The basketball team started the weekend off with a win. Just about time for the football team to do the same. Here's your quack:
- Oregon basketball got their first win last night against Eastern Washington, but it was not as easy as many Duck fans were expecting. The Ducks trailed most of the game before taking the lead for good with 5 minutes left. The Ducks turned the ball over 21 times, and missed 16 free throws. But hey, a win's a win. Dave had a great recap below with lots of individual observations if you missed the game.
- On the women's side, the Register Guard has a piece this morning on freshmen Jordan Loera and Lexi Petersen, who have been thrust into prominent roles on the team.
- Adam Jude profiles Oregon's safeties, John Boyett and Eddie Pleasant, as they prepare for USC. While I gave credit to the defensive line yesterday, Jude points out that Pleasant and Boyett are playing the best ball of their careers. Boyett is leading the team in tackles, and Pleasant leads the team in interceptions and pass breakups. The safety play has made the transition much easier for Oregon's 3 freshmen CBs that are getting significant playing time, and have helped the Duck defense play nearly at least year's level, despite not having their most talented CB.
- Cliff Harris, by the way, was in court yesterday to deal with his most recent traffic violation. He plead no contest, and had to pay $300 in fines, but if he avoids any more violations over the next 60 days, the driving while suspended charge will come off his record.
- Congratulations to Mark Asper, Carson York, and David Paulson, who have been named first team All-Academic by the Pac-12.
- Duck Sports Authority has a full list of visitors that will be in town this weekend. It'll be an important weekend for the Ducks both on and off the field. Bud Elliot of Tomahawk Nation and SBNation.com add some more analysis of the recruits in his weekly recruiting breakdown at the mothership.
- Lastly, a neat article was in the New York Times yesterday, talking about the popularity of American Sign Language among the Oregon football players. We also learn that LaMichael James won't make the O. So next time you throw it up, make sure it's a nice, rounded O.
That's all I got. If you have anything else to share, drop it in the comments. GO DUCKS!