11/30/17 Emerald Media - Gameday Edition

GAMEDAY

THE DUCKS HAD A TURBULENT 2017 SEASON but through it all, they ended on a high note.

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ON THE COVER

Oregon players celebrate after win against OSU. Photograph by Adam Eberhardt

OREGON IS GOING BOWLING

GAMEDAY

BY: Kylee O’Connor @kyleethemightee | PHOTO: Adam Eberhardt

e Oregon football team needed to win one of its last two games to clinch a postseason bowl game berth. e Ducks did one better, beating both Arizona and Oregon State to finish two games over .500 and achieve what they could not last year: play in a bowl game.

“I hope Nike makes bowling shoes,” Taggart said after the Ducks’ clobbering victory over the Beavers.

Now that the Ducks have qualified for a bowl game, but what bowl game will they be headed to? ere seem to be three major contenders: the Las Vegas Bowl, the Cactus Bowl and the Sun Bowl. So no matter what, it is highly likely that the Ducks will be heading to some warmer weather. e official College Football Playoff selections will be available on Dec. 3 on ESPN. “At this time, the selection committee will announce Playoff Semifinal matchups, New Year’s bowl pairings,

and the final Top 25 exclusively via College Football Playoff Selection Day programming,” according to the college football playoff website.

After these selections, the conferences and other bowl partners will determine the rest of the bowl matchups.

Nothing is final, but media outlets everywhere are making their projections.

According to Bleacher Report, the Ducks will go to the Las Vegas Bowl to play No. 25 Fresno State (9-3). SB Nation has the Ducks headed to Tempe, Arizona, for the Cactus Bowl against West Virginia (7-5), and the most recent Sports Illustrated projection say that Oregon will play Louisville (8-4) in the Hyundai Sun Bowl.

So where are the Ducks most likely to end up?

According to the Mercury News, the Las Vegas Bowl is highly interested in the Ducks; however, if the Pac-12 sends only one team — USC is in the mix at No. 11 — to the major six New Year’s Day bowl games, then the Las Vegas Bowl is very

unlikely. Six Pac-12 teams have equal or better records than the Ducks and the Las Vegas Bowl is sixth in the ranking order, so Oregon will probably be heading to the Cactus Bowl in the seventh spot. If Washington, who is ranked No. 13, is also selected for a New Year’s bowl, then the Ducks will end up heading to Vegas.

Senior standout lineman Tyrell Crosby, a Las Vegas native, voiced his thoughts about the bowl selection on Twitter, stating, “It’d be cool to be in the Vegas Bowl, but no matter what glad we are going bowling this season.” is time last year, the Ducks’ season was over and former head coach Mark Helfrich was out the door. Since last year’s unsatisfactory 4-8 season, Taggart has improved Oregon’s record to 7-5, done some phenomenal recruiting and will now lead his Ducks to a bowl game. Whether it’s at the Las Vegas Bowl, the Cactus Bowl or the Sun Bowl, there is no question that Taggart plans on ending his inaugural season on a high note.

e view of the Alamodome turf from the upper level of the stadium.

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GAMEDAY

DUCKS BID FAREWELL TO

THE SENIORS

Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) talks with his family after the game while surrounded by fans.

BY: Shawn Medow @ShawnMedow | PHOTOS: Adam Eberhardt e clock ran out on the 121st edition of the Civil War between Oregon and Oregon State.

Seniors Royce Freeman and Tyrell Crosby remained on the field to savor the moment. en, fans entered the field to join in the celebrations.

“Just kind of surreal,” Crosby said of playing his final game at Autzen. “Like when you’re a freshman, sophomore, junior, you never realize it comes up. To let it sink in that you finished your

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last game in Autzen is just weird.”

Crosby and the rest of the 22 seniors went out with a bang in the 69-10 win over the Beavers.

