SAME STADIUM,SAMENEWNEWSTADIUM,MEANINGMEANING
Oregon running back Noah Whittington returned to Georgia with the hopes of changing the narrative of past shortcomings.
GAMEDAY SCORES AND STORYLINES FROM WEEK ONE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL PG.10 HEISEN: DAN LANNING’S SACRED SECRET DUCKS DOWNFALL PG.14 EASTERN WASHINGTON VISITS OREGON IN AUTZEN STADIUM OPENER PG.17 9.8.22 NO. 2
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The Duck crowd surfs all the way up to the top of the student section. Oregon Ducks Football takes on University of California at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Oct. 5, 2019. (Sarah Northrop/Emerald)
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4 No. 20 NBSSCBCBLBLBLBOTOTDBDE R SR R SR R SR R RRRRRSRSOJRJRJRJRJRSRSO SETH HARRISON NICK GUNNEREFTONCODYKOKICHCLEMENTSCHISMIIITALKINGTON No. 83 No. 49 No. 47 No. 89 No. 2 LSPK PR/KR H R RSOSRJRJRSR 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
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Stints with the Commanders and Seahawks did not last long, failing to stick with both teams after rookie mini-camp.
With the numbers Adams put up in his final two years at Bishop Alemany, it would be surprising to not receive a Power-5 offer as a quarterback. Yet that offer never came. While leading his team to an overall record of 22-5, Adams passed for 5,234 yards and 49 touchdowns. He also tacked on 1,263 yards and 19 scores on the ground.
In the wide gap between FCS and FBS schools, it’s rare to find connections. For Oregon and Eastern Washington, they shared the honor of having the same electric playmaker at the head of the offense.
In his first start as a Duck, he faced off against his former teammates at Eastern Washington. Adams established himself as a more than viable replacement for Mariota, launching 19 passes for 246 yards and a pair of touchdowns en route to a 61-42 victory.
Before arriving in Eugene, the 5-foot-11 Adams had his work cut out for him. He had to follow up Marcus Mariota’s Heisman-winning season, which would be a steep challenge for anyone. Adams took that challenge and ran with it.
His efforts were enough to propel Oregon to a 9-4 record while having the fifth best team offense in the nation.
Oregon will take on Adams’ former squad at Autzen Stadium on Sept. 10 at 5:30 p.m. PST.
Let’s take a look back at one of the most dynamic quarterbacks for both schools.
Seeking to play at a higher level, Adams was granted a release from his scholarship so he could gauge Power-5 interest. In an interview on the Dan Patrick Show, he confirmed that he talked to UCLA and Maryland before deciding to join Oregon.
A lack of recognition didn’t derail the start of his college football career –– it fueled it. In splitting time during his redshirt sophomore season, Adams led the Eagles to the FCS playoff semifinals.
Adams was not selected in the 2016 draft, although he did his best in the EastWest Shrine Game, winning offensive MVP.
Coming out of Bishop Alemany High School in Los Angeles, Adams didn’t receive proper recognition for his talents. According to 247Sports.com, he was an unranked player with only two offers. One from Portland State and the other from Eastern Washington.
Throughout the year, Adams showed why Oregon named him the starter even though he’d arrived five days late for fall camp. A tantalizing combination of deep ball accuracy with a sixth sense for making clutch plays revealed why he was coined “Big Play VA.”
BY JACK AARON
During his lone season at Oregon, he completed nearly 65% of his throws for 2,643 yards and 28 total touchdowns compared to six interceptions. It was a more than admirable performance for facing his toughest competition yet.
The Ducks’ postseason hopes were dashed after a disappointing loss in the 2016 Alamo bowl. Adams didn’t perform particularly well –– going 13/19 for 197 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks then choked on a 31 point lead to TCU — a loss which is burned into the memory of many Oregon fans. It came as a bitter ending for an otherwise exciting season.
Adams has made a career for himself in the CFL where he’s experienced mild success. Entering his sixth season, he was dealt to the B.C. Lions for a 2023 first-round pick, where he is likely to start soon, following a significant injury to Lions first string quarterback Nathan Rourke.
“It was a dream school,” Adams said, during an interview with Sports with Limitless. “Whatever you think of Oregon, it’s 10 times better.”
Above: Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) balances the ball on his finger in between drills. Oregon Football hosts its annual NFL Pro Day for scouts to view the talent of 2016 draft eligible players at the Moshofsky Center in Eugene, Ore. on March 10, 2016. (Adam Eberhardt/Emerald Archives)
Left: Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. (3) throws up the O before warming up. The No. 18 Oregon Ducks face the Oregon State Beavers in the Civil War at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 27, 2015. (Adam Eberhardt/Emerald Archives)
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 7 GAMEDAY THE BRIDGE BETWEEN OREGON AND EASTERN WASHINGTON: RECALLING VERNON ADAMS, JR. THE BRIDGE BETWEEN OREGON AND EASTERN WASHINGTON: RECALLING VERNON ADAMS, JR.
