The No. 14 Oregon men’s basketball team opened its regular season with a win over Portland State, 84-57. Payton Pritchard led the way offensively for the Ducks with 22 points and Bol Bol got his first collegiate double-double.

Four Takeaways:

Oregon and Pritchard are aggressive

Junior guard Payton Pritchard was lethal in the paint during the first half. After sitting out the exhibition against Western Oregon, Pritchard did not hold back.

He began the game attacking the basket and drawing contact. Last season, Pritchard averaged 2.94 free throws a game and made 77.4 percent of them. On Tuesday, he went 9-9 on free throws. In the second half, when Pritchard attacked less, he managed just four points, finishing the game with 22.

“I think in the first half, I was aggressive,” Pritchard said. “I turned the ball over some. Obviously that can’t happen. So I’ve got to be aggressive. When I’m aggressive, other people get easy looks, I get to the rim or the free throw line.”

In total, the Ducks shot 54 percent from the field, relying heavily on close range shots.

Rebounds aren’t guaranteed, but blocks and energetic wing play are

Despite starting three players at heights of at least 6-foot-9, the Ducks were out-rebounded in the first half 17-16. In the second half, that gap grew to 41-38.

“We got some points inside,” head coach Dana Altman said. “[I’m] disappointed with our physicality on the boards, physicality of posting up. We’re going to have to do a lot better job there. We’re a big team, so we’re going to have to get the ball inside.”

Oregon will always be tough in the paint, regardless of who is on the court. Kenny Wooten and Bol Bol both had three blocks and Ehab Amin and Paul White each added one as well.

“Well if we don’t guard the ball any better, [Wooten and Bol] will have plenty of opportunities,” Altman said. “They got by us… I’d like to see them get a few less opportunities.”

Forward Abu Kigab played tenacious defense on the wing, reminiscent of Dylan Ennis during the Final Four season.

“That’s gotta be Abu,” Pritchard said. “He’s got to come in. He’s a high energy guy. He’s got to come in and get rebounds, take his shots when they’re there and be a big defensive guy.”

Taking care of the ball is an issue

When Payton Pritchard does not have the ball, the Oregon offense seems to be in a standstill, and even with him, the ball movement is not perfect, with Oregon turning the ball over 14 times against Portland State.

Pritchard led the team with five turnovers and Bol was not far behind with four.

In the event Pritchard gets injured or into foul trouble, the Ducks would have to rely heavily on White, Will Richardson and Victor Bailey Jr. to handle the ball.

Oregon Ducks Men’s Basketball hosts Portland State at Matt Knight Arena in Eugene Ore. on Nov. 6, 2018.

Bol-mania

Whether he scores or not, Bol is fun.

Although he wasn’t dominant, Bol got 12 points and 12 rebounds.

He is a 7’2 monster in the paint, but he had trouble catching rebounds at times. Bol also got into foul trouble, reaching four with 11 minutes left in the game. In the final six minutes, he returned and earned two trips to the line, six points, five rebounds, two blocks and a steal.

“He’s gonna have to learn to play differently and not pick up fouls in the backcourt like he did,” Altman said.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post Pritchard leads way as Oregon wins regular season opener over Portland State appeared first on Emerald Media.

In the midst of a two-game losing streak, the Oregon offense was in a rut, scoring a season low in back-to-back games against Washington State and Arizona and being outscored in the first half of those games 50-8.

The coaching staff met with every player on the roster last Sunday and one takeaway was holding special teams to a higher standard.

With added pressure of possibly not having its two biggest playmakers, Justin Herbert and Dillon Mitchell, the Ducks needed a big play against UCLA to ease the tension.

After their first drive stalled, the Ducks forced a three-and-out, setting up a punt return for senior Ugochukwu Amadi.

Amadi caught the low punt at his own 44-yard line, ran right through the middle, shook off punter Stefan Flintoft and scored the first special teams touchdown of his career, giving the Ducks a lead they would not relinquish.

“The way it came, I feel like I had enough time I could either catch it and make one person miss or catch it and take off,” Amadi said. “… I just have a feeling for it.”

Special teams being special! Amadi takes a punt return to the house and the Ducks lead UCLA, 7-0, early in the first quarter. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/N9URODRGcu

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 3, 2018

The Oregon Ducks (6-3) ended their two-game skid, defeating the UCLA Bruins (2-7) 42-21 in a game filled with big plays, tricks and some mistakes on both sides.

