GAMEDAY OREGON FOOTBALL BUILDS CHEMISTRY AND IMPROVES ON PAST MISTAKES IN BLOWOUT WIN PG.6 AROUND THE PAC-12: WEEK 2 PG.9 BYU GAMEDAY EDITION - PICK ‘EM PG.19 9.15.22 NO. 3 The new 12-team format for the CFP has college football fans excited. Should Duck fans feel the same? CLARITY ON COLLEGE EXPANSIONFOOTBALL AND WHAT IT MEANS FOR OREGON FOOTBALL
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The Duck joins Oregon cheerleaders as they sing and dance to Oregon’s third quarter tradition, “shout.” The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)
EMERALD
Editor in Chief Hannarose McGuinness Print Managing Editor Brandon Roth Digital Managing Editor Sarah Matlick Copy Chief Amanda Lurey Sports Editors AaronMojoHeisonHill Reporters KeijiAaronPattersonHeisenBradyRuthJackAaron Photo Editor Maddie Stellingwerf Design Editor Liz Blodgett Designers Payton Liebet Mia EstherRadostitzSzeto BUSINESS President & Publisher Bill Kunerth x317 Vice President, Operations Kathy Carbone x302 Creative Director Anna Smith x327 ADVERTISING Director of Sales and Digital Marketing Shelly Rondestvedt x303 Student Sales Manager Amy Menendez Account Executives Riley Valle Keaton Roberts MaxJoshGoldenbergDelapena ON THE COVER Ducks wide reciever Johnny Johnson III (3) gets tackled by a Wisconsin defender. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 3
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00 NBCBFSSSCBCINCOROVERFLASHWLBDEDTNTDE RS SR RS SO RS JR RSSO SO RS JR RS JR RSSRJR SO SR RS SO/TRSR/TR RYAN REHKOW JAKE HOBBSAUSTINOLDROYDRIGGSNYBERG No. 24 No. 39 No. 84 No. 23 PK/KOPT/H LS PR/KR RSSO JR SOSO PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR TROY RYANALEXT.J.STEVENSEVENDONT’EFRANKLINTHRONTONMCGEEJONESBASSFORSYTHWALK MALAESALA AUMAVAE-LAULU TERRANCE FERGUSON BO BRYONNIX CARWELL WR-SLWR-ZWR-X RBQBTERTRGOCLGLT No. 11 No. 2 No. 7 No. 74 No. 56 No. 78 No. 53 No. 71 No. 3 No. 10 No. 21 RSSOSOSO JR SR/TR RS SR RS SR RS SR/TR SO JR/TR SO GUNNER ROMNEY PUKA CHRISTOPHERJAREHISAACKINGSLEYHARNSCONNORCLARKBLAKEKEANUNACUAHILLFREELANDBARRINGTONPAYLACHANCESUAMATAIAREXHALLBROOKS BYUBYUBYUOREGON
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No. 2 No. 55 No. No. No. 1 No. 10 No. No. No. No. No. 18 No. 12 No. 1 No. 71 No. 56 No. 70 No. 76 No. 78 No. 83 No. No.
8 No. 19 STARBCBBSFSFCBWLBMLBJACKDTDTDE RS JR/TRSR/TR RSJR FR FRSO SO/TR RSJR SO JRSO ANDREW BOYLE CAMDEN KRISSEVENKARSTENLEWISBATTLESMCGEEHUTSON No. 98 No. 49 No. 45 No. 7 No. 1 PK/KOPT/H KRPRLS SO/TR SOSOSRJR PLAYER OREGON # POS YEAR BYUBYUDEFENSEOFFENSEOREGON OFFENSE OREGON DEFENSE BYU SPECIAL TEAMSOREGON SPECIAL TEAMS OREGON PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR
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EARL TUIOTI-MARINER No. 91 No. 95 No. 98 No. 92 No. 2 No. 31 No. 49 No. 7 No. 5 No. 22 No. 12 No. No.
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To them, it’s an advantageous strategy.
A positive outcome, nonetheless.
to see and believe it, but behind the ash and smoke that fogged up the Eugene sky, this was the same Oregon Ducks team that failed to score a touchdown and missed 29 tackles last week against Georgia.
Anyone have Casey Rogers anytime touchdown? How about Kilohana Haasenritter over 35.5 rushing
Oregon football won its second game of the season in blowout fashion and the Ducks players built chemistry with the win.