“The fact that I’m getting an opportunity to earn the starting spot at the University of Oregon is surreal,” Adams admitted.
Adams turned up the heat in 2012, his first as the undisputed starter. He spearheaded an upset win against No. 25 Oregon State. Throwing for 411 yards and four touchdowns against the Beavers sent national attention Adams’ way. He would continue to rack up stats, accolades and wins for the Eagles in the 2013 and 2014 seasons. Adams became a two-time Big Sky Player of the Year and was responsible for 100 total touchdowns during that period.
Oregon Ducks running back Noah Whittington (22) carries the ball against the Georgia Bulldogs 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)
BY AARON HEISEN
Noah Whittington has no time to associate the Mercedes-Benz stadium with despair from past losses, as he and the Oregon Ducks move forward.
Below: Students cheer and dance during the traditional 3rd quarter playing of “Shout.” The Oregon Ducks host Fresno State on September 4th, 2021, for game one of the 2021 season.
AN JOURNEYARDUOUSBACK TO MERCEDESBENZ STADIUM
PAGE 8 | EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2O22 GAMEDAY
Above: 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)
his preferred offensive scheme.
“GROWING UP, MY DAD WAS SICK, SO JUST SEEING MY MOM RAISE US BY HERSELF REALLY MOTIVATED ME,”
approach to offense at the time. He elected to attend the latter, thinking he could learn the offense during his freshman year and earn the role as the featured running back by his sophomore year.
Trailing 13-7 with 10 seconds remaining and no timeouts, Cedar Grove had third-and-goal from the 22 yard line. Quarterback Kendall Boney found wide receiver Jadon Haselwood for a game-winning touchdown.
At the time it stung, but Campbell knew this loss could motivate Whittington and his teammates. He had the play painted as a mural in the Trojans’ weight room. During every workout, they were reminded of that bitter feeling. They stayed hungry. In 2018, they returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to take on Cedar Grove High School.
Now, it’s been four years since he’s played in that dome.
Whittington played a crucial role. His pass-protection savvy earned him the most snaps of any running back on the roster. He ran routes out of the backfield, but Zappe rarely resorted to his check-down option. His rushing opportunities came in spurts, but he maximized it, rushing the ball 101 times for 617 yards and two touchdowns. His 6.1 yards per carry was a respectable number.Despite the heavy passing attack, Whittington found his niche at Western Kentucky. He had grown close with its newly-hired running back coach Carlos Locklyn.IntheBoca Raton Bowl game against Appalachian State, he rushed seven times for 150 yards. While the Hilltoppers led for much of the game, they recorded a 47 to 26 pass-to-run ratio. Early in the third quarter, Whittington broke free out of a disguised passing formation. Lined up in the shotgun, Zappe handed the ball to him on a draw play. He quickly burst up the middle and ran untouched in a straight line for an 86-yard touchdown.
So, Whittington’s decision came down to two schools: Georgia Southern, a program not far from his hometown of Fort Valley, Georgia, which deployed a triple option set –– or Western Kentucky, which operated with a balanced
In the end, it was a quality season, but Whittington was hoping for a chance to excel in an offense that prioritized its running game.
Whittington questioned whether Oregon would meet his needs at first. He was content with being the lead back at Western Kentucky, although it wasn’t
The game came down to the final minutes. Once again, it slipped just out of the Trojans’ hands.
After two years of shifting between running back and slot receiver, he took on the role of a workhorse-running-back. Inside zones. Outside counters. Screen passes. Check-downs. Pass-protection. Wildcat quarterback. He rarely took a playWithoff.Whittington at the helm, the Trojans achieved an undefeated regular season. They beat Brantley County in the first round of the playoffs, before hosting a rematch with Calhoun. Campbell utilized the wildcat formation for much of the game, letting Whittington’s legs decide the outcome. The strategy proved beneficial, as the Trojans won 35-0, and Whittington went for about 280 yards, Campbell said.
NOAH WHITTINGTON Oregon Running Back
His performances at Western Kentucky began to draw attention from the schools that had once overlooked his abilities. Oregon wasn’t far behind, and the Ducks had just hired Locklyn as their running back coach.
In the waning minutes of the 2017 Georgia High School Association 3A final, Noah Whittington and the Peach County Trojans faced fourth down and eight on the 22-yard-line, trailing the Calhoun Yellow Jackets 10-6. As quarterback Antonio Gilbert dropped back, Whittington ran a wheel route down the sideline and broke free from his coverage. He seemingly hauled in Gilbert’s pass, turned up field towards the end zone and stretched his right arm out in an attempt to reach the ball over the goal-line. As his body smacked against the field, the ball poppedIncompleteout. pass, the official signaled. Turnover on downs.
