NJDuck

STANFORD INFORMS REMAINING PAC-4 TEAMS IT WILL JOIN THE ACC FOR FREE Stanford University has consistently been behind the conference realignment eight ball. While the rest of the Pac-12 Conference has abandoned ship over the past month, Stanford was caught napping. And now it’s paying a substantial financial price. According to the Associated Press, Stanford informed the remaining Pac-4 schools that they’re desperate to leave for the ACC. How desperate? Desperate enough that they’re essentially willing to join the conference for free. Literally. For free. The AP’s source said that leaders from Stanford and the other three schools spoke Thursday, with the Cardinal saying they would leave for a significantly discounted portion of the ACC’s media rights fees. Or for none of it, assuming they’re invited. Seems like Oregon State’s goal of keeping the schools together doesn’t have much hope of coming to fruition. Stanford Informs Remaining PAC-4 Teams It Will Join The ACC For Free – OutKick WWW.OUTKICK.COM Stanford reportedly told the remaining Pac-12 Conference universities that they would join the ACC for a huge discount or nothing.

Most would agree that the current system of college football is not working, and not sustainable. Over the last decade or so, things have been heading downhill, and quickly. With the introduction of name, image, and likeness for athletes, the prevalence of the transfer portal, and the rapid speed at which conference realignment is taking place, the sport looks nothing like it did a decade ago. That’s not to say that any of those things are bad in their own right, but the combination of them all has completely shifted the landscape from what it was created to be over a century ago. Now, you have a system that looks much more similar to the NFL than it does to college athletics and athletes that look far more like professionals than they do amateurs. The trickle-down effect of this has an impact on players -- mainly in sports outside of football -- family members, and fans. So what do we do? The idea is based on the introduction of relegation into the world of college football. Much like European Soccer, it would create a hierarchy of leagues in the sport, and give teams the ability to move up or down between leagues each year based on how well they play. It’s complicated, controversial, and hard to sell. However, if you take the time to understand it, you may buy in. I have long been a proponent of the relegation system in college football because I think it gives the sport a unique twist. I may be in the minority with that opinion, but I know that I’m not alone. Let’s dive into the relegation format and explain how it would look in college football. From there, I may be able to convince you that this is the way moving forward. Should college football adopt a relegation system going forward? DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The current state of college football is unsustainable. Is a relegation system the answer going forward. It’s not as crazy as it seems.

Both Stanford and SMU are pulling out their big guns for a push to help get into the ACC. As we all know, Notre Dame is pushing hard for Stanford and Cal. I think it will be very difficult to break through the blockade of the 4 universities not wanting this to happen. Again, show me the money is the big issue. Not worth the traveling time and money it will take if this happens. George W. Bush, Condoleeza Rice Lobbying for SMU, Stanford in Conference Realignment, per Source https://www.si.com/college/2023/08/16/bush-rice-lobbying-smu-stanford-realignment Stanford is 'optimistic' they can get the votes to join the ACC as soon as this week Stanford's head coach has already expressed that the program will end up in a Power 5 conference https://www.si.com/college/stanford/football/stanford-is-optimistic-they-can-get-the-votes-to-join-the-acc-as-soon-as-this-week

One of the best tools that college football fans have at their disposal each and every season is the ESPN Football Power Index. For those unfamiliar with ESPN’s FPI, it is a ranking that “relies on past performance, on offense and defense, returning and transfer production and past recruiting data for players on the roster to form a rating.” Virtually, it’s ESPN’s way of declaring the top teams in the nation, looking at their roster, their schedule, their percent chance to win each game, and where that ultimately lands them after the season comes to an end. Following the end of the spring football season across the nation, ESPN’s FPI gave a percent chance for each team in the Pac-12 conference to become bowl eligible, and ultimately win the conference. However, in the fast few months with the addition of several new transfers for different teams, those odds have changed. Fans of the Oregon Ducks should be happy. Take a look at where ESPN now projects each Pac-12 team will finish up in 2023. Oregon Football: Pac-12 championship odds change according to ESPN FPI DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM USC is still favored to win the Pac-12 title, per ESPN. However, the Oregon Ducks are quickly making up ground. Jon Wilner's prediction is so off, his vote on the polls. On3 Justin Hopkins prediction is more in line.

