It's another great day to be a Duck. We've got some good quack today, so let's get right to it:

• Oregon defense has really stepped up lately, specifically the front 7. Ken Goe writes about how the Ducks' unconventional scheme has been keeping opposing QBs on edge, as they get hit over and over again. The best line from the article describes the athletic DEs and LBs: "These guys can run like deer and hit like cement trucks."
• There's been a lot of speculation on De'Anthony Thomas' commitment to Oregon, and David Wharton of the LA Times finally got the full story from DAT. Despite all the insanity, the comments about defense, gang hits, etc. the decision for De'Anthony was surprisingly simple. He needed a change of scenery after becoming a superstar in LA, and he made strong connections in Oregon. So far, it sounds like he's made a good decision, not just on the football field, but for himself.
• The Civil War in October? In the Pac-12, Jon Wilner says that's a possibility. The complexities of scheduling (and catering to the California schools) means that rivalry games may move from Thanksgiving weekend.
• Oregon headlines Spencer Hall's weekly power rankings, now up at the mothership.
• It doesn't look like Oregon's running game will be faltering any time soon. Oregon just picked up a commitment from 4-star RB Byron Marshall, the younger brother of ASU RB Cameron Marshall. He looks like he has some really good moves, but with a bit more size than LMJ or Kenjon.
• Bob Rickert has a bit more reaction to the Marshall commitment, and asks, what happens next? With the momentum building, the Ducks are looking to capitalize on some big opportunities.
• Ken Woody has a look back at the Stanford game, and answers some reader questions. One topic he looks at is personal foul penalties, specifically, the penalty on Michael Clay when he was flagged for unluckily tackling low shoulder-first as a receiver slipped to the ground and led with his helmet. Ken also says that the Stanford coaching staff were not prepared for the game.
• Hey, look a little baseball news. The Ducks signed 13 new players during the early signing period, including the top two players from the state of Oregon. GoDucks.com has all the details.

Leave anything else in the comments. GO DUCKS!