The Hilltoppers committed to an air raid offense, attempting 697 passes, the second most in the nation, while completing a nation’s leading 480. The strategy resulted in the Hilltoppers going 8-5 in the regular season and earning a trip to the Boca Raton Bowl.
When Whittington returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the third time, he suppressed the memories of his high school shortcomings. He didn’t make his usual trip to Peach County. He didn’t come face to face with that mural. As his football career progresses, he’ll continue to act as a role model for future Trojans’ players, doing anything in his power to help them achieve what was just out of his grasp. Whittington left Mercedes-Benz Stadium with a feeling of comfort, rather than despair.
Campbell reached out to the University of Oregon thinking Whittington’s dual-threat nature would fit its offensive system. Nobody would bite.
It caught Whittington off guard, but didn’t change his mindset. He was the lead back. The team’s needs came first.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 9 GAMEDAY
Despite all he accomplished at Peach County, Whittington received a miniscule number of letters from Power Five programs. Throughout the recruitment process, Campbell acted as his liaison, trying to convince top schools that Whittington’s versatility would translate to success at the collegiate level.He received a litany of complaints. “Coach, we love him,” the scouts would say. “We’re just not looking for a smaller back.”
The plan was put in place. In 2021, as his sophomore season approached, Whittington shot up the depth chart — with his intense knowledge of the running back position to thank for the leap. The Hilltoppers also acquired transfer quarterback Bailey Zappe from Houston Baptist, a dynamic passer known for his ability to stretch the field. They decided to transform the offensive playbook to accommodate Zappe’s strengths.
Ultimately, the exposure that could help him score an NFL paycheck someday, outweighed his role at Western Kentucky. He took a leap of faith and transferred.WithLocklyn leading the way at Oregon, Whittington wasted no time growing comfortable with his teammates and the Ducks’ running system. Oregon’s scheme is one that spreads the workload among the running backs, allowing each to excel at their strengths.
Four years that were flooded with more moments of uncertainty surrounding his recruitment process and his role at the collegiate level. His arduous journey distracted him from those losses, pushing them into the rearview mirror. On Saturday, however, his mental toughness was tested as he returned to Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This time, a member of the Oregon Ducks football team, trying to create positive memories in a place home that holds spoiled ones.His journey to return to Mercedes-Benz Stadium began in his senior year at PeachWhittingtonCounty. put on a show.
So he sat alone, in the crowded Mercedes-Benz Stadium locker room, pitying himself. As his head coach Chad Campbell approached him, he avoided eye contact.“Man, I’m proud of you,” Campbell said. “Everybody in this room and everybody in the world knows you caught that football, so don’t sit there and be sad about anything.”
“Gilbert. Back to pass. Has time. Throws. Caught. Stretched out. And it’s going to be.” the announcer said then paused. “Down at the 1 yard line. Noah Whittington, with a great catch.”
For Whittington, that’s his speed and downhill-running ability, which he put on display in Oregon’s spring game when he turned 11 carries into 84 yards. On Saturday, when the Ducks faced the Georgia Bulldogs, Whittington turned two of his three rushing attempts into first downs.
Two games in Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Two agonizing losses. Whittington began to associate the stadium with a feeling of despair. As his career progressed into the collegiate level, he would return home to Georgia during the offseason to spend time with his family, train with Peach County running back coach Rickey Wray and make a visit to his old high school where he now acts as a role model to the current Trojans’ players. Each time he made that trip, he would walk into the weight room and stare down that mural. His mind would wander back to those losses in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Confused, Whittington flashed the official a questioning stare. The announcer’s call reflected his bewilderment.
He thought about his options, considering the potential effect on his family and his “Growingfuture.up, my Dad was sick, so just seeing my mom raise us by herself really motivated me,” Whittington said. “I got three little sisters, so I feel like my biggest motivation is trying to provide for my family.”
His forearms were damp from wiping his eyes. Deep down he knew it wasn’t his fault, yet he continued to blame himself.
One play in particular stood out to Whittington’s teammate and close friend Sergio Allen, who played tight end and linebacker for the Trojans. Allen vividly remembered Whittington turning a simple outside counter into an 80-yard touchdown.“Iwasahead of him, blocking the safety,” Allen said. “And out of nowhere, he just runs right past me. I’m trying to keep up with him, and I just can’t because he’s so fast blazing down the field.”