I do agree with Justin Hopkins on his observations with the five schools in the Pac-12. With a healthy Bo Nix, offensive fire power will be tops. The X-factor will be a much improved defense. Oregon: Underrated AP: 15 Coaches: 15 Well if I haven’t gone full-homer by now I might as well leave no doubt. Look, Oregon is as good as any team in the top ten not named Georgia. But they will only go as far as the defense will take them. I think it will be better. And they have the bodies and depth to be physical at the point of attack. And while nobody has a JV schedule like Georgia, but Oregon’s a bit more favorable with 2 of its 4 toughest games at home. (USC and OSU)

Oliver Luck reportedly determining expansion candidates for the Pac-12 Pac-12 expansion appears to be a legitimate possibility for the Pac-12 again Williams explained that Luck will compile a list of around 12 programs who will be considered. He also divulged that just because expansion discussions are happening again, doesn't mean that the conference won't end up merging with the American or Mountain West. If Luck is somehow able to pull off expansion for the Pac-12 in about a week and possibly track down a media rights deal in the process, it certainly feels fair to question George Kliavkoff's efforts over the past year. https://www.si.com/college/stanford/football/oliver-luck-reportedly-determining-expansion-candidates-for-the-pac-12

Are the Ducks being underrated going into the 2023 season? Oregon Football: Are the Ducks being underrated going into 2023? DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The Ducks are ranked No. 15 in many of the major polls going into 2023, but expectations in Eugene are higher than that.

Readers respond: Stop the OSU pity party Can we please put a pin in the pity party for the Oregon State Beavers football program and stop placing blame on the Oregon Ducks for the Beavers’ current lot in life? (“Oregon State mailbag: Why should Beaver fans care any longer, will coaches, athletes leave?” Aug. 8). The Ducks took the best deal available to them at the time in a crumbling Pac-12 conference. It’s not the Ducks’ fault that the Beavers are nationally irrelevant and the Ducks have opportunities that the Beavers don’t. The Beavers have had two winning seasons in the last nine years and have gone to two lower-tiered bowl games in the same stretch. Why would anyone think it would add value to a major conference? Does that really make them an attractive football program to a major conference? No Beavers, it doesn’t. And it’s not the Ducks’ fault that they’re often winners both in the conference and on a national scale. So stop throwing the Ducks under the bus as “deserters” from the state football program. Readers respond: Stop the OSU pity party WWW.OREGONLIVE.COM Letters to the Editor can be submitted to letters@oregonian.com with full name and place of residence.

Big Ten Meet n' Greet: Getting to know Ohio State with Buckeyes Wire When you think about the top teams in the nation, not just the Big Ten, the Ohio State Buckeyes come to mind. Oregon Duck fans are familiar with the Buckeyes, having lost to them in the Rose Bowl and College Football Playoff national championship game over the last 15 years. However, a 35-28 victory in 2021 gave Duck fans the last laugh. Now, Oregon heads into the Big Ten with hopes of being equal with the Buckeyes, though the road to similar sustained success will not be easy to traverse. While Oregon fans may think they know the Buckeyes well, there is a ton of Ohio State history that we need to learn before joining the Big Ten. Do dig a bit deeper, we sat down with Phil Harrison, the managing editor of USA TODAY’s Buckeyes Wire to ask some questions. Ohio State Pride and History Oregon Football: Getting to know Ohio State with Buckeyes Wire DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The Ducks and Buckeyes are familiar with each other, but there’s more about Ohio State for Oregon fans to know. We sat down with @BuckeyesWire to learn more.

Bill Oram: Oregon legislator blasts Oregon Ducks’ expected move to Big Ten, asks, ‘What the hell are we doing?’ Evans, D-Monmouth, proposed a bill during this year’s legislative session that would have required state universities to receive legislative approval if they wanted to change conference affiliation. The bill died in committee after receiving a hearing. This nonsense that a few OSU grads in legislature are crying the blues about Oregon leaving for the Big Ten, wanting to have a hearing, face the same death sentence as Evans bill did Bill Oram: Oregon legislator blasts Oregon Ducks’ expected move to Big Ten, asks, ‘What the hell are we doing?’ WWW.OREGONLIVE.COM Rep. Paul Evans, D-Monmouth, proposed a bill last winter that would have required legislative approval for state universities to change conference affiliation.

