Addicted To Quack: FanPosts

For the Future

2010-03-12T07:15:25Z

On September 3rd, 2009 Duck Nation saw any dreams of a successful season blown away in a fit of rage. The season was lost, or so it seemed. I don't suggest that we bring any of the recent perpetrators back, however I do believe that we will see the emergence of new leaders on our football team that will show what it really means to be a winner. It happens all the time, something really bad can happen then once the smoke clears things are made right. Duck fans, stick with your team, Coach Kelly I hope you can pull the team through these hard times, make this the story of the season for all the right reasons.

ATQ NCAA Basketball Tournament Bracket Contest [with update]

2010-03-11T01:29:55Z

Are we going to do one of these? I saw this idea mentioned in the ATQ Fantasy Baseball thread and I thought that we should do this. If you guys have done it in the past, my apologies, I wasn't around this loony bin back then. We could do it on ESPN, Yahoo!, CBS, etc. Just a little friendly (HA!) competition. Maybe some Oregon swag as a prize.

I'd be happy to set something up if you guys wanted to do this.

[UPDATE by jtlight] There will be an official ATQ group with an official ATQ prize! We'll be posting the details next week.

Replacing Ernie...what you're missing

2010-03-10T22:38:21Z

I very much appreciated the recent "Statistical study of Basketball Coaching Prospects" posted here recently by travissimmo. Good job. Additionally, some of the mentions of coaches with "Oregon ties" got my attention. That being said, you're all missing the only statistic that really matters:

Which coach has the closest ties to Uncle Phil Knight? Don't get me wrong...I love our Nike relationship and believe our University--not only sports teams but University as a whole--has benefited greatly (and positively) by Mr. Knight's generosity. But to think that Phil doesn't have some "input" on who the new coach may be is naive at best.

I don't know who that coach is...but would appreciate ATQ's input.

SB Nation's Pac-10 Tournament Preview

2010-03-10T20:36:56Z

In case you're interested, I wanted to pass this along to you guys. I've written the SB Nation Pac-10 Tournament preview for the SBNation.com mothership, and I'm hoping many of your will take a few moments to check it out -- for a couple of reasons.

First off, you might learn something. But since I'm aware that you might not, since a lot of you are pretty darn smart and knowledgeable, you should go over there anyway just to see the cool stuff we're doing as a network.

If you've never been over there, the preview is actually the lead story for what's called a "StoryStream." I'll be continuously updating the stream with posts as the tournament advances, meaning that link above will be your one-stop shop for everything related to the conference tournament, including tidbits, game recaps, video, etc.

Updates are shown chronologically, with the most recent ones at the top. (You can also toggle it to show the oldest posts first, because hey, we're like Burger King -- have it your way.) Additionally, you can help me out by clicking the "submit your post" button on the stream to pass tips my way if you find things that you think could be included on the stream.

The best feature, I think, is this: If you use an RSS reader, you can subscribe to the stream here. The feed will deliver each update I post directly to your reader over the next four days. Pretty cool.

And if you dig it, take a look around the SBNation.com site -- I think you'll especially appreciate the college basketball page.

Editakorial: Rose-Colored Glasses

2010-03-10T19:00:02Z

There seems to be a consensus around here that no matter what ends up happening with Ernie Kent's job status, Mike Bellotti and the higher-ups at the athletic department will set the program up with the best possible situation for success. There also seems to be a consensus that Chip Kelly has a rational plan for the football program that will pay dividends in the long run. But has the Rose Bowl appearance clouded our ability to think realistically about the program?

I will be the first to admit, I not only drink the Chip Kelly Kool-Aid, I bathe in it, I add it to recipes as a substitute for chicken stock, I even put a little bit in my hair when I've had a rough week, what do you think holds it up, slick? I think his mindset that he is changing and shaping lives as a football coach, and that everyone should be given a chance to learn and grow from their mistakes is a good one, and the fact that he willingly takes hits in the media in order to uphold his values as a role model is something to be respected. The 2009 season was an incredibly unique one in that we got to see many things in him that normally take a number of years to hash out with new head coaches, most notably how his teams respond to adversity. Normally that takes a losing streak or a bad season. Chip had a Falcon Punch. His zone read-based option attack is revolutionizing college football. But at this time last year, Mike Bellotti was still head coach, with no indication that he would be leaving. Let's take a step back and think about that.

Chip Kelly, who we revere as a model for being a head coach, has been on the job only 345 days. He inherited an extremely talented team and took them to the Rose Bowl, despite losses to an eventual 13-0 team at their house and to the true Heisman Trophy winner at his house. Though the Civil War was arguably the game of the year, the win at Arizona showed resiliency, and beating USC and Cal sent a message to the rest of the conference. Kelly's true mettle will be tested in the coming years. He is off to a good start on the recruiting front, though the idea that our top two priorities are speed and speed scares me a little. Once Kelly loses the team that Bellotti built, will the success continue? We expected Kelly to pick up where Bellotti left off, and for one year he did. The next few will be telling.

There is a point where too much is enough. Do I think Chip Kelly has lost control of the team? Of course not. Am I encouraged by the idea that all elite programs have legal troubles? Of course not. No fan ever wants to see their team in the news for negative reasons. USC had the blind kid covering up possible recruiting violations and other illegal goings-on. Tim Tebow has done well to deflect attention away from the 27 arrests in the UF program since 2005. But this doesn't make me happy that Oregon is becoming a program like USC and Florida. Will I welcome national championship trophies? Of course. But I hate hearing about run-ins with the law because they are easily avoidable. The players need to pull their heads out of their nether-regions and act like role models. I hate when people say, "Think of the children!" But think of the children! As an authority figure, Chip Kelly has to be willing to accept some level of responsibility. It's not possible for him to keep tabs on every one of his players at all times, but he has to show development in both discipline and recruiting to try and stop the bleeding. Winning helps the program, but doesn't make it better.