BY: BRADY RUTH
Colorado (0-1) finds quarterback controversy, but not success in 38-13 loss to TCU (1-0)
A back-and-forth battle failed to go the way of the Utes on Saturday night. It’s not about how many lead changes there are in a game, only the last one matters. Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson rushed into the endzone to put the Gators ahead with a little over a minute left. The eyes of the nation turned to Utah quarterback Cameron Rising, but a goal line interception sealed the fate of last year’s Pac-12 champions. The loss put Utah at 1-7 all-time against SEC opponents. Utah hosts Southern Utah (1-0) next Saturday. Arizona (1-0) upsets San Diego State (0-1) on the road in impressive 38-20 fashion
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)
With its first win over a Mountain West opponent since 2016, the Arizona Wildcats started the year off on the right paw. Sophomore quarterback Jayden de Laura threw four touchdowns alongside 299 passing yards in his first game with Arizona after playing for Washington State last season. The Wildcats’ defense held the Aztecs to just 62 passing yards in SDSU’s new stadium debut. Arizona hosts Mississippi State (1-0) next week in its home opener.USC(1-0) fires on all cylinders in 66-14 win over RiceMany(0-1)seem to believe that the Trojans are the clear choice for Pac-12 champion, and some think a playoff chance is likely. USC made a strong case for both in its opening game, defeating Rice 66-14. Three USC pick-sixes mixed with an onslaught by the Trojan offense left southern Californian fans feeling good about week one. The Lincoln Riley and Caleb Williams era is off to an explosive start. USC plays at Stanford (1-0) next week in the first conference matchup of the season. Beavers (1-0) build on Boise State (0-1) blunders
Early and often seemed the theme for the Washington Huskies’ offense in its first win of the new season. Junior quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was brilliant against the Golden Flashes, throwing for 345 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. Twenty-one first quarter points gave Washington a comfortable lead that would be held up by a stingy defense that forced three turnovers en route to a season opening smackdown. The Huskies host Portland State (0-1) for their week twoUCLAmatchup.(1-0)overcomes slow start to defeat Bowling Green (0-1) 45-17 in season opener
Fans of Bowling Green may have had a glimmer of hope when the Falcons led 17-7 in the first half. But Dorian Thompson-Robinson had other plans to open his fifth season. A 68-yard touchdown rush from the UCLA quarterback, along with 298 yards in the air, demonstrated just how lethal the Bruins’ offense can be. UCLA found the endzone in each quarter en route to 45 points, its largest point total in a season opener since 2017. UCLA will host Alabama State (1-0) next Saturday.
has some questions to answer and some positions to figure out as soon as possible. The Buffaloes will play at Air Force (1-0) next Saturday in Colorado Springs.Arizona State (1-0) tramples Northern Arizona (0-1) 40-3 in intrastate tilt
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)
Last season’s last place finisher in the Pac-12 North took advantage of a Colgate mismatch to start 2022. Colgate’s only touchdown came on a blocked punt; Stanford’s defense allowed just 3 points. Cardinal quarterback Tanner McKee racked up 308 passing yards as he found Michael Wilson for a pair of scores in a dominating first victory. Next week Stanford kicks off Pac-12 play against USC (1-0).
PAGE 10 | EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2O22
in 34-17 OregonvictoryState’s notorious turnover chainsaw had a busy night in the opening of newly renovated Reser Stadium. Five Bronco turnovers, three interceptions and two fumbles proved to be detrimental to Boise State as Oregon State scored 17 points off turnovers in the first half alone. A 24-0 halftime lead was more than enough for the Beavers who held on to win their first game of the season. Oregon State will play a solid Fresno State (1-0) squad next Saturday in California.
Big first quarter sets tone in Washington’s (1-0) 45-20 win over Kent State (0-1)
Pac-12 football kicked off on Thursday night in Tempe with a predictable Sun Devil victory. ASU quarterback Emory Jones was sharp in his first game as a Sun Devil. The Florida transfer was 13-for-18 despite Arizona State displaying a runheavy gameplan. The Sun Devils have now won 11 straight over the Lumberjacks and are undefeated against NAU since 1938. ASU’s next game will come on Sept. 10, on the road against No.12 Oklahoma StateWashington(1-0).
State (1-0) picks up tenth consecutive win over Idaho (0-1) 24-17
An in-depth look at how the Pac-12 conference faired in its opening matchups.
Colorado’s live Buffalo mascot Ralphie had more rushing yards in her pregame loop than the actual team had in 60 minutes against the Horned Frogs. In its first ever matchup with TCU, Colorado rushed for just 113 yards. Two quarterbacks suited up for the Buffs. Colorado starter Brendon Lewis threw for under 70 yards in just under three quarters of play. Sophomore J.T. Shrout threw for 157 off the bench. The fans in Boulder were visibly frustrated at the coaching decisions, and Colorado
SCORES AND STORYLINESGAMEDAYSCORES AND STORYLINES FROM WEEK ONE OF COLLEGE FOOTBALL
Oregon’s disappointing loss to Georgia was certainly a headline for week one of college football, but it was not the only notable Pac-12 game. Of the dozen teams in the conference, nine of them were able to find victory during the opening weekend. With the excitement of a new season fresh on the minds of fans and players, stories from across the Conference of Champions began to roll in.