This only put the finishing nails to the lid on the coffin. The coffin's been sitting in the room for some time now. Pac-12 Propaganda and the Inside Story of the Failed Media Deal We take a look at what brought down the Pac-12 and more. Pac-12 Propaganda and the Inside Story of the Failed Media Deal 247SPORTS.COM We take a look at what brought down the Pac-12 and more.

LET IT RIDE: BIG TEN IN TALKS TO PLAY CONFERENCE TITLE GAME IN LAS VEGAS Big Ten In Talks To Move Title Game To Las Vegas – OutKick WWW.OUTKICK.COM The Big Ten reportedly is interested in playing its conference title football games in Las Vegas. What are the details of the deal?

This coming season just around the corner. This will be one of the most exciting seasons in years. Here's hoping Oregon comes out on top as Pac-12 champion and possibly an invite to the CFP! In 2024 Oregon will be joining the Big Ten. Below video, of things to come. Go Ducks!

Ducks embracing triple-digit heat in preparation for Texas Tech road trip Ducks embracing triple-digit heat in preparation for Texas Tech trip DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM Temperatures as high as 105-degrees are expected in Eugene this week. The Ducks are embracing that heat with a trip to Texas Tech in less than a month.

4-star RB Tory Blaylock puts Ducks among top schools The Oregon Ducks have recruited the running back position at an impressive clip over the past few years, especially since Carlos Locklyn came to town over a year ago. With commitments from 4-stars Jordan James, Dante Dowdell, and Jayden Limar, plus transfers from Bucky Irving and Noah Whittington, Oregon fans are used to getting good news at the RB position. The Ducks are now in a good position when it comes to one of the top RBs in the 2025 class as well. 4-star RB Tory Blaylock announced his top 13 schools on Saturday, listing the Ducks along with schools like Ohio State, Alabama, Texas, Georiga, and several others. Oregon Recruiting: 4-star Tory Blaylock puts Ducks among top schools DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM 4-star RB Tory Blaylock puts Ducks among top schools

This is only my observation. Let's face it, so many past missteps from previous commissioners and presidents all the way to present brought the Pac-12 to it's demise. Log Haulin brought this to our attention in another post, a report from the Athletics. According to this report, there was another deal GK was trying to piece together involving linear and streaming? It seems GK's inability to communicate to Colorado, staying silent, gave them any excuse to leave for the Big 12. That suppose second deal seemed to unravel leaving the only other offer presented by Apple. I am only reposting this just in case someone else did not see this. Yes, it has been hard to swallow what's happened to the Pac-12. But, in my opinion, I see positive potential for our beloved Ducks moving forward. Oregon did what was needed to preserve its brand, athletes, recruiting and more. Joining the Big Ten bring's more opportunities, opening doors nationwide for our Ducks will only serve to expand Oregon's brand. Oregon is prepared for this moment. Oregon's NIL (Division Street) is one of the best in the country (Ruiz no longer a viable source for Miami). Oregon put together a great coaching staff that are tremendous recruiters. Oregon is in the process of building a new football facility as well as plans to improve Autzen's north side of the stadium. Big Ten teams travel well. The north side will need to increase along with facilities on that side with much needed improvements. If Oregon's one of the higher seed could host one of the playoff games. Oregon's Division Street NIL collective ranked as one of nation's most ambitious Groups called NIL Collectives have popped up rather quickly. Oregon’s version is called Division Street. It’s no surprise that with the U of O’s relationship with Nike, the Ducks have handled the new landscape rather well. This is partly what they said about Division Street: On3 ranks Oregon’s NIL collective Division Street fourth in ambition DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The Oregon Ducks are always near the forefront of change. Their NIL collective Division Street ranks among the most ambitious in the nation. The Pac-12 due to it's limited broadcasting and a weakened state/demise only served as a detriment to Oregon's existence on the national scene. Oregon's potential growth for its brand will reach greater heights by joining the Big Ten conference. Another example, moving to the Big Ten will only enhance recruiting. It will make it easier for families across the nation to attend and view Oregon's games. Other universities will no longer use the demise of the Pac-12 as an excuse to lure recruits from attending Oregon. Big Ten move played key role in Oregon flip for former USC commit The Big Ten move has immediately helped the Oregon Ducks. Earlier this week, Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra corner Dakoda Fields flipped his commitment from USC to Oregon. A 4-star defensive back and a top-100 prospect in the industry-generated 247 Composite, Fields was a huge piece of the defensive class Lincoln Riley was putting together at USC. Instead, he’ll begin his career in the Oregon secondary. The flip, however, didn’t change what conference Fields would begin his career in, and that was apparently important. Fields told Ducks Digest’s Max Torres that “once they (Oregon) moved to the Big Ten, that was the green light for me.” Big Ten move played key role in Oregon flip for former USC commit SATURDAYOUTWEST.COM The Big Ten is already giving Oregon a boost on the recruiting trail. Oregon is presenting a complete package to the student athletes as to why Oregon is a destination. This is a two-way street. Not only will the Big Ten help bring more prestige and growth to Oregon, but in turn will do the same for the Big Ten. Go Ducks, Fly High!!

