GAMEDAY OREGON NICKELS VS. GEORGIA TIGHT ENDS PG.9 WHAT DOES GEORGIA BRING TO THE TABLE AGAINST THE DUCKS? PG.15 TAKEAWAYS FROM DAN LANNINGS PAC-12 MEDIA DAY PRESSER PG.10 9.1.22 Four Oregon Ducks with personal ties to the withtravelBulldogsGeorgiawilltoAtlantasomethingtoprove ONCE-FRIENDLY,NOW-ENEMYTERRITORY NO. 1
PAGE 2 EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 GAMEDAY • 13 TVs and with all pro & college games ( we have Sunday ticket and the PAC 12 network) • Walking distance to both Autzen & Matthew Knight Arena • 5 video lotter y machines • Billiards • Darts • Touch Tunes Juke Box • Star Wars Pinball • Karaoke Monday & Wednesday Nights • Trivia Tuesday & Thursday Nights 1675 Franklin Blvd. 541 653-8151 • wildgoatgrill com To-go Drinks! Daily Food & Drink Specials Scratch kitchen with house smoked meats &FreeChipsSalsa! **Limited to one per person, per visit. Physical coupons only, no photos or reproductions. 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM Monday through Sunday Cateringforanyandallevents!
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THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 3 GAMEDAY
The Duck joins Oregon cheerleaders as they sing and dance to Oregon’s third quarter tradition, The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. Ian Enger)
NEWSROOM Editor in Chief Hannarose McGuinness Managing Editor Brandon Roth Copy Chief Logan Robertson Sports Editors AaronMojoHeisonHill Reporters KeijiAaronPattersonHeisenJacobHamreBradyRuthJackAaron 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 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 Oregon defensive end Braydn Swinson (44) charges across the field with Beavers tight end Luke Musgrave (88) clinging on to him. The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/ Ian Enger) GAMEDAY, the Emerald’s football edition, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon founded in 1900. EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1395 University St., #302, Eugene, OR 97403 541.346.5511 | dailyemerald.com GAMEDAY
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PAGE 4 EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 GAMEDAY PHOTO HIGHLIGHTSPHOTO HIGHLIGHTS (Maddie Knight/Emerald) (DL Young/Emerald) (Ian Enger/Emerald) (Ian Enger/Emerald) (Serei Hendrie/Emerald) (Ian Enger/Emerald)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 5 GAMEDAY
PAGE 6 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 DJ JAMALDONTAETRIKWEZEBRYANCHRISTIANJUSTINNOAHBRADYNBRANDONTAKIJOHNSONTAIMANIDORLUSSWINSONSEWELLFLOWEGONZALEZADDISONBRIDGESMANNINGHILL No. 2 No. 55 No. 3 No. 44 No. 1 No. 10 No. 00 No. 13 No. 11 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 GEORGIA GEORGIADEFENSEOFFENSEOREGON OFFENSE OREGON DEFENSE GEORGIA SPECIAL TEAMSOREGON SPECIAL TEAMS OREGON PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR No. 5 No. 84 No. 10 No. 59 No. 65 No. 63 No. 69 No. 70 No. 19 No. 00 No. 13 No. 6 WR-YWR-ZWR-X RBQBTETERTRGOCLGLT RSSO SO RS SR RS SO RSSO SO RS SO RS JR JRSO RS SR/TR SR TYRION INGRAM-DAWKINS ZION SMAELNOLANJALENLOGUECARTERSMITHMONDON JR. JAMON DUMAS-JOHNSON ROBERT BEAL JR. KELEE CHRISTOPHERRINGO SMITH DAN WILLIAMKAMARIJACKSONLASSITERPOOLE No. 93 No. 96 No. 88 No. 4 No. 2 No. 10 No. 33 No. 5 No. 29 No. 17 No. 3 No. 31 STARRCBFSSSLCBSAMMONEYMACJACKDTNTDE RS FR RS JR RSSOSOSRJR SR RS SO RSSR JR RSSO SR BRETT THROSON JACK KENNYKEARISPAYNEPODLESNYWALKERJACKSONMCINTOSH No. 92 No. 96 No. 47 No. 10 No. 6 PK/KOPT/H KRPRLS RSFR SR RS SR RS SR SR PLAYER # POS YEAR PLAYER # POS YEAR TROY T.J.STEVENSEVENDONT’EFRANKLINTHRONTONMCGEEJONESBASS ALEX FORSYTH RYAN WALK MALAESALA AUMAVAE-LAULU TERRANCE FERGUSON BO NIX BRYON 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 ADONAI MITCHELL LADD KENNYSTETSONDARNELLBROCKWARRENTATESEDRICKAMARIUSBRODERICKKEARISMCCONKEYJACKSONJONESMIMSVANPRANRATLEDGEMCCLENDONBOWERSWASHINGTONBENNETTMCINTOSH GEORGIAGEORGIAGEORGIAOREGON