The next few years will be telling for Mike Bellotti as well. He has been the AD for less time than Chip Kelly has been the HC, and has less of a blueprint to follow. He does not have the deep pockets and wide Rolodex of Pat Kilkenny, nor does he have the athletics management experience of Bill Moos. He is a coach first, and brings a dynamic to the position that has not been seen since Oregon's ascension to major player status in college sports. Bellotti may have hired football minds during his time as head coach, but he's never made a hire as athletic director. Men's basketball is a big place to start. This decision is a major one for Bellotti because it shows his value in coaching. Does he swing for the fences with a big name? Does he try and pluck another diamond from the rough? Does he emphasize tradition and loyalty by sticking with Ernie Kent? I'm hopeful he makes a good hire, but hope is all I can give at this point since Bellotti has no history with deciphering basketball minds.

Let's not go thinking our program can do no wrong. We faithfully trust Chip Kelly's judgment, and we trust Bellotti because he hired Chip. But both men are relatively new to their positions, so while I agree with the direction of the program, I'm not assuming it'll lead us to he promised land.

ATQ Fantasy Baseball?

2010-03-10T16:32:19Z

I know that there are a number of baseball fans here on ATQ. The summer months around here can get pretty slow. I wanted to gauge how much interest there would be in starting a fantasy baseball league for ATQ members?

Tako Tuesdays: Art Show

2010-03-09T08:15:34Z

First of all, great work with the suggestions. Rather than copy your suggestions verbatim, I used them as a starting point for my thinking. That way, I can take full credit for your idea ;) The art gallery after the jump.

Matt Daddy's idea for a TP shot selection chart meshed perfectly with an idea I was already working on. I was wondering what goes through TP's head when he'd out on the court. In honor of that, I've drawn up the three plays that Tajuan Porter runs when he has the ball in his hands.

Simple, refined, about 30% successful. Let's continue!

My personal favorite. Did Tajuan ever make a layup like this? Even once?

What an offensive gameplan. Simply stunning.

I wouldn't be doing my job if I didn't take a shot at John Canzano, right? Well, here ya go...

It's a miracle that the old curmudgeons even know how to use the Internet, but here's a look into their lives.

Here's a sneak preview of the new movie I'm producing.

Lastly, here are two pictures almost as cryptic as Lost. Post captions/descriptions in the comments section.

Enjoy, and feel free to post your own ideas as well. This is a no Photoshop zone! I want art so lowbrow it becomes highbrow, technology be damned.

Another Oregon Arrest Continues the Pattern at Oregon- By John Canzano

2010-03-07T17:58:45Z

by: John Canzano, The Oregonian

March 7, 2010

Let me start off this article by saying that it is a blessing for the faithful readers of the Oregonian to be reading this article today. The Bald Faced Truth planned on being at his parents house today, in an attempt to persuade his parents to start believing in him. By God, I've written enough for you people, so much that I have a FREAKING SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR TROPHY! Anyway, I guess I'll crank out this piece for you guys.

Chip Kelly, the Tony Soprano to the Soprano Crime Family that is the Oregon Duck football team (GO BEAVERS! Heh! Oops!), has once again proven that he has lost all control of these hardcore thug characters that are a part of the team. In what can be described only as a disgusting insult to what is good and decent in today's society, Josh Kaddu, an absolutely despicable young man, has been cited for being a MINOR in possession of ALCOHOL.

Take a moment to think about that.

A minor, in possession of ALCOHOL? This can only be compared to society's most heinous crimes, such as capital murder, strangulation, stealing laptops, and posting mean things on Facebook. Is this a telling sign of the lack of institutional control down in Eugene? You bet my bald face it is.

After this string of unacceptable and irrefutably ignominious actions, there is no excuse not to have Chip Kelly following these hardcore criminals around every corner. Forget a Super Nanny (read my awesome column after our favorite Facebook fiend, Jamere Holland's, expulsion from the team to understand this super-awesome reference), we need a Super Kelly!

As great as this proposition would be in terms of keeping these felonious children in line, let's be realistic, it's not happenin'! Kelly is too concerned with keeping his inventory of cocaine-dealing prostitutes, child laborers, and baby killers doing their jobs. That leads me to ask, what is the solution?

There is one solution, and one solution only, and that is discontinuing the Oregon Duck football program. Chip Kelly and his band lunatics are causing danger and disruption in the fair little town of Eugene, so let's disband the program, ship all the kids off to Compton, the Marcy Projects, and South-Central, and live happily ever after.

A bit harsh? So was Chip when we chatted on the phone, so why not return the favor? Yeah, I'm a professional and ethical journalist like that! (SUCK IT CAUSE I WAS SPORTSWRITER OF THE YEAR LAST YEAR!).

Thanks for reading, and Go Beavers!

Lyle Moevao denied 6th year

2010-03-06T05:50:31Z

I'd like to say I'm happy the Beavs start from scratch next year, but I hope this hard stance doesn't translate to Catron not getting another year of eligibility. Moevao only played one down last year (according to the article, i know I never saw him) and then was out because of injury for the season. Catron played more than that this season, but still nothing substantial. Is the NCAA going to look differently at Catron's petition for another year differently or will they take the hard line similar to Moevao? Anybody know the actual wording of the policy for an extra year?

http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ap-oregonst-moevao&prov=ap&type=lgns

Poll

Do you think Catron will get another year of eligibility?

VOTE on SB Nation's Pac-10 all-conference awards!

2010-03-06T03:48:37Z

Last year, we CougCenter.com authors put together our inaugural Pac-10 all-conference awards. As we were working on this year's edition, a thought hit us.