Big Ten move played key role in Oregon flip for former USC commit The Big Ten move has immediately helped the Oregon Ducks. Earlier this week, Gardena (Calif.) Junipero Serra corner Dakoda Fields flipped his commitment from USC to Oregon. A 4-star defensive back and a top-100 prospect in the industry-generated 247 Composite, Fields was a huge piece of the defensive class Lincoln Riley was putting together at USC. Instead, he’ll begin his career in the Oregon secondary. The flip, however, didn’t change what conference Fields would begin his career in, and that was apparently important. Fields told Ducks Digest’s Max Torres that “once they (Oregon) moved to the Big Ten, that was the green light for me.” Big Ten move played key role in Oregon flip for former USC commit SATURDAYOUTWEST.COM The Big Ten is already giving Oregon a boost on the recruiting trail.

Sources: Stanford, Cal’s Future Unclear With ACC Candidacy Unlikely to Pass The Bay Area schools, along with Oregon State and Washington State, are evaluating other options as the Pac-12 continues to crumble. Stanford and California’s candidacy for admission to the Atlantic Coast Conference has stalled one vote short, sources familiar with the process tell Sports Illustrated. While league members have stopped short of declaring that the Bay Area schools’ addition to the league is off the table, it doesn’t appear likely that the results will change. The two members of the disintegrating Pac-12 need 12 of the 15 members of the ACC to support their move. Four schools stood opposed when the issue was discussed Wednesday night, sources say: Florida State, Clemson, North Carolina and North Carolina State. Lacking the requisite numbers, sources say it is unlikely that the potential expansion of the league will be put to a formal vote. Sources described ACC members Notre Dame, Pittsburgh, Georgia Tech and Louisville as among the most vocal in advocating for the Cardinal and Golden Bears to join the league. ACC commissioner Jim Phillips has been leading the discussion, presenting financial and scheduling scenarios to the league members. In explaining his advocacy for Cal and Stanford this week, Notre Dame athletic director Jack Swarbrick told ESPN, “The notion that two of the very best academic institutions in the world who also play [Division I] sports could be abandoned in this latest chapter of realignment is an indictment of college athletics.” The selling points for Stanford and Cal’s admission to the league: elite academics and broad-based sports excellence, both of which fit with the general ACC profile. The drawbacks: distance, the lack of football impact in recent years and thus the lack of an appreciable addition to the league’s per-school revenue. Barring a change of heart that would give Cal and Stanford the 75% voting threshold, the two schools and fellow Pac-12 members Oregon State and Washington State are evaluating other options. The American Athletic Conference and the Mountain West both would be interested in adding the four schools, or some combination of them. The Mountain West offers geographic continuity, while the AAC has the richer media-rights distributions. https://www.si.com/college/2023/08/11/stanford-cal-acc-unlikely-future-unclear-pac-12

5-star safety puts Ducks among top schools The Oregon Ducks are in good standing with one of the top players in the class of 2025. Earlier this week, 5-star safety DJ Pickett announced his top 13 schools, keeping the Ducks in the mix alongside teams like Georgia, Ohio State, LSU, Alabama, and several others. Oregon Recruiting: 5-star safety puts Ducks among top schools DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM The Ducks landed among the top schools for 5-star safety DJ Pickett, the No. 8 player in the 2025 class.

