Morning Quack Fix: Kelly press conference, Oregon's heightened speed and conditioning, Masoli stays focused

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 5:51 AM PDT in Morning Quack Fix

First of all, I just want to thank all of you readers for making August the biggest month in ATQ history. The community here is what keeps this place going, so thanks for coming around and making your voice heard. Second of all, and more importantly, 3 DAYS! The final week is upon us, and we have a lot of quack to help you through the day. Make sure to check out the links after the jump (we got some great ones), as well as the full video from Coach Kelly's first pregame press conference.

With less than a week to go to the first game of the season, Coach Kelly gave his first pregame press conference (full video after the jump), and he covered a lot of ground. From the attitude of the team, to the atmosphere in Boise, to Kellen Moore, to the two-deep, it's well worth watching/listening to the whole thing.
Coach Kelly has released a two-deep for the upcoming game at Boise. In terms of the injury, the only that will hold a player out entirely is Rory Cavaille's shoulder injury. Of note at WR is the absence of Tyrece Gaines and Jackson. There will likely be a 5 WR rotation of Holland, Maehl, Embry, Tuinei, and Davis, while Gaines, Jackson, and Blake Cantu will not be rushed into action. Other notes: Jackson Rice will be the punter, Michael Clay long snapper, Javes Lewis will be playing rover, LaMichael James and Walter Thurmond will be returning kickoff, and Kenjon Barner will be returning punts.

One thing on both coaches mind heading into Thursday night is the attitude of the players. Coach Petersen has kept a very tight leash on his players (one of the reasons we haven't heard from them much, as they aren't allowed to speak to out of town media), and is doing his best to keep them grounded, saying, "we’re really just trying to take this thing and worry about ourselves." Meanwhile, Kelly, while ignoring opportunities to make excuses for last seasons loss, really seems to be embracing the same attitude of his players, and like the mindset of the players. While there has been some talk, the players seem to be focused and motivated, and ready to play. While Petersen is downplaying the importance of this game, Kelly is doing the opposite: "If your expectations aren't to be the best, then ... you know, nobody rises to low expectations."

Kelly is also preparing to life on the field, as opposed to in the box. Though, he seems ready for the challenge, stating, "sometimes, when you’re in the booth, you miss the momentum and the ebb and flow of the game. I think you can call the game better from the booth, but I think you can manage the game better from the field." I think this will be an interesting subplot to the season. Luckily, Kelly called plays from the sideline at New Hampshire, so he has experience in that situation.

While Duck fans have been up in arms for a year about the cheap shots on Oregon players during last years game, Chris Petersen wants his team to continue to be aggressive, though also cut down on penalties. This is definitely a fine line to walk, and Oregon has long had a mantra of playing "one inch out of control." Playing a physical, aggressive game can lead to penalties. Balancing aggression and discipline can be tough, but both traits are key to success.

John Hunt from the Oregonian also has another piece on the iincreased speed of the Oregon team, specifically the defense. And the Duck's quest for speed has led to a ridiculous practice pace, inspired in part by Bobby Knights old practices at Indiana, which strength coach Jim Radcliffe witnessed years ago. Kelly and Radcliffe are pushing the players, and having such fast-paced practices that extra conditioning isn't even being used. An example of just how successful the off-season conditioning has been is Spencer Paysinger, who has increased his 40 time to 4.57 despite gaining 18 pounds. I think that these changes will really surprise us fans. We've read countless articles on the speed of the defense, but I don't really think we're prepared for just what kind of impact this will have on the field.

Lastly, Jeremiah Masoli is preparing for the season, with a large amount of national attention directed his way. Masoli is handing it well, and has not even purchased a copy of his SI cover issue. I think he is an example of the attitude of the Duck team. The are focused, confident, and ready to play.

Got any concerns after Kelly's first conference, or how bout some hope? Leave it in the comments. GO DUCKS!

