joeywa
Unofficial HS BBQ Consultant & Baseball Pundit
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Just wanted to give you guys a few different takes on the game from some of the local media up here in the PacNW.
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Eugene Daily News
With Two Coaches Retiring After the Game,
Alamo Bowl Becomes Solid Swan Song
Earlier this month Texas Coach Mack Brown announced that the Valero Alamo Bowl would be his final game as head coach. This sent shockwaves through the internet. The announcement earlier today from Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Allioti, who announced his own retirement following the game could very well blow up the internet.
Allioti has been a coach with the Ducks for 17 years, and was considering hanging up the headset after former Coach Chip Kelly departed for the NFL last season, but decided to stay one more year to assist Mark Helfrich with the transition. It is good he did, as players who had the chance to follow Allioti’s direction will likely relish it for the rest of their college and pro careers. When it comes to Defense, Aliotti is one of the best, not just in the Pac 12 but in the country. Longevity is just one of the things he had on his side. Seventeen years at one school is pretty incredible.
Now there is one game left to coach in the Alamo Bowl before his retirement. The Ducks, similar to last year, will begin a coaching search immediately. Of course, two names immediately come to mind in Justin Wilcox and Ed Orgeron, the former Interim Coach for the USC Trojans. Can the Ducks land either of these two. Last I heard Wilcox was going to follow his former coach Steve Sarkisian to USC. Regardless of the future the Ducks will certainly land the right person for the job, which for the incoming coach should be fairly easy to adapt to.
Back to the game for a moment. The game story now shifts from Marcus Mariota and his knee to two coaches, both with their respective programs for a long time. Brown is likely to officially retire, while Allioti has said he will always be a Duck and won’t coach again.
Regardless of the games outcome the offseason for Oregon just turned from one of interest perhaps to very interesting. The Ducks have proven over the last few years they are built to win. They have the players to do it. They have the coaches to do it. Coaching wise over the last years they have had the longevity to do it. Can they bring in someone who can continue to build the Defense into a team that can compete in the Pac 12 and win the big games?
We will start to find some of the answers shortly after the new year begins.
Oregon and Texas will take the field in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Monday afternoon.(3:45pm PT, ESPN)
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Register-Guard (Eugene, OR paper)
Ducks Football
Motivationally Speaking, It’s super-sized
Both teams have plenty to play for Monday in the Alamodome
By Steve Mims
The Register-Guard
Published: 12:00 a.m., Dec 29
SAN ANTONIO — Oregon and Texas were not aiming for the Alamo Bowl.
The Ducks went into November at 8-0 and thinking about a national title, but that dream died at Stanford, and their run of four straight BCS games ended with a loss at Arizona.
Despite a 1-2 start, Texas began December with a shot at the Big 12 title and a BCS berth, but those went away with a loss at Baylor.
So the Ducks and Longhorns ended up here in what may seem like a consolation prize to many. However, after a couple of weeks to deal with disappointment, both teams insist they have plenty of motivation.
“You’re playing Texas, that’s enough said right there,†Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. “The logo, the tradition, everything that encompasses that is a tremendous challenge. They are really well-coached and a tremendously talented football team, and our guys know that. They will be very exited to play.â€
Helfrich is looking to win his first bowl game as a head coach, and the Longhorns want to send out Mack Brown with a final postseason victory after he resigned under fire following an 8-4 regular season.
“Coach told us all we have to do is focus on now and let others worry about the future,†senior defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said. “It will be a fun game. We are excited to play Oregon, a 10-2 team, in the Alamo Bowl.â€
Texas has dealt with rumors about Brown’s future all season, and it took a week after the loss to Baylor before his fate was finally sealed.
“We are a tight-knit team and we have overcome a lot, and it has only made us stronger,†Texas senior quarterback Case McCoy said. “I think the underclassmen want to win it for us seniors, and we want to go out the right way.â€
There figures to be plenty of emotion for Brown’s final game in front of a large Texas fan base so close to home, and McCoy said that will only help the Longhorns.
“I think we need as much emotion as possible right now,†he said. “Hopefully, a lot of fans show up and support our class and the staff one last time.â€
The Ducks know there will be plenty of burnt orange just 90 minutes from Austin.
“We understand we are going to Texas and they are going to fill the stands,†Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota said. “We will handle it the same way we have every other game. At the same time, we understand it will be a packed house, so we have to make sure our communication and all those things are working.â€
Oregon won 19 straight road games before losing its last two this season.
“We will treat it like an away game,†Helfrich said. “Treat it like the many tough venues in our conference, but amplify it from an emotional standpoint, however much more the decibel level will rise as a tribute to coach Brown.
“There is no question they will be fired up. The crowd will be much more into it.â€
Oregon is a two-touchdown favorite, but oddsmakers can’t account for emotion.
“They are playing for their old ball coach,†Oregon senior safety Avery Patterson said. “Having to play for a guy like Mack Brown, now they will come out and give it their best shot. They will probably play their best game against us.â€
Helfrich was asked if the coaching change can be a distraction for the Longhorns.
“We hope it is a distraction from our angle,†he said. “That’s potentially the case. From a coaching perspective, I have been in those situations where you are going to a different school after the game and there are a lot of things on your plate. Managing players that may have different levels of commitment to the whole situation. It’s potentially a distraction, but I’m sure those guys will handle it well.â€
Oregon’s commitment was questioned after the Stanford loss when Josh Huff and De’Anthony Thomas talked about how playing in the Rose Bowl would be a disappointment after having national-title hopes. That was followed by a loss to Arizona that put the Rose Bowl out of reach.
Oregon’s senior class has won 46 games in four years, tied for the most in school history with last year’s group. A win over Texas would give the seniors the record at 47 and give Oregon at least 11 wins in four straight seasons for the first time in school history.
“That is something that we’ve talked about, we’ve heard it going around ever since the Oregon State game,†Patterson said. “Us seniors want to leave a legacy here at Oregon and have our class cemented in the history of Oregon. If we win, we will do that. We want to leave a lasting impression here. We don’t want to ever be forgotten. This game is huge for our seniors and our team.â€
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GoDucks.com (website)
Alamo Bowl notebook: Ducks sharp for their walk-through
Oregon held its pregame walk-through for Monday's Alamo Bowl at Alamo Heights High on Saturday, and the post-practice vibes were positive.
