It was an exciting weekend for Oregon sports, so let's get right to the quack:
- Oregon baseball won another series this weekend, this time beating WSU, giving Oregon its 30th win, and moving the Ducks into a tie for third in the conference. The Ducks blew a winnable game on Friday night, when they gave up an unearned run in the top of the ninth to lose 3-2. But they came back with a vengeance, winning the next two games by a combined score of 12-1. This effort was led by Justin LaTempa's one-hitter on Saturday night in a 6-0 win, and the only hit he gave up was a bloop double that landed on the right field line. The dominance continued into Sunday, as the Ducks got a couple of big hits in the 4th to win it 6-1. But it doesn't get any easier for the Ducks as they go on the road this weekend to struggling Oregon State.
- The Oregon spring game seemed to be a roaring success as Oregon essentially had a two hour infomercial for the football team on Satruday, and Oregon was able to give back during the process, honoring the troops multiple times throughout the game. The big on-the-field story of the day was the play of the QBs. Both Nate Costa and Darron Thomas looked very good at times, and not so good at others. Neither QB gained an edge in a battle that will likely go all the way into late August. But no matter who is chosen, the coaching staff is optimistic about the passing game, which is already ahead of where the Ducks were last season, according to offensive coordinator Mark Helfrich.
- Ken Woody has some thoughts on the spring game, and says that the Ducks aren't quite a top 10 team. One area he praises is the QBs under the leadership of Scott Frost. According to Woody, "the Duck’s receivers no longer appear to be a group of lackadaisical slackers, catching or blocking." However, Woody is still concerned about the physicality of the defense. The speed was on full display during the game, but the middle of the defense could be a bit soft unless a lineman can demand a double team at all times.
- Looking to get to know Dana Altman? Well, George Schroeder and John Hunt can help you out. Both filed stories on the new Ducks coach over the weekend. Schroeder takes a look at Altman's career up to this point, and how he got into basketball coaching. Meanwhile, John Hunt has a piece on why Altman took the job in Eugene, his basketball style, and his competitive spirit. While much of the praise for Altman could be dismissed as spin after the tumultuous coaching search, Altman has nothing by respect from the coaching community. He brings a competitive fire that may not have been prevalent in the basketball team the last couple seasons. Everything I read about coach Altman gets me more excited for next season. Excited for basketball? What a weird feeling.
- Altman's first test will come in recruiting, where he has a lot to do over the next couple weeks. But recent Oregon visitor PG Jon Lloyd will be announcing his college choice today. And Oregon is also going after Xavier Munford, a guard out of Pennsylvania.
Got any other quack? Leave it below. GO DUCKS!