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Comments

Receiver rotation

I expect the “TAZER” to zap Embrey and Davis out of the rotation. Those opportunities should go to LaMichael James, Barner, and the tight ends.

by DavisDuck on Aug 31, 2009 6:15 AM PDT reply actions

We’ll see. The whole situation will likely be VERY fluid. One thing Kelly was talking about with the receivers, is that they’ll be evaluating them on a play-by-play basis, so there will be a lot of coaching by Frost after every offensive play. I expect to see all the receivers playing, as well as the TZRs.

One thing that’s great, is that we have a ton of talent out there, with a ton of depth, for a position we thought might be lacking a few months ago.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 6:43 AM PDT up reply actions

Looking forward to Thursday night!

you guys will definitely has me as a fan every day except September 12th. If you’re doing a liveblog I’ll stop by for awhile, but us east coasters do have to work Friday morning…

A futile crusade to prevent mass ignorance

HammerAndRails, SBNation's Boilermaker Blog

by BoilerTMill on Aug 31, 2009 6:32 AM PDT reply actions

Not me!!

I put in for Friday off three months ago! With a 10:30 kickoff, I knew it would be a long night. I have to say, walking into a bar in Michigan decked out in Yellow and Green feels soooo gooood!

by frozenfowl74 on Aug 31, 2009 6:41 AM PDT reply actions

THIS IS GONNA BE A LONG 3 DAYS!!!

BE THURSDAY ALREADY!!!

by NOTTSJR9 on Aug 31, 2009 7:39 AM PDT reply actions

Friday vacation day is mandatory

Gonna turn it loose on Thursday night!

by DavisDuck on Aug 31, 2009 8:24 AM PDT reply actions

Me too! Witt’s will be rocking!

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 8:31 AM PDT up reply actions

"Flex day" on Friday up here

My last one of the summer. Going to make for a great long weekend!

"It amazes me that you understand (...) the number one play of what their offense is and what they do best, AND you still can't stop it!" - Craig James

by AcadianTraverse on Aug 31, 2009 10:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Hey, hey, Ducks!!! I live out in Georgia and have also requested to take Friday off! Can’t wait for this game…what a way to kick off the season. I expect our offense to come out firing and our defense to play much better than last year. So eager to see our new Taser formation!

GO DUCKS!

by ATLDuck on Aug 31, 2009 11:27 AM PDT up reply actions

Chip “I don’t deal with Hypotheticals” Kelly

Last day of the month, then we can finally get kickin’ to some football!

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 8:31 AM PDT reply actions

best quote by far

He was giving that guy the death glair.

Are there enough Duck Highlights on Youtube to watch for 7 day straight??

by trumpetduck on Aug 31, 2009 8:55 AM PDT up reply actions

I loved

his demeanor throughout the whole conference but that was great at the end. He completely backed his players and looked like he was ready to go in the back alley with anyone to protect them.

wants to challenge the definitions of sin and search the world for love and ultimate beauty but never settle in.

by joffthedeckk on Aug 31, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Go Ducks Podcast

Thanks for the write-up and links, as always jtlight.

Don’t forget to check out the newest episode of the Podcast.

http://goduckspodcast.com/

Lord Beverage and Muchas G talk about the season opener in Idaho and preview the Smurf’s and their turf. The two share excitement for the season’s start, in a very Go Ducks type of way.

by muchas g on Aug 31, 2009 8:36 AM PDT reply actions

New set of Irons: $374.99
MRI on my ankle on thursday: $1500 (thank you insurance provider)
The fact that it’s FINALLY game week: priceless

Q: How many Oregon State University freshman does it take to change a light bulb?

A: None, it's a sophomore course.

by axemen23 on Aug 31, 2009 8:56 AM PDT reply actions

Rock and Roll

I do have Fan Day images up on the web site, maybe it will kill 3 days

http://www.solarducknews.com/CFB%202009%20Main.html

by Solarduck on Aug 31, 2009 9:21 AM PDT reply actions

I’m really excited for Meaty Swatches.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 9:34 AM PDT reply actions

I prefer Naked Cat Logjams, myself.

by ntrebon on Aug 31, 2009 9:55 AM PDT up reply actions

Also, the Vegas (and offshore) lines are moving towards Oregon….