Courtesy: GoDucks.com
Release: 12/28/2013
by Rob Moseley, Editor, GoDucks.com
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Ducks practiced for the final time this season in helmets Saturday, their walk-through for Monday's Alamo Bowl against Texas (3:45 p.m. PT, ESPN).
Up next is the "Fast Friday" up-tempo review of schemes and personnel groups Sunday, the last workout of the 2013 season.
Today continued an encouraging set of practices by Oregon since arriving in Texas on Wednesday. The proof will be in the pudding Monday, but right now the Ducks look like a focused, energized team as the game approaches.
"Hey!" defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti shouted to his players as the workout was ending. "That was a great practice!"
In a walk-through, coaches want to see everything overexaggerated — communication, technique, assignments, etc. The buzz from the field as players went through their pre-snap communication, for instance, was as audible as I can recall all season for a "Thursday."
Also today, while over at the pressroom prior to an afternoon press conference, I overheard a member of the media remark that Oregon seemed like the team more upbeat about being at the Alamo Bowl this week. That was just one guy's opinion, overheard randomly — and again, the proof will come Monday — but for now I think concerns about the Ducks' motivation after falling short of the BCS for the first time in five seasons have been allayed.
Several players and coaches met with media right after practice, and Aliotti's retirement announcement was a prominent subject.
Like Aliotti at his press conference Friday, linebackers coach Don Pellum tried — and was more successful — keeping the focus on Monday's matchup with the Longhorns.
"Right now we're focused on this game," Pellum said. "We'll celebrate Nick when we get home."
Receiver Bralon Addison, though he plays on the other side of the ball, got the impression Aliotti was particularly energized for today's practice.
"I think he was trying to send a message, that he's still an Oregon Duck and wants to go out with a bang," Addison said.
Oregon's run defense, which took its lumps against Stanford and Arizona late in the season, figures to be tested again Monday by Texas.
Like concerns about the Ducks' motivation, concerns about the run defense won't have a chance to be put to rest until the game, regardless of what the Ducks might say beforehand.
"We've addressed what we thought we needed to address," Pellum said. "We won't know until Monday."
Linebacker Boseko Lokombo said the solution is simple.
"We just need to hit," Lokombo said. "That's the bottom line."
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GoDucks.com
Oregon offense rested and ready entering the Alamo Bowl
After a month off to let injuries heal, quarterback Marcus Mariota and company look close to full strength again entering Monday's matchup with Texas.
Courtesy: GoDucks.com
Release: 12/28/2013
by Rob Moseley, Editor, GoDucks.com
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of Oregon's practices this week began with a "clutch" drill, the offense put in the position of needing to drive for a game-winning touchdown with little time left on the clock.
A considerable chunk of field was still left to traverse when Marcus Mariota dropped back to pass. Seeing nothing but trouble, he pulled the football down and took off, weaving his way upfield and not stopping until he reached the end zone.
It was the sort of moment the Ducks have seen a few times from their quarterback in recent weeks, producing awe-struck whispers and knowing glances on the sideline. After being dogged by a knee problem in the second half of the regular season, Mariota is back to looking like himself.
"Right now, I feel good," the UO sophomore said Saturday, at a press conference leading up to Monday's Alamo Bowl against Texas (3:45 p.m. PT, ESPN). "Since the last month, I feel the most healthy I've been."
For an Oregon offense that looked out of sorts after Mariota was injured against UCLA on Oct. 26, that's good news. The Ducks have also welcomed a return to health for sophomore running back Byron Marshall, who managed three carries for four yards over the final two games of the regular season, leaving him at 995 yards for the season entering Monday.
"A month off does a lot, it does a whole lot," said Marshall, who missed the Civil War with a lower leg injury suffered at Arizona. "I still don't think anyone's 100 percent, but where we're at is where we're at, and I think people are definitely ready to go and ready to play."
The injury to Mariota had a massive impact on Oregon's season, and his Heisman Trophy hopes. The Ducks were averaging 55.6 points and 632.1 yards per game entering their trip to Stanford that opened November, and Mariota was atop the Heisman race. He averaged 63.9 rushing yards during Oregon's 8-0 start, and that despite a season-low 18 against the Bruins, the day Mariota suffered what assistant coach Scott Frost revealed Saturday was a partially torn MCL.
With Oregon's dual-threat quarterback suddenly limited to being a pocket passer, the offense was shut out into the fourth quarter by the Cardinal. Mariota ran for a total of minus-34 yards that night and in a win over Utah a week later, but the Ducks then lost again at Arizona, where Marshall was injured.
"The bowl preparation gives you a chance for some of the guys with minor injuries to get back healthy again," said Frost, the UO offensive coordinator. "Certainly some of those guys are still a little beat up. But I think they're excited and healthy enough to fight it out with Texas, and really looking forward to the game."
That "clutch" period, at practice Friday, seemed to demonstrate an offense firing on all cylinders. At first, the scenario required just a field goal for the offense to win the drill. But Mariota connected with Bralon Addison for a touchdown pass, and Jeff Lockie reached the end zone on a run with the No. 2 offense.
"I think guys are just excited, ready to go," receiver Keanon Lowe said. "A month off of hitting people, you're just ready to get back out there and try to compete."
The Ducks face a Texas defense that allows 5.37 yards per play, ranking 51st in the country, 42 spots below the UO defense. The Longhorns are big, fast and physical, UO players said.
But they've also struggled against teams with running quarterbacks, such as BYU and Baylor.
Frost mentioned Baylor, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss as teams that look similar to the Ducks offensively. That trio handed Texas its three losses after new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson took over in September.
"We don't expect there to be a lot of glaring holes in what they do," Frost said. "Especially when you have extra time to prep for a bowl game, there's not much that's going to surprise you. We have to try to line up with them and beat them. That's what we'll do."
Frost also declared Mariota "healthy and ready to go," and said that "we're expecting Marcus to tuck it under and run a little bit."