What if we did a fan vote across all the SB Nation Pac-10 sites?

Here's your chance to get your voice heard. After the text is a link to a form you can fill out to submit your votes. It's pretty lengthy, but you have to fill the whole thing out for your vote to be counted.

Just a few points of clarification.

We're asking for your home blog because it might be interesting to see how certain fan bases vote.
We're asking for your SB Nation user name because it will hopefully help keep us from getting spammed. Don't worry, we won't share how you voted, unless ...
If you leave a comment and we use it on the results post, we'll attribute it to your user name. If you don't want that to happen, don't leave any comments.
Base your selections on performance in conference, not the whole year.
This is an all-conference team, therefore, you are asked to select players who would actually comprise a basketball team. None of this wishy-washy, best five or 10 players regardless of position crap the actual conference does.

That's about it. We'll post the results on our site next week.

VOTE HERE NOW.

VOTE on SB Nation's Pac-10 all-conference awards!

2010-03-06T03:48:02Z

Last year, we CougCenter.com authors put together our inaugural Pac-10 all-conference awards. As we were working on this year's edition, a thought hit us.

What if we did a fan vote across all the SB Nation Pac-10 sites?

Just a few points of clarification.

We're asking for your home blog because it might be interesting to see how certain fan bases vote.
We're asking for your SB Nation user name because it will hopefully help keep us from getting spammed. Don't worry, we won't share how you voted, unless ...
If you leave a comment and we use it on the results post, we'll attribute it to your user name. If you don't want that to happen, don't leave any comments.
Base your selections on performance in conference, not the whole year.
This is an all-conference team, therefore, you are asked to select players who would actually comprise a basketball team. None of this wishy-washy, best five or 10 players regardless of position crap the actual conference does.

That's about it. We'll post the results on our site next week.

VOTE HERE NOW.

Help Write Next Week's Tako Tuesday!

2010-03-05T20:56:32Z

Ok, here's what's going to happen:

Step 1: In the comments, write down whatever you think would make a funny MS Paint-style drawing. It can be Duck-related, beer-related, or just ridiculous. Doesn't matter.

Step 2: I pick my favorites, and draw them.

Step 3: They get displayed in next week's Tako Tuesday, along with a few mystery drawings that will be up to you to guess.

Got it? Sweet. Do work.

Pent up frustration and a battle for ninth place...

2010-03-05T17:39:31Z

Errrrr 8th place? Depends on what anyone would like to classify USC''s basketball season as. Needless to say the final Pac ten game at Mac court is essentially for second to last place. As a bright eyed freshman in 2006 I entered the UO community at a time of prosperity in terms of the basketball program. Aaron Brooks was running the show and the pit was a ticket people would nearly give life and limb for. Let me be clear that team was great, maybe one of the best in the history of the school. Losing to the eventual 2 time national champion isn't anything to be disappointed in. The one game I missed due to egregious scheduling was the UCLA , towards the end of a restless winter break. One in which Brooks put the team on his shoulders and willed us to one of the more exciting victories in Mac Court's history. Does anyone else miss those days? I would think the bulk of you share similar sentiments coupled with a sour taste of current happenings. What happened?............. Simple question with a complex and not so clear answer.

-- First problem, we recruited big men. This is equivalent to the Russian nuclear program of the cold war. Sure in relation to the United States obtaining such technology is clearly desirable. But when it gets down to the nitty gritty we have no idea how to control them or use them in effective manner, oh and their abundance is laughable in comparison to our most hated foes. Eugene has become a Grenoble of basketball talent sitting dormant seeping through occasionally to give us energy and excitement just to eventually poison is with sweet sweet radiation. That analogy is something I'm working on.

-- Second Issue, and not mutually exclusive from the first. Ernie fucking Kent. Cliche as it seems, he deserves all the flack that has been thrown his way. Generally teams don't have the best recruiting class in their history followed by two of the worst seasons of the decade. One thing i don't question is his ability to bring talent to Eugene that in most cases we have no business obtaining. But alas that is not half the battle and will certainly never win you a war. Who is coaching these kids? My sister who occasionally watches basketball would be able to point out our outstanding ability to rarely get off a good look at the hoop in the 35 seconds we're allotted. Not to mention the form of zone defense which must have been drawn up by an individual with extreme claustrofobia for that is the only reason such an atrocious perimeter scheme would EVER exist.

--- Complacency, by everyone. This one is something that needs to be shared with the whole Duck community. What happened to mac? since when is the average age at a basketball in the mid 60's? This isn't to say I have something against the elderly, I love my grandparents like the rest of you. But remember those days when the burnt orange rims stood little chance against the fierce energy Mac Court was able to create on a night in and night out basis? People, rims don't shake everywhere and it isn't something we should have ever taken for granted. We can get on the players for not believing in themselves but at some point we have to believe in them as well. The lack luster environment i've seen especially over the past two years is something that the average patron of Autzen would look at with a wary eye. When did the dichotomy between expectations for our Football and basketball program even come to this point? For lack of a better phrase, STAND THE FUCK UP AND DO SOMETHING. Are you here to watch a sporting event or observe an appendectomy? The students can only do so much and half of them have even checked out and become apart of the problem. I'm sorry if it seems like i'm venting some frustration, but that is exactly what I intended on doing (You were even forewarned before you clicked to read this).

I'm excited about tomorrows game and as I write this my eyes feel heavy with the transgressions of last night and my stomach is pitted in a knot that won't be fixed by a win over Washington state. I just want to see some heart, in the players and in the fans.

Here is to you Mac court, and here is to the great fans who have filled your seats for over 80 years.