CAM MCCORMICK Senior Tight-End on wearing Spencer Webb’s jersey and scoring a touchdown since his passing.
On the second drive of the game, the Ducks faced second-and-6 on the 29-yardline. As Nix stood comfortably in the pocket, shifting through his progressions, running back Byron Cardwell tried to break free on a wheel route down the sideline.TheEagles defense tried to bait Nix into forcing the throw, which, if threaded, could have resulted in a touchdown. Instead, he pump-faked to Cardwell and found tight end Maliki Matavao open underneath Cardwell’s route for a 16-yard gain and first down. He kept the chains moving rather than taking a risk.
PAGE 6 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2O22
The Ducks host the Cougars at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17.
Lanning and his staff also hoped to manufacture
his first nine attempts and finished 28-of-33 for 277 yards and five touchdowns.
jersey because I felt like he was there and watching over me, you know, cheering me on.”
“It allows you to be fresh,” Lanning said. “It allows you to be able to play at a really high level consistently throughout. If somebody gets dinged, you have somebody else who you feel confident can go in there and execute at a high level.”
a memorable moment for senior tight-end Cam McCormick, who wore the late Spencer Webb’s No. 18 jersey, in honor of his friend. On firstand-goal from the two, early in the third quarter, McCormick darted out right and Nix hit him in stride. After he crossed the goal line, the ball popped out. While the play was reviewed — and ultimately upheld — it didn’t take away from the gravity of the moment.
We were waiting to share that moment together. So I’m super thankful that I was able to share that moment wearing his jersey because I felt like he was there and watching over me, you know, cheering me on.”
“We were waiting to share that moment together,” McCormick said. “So I’m super thankful that I was able to share that moment wearing his
Teammates crowded McCormick outside of the endzone as the Ducks rejoiced together.
Three plays later, Noah Whittington walked in for a Alongtouchdown.withWhittington’s score, Oregon’s committee approach gave four different running backs an opportunity to find the end zone on the ground. Following the game, Lanning chose not to show his cards on the details of each running back’s individual role, but it’s clear the committee approach is one that he and his staff will depend on throughout the season.
ItDoubtyards?it.wastough
“I thought he made some really good decisions and operated really well,” Lanning said. “Overall, I thought he did a really good job of understanding what we’re trying to accomplish.”
The strategy, however, will only reach its potential if each player buys into it. On Saturday, Lanning saw that process blossom as the Ducks’ running backs cheered for one another as their teammate trotted into the end zone.
The victory was a compilation of positive moments which made it clear to head coach Dan Lanning that his players’ learned from their first loss.“There’s a lot that we can still improve on,” head coach Dan Lanning said. “Did we see improvement? Yeah. We tackled better. We played more physically at the point of attack. We were able to complete passes and not put the ball in jeopardy.”Alongwith cleaning up these fundamentals, the Ducks began to understand that sustained success this season will be a product of trusting one another.
OREGON FOOTBALL BUILDSOREGON FOOTBALL BUILDS
His first touchdown since 2017, after sustaining multiple season ending injuries. His first touchdown since Webb passed away.
BY AARON HEISON • TWITTER @AARON_HEISEN
Although they faced a significantly less daunting opponent in Eastern Washington University, the Ducks cleaned up their tackling miscues — apart from conceding a 48-yard kickoff return — and Bo Nix’s only forced pass was deflected into the hands of Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson for a 19yardOntouchdown.Saturday,Oregon’s fans experienced a similar feeling to one that Georgia’s faithful felt during week one. Its opponents failed to wrap up and finish tackles, while forcing downfield throws which resulted in acrobatic interceptions. The Ducks capitalized off the Eagles’ slew of errors on their way to a 70-14 win.
It started with discipline on defense. Rather than throwing their bodies at opposing ball carriers and making business decisions in the open field, hoping their counterpart would finish off the job, the Ducks’ tacklers sat on the balls of their feet, using their torsos to create contact and their arms to finish off the tackle, limiting gains to a minimum.Asthedefense set a foundation, the offense fed off of that energy. Nix, in particular, showed a level of maturity that was absent from his performance against Georgia. He began the game completing
The Green Team takes a minute in the endzone before the game begins. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
The game plan was to focus on the fundamentals: Get the ball out quickly and let my playmakers do the work, Nix said.
He subscribed to that ideology, entrusting his teammates. While the Eagles defense surely presented opportunities to showcase his arm talent, Nix elected otherwise.