Doing so could help the Ducks limit the two most dangerous Texas defenders, ends Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed.
When Mariota is a threat in the run game, Oregon can attack a defensive player without even blocking him. Mariota can read a defensive end to determine whether the quarterback will keep the ball in the option or hand off.
"To be able to have that in your offense makes it (so you can), not necessarily take them out of the game, but it makes them have to make a decision," Mariota said. "Hopefully we can make them make the wrong decision."
And the Ducks hope to do so right off the bat. They were unable to do that at Stanford and Arizona, letting the opposition set the tone in their two defeats. They probably won't be able to survive a similar start Monday, against a Texas team that figures to be buoyed by a partisan crowd, and motivated to send outgoing coach Mack Brown off with a win.
"We know we've kind of got to kill their vibe, just because they have a lot going for them early," Marshall said. "I feel like if we come out and handle our business early, we should be OK."
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Daily Emerald (UO paper)
Alamo Bowl: Stanford provides blueprint for Texas in stopping Oregon’s offense
Posted by Victor Flores on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 4:02 pm.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of the biggest reasons Stanford has beaten Oregon each of the past two seasons is its physical defense. The Cardinal rarely miss tackles in space, so it’s no surprise Oregon struggled against them since the Ducks thrive on spreading the field and hoping defenders whiff.
The Texas Longhorns realize how important tackling in space will be come Monday when they face the Ducks in the Alamo Bowl. All-American defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said several times during Saturday’s press conference that the Texas defense needs to have all 11 defenders swarm towards the football on Monday.
“Physical and flying around, that’s the most important thing,†Jeffcoat said.
Defensive end Cedric Reed noticed how good Stanford was at rushing the quarterback and said the biggest focus against the Oregon offense should be on making Marcus Mariota uncomfortable throughout the game.
“The Stanford d-line, they got to the quarterback,†Cedric Reed said. “They put Mariota in situations where he was very uncomfortable.â€
Jeffcoat said it was important to make the entire offense uncomfortable, not just Mariota.
“You have to make them do things they don’t want to do,†Jeffcoat said. “As far as Marcus Mariota being in the pocket, you have to move him around. He’s comfortable in the pocket. If you leave him in the pocket, he’ll slide around and he’ll make plays, so we have to get him out of the pocket.â€
Reed said it would be just as important for the Longhorns to shut down Oregon’s running game. If they can make the Ducks one-dimensional on offense, he said, Texas will have an excellent chance of winning.
Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said Stanford’s defense didn’t deserve complete credit for their overall performance against Oregon this season. Stanford ran 21 more plays than the Ducks and possessed the ball for 25 minutes and eight seconds longer. When a defense is able to rest on the sidelines for that much during a game, they’ll be that much more likely to play well.
“Controlling the ball on the other side by Stanford’s offense I think is a plus for Stanford’s defense,†Robinson said.
But Robinson and Texas’ defenders can’t control what their offense does. They have to focus on sticking to their assignments, making the Ducks uncomfortable and attacking the ball-carrier every play. Against the run, Jeffcoat said, the Longhorns need to plug up the middle, forcing Byron Marshall, De’Anthony Thomas and Thomas Tyner to run outside.
“We have to make sure that we’re physical like we like to play, make sure we’re in our gaps making plays, causing them to go east-and-west instead of north-and-south,†Jeffcoat said.
Forcing the running backs to go east-and-west will also make the Longhorns more likely to get tackles for loss. A ripple effect occurs if that happens because the Ducks will become one-dimensional, just like Reed and his teammates hope to do.
Robinson said getting tackles for loss will make Oregon a passing team. While Mariota is one of the nation’s best passers, Robinson is confident in his defense when offenses throw the ball. After all, their biggest strength on defense is probably their pass rush, led by Jeffcoat and Reed.
“If you can get them (the Ducks) in long yardage, you can be more aggressive in rushing the passer,†Robinson said.
If Texas can force Oregon to become a pass-first team, the Ducks might be in for another Stanford-esque grind during the Alamo Bowl.
Follow Victor Flores on Twitter @vflores415
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Daily Emerald (UO Paper)
Alamo Bowl: Mark Helfrich on Aliotti’s retirement and the strength of Texas’ defense
Posted by Beth Maiman on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 11:29 am.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In Sunday’s final press conference, head coaches Mack Brown and Mark Helfrich answered questions from the media before both their teams take to the field Monday for the 2013 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Today was the first time Helfrich spoke about the retirement of defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti, who will coach his final game after 24 years with the Oregon football program.
Helfrich said that coach Aliotti had been talking about the announcement for a while and that Aliotti wanted to be able to control the message.
“He wanted to tell the team and he wanted to tell the staff before anybody else, and to do that you have to do that before Monday night,†Helfrich said.
Oregon’s head coach added that the timing of Alitotti’s retirement was his call and joked that it was time for Aliotti to just be playing golf.
“His contributions on and off the field have been immeasurable,†Helfrich said.
In terms of finding a replacement for Aliotti, Helfrich said that the priority is whatever is best for Oregon and that there is no timeline.
Helfrich said that compared to the other teams the Ducks have faced this season, Texas’ talent level ranks very high. Helfrich said it is difficult to prepare when facing a player like running back Malcolm Brown and the Longhorns’ offensive line.
“Somebody had asked how do you prepare for a Malcolm Brown, how do you prepare for the offensive line, like most people we don’t have those guys laying around,†Helfrich said. “We don’t have a Malcolm Brown on our team let alone the third guy or fourth guy that can simulate that guy in a scout team situation.â€
It has been made clear that defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat will be one of the biggest threats for the Ducks and Helfrich referred to the Texas defense as outstanding.
“Jackson Jeffcoat is one of the many, many things that make them a really good on defense, two great corners that can cover anybody,†Helfrich said.
With the city of Austin only about 80 miles away from San Antonio, the Longhorns are expected to have the bigger crowd, creating a road game atmosphere. Although there was a similar storyline in last season’s Fiesta Bowl, Helfrich said he believes that tomorrow will be similar to a hostile Oregon versus Washington road game.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman
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Oregonian (Portland paper)
Oregon rundown: With Marcus Mariota returning,
backup quarterbacks mull uncertain future
Andrew Greif | agreif@oregonian.com By Andrew Greif | agreif@oregonian.com
on December 29, 2013 at 6:30 AM, updated December 29, 2013 at 6:33 AM
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Quarterback Marcus Mariota’s return for his redshirt junior season has given his Oregon backups a choice of their own, though they said Saturday they haven’t considered yet whether a transfer is in their best interest.