The first five Oregon touchdowns were set up by Bobby Williams’ special teams unit and UCLA mishaps.

Freshman safety Jevon Holland took the team lead in interceptions (four) and three Oregon touchdowns were helped by UCLA errors, two of which were special teams. Bruins punt returner Adarius Pickett muffed a punt which Brooks-James recovered on the 11-yard line, Justin Hollins stripped quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and returned it to the UCLA 7-yard line and the Bruins botched a field goal attempt when kicker JJ Molson was late to the field and forced a rushed, errant snap, which led to a failed attempt.

Amadi (56 yard punt return), Mitchell (67-yard touchdown reception) and Brooks-James (54 yard touchdown run) all scored touchdowns over 50 yards.

The second Oregon touchdown was nothing out of the ordinary. Running back CJ Verdell punched in a one-yard score. The way the Ducks got into scoring position was something players and coaches have been anticipating for years.

On fourth-and-10 from the 29 yard line, Oregon’s field goal unit entered. On the attempt, UCLA’s block team crashed toward holder Blake Maimone’s back. Maimone sold the kick and spun out of incoming danger to get enough time to throw to tight end Jacob Breeland, who stiff-armed a defender on way to the one yard line.

A great fake field goal leads to a one-yard TD run for CJ Verdell! Ducks lead UCLA, 14-0, with 4:23 left in the first. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/YajWltghB4

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) November 4, 2018

“That’s been a dream of mine and I’m really thankful for the opportunity and the confidence my coaches had in me to be able to run that play,” Maimone said. “Being able to throw a pass and actually get to make a big contribution like that is something I will never forget.”

The pass was the first of Maimone’s career and he now has a Heisman/hall of fame worthy quarterback rating of 335.2 and a perfect completion percentage.

“It was pretty impressive,” Herbert said. “I thought it was a great play. For the receiver to be able to stay on his feet and get the first down was huge.”

Although Oregon won, the game was not perfect. Adam Stack missed a 21-yard field goal and center Jake Hanson was ejected for targeting. Calvin Throckmorton, who was already playing left tackle for the injured Penei Sewell, moved to center and freshman Steven Jones entered at left tackle.

The Ducks will travel to Utah next week to take on the Utah Utes on Saturday.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post Big plays lead Oregon to 42-21 victory over UCLA appeared first on Emerald Media.

Oregon is leading UCLA 21-7 in Chip Kelly’s return to Autzen Stadium.

Key Plays

Safety Ugochukwu Amadi returned a Stefan Flintoft punt 56-yards for the opening score of the game.

Freshman safety Jevon Holland picked off UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson in the end zone.

On a fake field goal, holder Blake Maimone threw a pass to tight end Jacob Breeland, who broke a tackle and brought the ball to the one yard line.

Gunner Tony Brooks-James recovered a muffed punt on the UCLA 11 yard line. Two plays later Dillon Mitchell caught a four-yard touchdown.

Thompson-Robinson hit a wide open Caleb Wilson for a 63-yard touchdown.

Oregon kicker Adam Stack missed a 21-yard field goal with one minute left in the half.

Oregon Passing

Justin Herbert — 12-21 for 166 yards and one touchdown

Blake Maimone (yes, a punter threw it) — 1-1 for 28 yards

Oregon Rushing

CJ Verdell — 18 rushes for 52 yards and a touchdown

Tony Brooks-James — Two rushes for 10 yards

Travis Dye — Two rush for three yards

Oregon Receiving

Dillon Mitchell — Five catches for 73 yards and a touchdown

CJ Verdell — Three catches for 31 yards

Jacob Breeland — 2 catch for 61 yards

Brenden Schooler — Two catches for 20 yards

Travis Dye — One catch for seven yards

UCLA Passing

Dorian Thompson-Robinson — 8-19 for 134 yards, one touchdown and one interception

UCLA Rushing

Joshua Kelley — 11 rushes for 84 yards

Dorian Thompson-Robinson — Three rushes for 28 yards

Martell Irby — Four rushes for 14 yards

UCLA Receiving

Caleb Wilson — One catch for 63 yards and a touchdown

Devin Asiasi — One catch for 22 yards

Demetric Felton — One catch for three yards

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

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Despite starting 22 of his first 25 games at right tackle, Oregon redshirt junior offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton was in a position battle before the 2018 season. The question, however, was not if he would start but where he would start?