Freeman led the Ducks and finished his career at Autzen Stadium by breaking the Pac-12 touchdown rushing record. e demolition of their rivals was a perfect way to go out for the seniors. e seniors have gone through a lot at Oregon.

e national title game at the conclusion of the 2014-15 season was a high. e 4-8 2016 season was a low and the coaching change after the 4-8 season was a renaissance. e Ducks graduate some impactful players in the senior class, from offensive stars like Freeman, Crosby and Charles Nelson, to defensive anchors like Arrion Springs and Tyree Robinson.

GAMEDAY Long snapper Tanner Carew built a relationship with fellow senior and kicker Aidan Schneider, who made 51 of his 60 attempted field goals in his career — the most made by any kicker in Oregon history, as well as the most accurate. Schneider is also the second-highest scorer in program history, trailing only Freeman.

While all of these players had their roles, the player who will arguably be missed most of all is Freeman, Oregon’s all-time rushing leader.

“Royce is a really special player,” Herbert said. “I told him earlier today, I said, ‘I was a big fan of you when I came here but [an] even bigger fan now.”

A lot of Freeman’s success was thanks to the offensive line, specifically Crosby.

“He’s been blocking his butt off, man,” Freeman said. “If you ask me, he’s one of the best — if not the best — tackles in the country. He gives everything he has every Saturday for us. I’ve seen that for four years, and I’m really just appreciative to have him as a teammate and a blocker for me.” e Ducks were captained by two seniors this year: Freeman and defensive lineman Henry Mondeaux. Now, the Ducks have to find a new leader, and one has already emerged.

“Justin is our franchise quarterback,” Taggart said. “And not only to our offense. I thought [his return] meant something to our entire football team. When he came back, it just inspired everybody.”

Oregon kicker Aidan Schneider (41) attempts a field goal during the game against Oregon State.

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GAMEDAY

MEASURING T

BY: Jack Butler @Butler917 | PHOTOS: Adam Eberhardt e Ducks just destroyed Oregon State. ey left the field with raincoats on because it was “raining touchdowns,” a slight to the trash talk that Oregon State head coach Cory Hall used earlier this week. He said he knew the Beavers would win last season because the Ducks put on their fancy raincoats when it got cold and wet.

So the Ducks got their revenge, leaving the field happy. ey won the last game of the season by 59 points over a rival, a revolution compared to how last season ended. Oregon is also going to a bowl game. It’s a much better way to send off a group of seniors than a loss to Oregon State after a 4-8 season.

It was the first year coaching Oregon for head coach Willie Taggart, and one of his goals was to change culture, which would ultimately lead to wins. e Ducks are 7-5 right now, and a bowl game win will double the win total from last season. ey got the wins, and they built a culture.

“I guess if there was one thing, is just how this football team came together,” Taggart said.

Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) breaks away for a long run toward the end zone.

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“ e things I was preaching to them from the beginning, that, ‘We can’t go anywhere if we don’t care about each other; if we don’t play for each other.’ I can honestly say that these players care about each other now, and that played a big role in our success this year.” e Ducks will now spend the coming weeks preparing for a bowl game, which will most likely be the Cactus Bowl or the Las Vegas Bowl. But the regular season is over, and here’s a look at how the Ducks did.

Offense It was the tale of two quarterbacks. e Ducks were rolling after scoring 62 points against Southern Utah, and they continued into the first half of the Nebraska game by putting 42 on the scoreboard. But then the offense stalled, holding onto a 42-35 victory. Despite stalling, Oregon’s offense continued to pummel opponents. Running back Royce Freeman scored

10 touchdowns in the first four games. e Ducks scored 47, 35 and 45 in the next three games, but the final 45 points came in the game against Cal, where quarterback Justin Herbert injured his collarbone.

Oregon’s offense was one of the best in the country until the injury. Freshman Braxton Burmeister replaced Herbert, but the Oregon offense suffered. e offensive statistics with Herbert are staggering. e Ducks averaged over 52 points per game, with 281 rushing yards and 7.13 yards per play. All of those are top 10 in the country. Oregon is 6-1 with Herbert and 1-4 without him.