CHEMISTRY AND IMPROVESCHEMISTRY AND IMPROVES ON PAST MISTAKES IN BlOWOUT WINON PAST MISTAKES IN BlOWOUT WIN
With little resistance, the Ducks improved to 1-1 on the season. To retain that success as the season progresses, that unselfish nature — displayed by the running backs, and Nix’s willingness to let his playmakers decide the game — must become contagious throughout the program.
After opening the season with two blowouts, it’s tough to gauge where the Ducks stand. Their third game — against the No. 12 Brigham Young Cougars — will be the real measurement to determine a potential destiny for this season.
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UCLA (2-0) defeats Alabama State (2-1) but loses DTR in 45-7 victory
transfer threw for four touchdowns on 341 yards as he tore the Cardinal secondary apart. A 75-yard strike to Jordan Addison seemed the exclamation point on the day for USC as it picked up its first road win and first Pac-12 victory of 2022. The Trojan defense also forced four turnovers including two Tanner McKee interceptions. USC hosts Fresno State (1-1) next Saturday.
Washington (2-0) dominates Portland State (02) with commanding 52-6 win
With a full slate of games on Saturday, the Pac-12 was back in full swing. Each team in the conference had a challenge this weekend, and eight of them were up for it. Oregon, of course, dominated Eastern Washington during week two, but how did the rest of the conference fare? All 12 teams played on Saturday, and each team had a story to tell.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 9 GAMEDAY
It took the Beavers all 60 minutes to hand the Bulldogs their first loss of the season. The final three drives of the game all resulted in touchdowns, none more impressive than the 73-yard task that Oregon State faced with less than a minute on the clock. Led by Chance Nolan, the Beavers marched down the field in just seven plays. With one play left and down by 3, Oregon State went for the win instead of overtime. A 2 yard touchdown run by Jack Colletto capped off the thrilling Beaver victory. Oregon State hosts Montana State (2-0) next Saturday.
Lincoln Riley era continues hot start as No. 10 USC (2-0) routs Stanford (1-1) 41-28
The 3-point lead that the Sun Devils boasted after the first quarter was far from enough to stop the Cowboys from stampeding Arizona State on Saturday night. The Sun Devils simply looked outmatched. Only 2-for-13 on third down and with three scoring drives all game, Arizona State failed to capitalize when needed. The Sun Devils will look to bounce back next week with a favorable Eastern Michigan (1-1) matchup.
a Colorado fumble, the first of six total turnovers (three for each team), the Falcons took an early lead and never looked back. The Buffaloes will head north to play Minnesota (2-0) next week. The Golden Gophers beat Colorado 30-0 in Boulder in 2021.
Washington State Cougars (2-0) upsets No. 19 Wisconsin (1-1) 17-14 at Camp Randall
The Air Force Falcons needed just eight passing yards on five attempts to hand Colorado a humiliating 31-point loss in Colorado Springs. The Falcons instead used 435 rushing yards and five touchdowns to beat the Buffaloes for the second straight time. It took only 33 seconds for Air Force to score the game’s first points. Set up by
An overview of this week’s Pac-12 matchups.
BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10
Ducks players lambo leap into the crowd before the start of the game. Oregon Ducks football takes on Oregon State for the Civil War game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 30, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
The good news for UCLA fans is that Bruins backup quarterback Ethan Garbers looked sharp off the bench. The bad news is that he was even on the field. Star quarterback Dorian ThompsonRobinson left Saturday’s game on just the Bruins’ fourth drive of the game. But UCLA still dominated without him. With at least a touchdown in every quarter, the Bruins walked (ran and passed) all over the Hornet defense en route to a 2-0 season start. UCLA will look to continue to torment the Cotton State as South Alabama (2-0) tests its luck in the Rose Bowl next week.
Caleb Williams looked amazing in his first conference game as a Trojan. The Oklahoma
Arizona State (1-1) falls in primetime 34-17 to No. 11 Oklahoma State
WEEK
Never trailing seems to be a solid game plan. California used two first quarter touchdowns to jump ahead of UNLV and fuel its second win of 2022. A scoreless fourth quarter had Golden Bear fans on edge in Berkeley, but an interception on the final play of the game secured Cal’s grit and victory in the first ever matchup against the Lobos. The Golden Bears take to the road to play No. 8 Notre Dame (0-2) next week.