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 7 GAMEDAY TAKE A LOOK ATTAKE A LOOK AT THE 2022THE 241710FOOTBALLFOOTBALL2022SCHEDULESCHEDULESEPT.SEPT.SEPT.1OCT.26NOV.8OCT.22OCT.29OCT.52DEC.19NOV.12NOV.VSEASTERNWASH. (HOME) VS BYU (HOME) VS STATEWASH. (AWAY) STANFORDVS (HOME) ARIZONAVS (AWAY) UCLAVS (HOME) VS BERKLEYUC (AWAY) VS BOLDERCU (AWAY) VS WASH.UNIV. (HOME) VS UTAH (HOME) VS OSU (AWAY) CHAMPSPAC-12 (AWAY) NOV. The Duck points to the crowd of Oregon fans that showed up in Las Vegas for the Pac-12 championship game. The Oregon Ducks take on the Utah Utes at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, Nev., on December 3, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
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“The other guys have done a good job. Khamari is an exciting young player,” Lorig said. Tune into ABC this Saturday at 12:30 p.m. to watch the No. 11 Oregon Ducks display the hard work they’ve put in this offseason against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs.
Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) rolls out to run from a defender. Oregon Ducks football takes on Iowa State for the Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Jan. 2, 2021. (DL
THE X-FACTORS:
OREGON NICKELS VS GEORGIA TIGHT ENDS
Another potential draft pick in the Bulldog tight end room is Louisiana State University transfer Arik Gilbert. The former 5-star recruit has had a rollercoaster start to his career, with him transferring twice and sitting out the 2021 campaign. However, in 2020, the SEC coaches voted him to the allconference freshman team after he posted 35 receptions, 368 yards and two touchdowns in eight games. Gilbert scored two touchdowns in the Georgia spring game, so expect him to be a contributor this Saturday.
“I think you’ll see the both of them a fair amount,” he said. “They’re both really versatile players, great communicators, and I think it’s in our benefit to have them both on the field at the same time.”
Hill and Williams will take on the bulk of responsibility of covering Georgia’s leading receiver from a season ago, sophomore tight end Brock Bowers. Bowers became a household name in college football with his savvy route running and ability to find weaknesses in zone coverage. He has been predicted to be an AllAmerican this year. Bowers is on the watch list for the Fred Biletnikoff award, which goes to the best receiver in the country, as a tight end.
At a post-practice press conference, special teams coordinator and nickels coach Joe Lorig addressed the media about this premier matchup; he was nothing short of respectful. “I don’t think it’s any discouragement to our team to say that’s the best tight end room in the country. I think it pretty clearly is,” Lorig said. He continued with a practice strategy that has helped his unit prepare for the size and skillset of the Bulldogs’ tight ends. “So we have a couple of the bigger guys, Kyler Kasper and Chapman that you can match them up with,” Lorig said. “T-Ferg (Terrance Ferguson) we can match them up with, so you try to create those matchups as much as you can in practice to play the game before the game.”
