There's no such thing as moderation around the Holidays, and apparently that applies to Rose Bowl coverage too, because there was an over abundance of Quack yesterday for today's fix. So, let's just dive right in:

• The Oregon offense met the press yesterday. Jeremiah Masoli, Ed Dickson, LaMichael James and Bo Thran, as well as offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich, all took part in the press conference. The Oregonian's John Hunt has a nice piece on Helfrich, who we haven't heard speak to reporters all that much this year. Obviously, Helfrich is still learning the ropes, considering Chip Kelly still calls the plays, but it sounds like he knows his stuff.
• Of course, Rose Bowl coverage didn't focus entirely on the Oregon offense yesterday. In fact, much of the coverage focused on Ohio State's relatively unsung defense, and how it plans to stop the Ducks, including comments from the Buckeyes' defensive coordinator, Jim Heacock. By the way, Heacock was once a Fusky.
  
• And of course, some of the coverage yesterday focused on Oregon's defense. Ohio State blog We Will Always Have Tempe reveals a relatively unbiased perspective of Oregon's defense, stating the Buckeyes' offense needs to "pound the rock, drain the clock, and keep the Duck offense off the field." I think it's a bit more complicated than that. The Buckeyes are going to need Oregon to turn the ball over.
  
• Oregonian's John Canzano thinks it's to the Ducks' advantage to keep things loose. And apparently that's how they've been acting all week, which Canzano deems a good sign and a welcomed change from their approach early in the season.
• Following Ohio State sophomore quarterback Terrelle Prior's Monday press conference, the R-G's George Schroeder was pretty critical of Buckeyes head coach Jim Tressel's tight-ship coaching style and wonders if Prior might benefit from a looser approach, not only with the media, but on the field.
• Two former Oregon defensive stars are first-time Pro Bowlers. Buffalo Bills rookie safety Jairus Byrd and Baltimore Ravens defensive tackle Haloti Ngata were both named to the AFC Pro Bowl team yesterday. Byrd, who will likely miss the game after apparently undergoing surgery Monday to repair a nagging groin injury, is tied for the league lead with nine interceptions. Ngata, in his fourth season, has 34 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one forced fumble. The Pro Bowl teams are selected by the players, coaches and fans, with each group accounting for a third of the total voting weight. Congratulations to both Jairus and Haloti for their success at the next level.
• The R-G's Rob Moseley's Duck of the Day yesterday was redshirt freshman running back James. He had a great feature on James about how much he's matured this season after being thrown into the mix following LeGarrette Blount's suspension. Of course, we all know how we feel about James here at ATQ.
  
• A contributor to The Oregonian looks back at Oregon's previous four Rose Bowl appearances, with a brief summary of each game.
• Linebacker Spencer Paysinger is apparently playing tour guide to his teammates in Los Angeles. Paysinger grew up a few minutes from Oregon's team hotel.
• What uniforms should the Ducks wear for the Granddaddy of Them All? LaMike thinks all white, while Masoli says all black. Because the footage, photos and images from the Rose Bowl will instantly become a part of the game's storied history, at the very least, I hope ole Casey Martin keeps it classy. Basically, anything but this combo.

As always, leave any relevant links or comments below.

GO DUCKS!