After jockeying for the No. 2 quarterback job since August, Jeff Lockie and Jake Rodrigues will finish their redshirt freshman seasons Monday in the Alamo Bowl against Texas with the prospect of seeing limited action for a third year in Eugene.
Mariota is a year older than both and enters the 2014 season in the thick of the discussion for the Heisman Trophy and NFL draft’s first round.
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about it right now,†said Rodrigues, who’s completed 3-of-6 passes for 67 yards, with an interception and a touchdown this season in seven games. “I don’t know, but I will tell you that I’m going to do what’s best for me and my son and my fiancee and my family.â€
Lockie lives with Mariota, and called the starter’s return personally important for him “on a friendship level.†But, he didn’t deny there is a competitive streak that wants to play meaningful snaps. This season is has completed 8-of-13 passes with an interception and 57 yards in eight games.
“No matter what happens when a guy like that in that position comes back everybody’s going to jump on the transfer bandwagon but I’m happy to have Marcus back,†Lockie said. “We get along real well, but of course at the same time we all came here to play and we all want to play sooner than later, going into my third year here. So it’s something everyone will think about at one point in time but it’s something I haven’t put thought into yet at all.
“I want to be here and I love the coaches we’ve got and I don’t think that will change.â€
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KGW (Portland TV/News)
Oregon-Texas Preview
By JEFF MEZYDLO
STATS Senior Writer
(AP) -- While the Alamo Bowl will be the last game Mack Brown coaches at Texas, it won't be the final time quarterback Marcus Mariota takes the field for Oregon.
Set to resign after 16 seasons in Austin, Brown guides the Longhorns against Mariota and the No. 10 Ducks on Monday night in San Antonio.
From 2001-09, Brown's teams at Texas averaged 11.2 wins, recorded two Big 12 titles, won the national championship during an undefeated 2005 and played for another four years later. However, since losing 37-21 to Alabama in the title game of the 2009 season, the Longhorns are 30-20 and endured Brown's only losing season with a 5-7 record in 2010.
Texas (8-4) began this season ranked 15th, but lost two of its first three to put some heat on Brown. The Longhorns faced then-No. 9 Baylor with the Big 12 title and a BCS bowl berth on the line Dec. 7, but lost 30-10 to fall to 1-3 against Top 25 opponents.
"The standard is really high here," said the 62-year-old Brown, whose 158 victories at Texas rank behind only the late Darrell Royal's 167. "We set a standard at this place. You'd better win all of them. I understand that. ... The standard is really high here and I'm proud of being part of setting that standard.
"I sincerely want to get back to the top and that's why I'm stepping down after the bowl game. I hope with some new energy, we can get this thing rolling again."
The uncertainty surrounding Brown's future proved to be a distraction for the program in recent weeks. After meeting with school president Bill Powers and new athletic director Steve Patterson, Brown was told he could remain coach but decided otherwise. He was under contract until 2020 with a salary at more than $5 million per year, and will stay on as a special consultant to Powers.
"I felt like I could stay," Brown said. "I really felt like it wasn't best for the university to stay.
"It's been a wonderful ride. Now, the program is again being pulled in different directions, and I think the time is right for a change."
Before Brown steps down, he faces a daunting task while trying to guide the Longhorns to a second consecutive Alamo Bowl victory.
In what also will be Case McCoy's final game at Texas, the embattled quarterback hopes to fare better after he completed 57.4 percent of his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. McCoy started six games the previous two years and became the starter in 2013 when David Ash's season ended due to concussion-like symptoms.
McCoy and the Longhorns offense will be facing an Oregon defense that will be led by coordinator Nick Aliotti for the final time. Aliotti announced Friday that he'll retire after this game following 24 years with the Ducks, including 17 as defensive coordinator.
It's on the defensive side where Texas likely faces its biggest challenge in this contest.
Despite the presence of Big 12 defensive player of the year Jackson Jeffcoat, who has 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, the Longhorns allowed at least 30 points in half of their games and 40 or more three times.
Brown fired defensive coordinator Manny Diaz after a 40-21 loss to BYU on Sept. 7 and replaced him with Greg Robinson. Texas won six straight from Sept. 21-Nov. 9, but allowed 68 points to Oklahoma State and Baylor in the two defeats over the final three games.
It's uncertain if Texas can seriously improve in time to contain Oregon (10-2), which ranks second in the FBS averaging 573.0 total yards and third at 46.8 points per contest.
Mariota has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 3,412 yards with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions. The sophomore has thrown a TD in each of his 25 career games and set a single-season school record with 3,994 total yards in 2013.
A Heisman Trophy candidate most of the season, Mariota's stock fell after he struggled during a 26-20 loss at then-No. 6 Stanford on Nov. 7. Hampered by a leg injury late in the season, Mariota was picked off twice while throwing for 308 yards and two TDs during a 42-16 defeat at Arizona on Nov. 23.
With perhaps some unfinished business left in 2014, Mariota announced he will return for his junior season.
"It is an honor to be a student at the University of Oregon and to have the opportunity to represent our institution on the football field alongside my teammates," he said. "I look forward to earning my degree next year and to the rest of my career at this great university."
Though the Ducks did not earn an at-large bid to their fifth consecutive BCS bowl game, they expect to finish strong.
"Everyone's been dogging us, and we have a lot to prove," receiver Bralon Addison told the school's official website. "I think we will be ready for this game, and I think we have a lot to took forward to."
Oregon beat Texas 35-30 in the teams' most recent meeting in the 2000 Holiday Bowl.
Updated December 27, 2013
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Eugene Daily News
With Two Coaches Retiring After the Game,
Alamo Bowl Becomes Solid Swan Song
Earlier this month Texas Coach Mack Brown announced that the Valero Alamo Bowl would be his final game as head coach. This sent shockwaves through the internet. The announcement earlier today from Oregon Defensive Coordinator Nick Allioti, who announced his own retirement following the game could very well blow up the internet.
