slow down offensively. Not this year my friends. The Ducks will pour it on a Sun Devil team that they realize can comeback, you got to believe that is one point of emphasis by head coach Mike Belotti this week in practice.

I think this game might reveal some eye-popping statistics when it's all said and done. Oregon's O-line has an argument for best in the country, and if the keep the pressure off of Dixon the offense will explode. I see Stewart going over 150 yards rushing and Dixon throwing the ball more this game close to 300 yards as well as hitting the century mark on the ground. ASU will get a big play or two over the secondary, but Carpenter's bum thumb will determine how many yards he can throw for. I gotta believe the Ducks pick him off at least twice this game. The first half will see Oregon up 24-14 and the Sun Devils will get it close in the third quarter but lose 48-24. Too much Ducks and they keep rolling towards an 11-1 regular season.

Student Showdown on ESPN

Heres the link for that Oregon student who clowned that ASU fool. ..

http://sports.espn.go.com/broadband/video/videopage?videoId=3089587&categoryId=2564308&n8pe6c=2

nOvember 3, 2007 shOwdOwn at autzen

With the huge top 5 matchup looming there are many people favoring the Ducks to come out with the W, and for good reason. The fact of the matter is that Oregon is a much more proven team having played a much tougher schedule than Arizona State. Late in the season you have to look for experience to become a factor over everything else.
ASU had a big win last week, but that was the most energy they exerted in any one game this year and a youthful team might not know what they're in for when you play a true top-five team in a big game atmosphere. A reeling Cal team with two consecutive losses does not count as a big game. A top 5 showdown at Autzen stadium with a national audience and ESPN gameday crew, however, does. Oregon has won at the big house, trumped the most talented team in the conference, and has felt the pain of a close-game loss. I cannot tell you how huge those three things are to this team's mindset. Not only did the huge victories add to the Duck's confidence, but their loss to Cal showed the only they could lose a game was to give it away. When you bounce back form a devestating loss like that, you may very well reap the benefits from the leaders that emerge out of disappointment later down the road. Thats what this Ducks team will do. No let up, just keep rolling Oregon.

SHAKE YA TAIL FETHAS

A pat on the back to Oregon athletics now...

Oregon football demonstrated the shift in the strength of this team with its opening win against Houston. It isn't the air attack anymore that gives this team the best chance to win. There are too many weapons in the running game though to not lean on it. Rushing eats away clock, controls the game, and wears down opponents. Championship teams always have to be strong on the ground. On saturday in Ann Arbor will see what kind of gameplan Bellotti and company draw up. One with no turnovers would probably be the best idea.

Congratulations to the Volleyball team achieving a 7-0 start and opening the season with 21 straight games won. Head Coach Jim Moore in his third season has these ladies primed for a Pac-10 run. Coach Moore has reached improvement with this team every year he has been here.

The baseball team set to debut in 2009, got some good news as Oregon Athletic Director Pat Kilkenny announced Geroge Horton as the new head coach and what a treat for the crowd at Autzen to hear on opening day. First off, WHAT A HIRE. The Cal State Fullerton coach accumulated a 452-187 record with a winning percentage above 70. Making the migration to Eugene with him is CSU hitting coach Jason Gill and pitching coach Andrew Checketts from UC riverside. Horton's club arguably was the best pitching team in the nation in 2006 with a 2.73 team ERA and 3 pitchers with 12 or more victories. The state or Oregon will soon own the college baseball world.

The Women's soccer team had an impressive showing just north of my hometown in Reno, Nv, defeating Nevada and Boise State to start their season 2-0 and now returning home. The Ducks ranking climbed to #19 the team's highest ever. KEEP climbing ladies