In the five games with Burmeister as the starting quarterback, the Ducks scored more than 14 points only once. Maybe the most telling stat is that Royce Freeman didn’t score a touchdown in the games that Burmeister started. Oregon struggled to throw the ball against any opponent, so defenses just focused on stopping the run.

Oregon’s offense wasn’t pretty, and it showed the

Oregon Ducks linebacker Troy Dye (35) celebrates after helping sack Utah Utes quarterback Tyler Huntley (1).

THE SEASON value of Herbert, who may enter next season as one of the best quarterbacks in the country.

Herbert returned for the final two weeks. e Ducks had an opportunity for a bowl berth with a victory over Arizona, and with Herbert back, the Oregon offense rolled again.

“I think having Justin back inspired our entire football team to go out and play the way we are capable of doing,” head coach Willie Taggart said.

“Having him back got everyone playing at a high level of confidence.”

Freeman went on to become the Pac-12’s all-time touchdown leader (60) and is second in career rushing yards. He may not participate in the bowl game to take time to prepare for the NFL draft. After the Oregon State game, he said he would discuss his options with those close to him and make a decision.

Defense Oregon’s defense may be the story of the

season. e Ducks had an atrocious defense last season. e struggles are well documented.

So Taggart hired Jim Leavitt, a man with the reputation of building strong defenses. e Ducks ended this season fourth in the Pac-12 in yards per game, second in rushing yards allowed and second in third down defense. For a defense with relatively the same players as a season ago, that’s a monumental improvement. e highlights of the defense came from junior cornerback/safety Ugo Amadi. He intercepted Nebraska quarterback Tanner Lee in the fourth quarter to secure Oregon’s victory. e win was a quick look at how much Oregon’s defense has improved. ey allowed 35 points, yes, but when the offense stalled, the defense held the lead. It was something that would not have happened a season ago.

Amadi also stripped former Oregon wide receiver Darren Carrington in the win against Utah, returning it for a touchdown. It was a welcome sign for the Ducks, who struggled to

Oregon Ducks quarterback Braxton Burmeister (11) runs away from the tackle of Washington Huskies defensive back Taylor Rapp (21).

produce turnovers in the middle of the season.

He also stated that Oregon’s scout team quarterback Demetri Burch was more difficult to defend compared to then-Heisman contender Khalil Tate. e Ducks contained Tate to 23 net rushing yards, effectively ending his Heisman campaign. e defense still had its struggles. It was not good enough to win games by itself, but with the added pressure of carrying a team for five weeks with an ineffective offense, the defense was impressive this season.

Next Season e 2017 season just ended, but it is never too early to look ahead to the 2018 season. Oregon will get extra practices because of the bowl game, so the young team will continue to grow. If all of Oregon’s starters who are eligible to return come back, then the Ducks will have an impressive 15 returners for what could be a promising season.

Oregon running back Kani Benoit (29) runs away from Beaver defenders during the 121st Civil War.

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GAMEDAY Former Oregon Ducks head coach Chip Kelly in 2012.

There’s so many great coaches in this league, and there’s so many great institutions in this conference.

To be a part of it again is really truly special.”

CHIP KELLY

PAC-12 COACHING CAROUSEL: CHIP GOES TO WESTWOOD BY: Zak Laster @zlast3445 | PHOTO: Emerald Archives Now that the college football regular season schedule has concluded, it’s time for the coaching carousel to begin.

One coaching change in the Pac-12 that turned heads — especially in Eugene — was when UCLA announced Chip Kelly as its new head coach.

For many Ducks fans, seeing Kelly in UCLA blue and gold as opposed to green and yellow is like having your girlfriend you’re in love with break up with you. en, when you feel like you’re finally over her and you’ve moved on, she starts dating your neighbor across the street. “ ere’s so many great coaches in this league, and there’s so many great institutions in this conference — to be a part of it again is really truly special,” Kelly said at his introductory press conference on Monday.