The Arizona defense struggled in its week two showdown with the Bulldogs. Surrendering 320 passing yards and five touchdowns, Arizona extended its winless SEC streak to six games. Wildcat quarterback Jayden de Laura was no better on the offensive side. The sophomore threw three interceptions on the night, and Arizona was held to just 40 total rushing yards. The Wildcats face off with D II powerhouse North Dakota State (2-0) next Saturday night.
Arizona (1-1) falls 39-17 to Mississippi State (2-0) and becomes 1-6-1 against the SEC
The Utes appear to have found their rhythm after a week one upset loss. In its home opener, Utah found the end zone 10 times against the Thunderbirds. A difference of 514 total yards separated the two offenses. Utah racked up 599 and held Southern Utah to only 85 yards on Saturday, in an effort that gave the Utes their largest point total since 1973. The defending Pac-12 champion hosts San Diego State University (1-1) next Saturday.
In the Pac-12’s first big upset victory of 2022, the Cougars outlasted the Badgers to hand Wisconsin an early-season loss. With three turnovers and just 253 total yards of offense, Washington State was forced to rely on its defense to stay strong. Allowing only two scoring drives and forcing many Badger miscues, the Cougars were able to contain Wisconsin and remain undefeated. Washington State will play a struggling Colorado State (0-2) team in Pullman in week three.
Colorado (0-2) dealt humiliating 41-10 loss in ugly game with Air Force (2-0)
The Huskies are ablaze through the first two weeks of the season. With 92 points so far in 2022, Michael Penix Jr.’s offense looks unstoppable. The junior quarterback had 337 passing yards on Saturday as Washington found the end zone seven times and kept the Vikings out for the entirety of the contest. The Huskies welcome a challenge in week three as No. 14 Michigan State (2-0) rolls into Seattle.
California (2-0) defeats UNLV (1-1) in low scoring 20-14 game
No.13 Utah (1-1) bounces back in a big way in 73-7 victory over Southern Utah (1-1)
The Duck rallies the crowd. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the Montana Grizzlies at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 14, 2019. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald) THEAROUND2PAC-12:BY
Oregon State (2-0) mounts late comeback to earn 35-32 win over Fresno State (1-1)
The Oregon Ducks get ready to walk out. Oregon Ducks football takes on Iowa State for the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 2, 2021. (DL Young/Emerald)
Johnny Johnson III (3) watches as Oregon and Colorado players struggle to gain posession of the ball. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021.
What exactly is the new format?
BY BRADY RUTH • TWITTER @BRADYRUTH10
If that doesn’t work, the next six seeds will continue to be determined by the CFP committee, selecting conference runner-ups and “at large” teams. Oregon could sneak in if it should have a solid season without a conference championship to show for it.
be a clear-cut path to the playoffs other than just going undefeated.
On Sept. 2, the College Football Playoff Committee shocked the world. With a unanimous vote, the committee approved the expansion of the College Football Playoff, tripling the fun. The four-team system had been under much criticism for years as it seemed too small and repetitive. Following the ruling, coming in 2026 or possibly sooner, 12 teams from all across the country will have a chance to compete in the postseason for a national championship.
Here is the clear-cut path for the Ducks: Continue to dominate the Pac-12 and be rewarded with postseason football.
The top four ranked conference champions will also earn a first-round bye, providing some extra incentive and emphasis on winning the conference. Would this have mattered for the Ducks in the past?
FOR FANSFOR PLAYOFFFANSCHANGES
CFP Board of Managers chairman
Since the introduction of the CFP in 2014, four teams were selected, with no real criteria, to compete in the playoffs. Now, with the 12-team format, there will
PAGE 10 | EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2O22 GAMEDAY
This is a historic and exciting day for college football. More teams, more participation and more excitement are good for our fans, alumni and student MARKathletes.”KEENUM
Bigger is better. That’s the common phrase. But does this bigger format positively impact all teams? Is it good for Oregon? Well, there are certainly many things to look at.
The first six teams will all be champions… of a conference that is. The top six highest ranked conference winners will automatically be in no matter the record, no matter the rank. This will almost certainly put the Pac-12, Big-10, Big12, Atlantic Coast Conference and Southeastern Conference champions in the playoffs, along with the highest ranked group-of-five champion.
“This is a historic and exciting day for college football,” CFP Board of Managers chairman Mark Keenum said. “More teams, more participation and more excitement are good for our fans, alumni and student athletes.”