Allioti has been a coach with the Ducks for 17 years, and was considering hanging up the headset after former Coach Chip Kelly departed for the NFL last season, but decided to stay one more year to assist Mark Helfrich with the transition. It is good he did, as players who had the chance to follow Allioti’s direction will likely relish it for the rest of their college and pro careers. When it comes to Defense, Aliotti is one of the best, not just in the Pac 12 but in the country. Longevity is just one of the things he had on his side. Seventeen years at one school is pretty incredible.
Now there is one game left to coach in the Alamo Bowl before his retirement. The Ducks, similar to last year, will begin a coaching search immediately. Of course, two names immediately come to mind in Justin Wilcox and Ed Orgeron, the former Interim Coach for the USC Trojans. Can the Ducks land either of these two. Last I heard Wilcox was going to follow his former coach Steve Sarkisian to USC. Regardless of the future the Ducks will certainly land the right person for the job, which for the incoming coach should be fairly easy to adapt to.
Back to the game for a moment. The game story now shifts from Marcus Mariota and his knee to two coaches, both with their respective programs for a long time. Brown is likely to officially retire, while Allioti has said he will always be a Duck and won’t coach again.
Regardless of the games outcome the offseason for Oregon just turned from one of interest perhaps to very interesting. The Ducks have proven over the last few years they are built to win. They have the players to do it. They have the coaches to do it. Coaching wise over the last years they have had the longevity to do it. Can they bring in someone who can continue to build the Defense into a team that can compete in the Pac 12 and win the big games?
We will start to find some of the answers shortly after the new year begins.
Oregon and Texas will take the field in the Valero Alamo Bowl on Monday afternoon.(3:45pm PT, ESPN)
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Register-Guard (Eugene, OR paper)
Ducks Football
Motivationally Speaking, It’s super-sized
Both teams have plenty to play for Monday in the Alamodome
By Steve Mims
The Register-Guard
Published: 12:00 a.m., Dec 29
SAN ANTONIO — Oregon and Texas were not aiming for the Alamo Bowl.
The Ducks went into November at 8-0 and thinking about a national title, but that dream died at Stanford, and their run of four straight BCS games ended with a loss at Arizona.
Despite a 1-2 start, Texas began December with a shot at the Big 12 title and a BCS berth, but those went away with a loss at Baylor.
So the Ducks and Longhorns ended up here in what may seem like a consolation prize to many. However, after a couple of weeks to deal with disappointment, both teams insist they have plenty of motivation.
“You’re playing Texas, that’s enough said right there,†Oregon coach Mark Helfrich said. “The logo, the tradition, everything that encompasses that is a tremendous challenge. They are really well-coached and a tremendously talented football team, and our guys know that. They will be very exited to play.â€
Helfrich is looking to win his first bowl game as a head coach, and the Longhorns want to send out Mack Brown with a final postseason victory after he resigned under fire following an 8-4 regular season.
“Coach told us all we have to do is focus on now and let others worry about the future,†senior defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said. “It will be a fun game. We are excited to play Oregon, a 10-2 team, in the Alamo Bowl.â€
Texas has dealt with rumors about Brown’s future all season, and it took a week after the loss to Baylor before his fate was finally sealed.
“We are a tight-knit team and we have overcome a lot, and it has only made us stronger,†Texas senior quarterback Case McCoy said. “I think the underclassmen want to win it for us seniors, and we want to go out the right way.â€
There figures to be plenty of emotion for Brown’s final game in front of a large Texas fan base so close to home, and McCoy said that will only help the Longhorns.
“I think we need as much emotion as possible right now,†he said. “Hopefully, a lot of fans show up and support our class and the staff one last time.â€
The Ducks know there will be plenty of burnt orange just 90 minutes from Austin.
“We understand we are going to Texas and they are going to fill the stands,†Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota said. “We will handle it the same way we have every other game. At the same time, we understand it will be a packed house, so we have to make sure our communication and all those things are working.â€
Oregon won 19 straight road games before losing its last two this season.
“We will treat it like an away game,†Helfrich said. “Treat it like the many tough venues in our conference, but amplify it from an emotional standpoint, however much more the decibel level will rise as a tribute to coach Brown.
“There is no question they will be fired up. The crowd will be much more into it.â€
Oregon is a two-touchdown favorite, but oddsmakers can’t account for emotion.
“They are playing for their old ball coach,†Oregon senior safety Avery Patterson said. “Having to play for a guy like Mack Brown, now they will come out and give it their best shot. They will probably play their best game against us.â€
Helfrich was asked if the coaching change can be a distraction for the Longhorns.
“We hope it is a distraction from our angle,†he said. “That’s potentially the case. From a coaching perspective, I have been in those situations where you are going to a different school after the game and there are a lot of things on your plate. Managing players that may have different levels of commitment to the whole situation. It’s potentially a distraction, but I’m sure those guys will handle it well.â€
Oregon’s commitment was questioned after the Stanford loss when Josh Huff and De’Anthony Thomas talked about how playing in the Rose Bowl would be a disappointment after having national-title hopes. That was followed by a loss to Arizona that put the Rose Bowl out of reach.
Oregon’s senior class has won 46 games in four years, tied for the most in school history with last year’s group. A win over Texas would give the seniors the record at 47 and give Oregon at least 11 wins in four straight seasons for the first time in school history.
“That is something that we’ve talked about, we’ve heard it going around ever since the Oregon State game,†Patterson said. “Us seniors want to leave a legacy here at Oregon and have our class cemented in the history of Oregon. If we win, we will do that. We want to leave a lasting impression here. We don’t want to ever be forgotten. This game is huge for our seniors and our team.â€
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GoDucks.com (website)
Alamo Bowl notebook: Ducks sharp for their walk-through
Oregon held its pregame walk-through for Monday's Alamo Bowl at Alamo Heights High on Saturday, and the post-practice vibes were positive.
