The numbers are out from Fanatics.com, an online sports apparel distributor, and they attest to Oregon’s power as a national brand.
MT @abrettman: Top-selling NCAA merchandise for September: 1. Alabama, 2. ND, 3. Oregon, 4. Ohio State http://buff.ly/PrN7Il
Although Notre Dame’s traditionally been one of the country’s most popular teams, its resurgence this year has translated to big sales. The No. 10 Fighting Irish are 4-0 this year for the first time in 10 years. No. 4 Florida State is the favorite to win the ACC after dropping then-No. 10 Clemson 49-35 to end their season-opening four-game homestand.
Oregon has steadily competed in sales with traditional powers like Alabama and Ohio State since their BCS National Championship appearance two years ago.
Baseball’s new digs. The Register-Guard’s Bob Clark has the scoop on the new “player development building” being built next to PK Park for Oregon’s Diamond Ducks. Great quote from the article:
“That was something that Coach Horton thought was one of the missing pieces on an already fabulous facility,” said George Horton, the UO coach. “Pretty soon the weather is going to turn here, and it’s going to be more valuable.
The red carpet treatment is being funded by University donors originally aiming for $2 million. As far as Horton’s new contract is concerned, the coach says he and the athletic department are “real close” to a deal being finalized.
Regular football returns. And, in case you missed it, the NFL and its officials have reached an agreement to end the referee lockout. Replacement officials drew criticism throughout the country for questionable calls and a general lack of control during games.
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell apologized to fans via conference call.
“We’re sorry to have to put fans through that,” Goodell said. “Sometimes you have to go through something like that in the short term for the right agreement for the long term.”
Last week’s Monday Night Football matchup between the Seattle Seahawks and the Green Bay Packers was widely seen as the final straw. Seattle won the game despite a clear pass interference penalty going uncalled by the officials, followed by a questionable touchdown reception.
Coincidentally, Oregon will play its next game where it all happened — Seattle’s CenturyLink Field — against the Washington State Cougars. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m.