No. 7 Utah (0-1) falls to unranked Florida (1-0) 29-26 in the swamp
Despite losing the turnover battle and time of possession, Washington State won its season opener against the Vandals. Incarnate Word transfer Cameron Ward was sharp in his Pac-12 debut; the sophomore quarterback had three touchdown passes and no interceptions on the day. A tough road game awaits the Cougars next Saturday in Madison against No. 18 Wisconsin (1-0).Defensive score seals California’s (1-0) 34-13 win over UC Davis (0-1)
Craig Woodson’s 39-yard pick-six was a fitting exclamation point for California’s week one win over UC Davis. The costly turnover put the Bears up 24-7 over the Aggies as California improved to 11-0 all-time against UC Davis. Arizona transfer Jack Plummer had three touchdowns in his Berkeley Blue debut. Cal will face off with UNLV (1-0) next StanfordSaturday.(1-0)stomps Colgate (0-1) 41-10 in anticlimactic opener
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 11 GAMEDAY “I became a firm believer that the Hayward Magic does exist.”LIMITED SCAN NOW Foreword written by Andrew Wheating Celebrate Hayward Field’s Legends and Legacy Beautiful writing Dynamic images 140 Hardcoverpages ORDER TODAY! 530 BLAIR BLVD EUGENE 390 Lincoln St. @4th 541.735.3860 LUNCH & thewheelapizzapub.comDINEEVERYDAYDINNERIN|CARRYOUT pub brewed beer HERBIVORE CARNIVORE LOCAVORE (541) 735-3520 TACOVOREPNW.COM 530 BLAIR BLVD EUGENE 390 Lincoln St. @4th 541.735.3860 LUNCH & thewheelapizzapub.comDINEEVERYDAYDINNERIN|CARRYOUT New Haven inspired apizza, pub brewed beer HERBIVORE CARNIVORE LOCAVORE (541) 735-3520 TACOVOREPNW.COM 530 BLAIR BLVD EUGENE 390 Lincoln St. @4th 541.735.3860 LUNCH & thewheelapizzapub.comDINEEVERYDAYDINNERIN|CARRYOUT New Haven inspired apizza, pub brewed beer HERBIVORE CARNIVORE LOCAVORE (541) 735-3520 TACOVOREPNW.COM530 BLAIR BLVD EUGENE 390 Lincoln St. @4th 541.735.3860 LUNCH & thewheelapizzapub.comDINEEVERYDAYDINNERIN|CARRYOUT New Haven inspired apizza, pub brewed beer HERBIVORE CARNIVORE LOCAVORE (541) 735-3520 TACOVOREPNW.COM 530 BLAIR BLVD EUGENE 390 Lincoln St. @4th 541.735.3860 LUNCH & thewheelapizzapub.comDINEEVERYDAYDINNERIN|CARRYOUT New Haven inspired apizza, pub brewed beer HERBIVORE CARNIVORE LOCAVORE (541) 735-3520 TACOVOREPNW.COM
While a solid pink jersey hasn’t been worn by Oregon before, this could very well be the season that the Ducks go all pink — especially because there don’t appear to be any other brand new jerseys on the schedule. But this could open the door for bringing back past favorites. The eggshell white, which despite no official word from the team, appears in the display windows outside the Duck Store alongside the other uniforms Oregon will be wearing in 2022.
season. The Ducks’ home opener will be a blackout.
“Blackout seems very fun, and I feel like they will come up with an electric concept,” Oregon sophomore Connor Mitchell said. “Plus, it will look cool in [Autzen Stadium] if it is a night game!”
PAGE 12 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2O22 GAMEDAY OREGON FOOTBALL’S COLOR SCHEDULE BRINGS EXCITEMENT TO TEAM AND FANBASE Ducks will have five different color themes throughout the 2022-2023 season. Week 1 - GREEN ................................ GEORGIA Week 2 - BLACK ....... EASTERN WASHINGTON Week 3 - YELLOW .................................... BYU Week 4 - WHITE ......... @WASHINGTON STATE Week 5 - GREEN ............................ STANFORD Week 6 - WHITE ........................... @ARIZONA Week 7 - PINK ....................................... UCLA Week 8 - GREEN ...................... @CALIFORNIA Week 9 - GREEN ....................... @COLORADO Week 10 - YELLOW ................... WASHINGTON Week 11 - GREEN ................................... UTAH Week 12 - YELLOW .............. @OREGON STATE BY BRADY RUTH
“I voted pink because October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month,” Oregon sophomore Audrey Chandler said. “Incorporating it not only raises awareness as a fan base, but it also gives another fun element to the game.”