Coach Lorig didn’t hesitate to compliment the young Bulldog star.
BY KEIJI PATTERSON
DucksYoung/Emerald)safetiesBennett Williams (15) and Jamal Hill (19) celebrate an incomplete pass. Oregon Ducks football takes on the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Nov. 21, 2020. (DL Young/Emerald)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 9 GAMEDAY
When asked about the nickel competition, Lorig spoke highly of Williams and Hill.
When Oregon storms into the raucous Mercedes-Benz Stadium to face the defending champion Georgia Bulldogs this Saturday, the nickel cornerbacks will be challenged with the tall task of limiting Georgia’s talent-laden tight endWhetherroom. it’s Bennett Williams, Jamal Hill or a different defensive back lined up at the nickel position, they will be matched up against the likes of Brock Bowers and Arik Gilbert, among others. The matchups between these two groups will play a major role in who comes out victorious this game.
Coach Lorig stated that JJ Greenfield, Khamari Terrell and Marko Vidackovic are also vying to play nickel this season.
“I don’t know if you can replicate Brock Bowers personally,” Lorig said.
Coming off of what started as a breakout campaign, Williams is back with a vengeance.“Lastseason I didn’t fully get to prove what I can do,” Williams said. Williams opted to return to Eugene for his senior season after a broken fibula benched him nine contests last year. Prior to his injury, Williams racked up 20 tackles, one tackle for a loss, three interceptions and one forced fumble during the first four games of last season. A native of Rex, Georgia, Hill will make his junior debut in front of family and friends, so look for him to make a statement. During his sophomore campaign, Hill exhibited tenacity to hit while totalling 38 total tackles, four pass deflections and a forced fumble in seven starts. The Pac-12 coaches voted Hill an all-conference honorable mention when the year concluded.
Oregon will face the best tight end room in week 1
This is the 2022 team. We have to be focused on what we’re going to do in the year 2022 as a team and a staff,” Lanning said.
Lanning said, “You always have to pay attention.
“We’re not chasing anybody, we’re looking to maximize ourselves,” Lanning said. “Our goal is to win every single game. We have the team to do it.”
“Hopefully you go to the doctor before you get sick,” he added, in reference to making changes after winning, so they don’t repeat the same mistake(s).
PAC-12 MEDIA DAY PRESSER
“Since 2010 there’s been nine teams that have played for a national championship,” he said. “Fortunate enough that Oregon has done that twice.”
There’s usually a headline when you wake up in the morning. Fun to adapt and be on your toes.” He continued to hammer away the notion that he trusts in the leadership superior to him and the Ducks to guide them to future success.
PAGE 10 | EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22
Lanning responded that the sport is ever changing and causes him to be on alert. He added that the University of Oregon puts the players’ needs first in order to maximize their NIL.
“We had 2.57 million viewers tune in every single week to watch our games, which is top 10 in the nation and best in our conference,” Lanning said. He also mentioned how Oregon has won multiple conference championships. While he wanted to give the Oregon program kudos, Lanning recognized that their focus is on this “That’sseason.pastsuccess.
BY KEIJI PATTERSON
Oregon head football coach Dan Lanning opened his first Pac-12 Media Day press conference with nothing but exuberance and confidence on July 29. “Excited about being a part of the fastest growing brand in college football,” he said.
Lanning noted that Bo Nix, Ty Thompson and Jay Butterfield have all made improvements to their game this offseason and that he believes they can win with any of the three. Next, he was inquired about his thoughts of the general direction that college football is headed in the future with the emergence of name, image, and likeness (NIL), the transfer portal, and conference realignment.
“We’d go to the doctor after a win on Monday morning,” Lanning said of how Georgia would instantly look to improve.
“Our goal is to win every single game. We have the team to do it,” Head Coach Dan Lanning.