FOSTER EXCITEMENT, NEW EXPECTATIONS FOR FANS
(Will Geschke/Emerald)
Understanding the new format and anticipation for the future of football
Oregon, of course, had one appearance in the CFP during a 2014 run that saw the Ducks fall to Ohio State in the National Championship Game.
Why wait until 2026?
This makes sense as conferences would love the exposure of having an almost guaranteed slot in the playoff for one of their teams. This only brings in more views, more money and more football.
What does this do for bowl games and conference championships?
Yes. Emphatically, yes.
The sooner the better for a team like the Ducks, who are finding recent success in the Pac-12.
It appears that, yes, a 12-team playoff is good for most teams. Independent teams miss out on the automatic bid opportunities. But for the other teams, this cuts a clear path to meaningful December football.
Does this change the scheduling?
For example, highly anticipated week one matchups like Georgia against Oregon likely become a thing of the past. Neither of these teams need that game, and the loss hurts more than a win helps.
The current television deals and stadium usage of a four-team playoff is set to expire in 2025, with the 12-team expansion beginning the following year. However, many conferences including the Pac-12, are trying to implement the move as soon as 2024.
The ducks marching band opens the rose bowl game. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)
Well, conference championship games essentially become play-in games. With a playoff bid on the line, there will be much more at stake for games like the Pac-12 championship.
And for a school like Oregon, where the conference is winnable and the future is bright, expect to see lots of green and yellow in the expanded CFP in years to come.
So… is this good for the Ducks?
“The Pac-12 is strongly in favor of CFP expansion and welcomes the decision of the CFP Board,” the conference announced in a release on Sept. 2. “CFP expansion will provide increased access and excitement and is the right thing for our student-athletes and fans. We look forward to working with our fellow conferences to finalize the important elements of an expanded CFP in order to launch as soon as practicable.”
With more at-large bids and more teams being accepted, the need for perfection goes up. Conference play will remain the same but non-conference games likely become less competitive.
As for beloved bowl games like the Rose Bowl or Sugar Bowl, those games would continue to be cycled throughout the CFP and could potentially become a playoff game each season. Either way, they could certainly have more meaning.
This announcement likely keeps Oregon in the Pac-12 with a ticket to the postseason able to be punched with a conference championship. But Oregon will still have to potentially wait a few years.
Had this four-team format always been in play, Oregon would have also made the playoffs as a conference champion in 2019 and been in the discussion for an at-large bid in other years.
Ducks fans in the student section pose for a photo. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 11 GAMEDAY
Troy Franklin, Byron Cardwell and Cam McCormick each tallied a reception touchdown, while sophomore tight end Terrance Ferguson caught two of his own. The Ducks’ pass offense looked very explosive, but the run game was no short of Oregon’sdisappointing.defenseisfull of talent at every level, with the likes of Noah Sewell, Brandon Dorlus, Justin Flowe and Christian Gonzalez, among others. Their unit forced three turnovers against EWU, as Trikweze Bridges forced a fumble and interception. Gonzalez added an interception of his own, his first of the season.
Troy Franklin (11) catches a ball to score a touchdown for Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald)
PAGE 12 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2O22 GAMEDAY
BY KEIJI PATTERSON • TWITTER @PATTERSON_KEIJI
With BYU coming to town, the Ducks’ offense will have to keep the explosive plays going. They will also have to be fundamentally sound on defense with quality tackling and pursuit angles.
Led by seventh-year head coach Kalani Sitake, the No. 12 Cougars are undefeated thus far. They are coming off of their sixth win against a top 10 team all time, after they upset the No. 9 Baylor Bears in Provo, Utah.
“The win was BYU’s sixth all-time against an AP Top 10 team and first at home since beating No. 1 Miami in 1990,” the Associated Press wrote.
NO. 12 BYU TRAVELS TO NO. 25 OREGON FOR A TOP-25 MATCHUP NO. 12 BYU TRAVELS TO NO. 25 OREGON FOR A TOP-25 MATCHUP
Oregon looks to secure their first ranked win of the season
For the second straight week, the Oregon Ducks will play in front of the electric Autzen Stadium faithful. After annihilating Eastern Washington University 70-14 in week two, the No. 25 Ducks will look to build off of their momentum against the No. 12 BYU Cougars.