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 9:41 AM PDT reply actions

Boise State is trying to do a white out. Wait, blue out? Orange? WTF?

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Aug 31, 2009 10:16 AM PDT reply actions

Because I’m in the betting mood…

I’m setting the over/under at 2% chance of it succeeding.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

under for me

Are there enough Duck Highlights on Youtube to watch for 7 day straight??

by trumpetduck on Aug 31, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions

Which jerseys do you guys think we’ll break out? White, yellow or steel?

by ATLDuck on Aug 31, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

I heard a rumor, I forget where, that they’ll be busting out the “Carbon” pants at least.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions

Man, I can’t wait til Thursday night. This is torture! I can’t even concentrate at work anymore…

by ATLDuck on Aug 31, 2009 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions

White jerseys

Somebody reported white jerseys according to Kelly.

White jersey, carbon pants & helmet would look nice on the blue turf.

by DavisDuck on Aug 31, 2009 12:28 PM PDT up reply actions

Moseley predicts the Stormtrooper look

From the R-G football blog:

“Finally, the Ducks wore white helmets today, indicating that’s what they’re preparing to wear Thursday. I expect them to be in the all-white "Stormtrooper" look for the game.”

by DavisDuck on Aug 31, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

My prediction is the WT3 combo.

White on white on green on white.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.

by qrsouther on Aug 31, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Wait. I’m confused. Which is which? Is that jersey on pants on hat on ?…I’m too old for all this.

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Aug 31, 2009 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions

White Helmet, White/Green Wings Jersey, White Pants.

We have two white jerseys now.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 3:08 PM PDT up reply actions

Forgot about there being two white jerseys.

I can’t keep track anymore.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.

by qrsouther on Aug 31, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

I read somewhere, GoDucks?, we were practicing in the white lids.

I hope the classic WWG for the first game.

Are there enough Duck Highlights on Youtube to watch for 7 day straight??

by trumpetduck on Aug 31, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions

The WWG is my favorite too.

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.

by qrsouther on Aug 31, 2009 4:35 PM PDT up reply actions

oh stromtroopers are my favorite

but im hoping for the classic (kind of) look for the first game

Are there enough Duck Highlights on Youtube to watch for 7 day straight??

by trumpetduck on Aug 31, 2009 7:22 PM PDT up reply actions

May the f 0 r c e be with us (where's skywalker when we need him? this is his line)

by DONALDUCK on Aug 31, 2009 8:15 PM PDT up reply actions

OUR TIME...

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Aug 31, 2009 10:20 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs

I enjoy that picture.

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 10:44 AM PDT up reply actions

Pflugrad :(

Addicted To Quack [dot] com; Six-hundred and ninety-four yards of total offense.

by qrsouther on Aug 31, 2009 11:00 AM PDT up reply actions

Yeah. :(

"It’s spelled S-H-U-T-U-P-I-M-S-M-A-R-T-E-R-T-H-A-N-Y-O-U"

by JShufelt on Aug 31, 2009 11:55 AM PDT up reply actions

(There he is!)

by DONALDUCK on Aug 31, 2009 8:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Exhibit #48,395 in the case for Kirk Herbstreit being a tool

Here Great Duel QB list right there.

Are there enough Duck Highlights on Youtube to watch for 7 day straight??

by trumpetduck on Aug 31, 2009 2:02 PM PDT reply actions

you're forgetting

Kirk Herbstreit belongs here

It's spelled "T-A-K-I-M-O-T-S-C-H-M-O-E."

I support inroywetrust in his support of The VD Special in his support of me supporting Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.

by Takimoto on Aug 31, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions

Recruiting News

4-Star pass-rush specialist to make his announcement this week (possibly by Wednesday). Choices between Oregon, Cal and Maryland. Could go a long way in getting Gabe King and the other NC guy, you know, whats his name….

by SeattleDucks on Aug 31, 2009 2:39 PM PDT reply actions