'Have to earn it': Oregon football transfer safety Evan Williams making a name for himself When Evan Williams joined the Oregon football team in the spring, he got the sense it was going to take a minute to escape his brother’s shadow. Early on, the safety transfer from Fresno State was often called “Little Bennett” or “Bennett’s brother,” while others just mistakenly called him Bennett — all references to his older sibling and former Duck standout Bennett Williams, who as a senior safety was Oregon’s leading tackler last season. Months later, Evan Williams has emerged in his own right and is ready to make a name for himself among Oregon fans. 'Have to earn it': Oregon football transfer safety Evan Williams making a name for himself WWW.REGISTERGUARD.COM Safety Evan Williams is proving to be a natural leader and a player whose physicality fits what Oregon coach Dan Lanning wants from the defense.

Oregon Football Fall Camp Updates: Practice No. 8 Oregon's eighth practice of the spring took place on Friday, here are updates from the day Oregon Football Fall Camp Updates: Practice No. 8 247SPORTS.COM Oregon's eighth practice of the spring took place on Friday, here are updates from the day

Greg McElroy tabs Oregon's breakout candidate for 2023 Greg McElroy has been breaking down a number of preseason topics on his “Always College Football” podcast. Recently, he tackled the idea of which players will be the MVP and breakout candidates for Oregon this fall. As for the MVP, McElroy did not spend much time with a clear-cut selection in Bo Nix: “The MVP, this should not require a whole lot,” said McElroy. “I think every person that you ask, just one thing: Who’s the best player on the team? Who’s the most important player on Oregon’s team? It’s Bo Nix.” Greg McElroy tabs Oregon’s breakout candidate for 2023 SATURDAYOUTWEST.COM Greg McElroy is expecting one newcomer to have a breakout campaign for the Ducks.

Oregon Ducks fall camp practice observations: Multiple defensive linemen absent Offensive lineman Michael Wooten was also out and receivers Justius Lowe and Josh Delgado, who were out previously, remained absent. Wooten was limited in the spring with a lower body injury. Jackson Powers-Johnson was paired with Bo Nix, Charlie Pickard and Kanen Rossi were with Ty Thompson, Iapani Laloulu was with Austin Novosad and Bryce Boulton was with Brock Thomas. The opposing defensive tackles with each pair were Tevita Pome’e, A’Mauri Washington, Josh Simmons and Terrance Green, respectively. Oregon Ducks fall camp practice observations: Multiple defensive linemen absent WWW.OREGONLIVE.COM Nose tackle Popo Aumavae and defensive tackle Keyon Ware-Hudson were among a growing group of absent players Friday afternoon

Fall Ball Takeaways: Pair of notable defensive linemen not accounted for The most pressing information that came out of the portion of Oregon Ducks practice that was open to media members on Friday afternoon had to to with the absence of a pair of notable defensive linemen. Neither Popo Aumavae nor Keyone Ware-Hudson was accounted for during the 20 minutes of practice that media members were able to watch. Aumavae is a projected started on the DL, and Ware-Hudson has had some major contributions over the past couple of years as well. There were also two offensive players missing from the first part of practice: WR Justius Lowe and OL Michael Wooten. This is the second practice in a row where Lowe has not been spotted by media members. The Ducks will hold their first scrimmage of fall camp on Saturday afternoon, but that event is closed to media members, so we will not be able to take attendance and see if either of the four aforementioned players are suited up and partaking in activities. We will get a chance to talk to head coach Dan Lanning after the scrimmage, though, so he will likely be asked about their availability. Oregon Football: Pair of notable defensive linemen not accounted for DUCKSWIRE.USATODAY.COM Fall Ball Takeaways: Pair of notable defensive linemen not accounted for