When i was in 4th grade the World's heavy weight boxing champion was Sonny Liston. Fight experts, the press,, fans and even little boys in 4th grade felt that he was invincible.

A loud mouth brash young upstart who had won an Olympic Gold Medal as a light heavy weight, by the name of Cassius Clay declared to all of the world that he would "whip" Sonny Liston. He would pugnaciously say "Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee, Liston can't fight what he can't see"

When watching an hour long sports show detailing the mismatch, my mother wondered outloud if the boxing commission should allow the fight. It seemed to her that Clay's life was in jeopardy if he stepped into the ring with Sonny Liston. My father and older brother both laughed at what a fool young Cassius Clay was, and joked about the upcoming mismatch . I then spoke up, and told them that if anyone's life was in jeopardy it was Sonny's. When asked why I thought that, I said because Clay is the better boxer. They all laughed.

At school, the 4th grade teacher told the class that braggers are insecure and brag out of a feeling of inferiority. She then drew the analogy of that braggart, Cassius Clay. She said that he was going to be "destroyed" by Sonny and Cassius would then have to suffer the humiliation that all braggers suffer.

I raised my hand. She called on me. I told her that the fools were the people who thought that Sonny would win. The teacher and the class had a good laugh. The teacher then asked how was it that I would know that Cassius would win, when everyone else thought differently?

I gave an answer that shocked her when I said "would you have asked that same question of Christopher Columbus when he said that the world was round?"

She replied that I would have to live with my obstinance. However I might regret my big mouth after the fight proves me to be ridiculous.

I then responded, "and what will you have to live with when Cassius proves to you and the whole world that it was in fact you that were the stubborn ones"

She, of corse, sent me to the principal's office for being disrespectful.

I don't know who is going to win on Saturday. My objective hunch is that it is likely to be Washington. However, Steve Greatwood has said that the steak will not end, and I am not laughing at him.

Go Ducks!

OK I think UW is overrated and the Ducks are definitely due to play better.

Oregon 45 - Washington 34

Here is Yost from today.

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I caught up with Ugo for this exclusive heading into the UW game. We go over the defense, the QB situation and the UW offense.

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From the photos, it's good to see Brooks without a cast, boot etc, and maybe we see him earlier than hoped, who knows. I bet he's chomping at the bit. It would be fun to watch them in a real practice, that's for sure. 3 potentially really good PG's. And will M. cage pass Sorkin? Who does he start of the 3 solid bigs in Boucher, Bell and B-W? Gonna be fun.

http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/ind...sketball_opens_practi.html#incart_river_index.

Greetings all,

So, I will be at my 'old' tailgate spot across from Autzen in the DYS Sapce #223.

I will have some beer and bring some basic stuff, but it will be smaller in nature than in years past. Everyone is welcome to stop by, chat, etc. I will be in the parking space sometime after 1:00,

I'm surprised that someone hasn't already posted this, but he's suiting up......poor Huskies.

Fishduck had a great article on the DL guys. The technique this year is horrendous. What is going on? These guys have talent. Aiken did a terrific job coaching up Balducci, Buckner, and Armstead. The current guys are a drop off but they are not HS kids or walk ons.

Go look at the article on leverage. Its an embarassment!

Today, I got creative a bit (I know, some people don't like that). I did mostly talk about recruiting but opened with this quote:

We may encounter defeats but we must not be defeated – Maya Angelou

There is an old saying in sports that losing can defeat not just the body, but the mind. So sit the Oregon Ducks and their fans – on the precipice of not just having encountered defeats, but becoming defeated.

Anyway, enjoy your Friday. Will update tailgate plans later today

Flock Talk: Be not defeated

Some interesting stuff from Lubick about QB. I thought the big news was that they were basically splitting time evenly with the ones between Herbert and Prukop.

He did say that reports of them deciding on Herbert for UW were not true. He and Yost both said it had not been decided and Yost indicated Helfrich would make the decision.

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BR is reporting that the ducks may start Herbert.

Sounds like UW has avoided the injury plague, thus far.Nice things to say about Helf....

http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/...-helfrich-staying-healthy-and-ncaa-proposals/

I say go after Jim Tressell.. ran an effective offense with similar QBs (dual threat) at tOSU.

He would be my #1. Tom Herman #2, but he may be too big of a name right now to come here..

What do you guys think?

Extra signing periods would be in June and December (lasting 72 hours each), and a further proposal would add a 10th coach to coaching staffs.

NCAA Proposals

I started looking through the rest of the schedule to do a new take on the probable wins and losses. Oh my the season is not shaping up well right now.

I see only one game remaining that I am confident the Ducks will win. They could easily lose six more if everybody continues to play like they are now. That would put the Ducks at:

3-9 on the season

Is this possible? Take a look:


Oct 8 Washington
4:30p PDT
Oct 21 at Cal
7:30p PDT
Oct 29 Arizona State
TBD
Nov 5 at USC
TBD
Nov 12 Stanford
TBD
Nov 19 at Utah
TBD
Nov 26 at Oregon State
TBD

So, I have not commended or condemned the staff. But I have taken a look at the case for retaining Helfrich and the case against retaining him. Today is the second part of that.

Please keep in mind that this is just for entertainment! As a writer, I am neither for or against Helfrich. I simply write. That is why I did both sides of this. Plus, it gives me a chance to expand on what I write.

I used this open:

Here is the full article:

The case against Helfrich

Ted Miller has an interesting and not altogether negative take on Saturday's game. He always has good and fair insight and I recommend you read:

http://www.espn.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/104574/oregon-needs-perspective-amid-inevitable-downturn

My article linked below.

Husky DL has been very tough in 2016

Any word on when Prevot may return? Sure could use him! Also, Winston, Brisco, Simms...we can start playing them for the experience as well.

Ward's a cool Bay Area dude--would love see him box like 7-8 years ago. Kovalev is a beast.

ttp://www.espn.com/blog/dan-rafael/post/_/id/16860/ward-opens-training-camp-for-kovalev-showdown

As part of our "5-star Week" we are breaking down each position and taking a look at which guys have panned out the best. Of course, Jonathan Stewart makes the cut and comes in at No. 3.

His section:

Why he’s No. 3: At the time Stewart left Oregon, he was No. 2 in the program’s history in rushing yards. After being a first round NFL Draft pick by the Panthers in 2008, he has carved out a very successful career as a professional. Last year he was an integral part of the Panthers' run to the Super Bowl.

Back when we met him: Stewart was a star in high school and shocked many when he chose the Ducks over USC and Notre Dame. In addition to being a standout running back, he was also an accomplished track athlete. His combination of speed and size are very rare and that’s why he’s been able to translate his success into a long NFL career.

You can read the full article here.

Boise State is the frontrunner but if Oregon offers then the Ducks could take the lead..

https://n.rivals.com/news/four-star-wr-bryan-thompson-has-favorite-after-visit