The green and yellow looks will return as usual throughout the season, highlighting the yellow against rivals Washington and Oregon State. Zero percent of voters on Instagram are most excited about Oregon’s neon yellow attire.Asimilar poll on Twitter shows 57% of fans excited about the classic green. Fourteen percent are thrilled about pink, and 25% hope for a blackout beatdown of Eastern Washington.
An Instagram poll reported that 50% of respondents are most looking forward to the pink game in 2022.
Another highlight will be Oregon’s darkest theme game for the upcoming
A staple of Oregon’s football identity is its uniforms. From icy white to bright neon, the Ducks’ jerseys always stand out on the field. While opinions on the many looks vary, unique, colorful and often crazy looks have become the norm for football in Eugene. The color schedule for the fans has been released, and if history is any indication, the team’s jersey color will likely follow suit.
Oregon will sport four colors at Autzen Stadium this year: green, yellow, black and pink. That’s right. Pink is supposedly back. The Ducks have rocked the pink look twice before: once in 2012 and again in 2014.
With a new coach and offense, there will be lots to observe on the field for Ducks fans. Their team’s play will have to compete with the flashiness of the brilliant Nike-sponsored uniforms.
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“I’ll put it this way: Intentionally, I’m not going to give you any direction right now,” Nagy said in a
GAMEDAYHEISEN: DAN LANNING’S SACRED SECRET
The saga continued up until the Ducks’ first meaningful snap against the Georgia Bulldogs. Lanning’s reasoning was that he felt withholding the information would be a competitive advantage. It’s a rationale shared by many football coaches who have approached their quarterback competition as Lanning did. It proved to be an unsuccessful strategy.
Nix’s performance in the spring game looked like enough for him to be publicly named the starter over redshirt freshmen Ty Thompson and Jay“NotNope.Butterfield.tellingyou,”
Speculation continued, and some of it was
touchdown percentage by 2%. Nagy’s salve was some friendly quarterback competition. Heading into the 2020 season, the Bears acquired Nick Foles, a year removed from leading the Philadelphia Eagles to their first Super Bowl win.
Throughout his first offseason as the Oregon Ducks’ head football coach, his philosophy on revealing the team’s starting quarterback never wavered. It began when he declared there would be a competition throughout spring football camp. By the end of those 16 practices, the Ducks took the field during the annual Oregon spring game — a game in which Auburn transfer Bo Nix took snaps with the starters and led all quarterbacks with 230 yards and three touchdowns.
PAGE 14 EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2O22
Look at former Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy. In his first season with the Bears, he instilled faith in a shaky Mitch Trubisky. Despite Trubisky going 5-11 in his rookie season, Nagy gave him the keys to the offense and the Bears went 12-4 in 2018, earning themselves a trip to the playoffs for the first time in eight years.
DUCKS’ DOWNFALL HEISEN: DAN LANNING’S SACRED SECRET DUCKS’ DOWNFALL
The following year, Trubisky struggled: His completion rate dropped by 3%, and his
After winning a Super Bowl and being named MVP of the game, Foles went to the Jacksonville Jaguars to reaffirm that he truly was an NFLcaliber starter. It didn’t go as planned. After starting 0-4, Foles fractured his clavicle and missed the remainder of the season. Foles’ lackluster showing in Jacksonville led most to believe that the fourth-year QB still seemed like the logical choice to start for the Bears heading intoDespite2020. that, a quarterback competition trickled into week one as the Bears prepared to play the Detroit Lions. The duel, however, wasn’t to light a fire under Trubisky.
Despite the constant questioning, Dan Lanning wouldn’t budge.
borderline delusional.
BY AARON HEISEN
Lanning said when asked about the starting Regardlessquarterback.ofthesecret, a common notion was Nix had firmly won the job. Yet Lanning continued to hold the decision to himself.
“I think we’ll use both quarterbacks,” fans on the plane to Atlanta said about Thompson and Nix. “It’ll be like Tim Tebow and Chris Leak.”
Following the loss, Lanning introduced a new approach.“Wehave other quarterbacks on our team that obviously can compete as well, but Bo is our quarterback,” Lanning said. “Bo did a good job today of handling some adverse situations, but he is also going to figure out how can he improve, just like we can as a staff.”Acomplete 180.
“I don’t think Matt played as well as he or we would have liked for him to play,” Allen said after the game. “We’ve got to continue to get better. We’ve got to keep moving forward, and that’s a position that we’re still continuing to evaluate.”
