Wow, what a weekend. First, USA! USA! USA! USA!
It was also a great weekend for the Oregon football team to entertain their fans and honor those that have served our country. Unfortunately, Kiko Alonso did his best to ruin the weekend. We got a lot of quack this morning, so make sure to go after the jump for more links and a video.
- Kiko Alonso was arrested on charges of burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. [Update: Duck Territory is reporting that the burglary charge is in the first degree, which is a class A felony.] Uhhh, wow. I didn't see that one coming. Just six days after George Schroeder wrote that "Alonso's redemption is worthy of celebration," this happens. The only way that I can see Alonso staying on the team is if the charges are dropped completely. I doubt the incident will be severe as the charges initially suggest, but Kiko has had his second chance, and I doubt Chip will give him a third.
- Unfortunately, Alonso's arrest puts a dark cloud over a great performance by the defense in the spring game, and Kiko was a big part of that. The defense was dominant for much of the day. The Duck receivers never had a chance, and the running game was mostly bottled up, besides a 67-yard TD run by LaMichael James, one of the few offensive highlights on the day.
- However, the offense had a few bright spots, and should be in great shape with Darron Thomas at the helm. Thomas was in command during the spring game, and there is no question who is the leader of this team. After battling last year with Nate Costa, Thomas played with poise and command, and was never rattled despite having little room to move in the pocket. In contrast, backup QB Bryan Bennett may have some more physical talent, but never looked to have control of the offense, and looked flustered much of the game.
- Also stepping up was Colt Lyerla, who caught three balls on the day. One of the heralded recruits of Oregon's 2011 recruiting class, Lyerla has only been on campus for a few weeks, but with backup tight ends Brandon Williams and Curtis White seemingly always battling injuries, Lyerla could have a chance to shine early at Oregon. His athleticism came through clearly in the game, and it looks like he'll earn some playing time as a true freshman this year.
- Ken Woody has his thoughts on the spring game, and says the Ducks aren't ready for the prime time.
- Casey Matthews was the first and only Duck taken in the NFL draft, going in the 4th round to the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Oregon commit Oshay Dunmore visited the Oregon spring game, and shares his thoughts with Duck Territory. He'll be doing regular journals there, and this is his first installment.
- Former Oregon runner Steve Pence has an article in the Oregonian about the current rule structure in college football prevents athletes from capitalizing on their skills, and how the sport needs one of their athletes to step up and fight for their rights. This article is a great supplement to our conversation on this topic a couple weeks ago.
- Lastly, Oregon baseball had another tough weekend. They lost two games on walk-off hits as they dropped another Pac-10 series.
Leave any other quack below. Here's some Chip Kelly for you to enjoy. GO DUCKS!