After a turnover-ridden performance against the No. 2 Georgia Bulldogs, quarterback Bo Nix returned to the gridiron with a vengeance. He showed why he was billed a 5-star recruit at the prep level, as he threw for 277 yards, five touchdowns and had zero turnovers. Nix’s five touchdowns made him the first Oregon quarterback since Justin Herbert (2019) to throw that many scores in a contest.
Sitake is a household name in the coaching industry, given why Oregon spoke with him about its head coaching vacancy this offseason and why it’s no surprise that the Cougars have had early season success. This is another storyline to watch for in this top 25 matchup, as the Ducks’ made Dan Lanning their new leader.
Veteran quarterback Jaren Hall is in his second season as the starter after Zack Wilson entered the 2020 NFL Draft. Hall is off to a solid start, as he’s completed 522 passing yards and three touchdowns on 67.6%. He has the Cougars’ offense averaging 38 points per game, with his top two returning receivers battling injuries thus
BYU’s defense has limited opposing offenses to 20.5 points and 284 total yards perTheygame.also went 5-0 against Pac 12 teams last season, so it’s up to the Ducks to seize that streak. Tune into FOX this Saturday when the No. 12 Cougars face the No. 25 Ducks at 12:30 p.m.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 13 From working at our counters to studying in the classroom; from directing our stores to cheering in the stands; the people we serve — the students — are the very people who are The Duck Store. Vivian b. Team Member since Aug 2021 Majoring in General Music UODuckStore.com CAMPUS 790 E. 14TH AVE. 541-344-4471 SOUTH EUGENE 2864 WILLAMETTE ST. #300 541-344-9931 OAKWAY 4 OAKWAY CENTER 541-344-0844 WWW.PEGASUSPIZZA.NET Walking distance from Autzen Stadium Large selection of beers on tap Award-winning pizza Patio and full bar Family tradition since 1989 10% off food with duck ticket stub EXPIRES 9/1/23 GAMEDAY far. (Nakua sprained his ankle in the first half of the University of South Florida game, and Gunner Romney has yet to suit up this fall). Look for this contest to be high scoring if Nacua and/or Romney play against Oregon.
Byron Cardwell (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown for Oregon. (Will Geschke/Emerald)
“We talk about playing as if we’re hunting,” Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart said. “We play connected. We play aggressive. We want to be the hunter.”
The Oregon Ducks football team used to be recognized as the West Coast’s powerhouse, known for having a dynamic offense that tore apart defenses with a balance of speed and creativity. The mindset peaked during head coach Chip Kelly’s four-year tenure, when he and quarterback Marcus Mariota led the Ducks to their first BCS championship appearance: a 22-19 loss to Auburn.
Teams such as the Bulldogs, Cougars and Utes enter each season with a profound understanding of how their teammates operate and what the collective goal of their program is. Each of these schools has had continuity at the head coaching position for the last six seasons.
After winning the College Football Playoff in 2021, the Georgia Bulldogs lost 15 players to the NFL. While that number was a historic one, Georgia has grown accustomed to replacing NFL-caliber talent season after season. It’s a program that doesn’t rely on its personnel alone to sustain success. Instead, the Bulldogs have remained a consummate contender due to their unwavering identity — one that’s predicated on taking the game to their opponents.
TO SUCCEED, OREGON NEEDS
It’s clear the message resonates with each player who comes through the program. In the waning minutes of Georgia’s 49-3 win over the Oregon Ducks, a Bulldogs defense — led by a slew of secondteamers — made a goal-line stand to prevent a touchdown.
A consistent identity, however, isn’t exclusive to the nation’s top teams. For example, the Brigham Young Cougars and the Utah Utes are known for overcoming porous recruiting classes. The Cougars rarely make mistakes on offense and tend to rely on pocket-passing quarterbacks who go through their progressions. They’ve enjoyed nine winning seasons in the last 10, sending guys like Zach Wilson and Taysom Hill to the NFL. The Utes, on the other hand, seek aggression by beating you in the trenches with the run game. It’s an ideology that helped them to win the Pac-12 championship last season.
Mariota outlasted Kelly and found his way to another BCS championship with Mark Helfricht, but when Kelly left in 2012, a part of the Ducks’ identity went with him. They cycled through three head coaches and five different starting quarterbacks in the next eight years, in search of rediscovering an identity.