A most gracious, thank you

Tako Tuesdays: Radical Realignment [WITH AN AMENDMENT!]

2010-03-02T12:12:43Z

March 1, 2010: The NCAA, in a surprise move, names Addicted to Quack writer Matt Takimoto Chief Executive Czar of Conference Re-Alignment. As the newly appointed CECCR-E, Takimoto starts his plan with a decree:

"Conference ties shall no longer span across sports. Each sport will be determined in an individual basis, and will be named accordingly."

The first step of the reorganization process: football.

Essential componants:

Relegation is going to happen. So no more complaining about not getting a chance. Shut up and win.
Non-championship classes will only play each other in a round-robin format. Team with the best record earns promotion. That means that Championship class teams may only only schedule other Championship class teams as non-conference opponents. Schedule-padding? Gone.
The winners of the conference championship games will be ranked at the annual American College Football Writers Symposium in Las Vegas, NV. The Keynote Speaker will be benzduck. John Canzano can sit at home and stare at his "awards," because he isn't invited. After ranking, the #4 and #5 seeds have a play-in game, and then semifinals and a final.
If a bowl wants to continue holding its game, it is free to do so without conference affiliation. Bowls will effectively become exhibition games for money and and an opportunity for teams to get an extra month's practice time in. Wait, that's already what bowls are! Man, that's convenient.
Instead of championship T-shirts, fans will be directed to donate to a charity of the NC winning team's choice. Every losing team will have to donate $5,000. The world does not need new merchandise.
After ten years, any team that has not spent at least one year at the Championship level will be considered for relegation to Division II. Only teams with D-II national championships will be considered for promotion.

On to the conferences!

I arranged the divisions by ranking the twelve teams in the conference and splitting them up 1-4-5-8-9-12 and 2-3-6-7-10-11. The divisions would be realigned yearly, with the promoted team taking the #12 spot. In the event of relegation ties, a tiebreaker game will be held, with a game of Rock, Paper, Scissors between the two athletic directors deciding home field. Tiebreaker Rock, Paper, Scissors games will be televised on ESPN2.

Pacific Coast Football Conference - Championship Class

Doxey Division
Oregon
Stanford
USC
Washington
UCLA
Nevada

Tillman Division
Arizona
Oregon State
Utah
California
Boise State
Arizona State

Pacific Coast Football Conference - Non-Championship Class

Washington State
Fresno State
Idaho
Utah State
Colorado State
Wyoming
San Jose State
New Mexico
San Diego State
Hawaii
UNLV
New Mexico State

Midwest Football Conference - Championship Class

Hayes Division
Ohio State
Central Michigan
Wisconsin
Purdue
Minnesota
Notre Dame

Schembechler Division
Iowa
Cincinnati
Northwestern
Michigan State
Illinois
Michigan

Midwest Football Conference - Non-Championship Class

Marshall
Ohio
Bowling Green
Kent State
Akron
Miami (OH)
Northern Illinois
Western Michigan
Toledo
Eastern Michigan
Ball State
Indiana

Southeastern Football Conference - Championship Class

Tebow Division
Florida
Miami (FL)
LSU
Mississippi State
Arkansas
Auburn

Bryant Division
Alabama
Florida State
Mississippi
Kentucky
Georgia
Tennessee

Southeastern Football Conference - Non-Championship Class

Troy
Vanderbilt
Southern Miss
Florida Atlantic
Arkansas State
Florida International
UAB
UCF
~~Mississippi State~~ Tulane
Western Kentucky
Middle Tennessee State
Memphis

Southwestern Football Conference - Championship Class

Williams Division
Texas
Texas A&M
Oklahoma State
Texas Tech
Kansas State
BYU

Frost Division
Nebraska
Colorado
TCU
Iowa State
Oklahoma
Missouri

Southwestern Football Conference - Non-Championship Class

Baylor
North Texas
Tulsa
UTEP
Houston
SMU
Louisiana-Monroe
Louisiana-Lafayette
Louisiana Tech
~~Tulane~~ Rice
Air Force
Kansas

Atlantic Coast Football Conference - Championship Class

Flutie Division
Georgia Tech
USF
Clemson
West Virginia
North Carolina
Boston College

Marino Division
Virginia Tech
South Carolina
Pitt
UConn
Rutgers
Penn State

Atlantic Coast Football Conference - Non-Championship Class

Duke
Virginia
Temple
Buffalo
East Carolina
Army
Navy
Louisville
Syracuse
Wake Forest
North Carolina State
Maryland

Entertaining as hell? I think so. If I messed anything up (repeated teams, missed teams, etc...), let me know in the comments and I'll fix it. I'm pretty sure it's right though.

~~I'm gonna be honest, it's 4 AM and I just don't feel like putting up Keg Stickers. I'll get it done sometime tomorrow and update the post.~~

Keg Stickers!

Come out from the corner JonathanPDX, here be the Keg Stickarrrrs! I be talking like a pirate today because last week, Jonathan committed Wikipedia piracy! Wikipedia + Canzano = Double Kegger! Congrats Jonathan! I also have yet to give JShufelt a Keg Sticker for his CSI: Miami GIF, and that's a damn shame.

Bill Musgrave

Matt Daddy

Gorbachav5

JonathanPDX

Takimoto

ntrebon

echo31

CaDuck

trumpetduck

Addicted to Quack

QuackinAK

JTLight

benzduck

axemen23

AllSaintsDay

JShufelt

Keg Sticker via www.beerguide.com.au

EDIT, 3.3.10

So benzduck's comment about my taking out Washington State in favor of Nevada got me wondering if I actually got it right, if the best twelve teams from 2009 were in the PCFC Championship Class, and if they were seeded correctly. Was a 7-1 WAC season worth more than a 4-5 Pac-10 season? Naturally, I couldn't do this with conjecture, or even four straight days of NCAA '10 ending in seizures. I needed technology, and the gift to all mankind that is whatifsports.com was a more than serviceable medium. I simulated a full round-robin, starting with games that were actually played in 2009. In the case of any game that did not take place in real life, I simulated a home-and-home series, with a neutral site game serving as the tiebreaker. The results surprised me, and frankly, you aren't going to like them.