Freshman Penei Sewell, redshirt junior Brady Aiello and junior George Moore were locked in a battle for a starting tackle spot, and Throckmorton’s position would be based off of who won the job — taking him off the line entirely was out of the question. Sewell went on to win the left tackle job, and Throckmorton remained at his more comfortable right tackle spot, knowing that if something were to happen to Sewell, he would need to move four spots over.

In his third year as a starter on the offensive line, Throckmorton has used steady play and versatility to become the anchor of Oregon’s offensive line — while also staying on the pre-med track.

“Calvin’s really rare,” offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said. “To be able to play every position on the front is really, really impressive. We’re really fortunate to have him. He’s a huge piece of what we do.”

Throckmorton was recently thrust into left tackle action when Sewell was injured against Washington. The position change brought more responsibilities, specifically the need to protect the quarterback’s blind side.

“I mean, the only real adjustment you need to make is just flipping schemes in your head,” Throckmorton said after the Washington game. “Other than that, throughout the whole week, we prepare. You can hope for the best, but you should expect the worst when it comes to anything during the course of the game. We just always want to make sure we’re ready and we were.”

Now in his third week of practice at left tackle, Throckmorton is comfortable on the left side, in part because left guard Shane Lemieux has eased the transition for him. The two developed a friendship when they arrived on campus in 2015, and now for the first time are lining up right next to each other on the line.

“It’s been nice because we’ve been together so long. Even though I wasn’t playing right next to him, we still have a lot of chemistry,” Throckmorton said. “We can kind of predict what each other are going to be doing on each play, and how each other are going to play certain looks or how we’re gonna block certain plays. So it’s been an easy transition.”

Throughout his collegiate career, Throckmorton has started 33 consecutive games at three of the five offensive line positions (left tackle, right guard and right tackle) and also spent the spring at center when starter Jake Hanson was injured.

“I have full confidence that I could play all five positions on the offensive line,” Throckmorton said. “The only position that I haven’t played in practice or a game is left guard, but I have no doubt in my mind that I’d be able to slide down there if I needed.”

With the change, Throckmorton has not lost a step. In fact, his streak of 1,934 snaps without allowing a sack is only growing.

“He’s a beast,” Lemieux said. “He can really do it all. His confidence and maturity and the way he carries himself at every single position is awesome. … He could probably be an all league Pac-12 guy at guard, center or tackle. His level of athletic ability and his level of performance is incredible.”

In order to improve his technique, Throckmorton has spent an inordinate amount of time studying others in his positions. He has an extensive knowledge of NFL talent and watches film of Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith and Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari.

“I’m still trying to cover all my bases,” Throckmorton said. “I mean, even before I switched to left tackle, I was still trying to look at all of the best tackles in the league.”

He also studies more than just football. The pre-med student, now in his fourth year of college, has been shadowing an orthopedic surgeon this fall as he prepares for medical school.

“It was great,” Throckmorton said. “I’m moving more away from it now just because, as midterms roll around, school work got a little bit heavier. I’m focusing on that along with studying up for the games ahead.”

Clearly the studying is paying off. Throckmorton won last season’s team award for academic excellence and was named Academic All-Pac-12 first team in his first two seasons.

Because Lemieux, a fellow two-time Academic All-Pac-12 first team lineman, has a secure grip on left guard, the likelihood of Throckmorton adding the position to his list of talents is low, but quarterback Justin Herbert sees others as possibilities.

“We joked about that in one of the media meetings after the game, that he could probably play seven or eight positions on the field, not just five,” Herbert said. “He could play quarterback, tight end, I don’t know about receiver or running back. He throws the ball pretty well.”

Throckmorton does not have as much confidence as Herbert.

“I think he gives me a lot of credit and I appreciate it,” Throckmorton said. “I think I’m going to stick to offensive line, maybe be able to slide out to tight end. Other than that, I’m not gonna push my luck.”

When asked about the possibility of his tackle getting some snaps or catches, head coach Mario Cristobal was not as excited.

“Good luck,” Cristobal said with a smile.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post While Calvin Throckmorton balances football and human physiology, he mastered multiple roles on the offensive line appeared first on Emerald Media.