“Oregon has always been a premier team in college football… the ability to compete for championships year in and year out with coaching changes and different things,” Lanning said. When asked about USC’s success and if Oregon is still in their shadow, he replied with a very blunt answer.
TAKEAWAYSGAMEDAY FROM DAN LANNING’S
Lanning concluded his opening statement by recognizing that the Ducks open their 2022 season against his former employer, the Georgia Bulldogs. “Certainly excited going back and seeing some familiar faces going there, getting to compete against a mentor and a friend in Kirby Smart,” Lanning said. The moderator opened the floor for questions. Then Lanning was asked about the quarterback competition. He refrained from revealing a frontrunner nor a timeline for the starter being named.
Lannning acknowledged how the Ducks are one of the few teams to play for a national championship in recent years.
Coach Lanning continued by mentioning more of the Ducks’ accomplishments that define their value, perhaps a message to conference commissioners and television network executives.
To no surprise, he was asked how it felt to beat Alabama. Lanning immediately said that he doesn’t spend much time discussing the past, however he alluded to the ‘growth mindset’ being critical to improve.
Lanning concluded the press conference by acknowledging the freshmen cornerbacks and key players returning from injury. “A group that wants to be great,” he said. When asked about the young corners, he said that they all have great physical qualities in size, speed andAslength.farasthe injuries go, he mentioned how 2021 starters Brandon Dorlus, Justin Flowe and Popo Aumave are all ready to go for fall camp. “They’re going to be a big part of what we’re doing this season,” he said. Oregon opens up its 2022 season against the University of Georgia in the Chick-fil-A Kickoff game on September 3 at 12:30 p.m. Head Coach Dan Lanning pulled double duty coaching both teams of the game. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
A player anxiously swings his helmet on the sideline. Oregon Ducks football plays in the Spring game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on April 20, 2019. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)
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“We are ready to play,” Swinson said. “We got the talent to meet up anywhere, but for me, personally, I can’t wait to get back to UGA, that’s a homecoming game for Throughoutme.” the recruiting process, Whittington and Swinson received similar treatment — the Bulldogs didn’t pursue their services. Hill, on the other hand, was heavily sought out by Georgia, but chose Oregon instead. Lanning moved on from his position as the Georgia defensive coordinator after helping them to win a national championship in 2021. Come Sept. 3, each will enter the Mercedes-Benz Stadium with something to prove to the opposing staff and players.
The Georgia Bulldogs are playing football. Growing up in this environment, fond memories of football, quality time with family and good food are cultivated. Just ask Bradyn Swinson, Jamal Hill and Noah Whittington. From an early age, they admired the young men who took the field in Sanford Stadium. They aspired to fill those shoes and perform in front of their friends, families and Bulldogs’ fans. On Saturday, that dream will come to fruition. Yet, it’s not in the form they once imagined. Instead, when the No. 11 Oregon Ducks open its season against the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs in the neutral site of the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Swinson, Hill and Whittington will be entering enemy territory. For most of the Ducks’ team, the game represents an early-season test, in which they can gauge how they stack up against the defending national champions.However, for junior defensive end Swinson, junior defensive back Hill, sophomore transfer running back Whittington, and the Ducks’ head coach, Dan Lanning, the 2022 season opener has been boldly circled on their calendars since arriving at Oregon.
Most Ducks players have anticipated their game against Georgia since training camp. A few, however, have been preparing since the first day they came to Eugene.
BY AARON HEISEN
Lanning’s pursuit for a head coaching job started 11 years ago, when the former University of Pittsburgh head coach Keith Patterson offered him a quality control job of $800 a month. The money didn’t matter. Lanning remained dedicated to his aspirations and it showed in his work. Four years later, he found himself as a graduate assistant coach at the University of Alabama. There, he met Kirby Smart — Alabama’s defensive coordinator in the middle of an eight-year tenure. In 2015, the two helped the Crimson Tide win a national championship. Following the season, Smart got hired as the head coach at the University of Georgia. Two years into his reign, he hired Lanning. Lanning took post in Smart’s old occupation, defensive coordinator. In 2021, he administered a stifling defense. One that led the country by holding opponents to 10.2 points per game (4.6 less than any other team), as the Bulldogs captured their first national championship since 1980. “He was really consistent in his effort,” Smart said of Lanning. “He tried to go above and beyond. It’s always good when you give someone a job and they do it to the fullest extent.”