Boise State: 23-0
Oregon: 20-3
Oregon State: 19-4
USC: 18-5
Utah: 18-5
Arizona: 17-6
Cal: 16-7
Nevada: 16-7
Stanford: 16-7
Arizona State: 14-9
UCLA: 12-11
Fresno State: 11-12
San Diego State: 11-12
Washington: 11-12
Idaho: 10-13
Wyoming: 8-15
Colorado State: 7-16
Utah State: 6-17
Hawaii: 5-18
UNLV: 5-18
San Jose State: 4-19
New Mexico: 4-19
New Mexico State: 3-20
Washington State: 1-22

So, according to WhatIfSports.com, not only was Boise State ridiculously good (the only teams to take it to a third game were Cal and USC), but Washington State is damn atrocious. Their only win was against New Mexico State. You'll notice there was a tie for the 12th and final Championship Class position. I decided this with a round-robin, best of 7 tourney between Fresno State, Washington, and SDSU. The results:

FSU vs. UW: FSU in 5
FSU vs. SDSU: FSU in 4
SDSU vs. UW: SDSU in 5

Therefore, both Washington teams get relegated, and the divisions look like this:

Simpson Division
Boise St.
USC
Utah
Nevada
Stanford
Fresno St.

Bellotti Division
Oregon
OSU
Arizona
Cal
ASU
UCLA

Poll

What's your favorite flavor of Otter Pop?

Crapzano's Sponsors

2010-02-28T08:44:29Z

I saw someone post this on another site and thought it would be a good thing to pass along. It's a list of Crapzano's sponsors. If you want to, write them and tell the how you feel.

He may control the ink but we control the money. We'll probably not get him off the air but at least we can make him squirm a little bit. I know it will go a hundred and one miles in making me feel a little better.

Key Home Furnishings
email: Tydix@Keyhomefurnishings.com

Caro Amico Italian Cafe
email: info@caroamicoitaliancafe.com

Get Fit Training
email: elenik@getsofitnow.com

Hair Surgery Specialist Northwest
email: info@naturalhairlines.com

503 Motoring:
info@503motoring.com

Sleep Medicine Network:
smninfo@sleepmedicinenetwork.com

Oregon Weight Loss Surgery:
info@oregonweightlosssurgery.com

Dex One:
dexinfo@dexone.com

Activate Cellular:
customerservice@activateonline.com

Video Only:
contact@videoonly.com

Concrete Lifting Solutions:
mhoughton@concreteliftingsolutions.biz

Kelly's Olympian:
bookings@kellysolympian.com

Jim Fisher Volvo:
sales@jimfishervolvo.com

Port of Kalama:
pok@portofkalama.com

Spirit Mountain Casino:
http://spiritmountain.com/contact-spiri ... in-casino/

Carr Subaru:
http://www.carrsubaru.com/contact-form.htm

Legacy Health:
http://www.legacyhealth.org/body.cfm?id=9

Dick Hannah Acura:
http://www.dickhannah.com/index.cfm?fus ... ck.default

Car Toys:
http://www.cartoys.com/default.cfm/w/contact_us

Hillsboro Hyundai:
1-888-300-3889 or http://www.hillsborohyundai.com/display ... ds=contact

Sears Auto Center:
Actually just Sears: http://www.sears.com/shc/s/nb_10153_126 ... ?adCell=WF

Once again, a big thank you to ATQ

2010-02-26T13:29:41Z

You guys are seriously class acts, and I wanted to thank you today. A few Duck fans have stopped by recently to offer some support after Robbie Hummel's knee injury against Minnesota Wednesday night. It was totally unexpected, but very welcome. I am glad our little football series has carried over into admiration in other sports as well. We can definitely use your support as we now have a more difficult road to closing out what has been a fantastic season so far. If you have any basketball energies left over, send them to West Lafayette Sunday afternoon at 4 ET as we take on Michigan State. I'll be there in person screaming my fool head off.

A Statistical Study of Basketball Coach Prospects

2010-02-25T23:22:22Z

Who will lead us to the Promised Land? And by Promised Land, I mean above-.500 conference play in basketball. So let's put all of the Fire Ernie arguments aside and acknowledge the inevitable by looking at a statistical comparison of the potential replacements. I've included the more common names on everyone's coaching wish lists as well as one or two of my own personal favorites.

via www.uoalumni.com

The NCAA maintains an online stat archive database for basketball dating back to the 2001-02 season. What I've done is compiled lists of how each of these coach's teams performed in main statistical categories. The categories I looked at were: Scoring Offense, Scoring Margin, Rebounding Margin, Blocks Per Game, Assists Per Game, Steals Per Game, Scoring Defense, FG% Defense, Turnovers Per Game, FG%, 3-pt %, FT%, and 3-pointers Per Game. I included stats from this season current through games played as of 2/21.

I broke the team statistical rankings down by calculating each coach's average team ranking per season in each of these categories. I rounded up to eliminate decimals, because decimals hurt my eyes. Here is the list, in alphabetical order...

via 1.bp.blogspot.com

1. Steve Alford, New Mexico

(380-207 overall, 173-123 career conference record)

Alford's teams' highest stat ranking average was in Scoring Margin (72nd) and 3-pt % (72nd). Alford's Lobo teams have shot the 3 much more frequently than his Iowa teams: the last 3 seasons, the Lobos have ranked 41st, 90th, and 32nd in 3-pointers made per game. The previous high for this category at Iowa was 161st. Alford's lowest team average was in SPG (163rd), although New Mexico has improved in this category each season under his watch. His current UNM team takes care of the ball and boxes out, as they rank 17th in Turnovers Per Game and 29th in Rebounding Margin this season.

