Ducks #2 in BCS : Curse or More Motivation?
As we all know, it hasn’t been a good year in college football for those ranked #2. Michigan, West Virginia, Cal, USC, South Florida, and LSU (am I missing any?) have all fallen off the lofty, but not quite loftiest perch. Now Ohio State knows that unique feeling of having been the “loftiest” thanks to Illinois’ 28-21 shocker on the Buckeyes home turf. So LSU moves back up to #1 and the Oregon Ducks are in that perilous #2 position. The best thing the Ducks have going for them is the BYE they experienced on Saturday–the chance for Dennis Dixon and company to heal up and the extra days of preparation for the coaching staff. Ask Washington State how the Ducks do after a bye week. But Oregon’s next opponent, the Arizona Wildcats had the week off, too, and you’ve got to believe that playing the #2 Ducks is an opportunity for those in Tucson to “make” their season. Arizona Head Coach Mike Stoops has had some success the past three years harnessing the Ducks “wild fire” spread offense with his defensive schemes, and the Wildcat offense is much improved this year, especially in the passing game. At this point, every game is the most important of the year for the Ducks, and this Thursday night’s game in Tucson, I believe, will be their biggest challenge. If victorious, it will be an amazing accomplishment because of the fury they will face from the Wildcats and their desire to make some headlines and be on ESPN’s SportsCenter for a change. Observations on Oregon Basketball After two exhibition games and two counting wins over Pepperdine and Pacific we can see some positive things developing with Duck basketball. Here are a few observations: Great team energy on defense. Increased maturity and confidence from the seniors Malik Hairston is more explosive on and aggressive driving to the hoop. Kamyron Brown is playing with a lot of confidence at point guard. Has good vision and ball-handling skills, likes to drive and dish, and has committed to playing tough defense. Maarty Leunen and Bryce Taylor could still be more offensive minded. Porter is always offensive minded, which is a good thing when he gets in a groove, and has improved as a passer. Frantz Dorsainvil is very athletic, has some offensive skills, but will be needed most this year to defend and rebound. Joevan Catron is way ahead of last year and as long as he plays within himself, he can take some of the inside pressure off Maarty by grabbing some rebounds, playing solid defense, getting some “garbage” points and knocking down open shots.
Individually, it looks like every player has improved and there is more depth than last year, so there is a lot of optimism at Mac Court. When close games happen and it’s down to the last possession of the game, this year there are four guys that can take the last shot in Porter, Taylor, Hairston and Leunen. Opposing defenses won’t be able to key on Aaron Brooks whose expoits last year were heroic. This year we could see many more heroes. | 
