We're two days away from the start of Pac-10 play, and I couldn't be more excited. We've seen a lot of great things from the Ducks this season, but they'll soon be really tested. Here's today's quack:
- Oregon held their typical low-intensity Thursday workout as they prepared for the ASU game on Saturday night. Kenjon Barner participated, but as this was a more mental practice than physical, that won't mean that he'll play this weekend. The injury situation overall will be finalized today. Kelly had more praise for the practice. At this point, good practices are the norm, and it's nice to see that continue with Pac-10 play two days away.
- Adam Jude notes that Jeff Maehl is about to enter Oregon's top 10 for career receptions. For a guy that was recruited as a defensive back, Maehl has definitely molded himself into a very dependable and solid receiver for the Ducks. There's been discussion in the comments recently about how Jeff may not be a standout in any one particular area, but he has had a knack over the last season or so of making some big catches when we need them.
- With the recent heart attack suffered by Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio, George Schroeder gets Coach Kelly's thoughts on the stress of the job while joining him on a run.
- Chip Kelly's been a busy guy this week, conducting multiple interviews. He recently sat down with Sports Illustrated and answered a number of reader questions. A lot of good questions, not always the best answers, but it's Chip, so it's worth a watch/listen.
- Did you guys hear that former Oregon wide receiver Aaron Pflugrad is is now Arizona State's leading receiver? It's true! This is why they pay the guys at the Oregonian the big bucks, to really get those hard to find stories.
- AZCentral.com has a piece on Darron Thomas and his handling of the "Oregon Maserati." Thomas has done very well this year, but will face his best defense so far this year at ASU. I'm fairly confident that he'll be able to handle the pressure, but with any young QB, you can never be too sure.
- Oregon has released their 2011 baseball schedule, and isn't taking the easy way out. They will play series against nine team that made the postseason last year, and will host BYU and Wichita State at PK Park. With expectations high this season, it should be a lot of fun.
- Finally, Ted Miller has some interesting notes on all the of conference games coming up this weekend.
Got any other links? Leave them below. GO DUCKS!