I can easily see Alford making the move from one Pit to another. My only concern is that he never got over the hump at Iowa. He ~~choked~~ posted sub-.500 conference records in five out of his eight seasons with the Hawkeyes. He also only has three NCAA Tournament bids in fourteen seasons.

Possibility of becoming the new Oregon MBB coach: Very possible.

via a.espncdn.com

2. Randy Bennett, Saint Mary's

(177-203 overall, 76-48 conference)

Bennett's teams' highest average category was Rebounding Margin (58th). His teams know how to crash the boards: since 2003, the Gaels ~~always beat us~~ have ranked 29th, 51st, 29th, 40th, 62nd, 12th, and 43rd in Rebounding Margin. The last two seasons, they have ranked in the top 15 in Scoring Offense, and in the last four seasons, they've ranked in the top 30 in BPG. His worst category is SPG. Sure, this year's Gaels rank 13th, but their average in this category is at a lowly 212nd

I could see Oregon making a move for Bennett. We wouldn't have to pay him as much as we'd have to pay some of the bigger names, and I have no doubts he'd build Oregon into a basketball team consistently competing in the upper half of the conference. Alas, we have a new arena to fill, and I just don't think Bennett has the buzz and the namepower needed to fill the seats. Also, I'm sure I don't need to point this out to you, but our last stint with a former Gaels coach ~~makes me disown basketball~~... ahem...

Possibility: Very possible.

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3. Scott Drew, Baylor

(112-109 overall, 38-72 conference)

Other than his one year coaching Valparaiso and his last few years coaching the Bears, the stats are skewed against Drew due to the ~~Bear-on-Bear violence~~ absolute disaster he inherited in Waco. Due to that, his overall category averages aren't that great. So let's narrow the sample size a bit to look at his recent Baylor teams. Since 2006, they've ranked in the top 100 in Scoring Offense, BPG, and 3-pointers Per Game. This year's team is impressive in several categories: 34th in Scoring Offense, 17th in Scoring Margin, 6th in Rebounding Margin, 4th in BPG, 9th in FG% Defense, 14th in FG% and 19th in 3pt %. Since his one season at Valpo, none of his teams have broken the top 100 in APG, although this year's team is close at 101st.

I would love this hire. Drew has undoubtedly accomplished one of the most impossible program turnarounds in recent history, bringing Baylor's program back from its deathbed to NCAA Tournament bid competition. He's a great recruiter, his teams play hard, and he knows what it takes to build something from the ground up. But I question if he would leave Baylor, mostly because he's literally built it from scratch. He also just signed a 10-year contract extension a few seasons ago.

Possibility: Somewhat possible.

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4. Mark Few, Gonzaga

(285-70 overall, 135-15 conference)

Few's teams are statistically awesome. Their average in Scoring Offense is 18th, their average in Scoring Margin is 20th, 31st in Rebounding Margin, 17th in FG %. They shoot the ball incredibly well: they've ranked no lower than 22nd in FG % since 2002. Few's teams have no lower categorical average than 191st, which is much higher than the other candidates' lowest average. This year's Bulldogs are terrible from the line, ranking 245th, but it looks like an anomaly. Since 2001, their average in this category is 67th.

Few puts out very well-coached teams who are sound in almost every single statistical category ~~including shrooms~~ year in and year out. Opponents of this hire would claim that Few inherited an Elite Eight program, which is true. He also has never made it past a Sweet 16. Personally, I'm not sure if he could live up to the hype of a Mark Few-coached Oregon program. He's created such high expectations wherever he ends up coaching (if he leaves the Zags) because of his dominance of the ~~WAC?~~ ~~Sun Belt?~~ ~~Big Sky?~~ ~~Big West?~~ ~~What conference are they in again?~~ WCC. I'm not a big fan of the "We Must Hire A UO Alum" strategy, but the biggest question is: if he turned down Kilkenny, would he turn down MB?

Possibility: Very possible.

via msnbcmedia3.msn.com

5. Tubby Smith, Minnesota

(443-175 overall, 213-94 conference)

Tubby's teams know how to pass the rock and defend. Their strongest averages are in Scoring Margin (46th), FG% Defense (55th), BPG (60th), APG (64th), and Scoring Defense (72nd). His teams have ranked 66th or higher in Scoring Offense in six of the past nine seasons. Since Smith's arrival in Minneapolis, the Gophers have ranked 23rd, 27th, and 20th in SPG. In the past nine seasons, his teams ranked in the top 100 in FG % Defense for all but one season. They will shut you down. Smith's weakest category is FT %, where his teams average rank is 161st since 2001. They've only ranked in the top 100 from the line in one season out of the past nine.

Yes, my contrast in pictures speaks the truth: Tubby ~~is kind of old~~ would be my pick to be the new Oregon basketball coach. He gets results. In 18 seasons, he has 15 Tournament appearances. Out of these 15 Tournament appearances, he's advanced past the first round 13 times. He has a National Title, three Elite Eights, and five Sweet Sixteens, two of which came at Tulsa. Tubby has the kind of namepower that would sell seats, and his hiring would create a huge buzz along with the opening of the new arena. He does make a million a year, so it wouldn't be cheap, but I think it if we sweetened the deal enough for him, he'd gladly leave the frozen tundra for greener pastures.

