I'm not Matt Daddy, so I'm excited about our new ranking. But that doesn't mean the Ducks can rest on their laurels:
- While doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, everyone is buzzing about Oregon's new #1 ranking in the AP and coaches polls. It's quite a surreal feeling to have Oregon at the top of the rankings, and as fans, something to celebrate. And it seems like the players are enjoying it. But they know what happened the past two weeks to the previous #1 teams, and what they'll need to do to keep their ranking through the rest of the season.
- George Schroeder's column from yesterday focuses on just what this ranking means. I think that this ranking is a big moment for the program as a whole, but doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of this season. It's amazing that Oregon has even gotten to this place, but the Ducks have so much left to do this season.
- While Oregon is #1 in the human polls, they debuted at #2 in the BCS. At this point, it doesn't mean a whole lot. The Ducks have a lot of tough games remaining that will significantly boost their strength of schedule.
- Looking forward to UCLA, it sounds like the Ducks will be in pretty great shape in the injury department. Darron Thomas has bounced back from his shoulder sprain and is good to go for the UCLA game Thursday night, and by all accounts, was looking good in practice, showing no ill effects. Overall, there are only three players on the injury report, and Kenjon Barner is the only regular to be on the list, though he's attending practice again (though not participating) after suffering a concussion against Washington State. Adam Jude also has a practice report from Saturday.
- Oregon's 2010 baseball recruiting class is garnering all sorts of praise. They were ranked the 5th best class in America by Baseball America, and includes 6 players in the class were drafted but did not sign with MLB teams. The class has a lot of hitters, which should give the Ducks some good balance after relying on their pitching staff the past two seasons.
- John Hunt has a story on Malcolm Armstead, and how he almost left Oregon. But Altman was able to get on the same page as Armstead, and really explain the high-post offense, and convinced Armstead to stay. Armstead had his problems last season with consistency. But I'm hopeful he'll be much more consistent with Altman as coach.
- Lastly, if you want to waste a lot of time, here are a whole bunch of videos of Oregon's offense, inspired by Gregg Easterbrook (h/t: Smart Football).
Got any other links or quack to share? Leave it in the comments. GO DUCKS!