“Identity happens every single day in our program,” Lanning said soon after he was hired. “The question is: what’s our identity? You don’t necessarily know that until you see how you operate, you know? So your players are going to take on that identity through time and we’re going to define our DNA traits.”
The Ducks, however, haven’t enjoyed that luxury. Now, Lanning is adopting a team of guys that he did not recruit. His goal will be to instill his coaching philosophy in his current players before his future recruits arrive. His first season will act as a breeding ground. Lanning and his players will learn about each others’ tendencies as they formulate an identity and build toward a prosperous future. A rediscovery process will include losses and turmoil, but it’s how the Ducks grow from those monumental obstacles.
As Oregon football progresses through this season, it’s crucial that the Ducks learn from each game on their way to rediscovering an identity.
TO LEARN FROM ITS VICTOR
BY AARON HEISON • TWITTER @AARON_HEISEN
TOP: Dan Lanning (Courtesy Sean Meagher/The Oregonian)
They’re like a sitcom that never loses its charm: All 10 seasons of “Friends” or “The Office,” before Michael Scott leaves. To them, the offseason is merely a pause button, and as the first game approaches, they waste no time pressing play.
And the first: a 49-3 loss to the Bulldogs. While it was ugly, it presented a chance for Lanning and his staff to see how their players would respond to adversity. Do they succumb? Or do they grow?
MIDDLE: Oregon Ducks defensive back Trikweze Bridges (11) reaches for Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Ladd McConkey (84) during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game,, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (Paul Abell via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)
PAGE 14 EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2O22 GAMEDAY
“One of our mottos is: ‘No one in our end zone,’” defensive back Chris Smith said. “We pride ourselves on that until the zeros show up on the clock. Twos and threes got in, and we wanted to hold the standard. They did a great job of that.”
It’s what the program did again in December when they hired Dan Lanning. Now it’s his chance to rebuild the program in his image.
BOTTOM: Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (Joe Robbins via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)
BY AARON HEISEN TWITTER @AARON_HEISEN
OREGON’S PAST EXPERIENCES BUILDS A BETTER TEAM INTO THE LEAD
football game is a once in a lifetime experience.
to watch the players warm-up. It seems like that is the place to congregate rather than heading to one’s seats prior to kickoff.
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As game-time rolls around, the stadium has come to life, filled nearly to capacity with tens of thousands of Bulldogs fans and a handful of Ducks faithful.Thegame itself was uneventful, but the privilege of watching some of the most talented athletes on the collegiate level was an experience unlike any other. Following the game, I finish up my game story and take one last look at the stadium, now lifeless and dark. The Oregon logo has been replaced with the outlines of a Clemson one in preparation for its game against Georgia Tech on Monday.Ihead
Just behind the endzone that has Oregon’s logo is a skyline walkway where fans have gathered
Oregon Ducks come to the field prior to the 2022 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (Paul Abell via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)
But, today, I am neutral. As an aspiring sports journalist, traveling to Atlanta to cover this
The press box at Mercedes-Benz has glass windows in front of each seat. They serve ChickFil-A sandwiches along with an assortment of salad, pasta and brisket. There was also a soft serve stand.“Focus, Aaron,” I tell myself. After all, I was working. I sit down, overlooking the Georgia endzone, the stands a quarter of the way full still 2 hours before kickoff.
After I settle in, I head down to the field to watch both teams warm up. The Ducks sport green threads with dashes of yellow, and the Bulldogs are in bright red. Looking up into the stands from the field is a much different view than the one I have from the press box. Down here, you don’t know what to focus on. The game clock is just above the goal-posts, but if you weren’t looking for it you would miss it. I wonder if that’s why some players struggle with game-clock management.
The Oregon football game against Georgia was set to kick off at 3:30 p.m., yet as I walked from my Airbnb to meet my friend for breakfast the bustling streets caught my attention. To my left: a lot filled with families setting up red and black tents for their tailgates. And on my right: a caravan of RVs driving by, flags donning the Georgia Bulldogs logo sticking out from the roofs of their vehicles.
I’m headed to Rosie’s Cafe, a quaint brunch place and bar across the street from the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. As I approach the restaurant, my head cranes upward, examining the dome that will house 70,000 people in a few hours. Its design is intriguing — the roof is constructed of triangular shaped pieces that fit together. I imagine the architect was fond of their final product.
Their outlook on the Ducks’ season will shift in a matter of hours. I want to introduce myself to them, connect. Soon, I will be like them. An alum who travels across the country, hoping to recapture some of my college-day glory.