Despite starting 22 of his first 25 games at right tackle, Oregon redshirt junior offensive lineman Calvin Throckmorton was in a position battle before the 2018 season. The question, however, was not if he would start but where he would start?

Freshman Penei Sewell, redshirt junior Brady Aiello and junior George Moore were locked in a battle for a starting tackle spot, and Throckmorton’s position would be based off of who won the job — taking him off the line entirely was out of the question. Sewell went on to win the left tackle job, and Throckmorton remained at his more comfortable right tackle spot, knowing that if something were to happen to Sewell, he would need to move four spots over.

In his third year as a starter on the offensive line, Throckmorton has used steady play and versatility to become the anchor of Oregon’s offensive line — while also staying on the pre-med track.

“Calvin’s really rare,” offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo said. “To be able to play every position on the front is really, really impressive. We’re really fortunate to have him. He’s a huge piece of what we do.”

Throckmorton was recently thrust into left tackle action when Sewell was injured against Washington. The position change brought more responsibilities, specifically the need to protect the quarterback’s blind side.

“I mean, the only real adjustment you need to make is just flipping schemes in your head,” Throckmorton said after the Washington game. “Other than that, throughout the whole week, we prepare. You can hope for the best, but you should expect the worst when it comes to anything during the course of the game. We just always want to make sure we’re ready and we were.”

Now in his third week of practice at left tackle, Throckmorton is comfortable on the left side, in part because left guard Shane Lemieux has eased the transition for him. The two developed a friendship when they arrived on campus in 2015, and now for the first time are lining up right next to each other on the line.

“It’s been nice because we’ve been together so long. Even though I wasn’t playing right next to him, we still have a lot of chemistry,” Throckmorton said. “We can kind of predict what each other are going to be doing on each play, and how each other are going to play certain looks or how we’re gonna block certain plays. So it’s been an easy transition.”

Throughout his collegiate career, Throckmorton has started 33 consecutive games at three of the five offensive line positions (left tackle, right guard and right tackle) and also spent the spring at center when starter Jake Hanson was injured.

“I have full confidence that I could play all five positions on the offensive line,” Throckmorton said. “The only position that I haven’t played in practice or a game is left guard, but I have no doubt in my mind that I’d be able to slide down there if I needed.”

With the change, Throckmorton has not lost a step. In fact, his streak of 1,934 snaps without allowing a sack is only growing.

“He’s a beast,” Lemieux said. “He can really do it all. His confidence and maturity and the way he carries himself at every single position is awesome. … He could probably be an all league Pac-12 guy at guard, center or tackle. His level of athletic ability and his level of performance is incredible.”

In order to improve his technique, Throckmorton has spent an inordinate amount of time studying others in his positions. He has an extensive knowledge of NFL talent and watches film of Philadelphia Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson, Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith and Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari.

“I’m still trying to cover all my bases,” Throckmorton said. “I mean, even before I switched to left tackle, I was still trying to look at all of the best tackles in the league.”

He also studies more than just football. The pre-med student, now in his fourth year of college, has been shadowing an orthopedic surgeon this fall as he prepares for medical school.

“It was great,” Throckmorton said. “I’m moving more away from it now just because, as midterms roll around, school work got a little bit heavier. I’m focusing on that along with studying up for the games ahead.”

Clearly the studying is paying off. Throckmorton won last season’s team award for academic excellence and was named Academic All-Pac-12 first team in his first two seasons.

Because Lemieux, a fellow two-time Academic All-Pac-12 first team lineman, has a secure grip on left guard, the likelihood of Throckmorton adding the position to his list of talents is low, but quarterback Justin Herbert sees others as possibilities.

“We joked about that in one of the media meetings after the game, that he could probably play seven or eight positions on the field, not just five,” Herbert said. “He could play quarterback, tight end, I don’t know about receiver or running back. He throws the ball pretty well.”

Throckmorton does not have as much confidence as Herbert.

“I think he gives me a lot of credit and I appreciate it,” Throckmorton said. “I think I’m going to stick to offensive line, maybe be able to slide out to tight end. Other than that, I’m not gonna push my luck.”

When asked about the possibility of his tackle getting some snaps or catches, head coach Mario Cristobal was not as excited.

“Good luck,” Cristobal said with a smile.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post While Calvin Throckmorton balances football and human physiology, he mastered multiple roles on the offensive line appeared first on Emerald Media.