Noah Whittington (22) celebrates with a teamate after running the ball for a touchdown. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
AN EARLY-SEASONAN EARLY-SEASON TEST IN TERRITORYFAMILIAR
PAGE 12 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 GAMEDAY
It’s a Saturday morning in the middle of autumn. While heads continue to rest in the West Coast, families in Georgia have been up since the crack of dawn. Plans made in the middle of the week are finally coming together. Some are preparing to drive across the state to unite with their relatives, while others are firing up the grill in preparation for those tailgate guests to arrive. It’s still hours before kickoff, when the party will move inside to gather around the television screen. And, those courageous enough to embark on the journey to Sanford Stadium, in Athens, Ga., will be met with a roaring sea of black and red known for tormenting its opponents.
Ducks safety Jamal Hill (19) tackles a Trojan. Oregon Ducks football take on USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Championship game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2020. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)
In both 2017 and 2018, Whittington and the Peach County Trojans came within one score of winning the state championship. Two losses that continue to leave a sour taste in Trojans’ head coach Chad Campbell’s mouth — especially since in 2017, he felt he got robbed due to a controversial call by the game’s officials. At Peach County, Whittington used his dynamic agility and speed to alternate between running back and slot receiver. In his senior year, the Trojans faced the Calhoun Yellow Jackets in the second round of the playoffs — the team who beat them in the state championship his sophomore year. That time around, Whittington dropped 280 yards, lining up as the wildcat quarterback for much of the game, Campbell said, as the Trojans wonTime35-0.and time again, he performed in the face of Georgia’s football fans, yet, despite Campbell’s persuasive efforts, he went unnoticed to the university’s eyes. “I always told people, ‘Don’t mess around, this is a special one right here,’” Campbell said. “That’s why I want him to light it up against them.”
“Whenthem.Iwas
hometown college wanted to go in another direction.Growing up in Douglasville, Ga., Swinson and his family would gather around their television screen to cheer on the Bulldogs. One week, however, his father, Bryant, suggested they drive to Sanford Stadium to watch the Bulldogs compete in person. A tradition was started. As Swinson and his family entered the Stadium, his affinity for Bulldogs’ football transformed into love. The University of Georgia became his dream school. As his playing career progressed he chased that goal, attending football camps at Georgia, training with his older brother, Brandon, and asking his mom, Kelli, if she could send his film to Mark Richt, the Bulldogs’ head coach at the time.Inhigh school, Division I teams were inspired by his determination. However, the Bulldogs — who are known for employing sizeable defensive lineman to stuff the run game — saw Swinson as an in-betweener, Kelli said. They were unsure if he would be an interior defensive lineman or an edge rusher.Heheld out hope and waited, but Georgia barely gave him a look. “As a kid, you have that dream school, but when you get older you kind of realize everything isn’t what you thought it was,” Brandon said. “It stings a little bit. At the end of the day it’s a business. But, at the same time, I don’t think he took it personally.”Instead,Swinson traveled out west and toured the University of Oregon. When he set foot in Autzen stadium, it reminded him of his first trip to Sanford. However, instead of a fleeting dream, he felt at Swinson’shome. first experience in Autzen hatched a parallel emotion to Hill and Whittington — a sense of potential that pushed their childhood ambitions into the rearview mirror. While those memories of family gatherings won’t soon be forgotten, Saturdays in autumn mean something newThenow.first one this season — a trip back to their hometown to take on the team they once heavily rooted for, the Georgia Bulldogs.