The competition didn’t help to change that.
Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during 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)
Oregon Ducks prior to the 2022 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game between the Georgia Bulldogs and Oregon Ducks, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (Joe Robbins via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)
The question remains: correlation or causation? Maybe it’s smarter to instill confidence in the starting quarterback by announcing it before the week of the firstLanning’sgame.
decision clearly did not give the Ducks a competitive advantage as they lost to Georgia 49-3, the largest deficit in any Chick-fil-A Kickoff game. Oregon starter Bo Nix struggled to move the ball and forced two early throws that resulted in interceptions.
Bo did a good job today of handling some adverse situations, but he is also going to figure out how can he improve, just like we can as a staff.”
While the Ducks wait for their next chance to take the field, they hope to reshape their perception surrounding their team. Lanning will now have to defend his decision rather than hold it in.
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 15 GAMEDAY
press conference days before the Bears faced the Lions. It wouldn’t be the only time Nagy put on this act. The following season, he refused to tip his hand on another quarterback competition between Andy Dalton and rookie Justin Fields before the Bears sputtered to a 6-11 record. By the end of the season, Nagy lost his job. This ideology followed by football coaches is seemingly a herd mentality; Nagy and Lanning just followed their precursors. In 2013, the then-Oakland Raiders held a quarterback competition between Terrelle Pryor and Matt Flynn. Flynn, a seventh round draft pick who found his niche as a pocket passer and consummate backup at the NFL level, was the antithesis of Pryor — a boisterous top draft pick — who liked to extend plays with his legs. The two were locked in a quarterback competition for a Raiders team that hadn’t enjoyed a winning season in eight years.
Raiders head coach Dennis Allen didn’t make a decision on his starting quarterback until days before the Raiders’ first game. During Oakland’s final preseason game, Pryor took snaps with the starters, completing 7-of-9 passes for 93 yards and a touchdown, while adding another score on the ground. Flynn, on the other hand, attempted six passes and was intercepted on two of them.
The Raiders finished 4-12 that season, tying their worst mark since 1962.
DAN LANNING Oregon Head Football Coach
“
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While the Eagles will obviously be a significantly easier opponent than the No. 3 Georgia Bulldogs, they might not be a complete cake walk. They’re coming off one of their best seasons in program history, when they went 10-3 overall and 6-2 in the Big Sky conference. They were the first team since 1967 to not lose a regular season game on the road. The Eagles achieved their 15th Football Subdivision Championship playoff berth before ultimately losing in the second round to Montana.
expect him to repeat Barriere’s performance. The Ducks’ defense will look to dominate against the long-tenured but inexperienced starter.
The Eagles have had a solid run of success but will be losing some of their key pieces.
Eric Barriere passed for 5,070 yards last season, which earned him the Walter Payton Award, a distinction given to the most outstanding offensive player in the FCS. Now the Eagles will pass the torch to redshirt senior Gunner Talkington, who appeared in all 13 games last season as a holder on special teams and four games as the backup quarterback.
After winning their first game of the season, the Eagles will take on an Oregon squad that should be fired up under new head coach Dan Lanning. The Ducks are coming off a brutal 49-3 defeat to the defending national champion Georgia Bulldogs, with whom Lanning was the defensive coordinator. This game should give Oregon a chance to figure things out before Pac-12 play.
The Eagles have 16 defenders on their roster who have at least one start in their careers (per GoEags.com), seven of whom are part of the secondary.
Eastern Washington’s defense looks to be a safer bet than its offense, which has more holes to fill. While another 10-3 season seems improbable, they can’t be written off entirely. The program has been consistently successful in recent history, going 98-25 over the last 15 years.
BY MOJO HILL
The offensive players that Eastern Washington returns include three AllAmericans: sophomore wide receiver Efton Chism III, junior wide receiver Freddie Roberson and senior offensive guard Wyatt Musser. That trio will be vital for the Eagles’ offense, considering the rest of their wide receiver corps carries less Defensively,experience.EasternWashington
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2022 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | PAGE 17 GAMEDAY
After a tough season opener, Oregon will return to the place where it never rains, looking to bounce back against Eastern Washington University. For the first time in 2022, the Oregon Duck will sprint out to the tune of the marching band as flocks of fans wearing green and yellow fill the seats.
In his work at quarterback, he threw for 98 yards and one touchdown. He’s appeared in parts of four seasons for Eastern Washington and was finally named the starter this year by head coach Aaron Best. He has five career touchdowns.It’ssafetosay Talkington has large shoes to fill, and it would be unlikely to
still has a solid veteran core. They’re led by All-Big Sky starters Mitchell Johnson and Joshua Jerome along with defensive backs Anthany Smith and Tre Weed. Smith was the team’s defensive MVP in 2020 and collected 38 tackles in 2021 despite missing half the year to injury.