I woke up on the earlier side of Saturday morning, or so I thought.
Once in a lifetime event fosters experienceprofessionalforeditor.
“Caravans for a home game?” I think to myself. Then it hits me. These fans have been up since the crack of dawn, commuting from Athens, Georgia, to Atlanta for the game.
The morning sun hits the stadium’s metallic exterior creating a bright reflection. I rub my eyes and continue to walk. Among the sea of red and black, I spot blips of green and yellow — hopeful Oregon Ducks’ fans pondering whether their team has a chance to dethrone the national champions.
back to the Airbnb, my work for the day is done. The trip flew by, but the memories will last forever. I’ll be able to look back at this piece for even deeper detail.
I get to watch a game in one of the nation’s most beautiful venues, have access to press conferences for interesting quotes to use in my story and add detail from watching the game live instead of on theAftertelevision.breakfast, I head over to the game. I want to go early to get the full experience. I pick up my credentials, then take the elevator three flights up to the press box. Back in Eugene, the Autzen Stadium press box is nice. Media is provided with food and drinks, usually turkey sandwiches and sodas. Once October rolls around, night games become frigid as the open air rolls in.
PAGE 16 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2O22 GAMEDAY
Fans sing and dance durring the traditional “SHOUT” segment of the third quarter. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
The latest matchup surely left a bad taste in the mouths of all Oregon fans, players and coaches alike.
Oregon would soon get their sweet revenge in 1990. They were victo rious at Autzen and had the second largest margin of victory in the series with a 32-16 win.
This upcoming contest will serve as a pivotal part in the season. With a win this week, Oregon’s season could be looking much more like we expected at 2-1. If all goes well, Oregon will likely be in a much better spot within the Pac-12.
These teams rarely meet as BYU competes as an independent school. This is exactly why Oregon needs to take advantage of being at home and secure a win versus a 12th ranked BYU squad.
The all-time series dates back to 1964 where the Ducks pulled out a close one, 20-13. The two teams met again the following year and the Ducks had a more decisive victory, winning 27-14.
OREGON LOOKS TO BREAK TIE IN ALL TIME SERIES VERSUS BYU
Oregon will be faced with a challenging opponent for week three. Brigham Young University will be coming to town on Saturday, Sept. 17, at 12:30 p.m. The Ducks will look to handle the Cougars at home to give them an advan tage in the all-time series.
The Ducks found themselves competing against the Cougars in the 2006 Las Vegas Bowl, which did not go as planned, to say the least. BYU outgained Oregon by nearly 300 yards. Although both Jairus Byrd and Patrick Chung would pick off Cougar quarterback John Beck, the defense got pummeled. The final score of the game was 38-8, which solidified an already impressive season for BYU.
It’s worth noting that, when playing at Autzen, the Ducks lead the series 3-1.
The tide began to turn in 1979 and 1989 in which Oregon would fall short in both games, losing 16-17 and 41-45, respectively. The Cougars’ wins pushed the series to a 2-2 tie.
BY JACK AARON • TWITTER @JACKMAARON
Will the Ducks win the seventh chapter of this highly contested matchup?
The Oregon Duck points to the crowd after the Ducks score the first points of the game. Oregon Ducks football takes on Oregon State for the Civil War game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 30, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
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Purdue (1-1) @ Syracuse (2-0)
Mississippi State (2-0) @ LSU (1-1) Michigan State (2-0) @ Washington (2-0)
12.
BYU GAMEDAY EDITION — PICK ‘EM
COLLEGE GAMES: Miami (2-0) @ 24. Texas A&M (1-1)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 15, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 19 GAMEDAY
13.
Miami (1-0) @ Baltimore (1-0)
Minnesota (1-0) @ Philadelphia (1-0)
Fresno St. (1-1) @ 7. USC (2-0)
Above: Ducks safety Marko Vidackovic (27) cries out as the Ducks enter Autzen Stadium for their game against the Oregon State Beavers on November 27th, 2021.The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger)
Arizona (0-1) @ Las Vegas (0-1)
TIE-BREAKER: BYU (2-0) @ 25. Oregon (1-1)
Patriots (0-1) @ Steelers (0-1)
Tampa Bay (1-0) @ New Orleans (1-0)
NFL GAMES:
Left: Fans celebrate the touchdown. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on October 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald)
11.
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