Oh man, this is a great time of the year. Jersey Shore is back, football is upon us. Could we ask for anything more? How about a little quack?
- The Pac-10 media did something they have not done in a long time: picked a team other than USC to win the Pac-10 title. Oregon received 15 first place votes (out of 35) and edged past USC by 3 points. Despite the preseason accolades, Chip Kelly dismissed the poll, citing last years poll that had Oregon 3rd and Arizona 8th. (For more media coverage, check out Cal Golden Blogs, who have an extensive write-up on the day)
- Ted Miller has a blog post on Oregon trying to live up to their preseason expectations. While Kelly takes every opportunity to disparage early rankings, Oregon is in a position that they haven't been in since 2001. How they handle that position will be a key to their success this season. While they can't play the underdog role, there is plenty of motivation after Oregon's tumultuous offseason. Miller also has a post on Kelly and DT Brandon Bair's Q & A session. Interestingly, Kelly continues to deny that the Ducks have switched defenses.
- Some of the most interesting quotes of Pac-10 Media Day came from Larry Scott, as he discussed the Pac-10's attempt to become the Pac-16 (h/t: CougCenter). Scott makes clear that all publicicity over the move came from Texas, who was pretty obviously playing all sides during the realignment game. In the end, Scott blames Texas politics for the collapse of the deal. Scott also had a Q&A with Darren Rovell on the topic of expansion that's worth a read.
- Jeremiah Masoli was once again in the headlines after his SI profile came out yesterday (though you wouldn't know if by the questions at media day). Hopefully he can get things turned around in the SEC. And EDSBS has some advice for Masoli as he enters the strange world of the south.
- Oregonlive is continuing their run through the greatest Oregon players of the decade. Today it's time to vote on tight ends. It's a tough choice, between Peele and Dickson. Though Dickson, in my mind, gets the nod based on his production.
- The Pac-10 athletic directors start meeting today about realignment. It seems pretty clear that the league will stick with 9 conference games, which I think is great for football fans. The big question will come down to the division split, which has many options on the table. Do the right thing, ADs, split the California schools and do the North/South split.
Got anything else to share? Leave it below. GO DUCKS!