That sealed the deal. Entering his junior year and fourth year playing football for the Ducks, Hill has grown into a more vocal role. As a defensive back, he sees the whole field in front of him and his voice helps to guide his teammates to be in the best position. That will be advantageous for the Ducks against
BRADYN SWINSON junior defensive end
On Saturday, Hill will go toe to toe against a number of familiar faces, ready to prove that the four year wait to face them was time well-spent.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 13 GAMEDAY
Swinson’s recruiting process was met with a comparable approach to Whittington. His
We got the talent to meet up anywhere, but for me, personally, I can’t wait to get back to UGA, that’s a homecoming game for me.”
It was amid that title run last fall when Oregon came calling, interested in what Lanning could do with its job. The Ducks head coach Mario Cristobal had just decided to leave for the University of Miami. While winning more championships alongside his friend at Georgia and the prospects of continuing that legacy were enticing, the Ducks dangled Lanning’s dream in front of him. A head coaching position. A chance to pave his own path. He couldn’t resist. Eight months after taking the job, he’ll have a chance to justify that decision.
His offensive counterpart, Noah Whittington, is one of the only Ducks with playing experience inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Prior to the Ducks’ game against Georgia, the only way to compete inside the dome, other than playing for the Atlanta Falcons, was the high school state championship game.
Whittington’s collegiate career began at the University of Western Kentucky, but after transferring to Oregon in the summer he’ll have a chance to avenge those previous losses in Atlanta, against a university that glossed over his abilities.
Georgia, as Hill’s been preparing for this moment since committing to Oregon. He’ll have no problem adjusting to the raucous crowd he was once a part of. “I’m going to look at it like another Tuesday practice,” Hill said. “I feel like I’m not going to take in the whole scenery of the game until after the game, but of course I’m going to be excited.”
Oregon Ducks punter Tom Snee (38) kicks the ball across the field. Oregon Ducks football take on USC Trojans in the Pac-12 Championship game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, Calif., on Dec. 18, 2020. (Maddie Knight/ Emerald)
“What an honor to get a chance to go against some of these guys that I know really intimately,” Lanning said, on The #1 Ranked Show. “Coach Smart’s been really good to me, so has that program. It’s going to be fun to see where we’re at early.”Astheir former coach, Lanning has an outlook on the game against the Bulldogs different from his players, who have been looking forward to this matchup. But there’s nobody who’s anticipated the Ducks opening game for as long as Jamal Hill has. In fact, when Hill was deciding where to play collegiate football, his mother, Tammie, believed he would choose either Georgia or the University of Auburn. Ultimately, the idea of facing off against the Bulldogs outweighed suiting up for getting recruited, I didn’t know if I wanted to go that far for school,” Hill said. “But coach Cristobal said, ‘well if you give me four years, you’ll get to have a homecoming game.’”
PAGE 14 EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 GAMEDAY
GEORGIA DUCKS WHAT DOES GEORGIA BRING TO
It’s almost that time of the year. College football is less than a month away, and for the Ducks, they have to get ready at a much quicker pace than usual. In years prior, you would likely see the third and fourth-string guys getting action after halftime during these games with less-challenging opponents falling by double-digits in a flash. Recently, there’s been a change.
BY JACOB HAMRE
THE TABLE AGAINST THE DUCKS?
Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) pounds his chest in celebration. Oregon Ducks football takes on Utah for the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
The rest of the defense took a big hit this offseason with five defenders being selected in the first round of last year’s draft alone. The departures of Trayvon Walker, Quay Walker, Jordan Davis, Devonte Wyatt and many more will make Oregon’s trip a little more manageable. Oregon’s offensive line is arguably one of the most talented position groups on the roster. The Bulldogs will bring them their toughest matchup of the year with Nolan Smith returning for his senior season. Smith was the top-ranked recruit in the 2019 class, according to 247Sports. Much like recent Duck Kayvon Thibodeaux, Smith has been able to continue his prep school success at the collegiate level. The outside linebacker put up nine tackles for loss last season and was named to the preseason watch list for the Bronko Nagurski trophy, given to the nation’s top defender. The Bulldog offense lost some key players as well in the offseason. Both leading running backs were drafted and a handful of wide receivers either went pro or transferred. Georgia will not be joining the likes of Oregon, which began its season with a new quarterback at the helm. Stetson Bennett comes back for his sixth year of college football, last clearly being his best. Bennett carried a 29-7 touchdown-to-interception ratio during his first full season as the Bulldogs’ starter. He will likely be looking for Brock Bowers as his No. 1 target. At the tight end position, he led all Georgia players in receiving last season with 882 yards and 13 touchdowns.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 15 GAMEDAY
In 2019, instead of an opponent like Portland State, Oregon squared off against Auburn, starting a new tradition of early-season matches with elite opponents.TheDucks ended up losing that game but they have a chance for redemption on September 3. The defending champs host their former defensive coordinator’s new team in what looks to be a must-see game. Expectedly, the Bulldogs are rolling out with a different roster than last season, with many players from that team getting drafted in 2022. Many missing pieces will be beneficial for the Ducks as they prepare for arguably their biggest game in recent history. The SEC powerhouse will be no easy task; many of their previous corps and added talent formulate a dangerous roster. No matter who left in the offseason for Georgia, the one constant was that of the head coach. Kirby Smart, who is entering his seventh season with the Bulldogs. The dominant schemes that helped his team become one of the best defenses in the nation will be back with a revamped roster full of talent. Out of the 15 leading tacklers from a season ago, only five will return to Athens in 2022. Highlighting those five is a near-complete secondary. Kelee Ringo is the lone returning corner and is set to have a dominant season. He ended 2021 with a championship-sealing pick-six and now takes over as the primary corner.
Ducks defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) celebrates his defensive stop with a teammate. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 16, 2019. (Dl Young/Emerald)
PAGE 16 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2O22 GAMEDAY NEW PAC-12 CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FORMAT LEADS TO NEW EXPECTATIONS FOR OREGON FOOTBALL
Left: The Oregon Ducks run onto the field for the 124th Ducks vs Beavers football game. The University of Oregon Ducks hosted and defeated the Oregon State Beavers 38-29, claiming the Pac-12 North champions title. (Emerald/Ian Enger)
In late May, a unanimous vote was passed by the Pac-12 head football coaches, changing criteria for the Pac-12 championship game. In 2011, when the University of Colorado and the University of Utah joined the conference, the Pac-12 was split into a North and South division, with the winners of each division facing off for the conference title. Football fans across the West Coast have been calling for a change for years as division-winning teams would sometimes have worse records than the runner-up in other divisions. In 2020 for example, Oregon filled in for Washington, despite the Huskies having a worse record than USC and Colorado. The Buffs had the second-best record in the Pac-12 and missed out on a championship game bid. This made fans feel as though they were not truly seeing the two best teams in the most important game. The fans got their wish. Starting this upcoming season, the two teams with the highest winning percentage will play for the championship regardless of geographic location. So there could be two teams from the same state or region playing in Las Vegas on December 2.
BY BRADY RUTH
“Our goal is to place our two best teams in our Pac-12 football championship game,” Pac-12 commissioner George Kliavkoff said in a statement about the format change. “Which we believe will provide our conference with the best opportunity to optimize CFP invitations and ultimately win national championships.”
Oregon can likely afford to lose up to one conference game and still punch its ticket to Vegas. Fortunately for the Ducks, the three opponents that appear to be the toughest — Washington, Utah and UCLA) — will all play in Eugene this year.
