Wow! It sure is nice to have some good news on a Friday morning.
- The Ducks blew out the Washington State Cougars 69-43, a result that was totally unexpected. The Ducks have far exceeded expectations this season, but even the victories didn't make you think an outcome like this was possible. The Ducks have been competitive this season, but you never expected them to run another team right off the floor. The Ducks dominated in every area of the game, and the Cougars shot 25% from the floor, and 16% from three point range. The Ducks shot over 40%, and got assists on almost 75% of their field goals. Four Ducks were in double figures, led by an improving Joevan Catron with 17.
- So, just what can we make of this basketball team? That's the subject of Schroeder's column today. After losing their first four conference games, three of them by 15 points or more, the Ducks are 4-2. They can stay in games with their defense, and if the shots fall, they can score in bunches. It's been exciting to watch, and the team has bought into Altman. Can they keep it up? I don't know if the wins will continue, but they'll have a good chance against most Pac-10 teams if they can continue their performance.
- The Oregon women didn't fare so well, dropping a game in overtime at Washington. And they dropped it in impressive fashion. Oregon, once up 18, allowed Washington to take a one point lead with 4.7 seconds remaining. Nia Jackson had a chance to end the game, but hit only one of two free throws with 1.3 seconds left to send the game to OT. Washington took the momentum, and outscored the Ducks 16-2 over the final 5 minutes.
- The Oregon football team might have to deal with one of the side effects of success, as Nebraksa has contacted Scott Frost. I have a hard time believing that Frost would turn down his alma mater if this is an upward move, and there has been speculation that he could be offered the offensive coordinator position. Losing Frost would be a blow, as he has done an excellent job on the field and recruiting, so we'll see if the Huskers offer him a job.
- Three Ducks will be headed to the NFL combine. Brandon Bair, Jeff Maehl, and Casey Matthews are listed on the official invite list.
- Oregon baseball is just around the corner, and the OSN broadcast schedule has been released. 12 games will be broadcast, including the entire Civil War series on May 27-29. I assume that all games at PK Park will be broadcast on GoDucks.tv, though that won't have the same production quality.
- Oregon football wasn't the only team to sign a top class. Oregon track & field got in on the action as well, signing an impressive class of 14. Leading the class is Lukas Verzbicas, the top prep distance runner in the country. The class includes the top 3 finishers at the high school mile at last week's Millrose games.
If you've got any other quack to share, leave it below. GO DUCKS!