It's Monday, and I know that means you need some quack:
- It was a big weekend for LaMichael James, first winning the Doak Walker award, and then coming in third in the Heisman Trophy voting. It was the highest ever finish for a Duck, but James continued to be humble and wary of the spotlight. With his award tour over, he can now get back to his team and BCS preparations.
- With LaMichael James' Heisman run, George Schroeder writes that Oregon has come a long way since the "Joey Heisman" billboard. Oregon's endless self-promotion, which put off many at first, has helped the program become what it is now. And it's only looked upon kindly because the Ducks backed it up on the field.
- LaMichael must have taken a lot of lessons from Chip. Apparently he's not amused. (h/t: EDSBS)
- OK, so the accolades may not quite be over for the Ducks. LaMichael and Cliff Harris were named first team All-Americans by the Football Writers Association of America. LaMichael can be Oregon's first ever unanimous All-American if he's first team on the AP and Sporting News teams that come out in the coming days.
- Oregon held their second bowl practice yesterday, their first led by Chip Kelly after he missed the first practice, which took place Saturday, due to recruiting and awards. And with our fearless leader back, the intensity was noticeably up. The Ducks haven't yet started gameplanning for Auburn, and are focusing on fundamentals and technique.
- The injury list is slowly getting smaller. Jackson Rice is back after dealing with mono, but that led to an enlarged spleen, which kept him out extra time. Lavasier Tuinei is back to some degree. While he hasn't been in pads for practice, he is doing light conditioning and catching passes.
- The Oregonian has a piece today on Terrell Turner, who has really stepped up this season, both on the field, and in front of the camera, hosting "Turner Time" for KEZI. Turner originally came to Oregon to be a linebacker, but was moved up front, which he wasn't excited about at first. But he's become a very important part of Oregon's rotation, and should make his 13th start on January 10th.
- With the time at Mac Court winding down, Oregon honored the past as they played Willamette on Saturday, wearing throwback jerseys and hosting a number of former Oregon greats. Oregon won the game 100-67 in a reprise of the first-ever game played at Mac Court. And while it's sad to say goodbye, Matt Court is already receiving great reviews from the former players, though it will be very tough to replace The Pit.
- The Ducks take on Jacksonville State tonight, and Jay-R Strowbridge will face a former teamate.
- Looking for a bit of history on Hayward Field? A new book is out just in time for the holidays, chronicling Eugene's rise as "Track Town."
Got anything else to share? Leave it below. GO DUCKS!
Chip Kelly after practice
Practice Highlights