Despite an embarrassing loss last week, the Ducks will clearly be the favorites to win as they head into a raucous Autzen Stadium. The key for Eastern Washington is how Talkington and the new-look offense fare under the bright lights of Eugene.
Oregon Ducks offensive lineman Matt Hegarty (72) prepares so snap the ball. The No. 7 Oregon Ducks open the season in a face-off with Eastern Washington at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon on September 5, 2015. (Adam Eberhardt/Emerald)
The team certainly has its share of question marks if it wants to repeat that success. Ten of last year’s starters moved on, leaving room for new players to step up. The Eagles’ offense particularly took a hit, as six of their offensive starters — including their quarterback — are no longer with the squad.
EASTERN WASHINGTON VISITS OREGON IN AUTZEN STADIUM OPENER
Football in Autzen Stadium is back.
Oregon lost starting cornerbacks Mykael Wright and DJ James this offseason, with the former opting for the professional ranks and the latter transferring to Auburn to be closer to home. Free safety Verone McKinley, who many Ducks fans know as “The General,” also entered the 2022 NFL Draft after his All-American season. McKinley was named a finalist for the 2021 Jim Thorpe award, given to college football’s best defensive back.
HOW DOES OREGON’S YOUTHFUL SECONDARY FARE AGAINST EASTERN WASHINGTON’S PASS HEAVY OFFENSE?
Oregon’s secondary will be tested early and often in this matchup. If they are able to force turnovers and limit explosive moments, then this contest should be over by halftime.
PAGE 18 | EMERALD GAMEDAY | THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2O22 GAMEDAY
Redshirt senior Gunner Talkington’s 2021 stat sheet was miniscule; he threw 17 times for 98 yards in limited action. Talkington was the only quarterback outside of Barriere who threw for a touchdown last fall, so he is figured to lead EWU’s offense this season.
EWU’s offensive staff’s biggest challenge will be to replace their quarterback from a year ago: Eric Barriere. Barriere was no slouch, as he posted 5,070 yards, 46 touchdowns in the air and eight interceptions in 2021
Oregon lost three productive defensive backs this offseason.
Top: Oregon Ducks head coach Dan Lanning during the 2022 Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game against the Georgia Bulldogs, Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Atlanta. (Jason Parkhurst via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff
pass attack. EWU averaged 400 passing yards and 44 points per game. It finished with 47 touchdowns through the air and 5,207 yards passing, so it’s no secret that Best prefers to pass the rock. Last fall, the Eagles made it to the red zone 74 times and punched it in on 64 of those occasions.
BY KEIJI PATTERSON
Oregon Ducks defensive back Christian Gonzalez (0) drops into coverage on defense during the Chick-Fil-A Kickoff Game against the Georgia Bulldogs on September 3, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. (Joe Robbins via Abell Images for the Chick-fil-A Kickoff Game)
While the Eagles posted those impressive numbers, they also allowed a whopping 27.85 points per game. They also only converted 50% of their third downs and 56% of their fourth downs, so look for the Ducks to wreak havoc on these downs and see their secondary force someEWUturnovers.lostthree of their five leading receivers from last season. Talolo Limu-Jones, Andrew Boston and Dennis Merritt exhausted their eligibility and opted to turn pro. The Eagles do return Freddie Roberson and Efton Chism III — who placed third and fourth respectively in the team’s receiving yards.
Eastern Washington head coach Aaron Best is in his sixth season with the program. He previously served as the offensive coordinator from 2009-2017 before he received his promotion. However, he has been an Eagle since his academic years.Best coached a 2021 team that saw its offense post a high-volume
Bottom:Game)
Heading into the 2022 season, the Oregon Ducks lost three of their starters, in addition to veteran Jordan Happle, who contributed in the defensive backfield as well. They pursued fresh opportunities for their careers. These departures left the new coaching staff with the job of finding replacements in their youngWhensecondary.theEastern Washington University Eagles trot into Autzen Stadium in week two, they will present a pass-heavy offense to the new-look Ducks secondary.
Last year’s starters secured pivotal wins, with fourth quarter interceptions from McKinley (versus Ohio State) and James (against UCLA). Bennett Williams, Jamal Hill, Trikweze Bridges and Dontae Manning will return after playing meaningful snaps last fall. Oregon’s new staff also brought in Colorado sophomore transfer Christian Gonzalez after his allconference year. Former four-star athlete Bryan Addison is figured to shutdown the center field as the Ducks’ free safety.
Head coach Dan Lanning and his staff will greet the Autzen faithful for the first time when the Oregon Ducks host the Eastern Washington Eagles in their home opener on September 10.
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