It feels like each week is getting longer and longer. It's probably just impatience, but Saturday can't come soon enough. If you're feeling the same way, you're going to need your Wednesday Morning Quack Fix to help you cope:
- Sophomore Cliff Harris is one of 10 semifinalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, given annually to the nation's best defensive back. There's no doubt he's deserving of the award. He is, after all, locking shit down.
- Running back Kenjon Barner practiced for the second-straight day yesterday, but has yet to be cleared for contact. Oregon running backs coach Gary Campbell is hopeful Barner will be cleared for this weekend's matchup with UW, but reiterated he's still day-to-day. Rob Moseley has more in his Tuesday practice report.
- Dr. Saturday offers a lighthearted look at Oregon's "warp speed" offense. There are some interesting tidbits in his post, most notably that the Ducks are faster and more efficient statistically than any high-octane offense in the past six seasons (and that includes the 2008 Oklahoma juggernaut).
- When asked who might be able to stop the aforementioned warp-speed offense, USC head coach Lane Kiffin suggested Alabama. Here's to hoping the matchup plays out in Glendale, although I'm not convinced the Tide is up to the task.
- On his weekly conference call with reporters, Chip Kelly refused to acknowledge himself as a genius. "Jonas Salk is a genius. We coach football." Fair enough, Coach. Genius? Maybe not. But guru? Most certainly.
- LostLettermen.com examines the Oregon-Washington rivalry, claiming it's one of the most overlooked in the country. I'm guessing our 6-game winning streak (soon to be 7) in the series might have something to do with why it's overlooked.
- Could Mike Bellotti return to coaching at...Minnesota? The Oregonian's Rachel Bachman weighs in on the rumors.
- It sounds like the Big East wants in on the expansion action after the conference announced its plans yesterday to push membership from eight to 10 teams. ESPN.com's Brian Bennett (not to be confused with Bryan Bennett) speculates on who the top candidates might be. Not surprisingly, TCU tops the list.
As always, leave any relevant links or comments below.
GO DUCKS!