From a Duck’s perspective, the 2006 Las Vegas bowl was as ugly as the metallic yellow helmets worn by the Oregon football team – if you can call them a team. Talented? Yes. But a team? Not really.
One word comes to mind when discussing the Oregon football program – confused.
Since offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford left for Cal, the Oregon football program has slowly spiraled downward while the football program at California has quickly improved. And, that speaks volumes about the lack of leadership of the Oregon football program.
With a football program that seems to pay more attention to which uniform they should wear for game day and can’t decide which offensive system to use, nor which quarterback to use, it is no wonder that the players appear to need direction.
So, what to do? First, scrap the uniforms except for two – an away game uniform and a home game uniform. Even USC has only one and a half uniforms; the only thing they change for away games is their jersey. Second, scrap Bellotti, Alioti and Crowton. Third, bring back Tedford, this time as head coach. He may be unhappy with the stadium situation at Cal.
The lack of leadership in the Oregon football program will adversely affect recruiting next year. Fortunately, a talented group of athletes already awaits next year’s coaching staff.
Earle Richmond
University alumnus