Courtesy: GoDucks.com
Release: 12/28/2013
by Rob Moseley, Editor, GoDucks.com
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — The Ducks practiced for the final time this season in helmets Saturday, their walk-through for Monday's Alamo Bowl against Texas (3:45 p.m. PT, ESPN).
Up next is the "Fast Friday" up-tempo review of schemes and personnel groups Sunday, the last workout of the 2013 season.
Today continued an encouraging set of practices by Oregon since arriving in Texas on Wednesday. The proof will be in the pudding Monday, but right now the Ducks look like a focused, energized team as the game approaches.
"Hey!" defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti shouted to his players as the workout was ending. "That was a great practice!"
In a walk-through, coaches want to see everything overexaggerated — communication, technique, assignments, etc. The buzz from the field as players went through their pre-snap communication, for instance, was as audible as I can recall all season for a "Thursday."
Also today, while over at the pressroom prior to an afternoon press conference, I overheard a member of the media remark that Oregon seemed like the team more upbeat about being at the Alamo Bowl this week. That was just one guy's opinion, overheard randomly — and again, the proof will come Monday — but for now I think concerns about the Ducks' motivation after falling short of the BCS for the first time in five seasons have been allayed.
Several players and coaches met with media right after practice, and Aliotti's retirement announcement was a prominent subject.
Like Aliotti at his press conference Friday, linebackers coach Don Pellum tried — and was more successful — keeping the focus on Monday's matchup with the Longhorns.
"Right now we're focused on this game," Pellum said. "We'll celebrate Nick when we get home."
Receiver Bralon Addison, though he plays on the other side of the ball, got the impression Aliotti was particularly energized for today's practice.
"I think he was trying to send a message, that he's still an Oregon Duck and wants to go out with a bang," Addison said.
Oregon's run defense, which took its lumps against Stanford and Arizona late in the season, figures to be tested again Monday by Texas.
Like concerns about the Ducks' motivation, concerns about the run defense won't have a chance to be put to rest until the game, regardless of what the Ducks might say beforehand.
"We've addressed what we thought we needed to address," Pellum said. "We won't know until Monday."
Linebacker Boseko Lokombo said the solution is simple.
"We just need to hit," Lokombo said. "That's the bottom line."
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GoDucks.com
Oregon offense rested and ready entering the Alamo Bowl
After a month off to let injuries heal, quarterback Marcus Mariota and company look close to full strength again entering Monday's matchup with Texas.
Courtesy: GoDucks.com
Release: 12/28/2013
by Rob Moseley, Editor, GoDucks.com
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of Oregon's practices this week began with a "clutch" drill, the offense put in the position of needing to drive for a game-winning touchdown with little time left on the clock.
A considerable chunk of field was still left to traverse when Marcus Mariota dropped back to pass. Seeing nothing but trouble, he pulled the football down and took off, weaving his way upfield and not stopping until he reached the end zone.
It was the sort of moment the Ducks have seen a few times from their quarterback in recent weeks, producing awe-struck whispers and knowing glances on the sideline. After being dogged by a knee problem in the second half of the regular season, Mariota is back to looking like himself.
"Right now, I feel good," the UO sophomore said Saturday, at a press conference leading up to Monday's Alamo Bowl against Texas (3:45 p.m. PT, ESPN). "Since the last month, I feel the most healthy I've been."
For an Oregon offense that looked out of sorts after Mariota was injured against UCLA on Oct. 26, that's good news. The Ducks have also welcomed a return to health for sophomore running back Byron Marshall, who managed three carries for four yards over the final two games of the regular season, leaving him at 995 yards for the season entering Monday.
"A month off does a lot, it does a whole lot," said Marshall, who missed the Civil War with a lower leg injury suffered at Arizona. "I still don't think anyone's 100 percent, but where we're at is where we're at, and I think people are definitely ready to go and ready to play."
The injury to Mariota had a massive impact on Oregon's season, and his Heisman Trophy hopes. The Ducks were averaging 55.6 points and 632.1 yards per game entering their trip to Stanford that opened November, and Mariota was atop the Heisman race. He averaged 63.9 rushing yards during Oregon's 8-0 start, and that despite a season-low 18 against the Bruins, the day Mariota suffered what assistant coach Scott Frost revealed Saturday was a partially torn MCL.
With Oregon's dual-threat quarterback suddenly limited to being a pocket passer, the offense was shut out into the fourth quarter by the Cardinal. Mariota ran for a total of minus-34 yards that night and in a win over Utah a week later, but the Ducks then lost again at Arizona, where Marshall was injured.
"The bowl preparation gives you a chance for some of the guys with minor injuries to get back healthy again," said Frost, the UO offensive coordinator. "Certainly some of those guys are still a little beat up. But I think they're excited and healthy enough to fight it out with Texas, and really looking forward to the game."
That "clutch" period, at practice Friday, seemed to demonstrate an offense firing on all cylinders. At first, the scenario required just a field goal for the offense to win the drill. But Mariota connected with Bralon Addison for a touchdown pass, and Jeff Lockie reached the end zone on a run with the No. 2 offense.
"I think guys are just excited, ready to go," receiver Keanon Lowe said. "A month off of hitting people, you're just ready to get back out there and try to compete."
The Ducks face a Texas defense that allows 5.37 yards per play, ranking 51st in the country, 42 spots below the UO defense. The Longhorns are big, fast and physical, UO players said.
But they've also struggled against teams with running quarterbacks, such as BYU and Baylor.
Frost mentioned Baylor, Oklahoma State and Ole Miss as teams that look similar to the Ducks offensively. That trio handed Texas its three losses after new defensive coordinator Greg Robinson took over in September.
"We don't expect there to be a lot of glaring holes in what they do," Frost said. "Especially when you have extra time to prep for a bowl game, there's not much that's going to surprise you. We have to try to line up with them and beat them. That's what we'll do."
Frost also declared Mariota "healthy and ready to go," and said that "we're expecting Marcus to tuck it under and run a little bit."
Doing so could help the Ducks limit the two most dangerous Texas defenders, ends Jackson Jeffcoat and Cedric Reed.
When Mariota is a threat in the run game, Oregon can attack a defensive player without even blocking him. Mariota can read a defensive end to determine whether the quarterback will keep the ball in the option or hand off.