One week after a disappointing first half against Washington State led to an insurmountable deficit, the No. 19 Oregon Ducks lost their second straight game in which they were overmatched, this time to unranked Arizona 44-15.

The upset comes after Arizona played one of its most complete games of the season, but the Ducks did not do themselves any favors either. Outside of the seven three and outs (including its first three possessions), Oregon turned it over on downs and committed four turnovers, two on special teams, which gave the Wildcats great field position.

The Wildcats outgained the Ducks by 195 yards thanks to the 276 Arizona rushing yards. The Wildcats were also 6-for-6 in the red zone, while the Ducks only managed two red zone trips in the game.

Although the Ducks defense was not perfect, the offense failed to move the ball at all. Nine Oregon drives ended with a punt. The previous season high was five against Bowling Green and San José State.

Quarterback Justin Herbert completed just 50 percent of his passes. He finished 24-for-48 with 186 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Wide receiver Dillon Mitchell led Oregon with 69 yards on six receptions and one touchdown, but left the game with an injury. Second in receiving was Jaylon Redd with a career-high six receptions for just 33 yards.

The Ducks defense was put in several tough positions. Travis Dye fumbled with five minutes left in the first quarter, leading to Arizona recovering on the Oregon 21-yard line, and a blocked Tom Snee punt was returned to the 6-yard line with 12 minutes left in the second. However, they were able to hold the Wildcats to field goals on both drives, which kept the game close.

When the game was leaning toward a blowout with six minutes left in the third quarter, Arizona got another turnover after punter Dylan Klumph’s punt hit Oregon defensive back Charles Sudduth and the Wildcats recovered it.

The Ducks were able to make it a one-score game with nine minutes left in the first half. Quarterback Justin Herbert hit a wide open Dillon Mitchell, who shook a defender and followed a block for a 29-yard touchdown.

The other Oregon touchdown came late in the fourth quarter. Wide receiver Brenden Schooler caught a 7-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone to make it 37-15 with 9:17 left in the game.

Defensively, the Ducks could not stop Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate or running back JJ Taylor. Tate went 19-for-33 for 189 yards, three touchdowns and an interception while Taylor rushed for 212 yards and two touchdowns. Shun Brown (10 receptions for 96 yards and a touchdown) and Shawn Poindexter (two receptions for 30 yards and two touchdowns) also caused problems in the secondary.

Oregon’s next game will be at home on Saturday, Nov. 3, at 4:30 p.m. against Chip Kelly and UCLA.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post No. 19 Oregon’s stagnant offense and costly turnovers lead to 44-15 blow out loss at Arizona appeared first on Emerald Media.

In the third quarter of the week-five matchup between Oregon and Cal, the Golden Bears were charging toward the red zone, looking to decrease the 18-point deficit. Oregon’s defense was in need of a play when Cal quarterback Chase Garbers took a shot into the end zone.

True freshman safety Jevon Holland read the deep pass, intercepting the potential touchdown in the end zone.

“One of us on the team was gonna make it and it just happened to be me,” Holland said. “The interceptions, they come and go, but when you’re in a position to make one, you have to make it. My team needed me, and I came through.”

One quarter later, with the game well out of reach, Holland intercepted Cal’s other quarterback, Brandon McIlwain, to shut down the Golden Bears for good.

Holland has established himself as an essential piece to the Oregon defense thanks to big interceptions and a “forever-improving” mindset.

“He plays with confidence,” safety Ugochukwu Amadi said. “He’s eager to always want to learn more and do extra.”

Holland has earned his “ball hawk” reputation, something that signals an elite safety. His first career pick came in week three against San José State. On the Spartans’ first drive of the game, Holland intercepted quarterback Josh Love to set up an eventual Oregon touchdown.

In the postgame press conference, Holland waited in silence as defensive end Jalen Jelks and outside linebacker Justin Hollins were asked questions regarding the game.

Finally, on the last question, Holland was asked about his interception.

After describing every detail from the play with a straight face, as if this first pick was actually his 50th, the freshman finished with a nod and a smile. The veterans helped him out, adding in some much-needed color.

“Big-time play,” Hollins said.

“And he’s a freshman,” Jelks added with a smirk. “Just saying.”

Although seniors Amadi, Hollins and inside linebacker Kaulana Apelu are in the midst of career years, Holland has turned a lot of heads in his first campaign.