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Ducks fans looking to catch a glimpse of the ex-coach won’t have to wait long; Kelly’s first game against the school he led to a 46-7 record over four seasons is Nov. 3.

Having Kelly back in the Pac-12 means his quirky personality and quick remarks during his press conferences are back as well. When he was at Oregon, his comments were known as ‘Chipisms,’ and they were in full effect during his first press conference in Los Angeles. “ ere’s a lot of intelligent people in the world, but there’s not a lot of wise people,” Kelly said.

In addition to the coaching change at UCLA, two other programs are still looking for their next coach to lead their teams: Arizona State and Oregon State.

Arizona State fired Todd Graham following a 7-5 season that saw the Sun Devils go 6-3 in the

Pac-12. Graham went 46-31 in his six years as head coach in Tempe.

It has been reported that former NFL coach Herm Edwards is expected to be the next Sun Devil coach.

Oregon State and Gary Andersen parted ways on Oct. 9. He left $12.6 million on the table to walk away from the Beavers after compiling a 7-23 record in almost three seasons.

It has been reported that Washington cooffensive coordinator and former Beaver Jonathan Smith will be the next Oregon State head coach. e arrival of Kelly’s familiar face in the Pac-12, as well as what other dominoes fall within the coaching carousel, mean that as new rivalries form across the conference, there’s one thing is for sure: the Pac-12 is one of the more intriguing conferences to watch going forward.

GAMEDAY

REPORT: OREGON OFFERS TAGGART NEW CONTRACT IN WAKE OF FLORIDA STATE RUMORS BY: Shawn Medow @ShawnMedow PHOTO: Adam Eberhardt

On Wednesday, USA Today reported that Oregon head coach Willie Taggart could be headed to Florida State if the Seminoles’ current head coach Jimbo Fisher leaves for Texas A&M. en, Sports Illustrated reported that Oregon offered Taggart a new contract in hopes of retaining him if the FSU job opens. e contract was reported to be $20 million over five years. Taggart will make $2.9 million this year in the first year of his four-year, $16 million contract he signed in December of 2016. e new offer would raise his annual salary to $4 million.

Following these reports, Taggart retweeted Tampa Bay Times reporter Joey Knight, who said that Taggart would listen to an offer from Florida State but hinted that Nike founder Phil Knight will play a role in keeping Taggart in Eugene.

Been putting out feelers re: Taggart’s interest in FSU. Of course he’ll listen if ‘Noles call, I’m told. But I’m also told people may be “overplaying the importance of coming back to the home state.” Loves it in Oregon, and Phil Knight is one influential dude Taggart, who took the Ducks

to a 7-5 season in his first year in charge, would be returning to his home state of Florida if he were to take the job in Tallahassee. He has built the No. 1 recruiting class for 2018, according to Scout.com, and has brought in a coaching staff littered with talent from former San Francisco 49ers linebackers coach Jim Leavitt and former Alabama assistant coach Mario Cristobal.

Much of Taggart’s recruits for Oregon’s 2018 class come from the state of Florida.

One of Taggart’s 2018 recruits, Christopher Randazzo, tweeted, “All Coach Taggart has been saying is how excited he is about this 2018 class. ... I don’t believe he is going anywhere.”

If Taggart is to leave Oregon, he would owe Oregon $1.5 million to fulfill his buyout that allowed him take the Oregon job when he left South Florida. His buyout at Oregon is $3 million, totalling to $4.5 million.

Taggart was rumored to be in the running for the head coaching job with the Florida Gators but former Mississippi State head coach Dan Mullen was offered and accepted the job in Gainesville.

Taggart is scheduled to speak to the media Friday afternoon.

Oregon head coach Willie Taggart.

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