Possibility: Somewhat possible.

via media.collegepublisher.com

6. Mark Turgeon, Texas A&M

(222-148 overall, 111-94 conference)

The bread and butter of Turgeon's teams is Rebounding Margin, with an average rank of 45th since 2001. This is the first season in the past nine that Turgeon's team has ranked outside the top 100 in this category (102nd). His last two seasons at A&M, they've ranked 37th and 8th in Rebounding Margin. His team's worst average is in SPG, where their average rank is 282nd. Last season, the Aggies ranked 312nd in the country in SPG.

It almost sounds too good to be true: a former Oregon assistant returning home to usher in a new era of non-bipolar basketball results. And it is too good to be true. Turgeon makes $1.2 million a year, so we'd probably break the bank to bring him to Eugene. I'm also skeptical he would leave A&M for Oregon. He inherited a good program which has become an upper echelon Big 12 team. The Aggies ~~are a joke in football~~ get great fan support and will consistently compete in that conference. For him, I just think it'd be a downward move, and I don't see it happening.

Possibility: Unlikely.

So below is a direct comparison of the average team stat rankings of these six coaches since 2001, plus a BONUS! Our very own Ernie, and the categorical average ranking overall of his teams since 2001.

Random outburst: this season, we rank 276th in ~~attendance~~ assists per game. 276th in dimes! What the ~~Tajuan Porter~~ hell is going on? There. I feel better.

                SCO    SCM    REB   BPG   APG   SPG   SCD   FGD    TO      FG%    3PT%    FT%    3PG
Kent        89      121      144     214    124     201     217    201    124     104        93        110        69       Kent
Few         18      20         31      103     74       191     141     49       91       17         46        67       149     Few
Turgeon 118    84         45      199     111     282     105    105    107      89         90        122       137     Turgeon
Smith      82      47     80 60     64       101       72     55     125     80        144       168       151     Smith
Drew       141   153     176      113    179     148    206    179     162    120      105       146         88       Drew
Alford      121 72     83      106   75      167    100      78      129    105       72        149        163      Alford
Bennett 118    75         58       88      212    205    81       93     172    139      121      123        147 Bennett

SCO= Scoring Offense; SCM= Scoring Margin; REB= Rebounding Margin; SCD= Scoring Defense; FGD= FG % Defense; TO= Turnovers Per Game; 3PG= 3pointers Per Game

Thanks for reading this long schpiel. I'm done now... guess I should go ~~play more Dynasty Mode so I can taunt UW fans and go for 2 after every touchdown~~ find something else to do with my day. Vote in the poll and leave your comments below.

As always, GO DUCKS!

P.S.- I rarely post on here, and have no idea what I'm doing, so apologies for the giant numberf*** above. If any of the editors would like to fix that for me, I'd appreciate it.

Poll

Who would you like to see as the next MBB coach at Oregon and why?

Steve Alford

6 votes

Randy Bennett

3 votes

Scott Drew

5 votes

Mike Dunlap

4 votes

Mark Few

26 votes

Tubby Smith

17 votes

Mark Turgeon

1 votes

other

4 votes

66 votes | Poll has closed

OSU Barometer writer has a better take on UO troubles

2010-02-25T08:47:57Z

It amazes me that a OSU Barometer writer has a better take on the Ducks recent troubles than any writer for the Oregonian. When I first saw the headline I thought for sure it would be a hatchet job on the Ducks, but what I found was a reasoned and fair analysis of the last few weeks. I just wish that the Oregonian could of found a reasonable voice during this mess.

Link to the Barometer

Pac-10 Expansion

2010-02-25T03:44:09Z

There has been quite a bit of discussion regarding the possible expansion of the Pac-10 conference, it’s future, the revenue it could generate, and the schools that would fit best with our conference. While many good points have been raised there are a number of issues yet to be discussed and it’s time for us to take a serious look at the potential schools and why they may or may not fit into the Pac-10.

First we need to look at our conference, top to bottom, and really understand what we have and who we are before we consider our options for expansion.

The Oregon Ducks

What is there to say? Ducks are native to our region, they look badass, and they score a lot of points. Puddles is the greatest Duck of them all and he can take out mascots twice his weight.

The Oregon State Beavers

Sure, we love to hate the beavers, and for good reason, but they did get one thing right. The beaver is a wet and wild animal with bad teeth, like many of his football team’s fans. A native to our state and much more interesting than a cat or tiger. They may fail it on the football field but at least they picked a good animal.

The Washington Huskies

Well, they aren’t really fierce or scary and it’s hard to picture wild huskies roaming the fierce arctic north of Seattle Washington. Still, Huskies rhymes with Fuskies and that cannot be over rated (clap, clap, clap-clap-clap). The mascot is much like their team; he might bare his teeth at you but really he just wants his ears scratched, don’t worry, he’s all bark and no bite.

The Washington State Cougars

One step above "wildcats", the Cougs make the finals in the Cliché Mascot Awards. Most cougars in Pullman are domesticated, much like their football team. We could compare them to a high school football team or suggest that their mascot is in fact the most physically imposing person they put on the field. But we won’t do that because they suck and after a point you almost feel sorry for them. Almost.

The Arizona Wildcats

This is where the Pac-10 suffers their biggest blow, hosting a team with a name so common even 6-year-old kids in PeeWee football would turn it down. The story goes that they selected the wildcat as their mascot because the local costume emporium was overloaded with slightly-used cat-like Halloween costumes and their mascot was purchased at a massive discount. While we could do much better the Wildcats meet our NCAA obligation to host one team with "cat" somewhere in the name.