"To be able to have that in your offense makes it (so you can), not necessarily take them out of the game, but it makes them have to make a decision," Mariota said. "Hopefully we can make them make the wrong decision."
And the Ducks hope to do so right off the bat. They were unable to do that at Stanford and Arizona, letting the opposition set the tone in their two defeats. They probably won't be able to survive a similar start Monday, against a Texas team that figures to be buoyed by a partisan crowd, and motivated to send outgoing coach Mack Brown off with a win.
"We know we've kind of got to kill their vibe, just because they have a lot going for them early," Marshall said. "I feel like if we come out and handle our business early, we should be OK."
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Daily Emerald (UO paper)
Alamo Bowl: Stanford provides blueprint for Texas in stopping Oregon’s offense
Posted by Victor Flores on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 4:02 pm.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — One of the biggest reasons Stanford has beaten Oregon each of the past two seasons is its physical defense. The Cardinal rarely miss tackles in space, so it’s no surprise Oregon struggled against them since the Ducks thrive on spreading the field and hoping defenders whiff.
The Texas Longhorns realize how important tackling in space will be come Monday when they face the Ducks in the Alamo Bowl. All-American defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat said several times during Saturday’s press conference that the Texas defense needs to have all 11 defenders swarm towards the football on Monday.
“Physical and flying around, that’s the most important thing,†Jeffcoat said.
Defensive end Cedric Reed noticed how good Stanford was at rushing the quarterback and said the biggest focus against the Oregon offense should be on making Marcus Mariota uncomfortable throughout the game.
“The Stanford d-line, they got to the quarterback,†Cedric Reed said. “They put Mariota in situations where he was very uncomfortable.â€
Jeffcoat said it was important to make the entire offense uncomfortable, not just Mariota.
“You have to make them do things they don’t want to do,†Jeffcoat said. “As far as Marcus Mariota being in the pocket, you have to move him around. He’s comfortable in the pocket. If you leave him in the pocket, he’ll slide around and he’ll make plays, so we have to get him out of the pocket.â€
Reed said it would be just as important for the Longhorns to shut down Oregon’s running game. If they can make the Ducks one-dimensional on offense, he said, Texas will have an excellent chance of winning.
Defensive coordinator Greg Robinson said Stanford’s defense didn’t deserve complete credit for their overall performance against Oregon this season. Stanford ran 21 more plays than the Ducks and possessed the ball for 25 minutes and eight seconds longer. When a defense is able to rest on the sidelines for that much during a game, they’ll be that much more likely to play well.
“Controlling the ball on the other side by Stanford’s offense I think is a plus for Stanford’s defense,†Robinson said.
But Robinson and Texas’ defenders can’t control what their offense does. They have to focus on sticking to their assignments, making the Ducks uncomfortable and attacking the ball-carrier every play. Against the run, Jeffcoat said, the Longhorns need to plug up the middle, forcing Byron Marshall, De’Anthony Thomas and Thomas Tyner to run outside.
“We have to make sure that we’re physical like we like to play, make sure we’re in our gaps making plays, causing them to go east-and-west instead of north-and-south,†Jeffcoat said.
Forcing the running backs to go east-and-west will also make the Longhorns more likely to get tackles for loss. A ripple effect occurs if that happens because the Ducks will become one-dimensional, just like Reed and his teammates hope to do.
Robinson said getting tackles for loss will make Oregon a passing team. While Mariota is one of the nation’s best passers, Robinson is confident in his defense when offenses throw the ball. After all, their biggest strength on defense is probably their pass rush, led by Jeffcoat and Reed.
“If you can get them (the Ducks) in long yardage, you can be more aggressive in rushing the passer,†Robinson said.
If Texas can force Oregon to become a pass-first team, the Ducks might be in for another Stanford-esque grind during the Alamo Bowl.
Follow Victor Flores on Twitter @vflores415
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Daily Emerald (UO Paper)
Alamo Bowl: Mark Helfrich on Aliotti’s retirement and the strength of Texas’ defense
Posted by Beth Maiman on Sunday, Dec. 29 at 11:29 am.
SAN ANTONIO, Texas — In Sunday’s final press conference, head coaches Mack Brown and Mark Helfrich answered questions from the media before both their teams take to the field Monday for the 2013 Valero Alamo Bowl.
Today was the first time Helfrich spoke about the retirement of defensive coordinator Nick Aliotti, who will coach his final game after 24 years with the Oregon football program.
Helfrich said that coach Aliotti had been talking about the announcement for a while and that Aliotti wanted to be able to control the message.
“He wanted to tell the team and he wanted to tell the staff before anybody else, and to do that you have to do that before Monday night,†Helfrich said.
Oregon’s head coach added that the timing of Alitotti’s retirement was his call and joked that it was time for Aliotti to just be playing golf.
“His contributions on and off the field have been immeasurable,†Helfrich said.
In terms of finding a replacement for Aliotti, Helfrich said that the priority is whatever is best for Oregon and that there is no timeline.
Helfrich said that compared to the other teams the Ducks have faced this season, Texas’ talent level ranks very high. Helfrich said it is difficult to prepare when facing a player like running back Malcolm Brown and the Longhorns’ offensive line.
“Somebody had asked how do you prepare for a Malcolm Brown, how do you prepare for the offensive line, like most people we don’t have those guys laying around,†Helfrich said. “We don’t have a Malcolm Brown on our team let alone the third guy or fourth guy that can simulate that guy in a scout team situation.â€
It has been made clear that defensive lineman Jackson Jeffcoat will be one of the biggest threats for the Ducks and Helfrich referred to the Texas defense as outstanding.
“Jackson Jeffcoat is one of the many, many things that make them a really good on defense, two great corners that can cover anybody,†Helfrich said.