Above: The Oregon Duck throws up his hands in celebration. Oregon Ducks football takes on Utah for the Pac 12 Championship game at Levi’s Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif. on Dec. 6, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)
The scheduling still looks the same for now. Oregon will continue to play all of the traditional North teams this season. Stanford, Cal, Washington, Washington State and Oregon State still fill the Ducks’ season. But now, instead of needing to have a better conference record than those five teams, Oregon will need to have one of the top two records across the entire conference. If this new format had always been around, Oregon would have played in seven championship games instead of the five it’s already competed in. In fact, five of the last 11 seasons, the matchups for this game would have varied. The format may have changed, but the goal remains the same. “Our goal is to win every single game at the University of Oregon,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning said on Pac-12 Media Day. “After that game, the next game will be the next most important game. So we’re going to focus on that.”
Oregon has not lost at Autzen Stadium since September 2018. New format, same talent, same mentality. Oregon still appears to be a favorite to play for the Pac-12 championship; there could just be a different flight pattern to Las Vegas for the Ducks.
The conference announced that the two teams with the best overall conference record will play in the championship game.
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selections in the past NFL draft. Nix has faced this team before so he’ll somewhat know what to expect. It’s not a guarantee that Nix starts. He’s still locked in competition, mainly with former four-star Ty Thompson. The sophomore came to Eugene as a player touted for his upside. However, he hasn’t been given the chance to showcase that prowess — let alone play meaningful snaps — but it’s not crazy to think this could be his year. “The most I’ve grown this summer has been in my independent film study and the training that I’ve done away from the school and the program,” Thompson said. “In the offseason I feel like I’ve grown with my accuracy, my decision making, recognition of defenses.”
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 1, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 19 GAMEDAY UNKNOWN STARTING QUARTERBACK VERSUS GEORGIA STILL UNKNOWN
Right: Recent transfer quarterback Bo Nix shows off his skills in front of Duck fans for the first time. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)
He displayed improvement and raw ability in the Oregon spring game, throwing for 168 yards and a touchdown, although he also tossed two interceptions. We’ll soon find out if Thompson has done enough to surpass Nix on the depth chart. Until then, the focus will be on how to upset the defending champions. The Ducks square off against the Bulldogs at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 3, 12:30 p.m. PST.
The college football season is steadily approaching and eyes will all be on Atlanta for week one. Oregon is set to take on the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs. Georgia lost a ton of talent this offseason, including 14 starters and its defensive coordinator Dan Lanning However, one position remained the same — quarterback. The undersized, 24-year-old Stetson Bennett IV will once again take the reins of the Bulldogs’ offense. The same can’t be said for the Ducks as they remain in the midst of a pre-season quarterback battle that has bled into the week leading up to their firstMostgame.likely to be the starter for this key matchup is University of Auburn transfer Bo Nix. Throughout his three year career at Auburn, Nix remained an inconsistent passer who flashed Johnny-Manziel-like improvisation skills every so often. Nix certainly has the talent as he was a five-star recruit and had offers from a multitude of Power 5 schools. However, he was never able to develop into one of the nation’s best. He hasn’t thrown for more than 16 touchdowns since his freshman year. Many Oregon fans were familiar with Nix even before his transfer. In a 2019 game against the Ducks, Nix orchestrated a last minute drive which resulted in a walk-off touchdown to break the hearts of Oregon fans and players alike. Those same fans who were disappointed will now have to root for some Nix magic, as he faces a team he’s seen before. Nix struggled against Georgia last season, going 21/27 for 217 yards and an interception. This shouldn’t be too alarming as the 2021 Bulldogs’ defense was perceived as so dominant that they had five first-round
BY JACK AARON
Above: Quarterback Ty Thompson gets set after a snap. The Oregon Football team competes in it’s annual spring game on April 23rd, 2022 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. Hendrie/Emerald)(Serei
Thompson also spent time at the Manning Passing Academy where he was mentored by greats Archie, Eli and Peyton Manning. “That was some of the most fun I’ve had around football in a long time,” Thompson said. “It was a much-needed refresher for me. Getting around the kids was really fun and then competing with some of the best quarterbacks in the nation. It was a blessing to be there.”
Who will lead Oregon’s offense in week one?
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