The Arizona State Sun Devils

The Sun Devils are an odd team to judge; on one hand they have an original mascot that sort of fits with their state (the Boring What The Hell Is There To Do In Arizona Devils would have been more appropriate), on the other hand he looks like the kind of guy who parks outside a middle school in a windowless van. His almost-Nazi mustache and pedophile grin would be a turn off if anybody outside of Arizona actually watched Sun Devils football games.

The California Golden Bears

This team was actually named in the back seat of a car by a 7-year-old doing MadLibs. Name a state, a color, and an animal. Congrats, you just named 90% of the peewee football teams in America. While bears are scary and dangerous their mascot is to bears as grape soda is to actual grapes.

The UCLA Bruins

Okay, what is a bruin? Isn’t that the capitol of Germany? Oh, it’s another bear? Wow, how original, you’re just like Cal, only nobody even knows your mascot should be scary. Honestly, I don’t think they were even trying. At least they picked an animal, sort of.

The USC Trojans

Condom jokes aside, the Trojans have stepped outside the animal kingdom to select a fitting mascot. The gleaming golden armor (complete with nippled breastplate), plumed helm, shining sword; it screams "We think we’re so much better than you that we’re going to blow a game to a terrible team." While they don’t win any points for ruining our more-or-less animal themed conference at least they gain points for showing everyone what huge arrogant pricks they are.

The Stanford Cardinal

Congrats to the Furd, you win the "WTF, I thought smart people didn’t smoke crack" award. It’s like the emperor’s new clothes, except instead of the emperor there’s a nightmarish Dr. Seuss character parading around devouring the souls of small children. It baffles the mind, offends the senses, and you have to wonder if perhaps that mascot is a big practical joke that nobody ever got.

After looking through our conference it’s obvious that we set a high standard. Some schools are like the only guy in the whole neighborhood who refuses to put up Christmas lights but all in all the Pac-10 is distinct with a clear identity and a lot of ~~pot~~ class.

While we look at the primary contenders to join our elite ranks it’s important to judge them on what’s really important. Not academic standards, financial gains, or competitive athletics, but a much more crucial issue: their mascots. Can you really picture a stoned tree or a motorcycle-riding Duck brawling with a gun-toting cowboy or walking acorn? Of course not, that’s absurd. Now we look at the potential candidates and what they have to offer the future Pac-12.

The Utah Utes

What was that word? Two what? Two Utes? What is a Ute?
While Utah is a popular suggestion for their proximity to the west coast and their competitive football team it simply is not meant to be. Their lack of a mascot and nonsensical name do not meet our high standards. Even Joe Pesci couldn’t make a school like Utah fit into the Pac-12.

The Boise State Broncos

Fuck Boise State.

The Brigham Young Cougars

Many points have been raised about their refusal to play on Sundays and the fit in the conference, but the reason to veto BYU is very simple. You are only allowed one Cougar at a time, any more than that and the hot flashes and mood swings will become unbearable. Wazzu may suck but damnit, they’re OUR cougars.

The UNLV Rebels

The Pac-12 will not draft the ‘stache.

The Ole Miss Rebels

Yes, that’s Admiral Ackbar!
The leader of the Rebel forces may not be a perfect fit, but adding him would cause a tidal change to sweep through the Pac-12. Not only would the Fighting Ackbar’s be a dangerous force, the newly named Stanford Colbert’s and Washington State Lebowski’s would keep the Pac-12 on the cutting edge and make us the most popular conference among stoned teenagers.

The San Diego State Aztecs

At first glance SDSU looks like a great fit, but it would never work. In the Pac-10 a guy with no pants and feathers in his hair isn’t a mascot, he’s just another dude in the stands.

The Colorado Buffaloes

Colorado is a very interesting choice. While their mascot is not unique to the west it is an animal and makes far more sense than a walking tree or another stupid bear. However, bringing them in would risk a mascot-escalation race as no Pac-10 team fields a live mascot. While this is a concern, it should be remembered that motorcycles > buffaloes.

The Nevada Wolf Pack

Surprisingly, Nevada would make a great addition to the Pac-10. Their crazy wolf would fit in well with our mascot zoo and the Pac-12 needs a canine to compete with the Fuskies. They may be a sleeper now but expect them to fly up the draft board as we move closer to E-Day.

The Texas Longhorns

Ah, mighty Texas. They’re Pacific like "I can’t believe it’s not butter" is butter. They’re half way across the country, have absolutely nothing in common with the Pac-10 or it’s schools, and bringing them in would turn our future Pac-12 TV station into a 24-hour Vince Young love fest. Yet the pairing is perfect. We have dogs, waterfowl, cats, and bears but we lack one thing: a bigass bull. A gigantic steer would bring prestige and strength to our conference while leaving massive piles on opposing teams fields. It’s win-win.

Ultimately the Pac-10 is expanding to add size and bulk, making Texas and Colorado ideal choices, yet the ferocity of Nevada would also be helpful in balancing out the ineptitude of Furd and the general suckage of several other teams. We must be careful not to upset the balance of the Pac-12 by bringing in space aliens or more bears, as this could shift the balance of the entire conference (see: Ole Miss).

Modern college athletics are judged by the might of their mascots, the flash of their uniforms, and the media savvy of their PR departments. Anyone can win on the field (except the ACC) but crafting a winning conference requires a collection of strong and frightening animals. While the Pac-10 is strong and remains competitive it will never be a top-tier athletic conference so long as opposing teams have no fear of maiming during pre-game introductions.

More Track Coverage

2010-02-25T00:09:49Z

When you think Oregon athletics the first you think of is track; not football and certainly not baseball. While I've enjoyed my 9 months following ATQ I think weak track coverage is the one shortcoming. With the woman ranked #1 and the mew #2 in the country (indoor track) lets bang the drum a little louder than them. (I do acknowledge that my 9 months following ATQ would have excluded the bulk of the last track season).