With the city of Austin only about 80 miles away from San Antonio, the Longhorns are expected to have the bigger crowd, creating a road game atmosphere. Although there was a similar storyline in last season’s Fiesta Bowl, Helfrich said he believes that tomorrow will be similar to a hostile Oregon versus Washington road game.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman
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Oregonian (Portland paper)
Oregon rundown: With Marcus Mariota returning,
backup quarterbacks mull uncertain future
Andrew Greif | agreif@oregonian.com By Andrew Greif | agreif@oregonian.com
on December 29, 2013 at 6:30 AM, updated December 29, 2013 at 6:33 AM
SAN ANTONIO, Texas – Quarterback Marcus Mariota’s return for his redshirt junior season has given his Oregon backups a choice of their own, though they said Saturday they haven’t considered yet whether a transfer is in their best interest.
After jockeying for the No. 2 quarterback job since August, Jeff Lockie and Jake Rodrigues will finish their redshirt freshman seasons Monday in the Alamo Bowl against Texas with the prospect of seeing limited action for a third year in Eugene.
Mariota is a year older than both and enters the 2014 season in the thick of the discussion for the Heisman Trophy and NFL draft’s first round.
“Honestly, I’m not thinking about it right now,†said Rodrigues, who’s completed 3-of-6 passes for 67 yards, with an interception and a touchdown this season in seven games. “I don’t know, but I will tell you that I’m going to do what’s best for me and my son and my fiancee and my family.â€
Lockie lives with Mariota, and called the starter’s return personally important for him “on a friendship level.†But, he didn’t deny there is a competitive streak that wants to play meaningful snaps. This season is has completed 8-of-13 passes with an interception and 57 yards in eight games.
“No matter what happens when a guy like that in that position comes back everybody’s going to jump on the transfer bandwagon but I’m happy to have Marcus back,†Lockie said. “We get along real well, but of course at the same time we all came here to play and we all want to play sooner than later, going into my third year here. So it’s something everyone will think about at one point in time but it’s something I haven’t put thought into yet at all.
“I want to be here and I love the coaches we’ve got and I don’t think that will change.â€
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KGW (Portland TV/News)
Oregon-Texas Preview
By JEFF MEZYDLO
STATS Senior Writer
(AP) -- While the Alamo Bowl will be the last game Mack Brown coaches at Texas, it won't be the final time quarterback Marcus Mariota takes the field for Oregon.
Set to resign after 16 seasons in Austin, Brown guides the Longhorns against Mariota and the No. 10 Ducks on Monday night in San Antonio.
From 2001-09, Brown's teams at Texas averaged 11.2 wins, recorded two Big 12 titles, won the national championship during an undefeated 2005 and played for another four years later. However, since losing 37-21 to Alabama in the title game of the 2009 season, the Longhorns are 30-20 and endured Brown's only losing season with a 5-7 record in 2010.
Texas (8-4) began this season ranked 15th, but lost two of its first three to put some heat on Brown. The Longhorns faced then-No. 9 Baylor with the Big 12 title and a BCS bowl berth on the line Dec. 7, but lost 30-10 to fall to 1-3 against Top 25 opponents.
"The standard is really high here," said the 62-year-old Brown, whose 158 victories at Texas rank behind only the late Darrell Royal's 167. "We set a standard at this place. You'd better win all of them. I understand that. ... The standard is really high here and I'm proud of being part of setting that standard.
"I sincerely want to get back to the top and that's why I'm stepping down after the bowl game. I hope with some new energy, we can get this thing rolling again."
The uncertainty surrounding Brown's future proved to be a distraction for the program in recent weeks. After meeting with school president Bill Powers and new athletic director Steve Patterson, Brown was told he could remain coach but decided otherwise. He was under contract until 2020 with a salary at more than $5 million per year, and will stay on as a special consultant to Powers.
"I felt like I could stay," Brown said. "I really felt like it wasn't best for the university to stay.
"It's been a wonderful ride. Now, the program is again being pulled in different directions, and I think the time is right for a change."
Before Brown steps down, he faces a daunting task while trying to guide the Longhorns to a second consecutive Alamo Bowl victory.
In what also will be Case McCoy's final game at Texas, the embattled quarterback hopes to fare better after he completed 57.4 percent of his passes while throwing 11 touchdowns and 11 interceptions this season. McCoy started six games the previous two years and became the starter in 2013 when David Ash's season ended due to concussion-like symptoms.
McCoy and the Longhorns offense will be facing an Oregon defense that will be led by coordinator Nick Aliotti for the final time. Aliotti announced Friday that he'll retire after this game following 24 years with the Ducks, including 17 as defensive coordinator.
It's on the defensive side where Texas likely faces its biggest challenge in this contest.
Despite the presence of Big 12 defensive player of the year Jackson Jeffcoat, who has 12 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, the Longhorns allowed at least 30 points in half of their games and 40 or more three times.
Brown fired defensive coordinator Manny Diaz after a 40-21 loss to BYU on Sept. 7 and replaced him with Greg Robinson. Texas won six straight from Sept. 21-Nov. 9, but allowed 68 points to Oklahoma State and Baylor in the two defeats over the final three games.
It's uncertain if Texas can seriously improve in time to contain Oregon (10-2), which ranks second in the FBS averaging 573.0 total yards and third at 46.8 points per contest.
Mariota has completed 63.1 percent of his passes for 3,412 yards with 30 touchdowns and four interceptions. The sophomore has thrown a TD in each of his 25 career games and set a single-season school record with 3,994 total yards in 2013.
A Heisman Trophy candidate most of the season, Mariota's stock fell after he struggled during a 26-20 loss at then-No. 6 Stanford on Nov. 7. Hampered by a leg injury late in the season, Mariota was picked off twice while throwing for 308 yards and two TDs during a 42-16 defeat at Arizona on Nov. 23.
With perhaps some unfinished business left in 2014, Mariota announced he will return for his junior season.
"It is an honor to be a student at the University of Oregon and to have the opportunity to represent our institution on the football field alongside my teammates," he said. "I look forward to earning my degree next year and to the rest of my career at this great university."
Though the Ducks did not earn an at-large bid to their fifth consecutive BCS bowl game, they expect to finish strong.
"Everyone's been dogging us, and we have a lot to prove," receiver Bralon Addison told the school's official website. "I think we will be ready for this game, and I think we have a lot to took forward to."
Oregon beat Texas 35-30 in the teams' most recent meeting in the 2000 Holiday Bowl.
Updated December 27, 2013