“Jevon’s stepped up big time,” linebacker Troy Dye said. “He’s done a tremendous job. … As people can see, he’s out there having fun.”

Holland was not originally a starter. Sophomore Nick Pickett began the season alongside Amadi, but Holland’s knack for finding the ball made it too tough for the coaches to leave him off the field. The coaches decided to switch Pickett and Holland on the depth chart.

“It really didn’t make any difference,” Holland said. “Nick said ‘next man up.’ He wants to see me shine. I want to see him shine. It was a lot of support from both sides.”

The freshman got his opportunity in his first career start against then-ranked No. 7 Washington.

“I was nervous,” Holland said. “I just wanted to make sure that I helped my team. … It felt good, but to get a first start, especially against Washington, it gave me pride and gave my family pride, too. It was exciting.”

Oregon has been spoiled with true freshman riches.

Two seasons ago, Dye led the defense in tackles (91), tackles for loss (13) and sacks (6.5) as a true freshman. That same season, Brenden Schooler led the team with four interceptions as a true freshman safety.

Last season, true freshmen Thomas Graham Jr. (team-leading four interceptions) and Deommodore Lenoir (one interception) started at both cornerback spots. Jordon Scott dominated the line of scrimmage at nose tackle.

In 2018, once again a freshman is contributing. Holland is tied for the team lead in interceptions with three and his 25 tackles are sixth on the team.

Making this big of an impact as a true freshman is rare. The gap in talent between the high school and college levels is major, and newcomers often struggle to realize they can no longer get away with sheer talent. They must do what Holland deems most important: thinking.

“The biggest thing from high school to college is just making sure you know what the situation is,” Holland said. “You have to really make sure that you think and go through the process of what you need to do while you’re in coverage.”

Coaches and teammates aren’t the only ones taking notice of Holland’s early success. Holland has earned a spot on 247Sports’ midseason true freshman All-American list and multiple Pro Football Focus Pac-12 team-of-the-week spots.

Despite the hot start to Holland’s career, there is still room for improvement in both tackling and in coverage.

“I need to make sure I come down more patiently, make sure I wrap up, make the tackle — the secure tackle,” Holland said. “That’s the biggest thing for me, just making sure my tackling is OK. I feel like my coverage can always get better. That’s forever improving.”

Players can only learn so much from coaches, which makes an experienced teammate’s advice even more valuable. That’s where Amadi comes in. In his first full season as a safety, Amadi is the leader and most experienced of the defensive backs.

The younger guys look to him for example, and Holland is no exception.

“[Holland]’s still learning on the defense, but he just keeps playing,” co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach Keith Hayward said. “What I see is him getting with Ugo in there studying and watching film. He’s just following that lead. He’s taking a lot of coaching and just focusing on technique and fundamentals.”

Holland and Amadi have combined to form a formidable safety tandem. The two, alongside Lenoir, are tied with Cal’s Jaylinn Hawkins for the Pac-12 lead in interceptions (three).

As a sophomore defensive back, Lenoir went through what Holland is currently experiencing and, like Amadi, is passing on what he learned.

“We’ve all been through it before,” Lenoir said. “We remember from when we were freshmen. We are able to help Jevon out. Tell him that big plays are gonna happen. You’ve got to have short term memory and push to the next play.”

The two might be tied with picks, but Amadi has something Holland doesn’t — touchdowns. Given his ability to find the ball, it should only be a matter of time until he finds the endzone.

“If I was just out there running around, some people would be satisfied with that, but I always want to commit more and do the most that I can,” Holland said. “As a defensive back, getting an interception, that’s the biggest thing you can do besides a pick-six, which frankly, I wish I could have got one.”

follow Maverick on Twitter @Mavpallack

The post Ball Hawk: Jevon Holland cements himself in the secondary appeared first on Emerald Media.

Emerald sports reporters Jack Butler and Maverick Pallack reflect on Oregon’s lackluster first half during the 34-20 loss to Washington State, preview the Ducks’ matchup against Arizona and predict whether the Pac-12’s playoff hopes are officially dead.

This podcast was edited by Ryan Nguyen.

The post Emerald Football: Pac-12 outlook and Arizona preview appeared first on Emerald Media.

The two former Oregon softball players, Lauren Burke (Util.) and Miranda Elish (pitcher), that announced their transfers from the university on Thursday, have officially been signed by the University of Texas.

This decision was not that much of a surprise as the two followed their former head coach Mike White, who recruited both to Eugene.

White of course left for Texas this summer and was replaced by Melyssa Lombardi.

HUGE NEWS! Texas softball is pleased to announce the signing of former Oregon standouts Miranda Elish and Lauren Burke to join the Longhorns program for 2019! #HookEm

Welcome to the #TexasFamily Miranda and Lauren! Read all about them here: https://t.co/jMQLctVZUZ pic.twitter.com/YY33i8Ej9u

— Texas Softball (@TexasSoftball) October 22, 2018

I am so excited that @elish_miranda and I will be transferring to the University of Texas to finish our collegiate softball and educational career. We are stoked to reunite with Coach White, Coach Spencer and Coach Kai! Cannot wait to get to work with the team. #hookem 🤘🏼🧡 https://t.co/CczoyvI7aG

— Lauren Burke (@lauren_burke5) October 22, 2018

Beyond excited that @lauren_b18 and I have found our new perfect fit with @TexasSoftball. I am so grateful for this opportunity and can't wait to get down to Austin and start working! Hook 'em🤘🏼 https://t.co/2jGrJPsiOM

— Miranda (@MirandaElish) October 22, 2018

Although Burke and Elish are no longer on the roster, there seems to be no ill will between their former teammates. Numerous current Ducks defended and voiced their love for the players over Twitter this last week.

One of my favorite teammates, but most importantly one of my best friends. Duck thing, it’s a forever thing https://t.co/QTKkXDqdry

— Dar (@Darloveskesha) October 18, 2018

it’s teaching your children that happiness is everything. We only get one chance at this..

— Maggie Balint (@BalintMaggie) October 19, 2018

i love you. I’m so proud of you Randi💚

— Megan Kleist (@MeganKleist) October 18, 2018

GWEN 😢 love you 5ever ❣️

— Lauren Burke (@lauren_burke5) October 18, 2018

The Ducks finished their fall season yesterday with a five-inning no hitter by fellow pitcher Maggie Balint.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

The post Story update: Lauren Burke and Miranda Elish signed by Texas appeared first on Emerald Media.

Calvin Throckmorton / Tackle / Oregon

Oregon freshman left tackle Penei Sewell will be out approximately six weeks after injuring his ankle against Washington last Saturday. Sewell has protected quarterback Justin Herbert’s blind side incredibly well, given he just turned 18. In his absence, right tackle Calvin Throckmorton moved across the line to left tackle and Brady Aiello entered at right tackle. Although on the opposite side of the line, Throckmorton played well against the strong Washington defense. Washington State will try to pressure the lineman playing in unfamiliar territory, but as long as Throckmorton keeps Herbert upright, his game will be successful.

Gardner Minshew II / Quarterback / Washington State

Washington State will be throwing the ball — there is no secret about it. Quarterback Gardner Minshew II leads the FBS in passing with 2,422 yards this season. He has 313 attempts in just six games and only four interceptions. The graduate transfer from East Carolina has a 68.7 completion percentage (as compared to Justin Herbert’s 63.1 completion percentage) and averages 403.7 yards through the air. Most recently, Minshew threw for 430 yards and five touchdowns against Oregon State. Oregon has surrendered 11 passing touchdowns and 239 yards per game. Because Minshew is the most prolific passer the Ducks have faced all season, both those numbers are expected to rise.

Peyton Pelluer / Linebacker / Washington State

Linebacker Peyton Pelluer has taken advantage of his sixth year of eligibility, recording 50 tackles, 4.5 for a loss, to lead the Cougars defense. Despite breaking his foot last season, Pelluer has rebounded to rank ninth in the Pac-12 in tackles. The linebacker is a classic sideline-to-sideline tackler. Oregon’s offense has relied heavily on the run this season, so Pelluer will have ample opportunity to make an impact. If left unblocked, Pelluer could make Oregon’s running game suffer.

Deommodore Lenoir / Cornerback / Oregon

Given that Washington State throws the ball 40 times a game, corners are going to have to pick their battles. Sophomore Deommodore Lenoir had an interception against Washington on the second play of the game but was not tested much more in the game. Against Washington State, the corner will have plenty of opportunities to play the pass. Lenoir and Thomas Graham Jr. will both be tested given their youth, but after getting experience last year against the Cougars, they should understand the challenges of facing a Mike Leach-led offense.

Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack

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