THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 DAILYEMERALD.COM #REMEMBERTHEALAMO

⚑ GAMEDAY

BACK TO THE ALAMO

V DO YOU REMEMBER IT? Oregon handily defeated unranked Texas during the Lone Star State matchup in 2013. Now Oregon returns as an underdog to face No. 11 TCU in what’s certain to be high- scoring affair.

HOW THE DUCKS AND FROGS STACK UP  ROYCE FREEMAN SHOULD BE IN NEW YORK  TOP 10 MOMENTS OF THE DUCK SEASON CALLING ALL EXTROVERTS!

Emerald Media Group is hiring students to join our Street Team fall term. Get paid to have fun handing out papers to fellow students.

Apply in person at Suite 300 or email [email protected]

Collision Repair autocraft-inc.com

Where quality comes first

2700 W 11th Ave | Eugene | 342-5501 | 1331 Main | Springfield | 747-1616

NGAGE WITH UO STUDENTS

Innovative digital content created by experts on reaching the campus community. Achieve your business goals through ...

VIDEO PRODUCTION WEB DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL MEDIA

We make businesses better. Contact a sales representative today! [email protected]

PAGE 2 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY

HERE’S HOW OREGON AND TCU ➡ JUSTIN WISE, @JUSTINFWISE STACK UP Prepare for the stat sheet to be full. At least, according to the way Oregon (9-3) and TCU (10-2) match up on paper, the Valero Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 could potentially be the most offensively explosive game this upcoming bowl season. Featuring two teams that were ranked in the top 10 to begin the year but were plagued by injuries, Oregon and TCU both have offensive firepower matched by few teams in the nation. It may turn into a back-and- forth matchup between signal callers. TCU Trevone Boykin was a Heisman candidate all the way up until an injury hindered his output in the Horned Frogs’ final stretch of the season. As for the Ducks’ Vernon Adams Jr., all he did was dominate after returning from a broken index finger early in the season. With both healthy, and each defense finding its footing as the season closed, the matchup is one that TCU is viewing as if it were a playoff game. “For us, this is a playoff game,” Patterson said via teleconference on Sunday. “Oregon is a team that, if they didn’t have injuries, would have been a top-four team. We feel like without a couple, we would have been like that.”

OREGON OFFENSE TCU OFFENSE VS. VS. TCU DEFENSE OREGON DEFENSE

Darren Carrington has been an impact After going down with an ankle injury player since his return from suspension for in November, TCU quarterback Trevone the Duck game at Washington in October. Boykin will likely return for the bowl game. (Adam Eberhardt) (Courtesy of TCU 360)

Oregon’s offense didn’t skip a beat during its six-game Patterson said he expects Boykin to be at full strength by win streak to close out the season. But Oregon offensive the time Jan. 2 rolls around, and that’s great news for TCU. coordinator Scott Frost becoming the head coach of the Boykin was arguably the most effective player in the country University of Central Florida just days after the Ducks’ regular at certain points this season and finished the year averaging season concluded creates uncertainty revolving around who 402.3 total yards per game. But he suffered an ankle sprain calls the offensive plays. Mark Helfrich has yet to comment on in mid November and was forced to miss the Horned Frogs’ the issue. game against Oklahoma. He returned to the starting lineup Regardless, this seems like a minor obstacle to overcome to face Baylor in the season finale, but was not playing at with the way Oregon’s been playing as of late. They’ll be facing 100 percent. a TCU defense that was absolutely decimated by injuries early Coupled with TCU’s loss of its best receiver Josh Doctson, in the season. Before September was over, they had already lost who had logged 79 catches for 1,327 yards, the unit’s cornerback Ranthony Texada, defensive end James McFarland, production dropped off. But a healthy Boykin will be a threat linebacker Sammy Douglas and safety Kenny Iloka to season- to an Oregon secondary that was just starting to become ending injuries. comfortable facing Pac-12 at the end of the Despite the laundry list of injuries, TCU found a way to season. In addition, it was reported when Doctson was ruled begin the season 8-0, and its defense held firm in the second out for the remainder of the regular season that he could half of multiple tightly contested games. Senior safety Derrick potentially return for the bowl game. Kindred has been the unit’s top performer with 79 tackles, two TCU averaged 41 points and 345 passing yards per game and two forced fumbles in the regular season. this season, posing a stiff challenge for the Oregon defense.

The Emerald is published NEWSROOM BUSINESS ON THE COVER by Emerald Media Group, EDITOR IN CHIEF DESIGNERS A&C EDITORS PUBLISHER, PRESIDENT & CEO The cover image is from the Emerald Inc., the independent DAHLIA BAZZAZ X325 RAQUEL ORTEGA EMERSON MALONE CHARLIE WEAVER X317 Archives. Helmet illustrations by nonprofit media company JARRED GRAHAM CRAIG WRIGHT PRINT MANAGING EDITOR VP OPERATIONS Stacy Yurishcheva. at the University of GINA MILLS DANIEL BROMFIELD COOPER GREEN KATHY CARBONE X302 Oregon. Formerly the OPINION EDITOR PHOTO EDITOR Oregon Daily Emerald, DIGITAL MANAGING EDITOR TANNER OWENS VP OF SALES AND MARKETING JACK HEFFERNAN COLE ELSASSER ROB REILLY X303 GET IN TOUCH the news organization was founded in SPORTS EDITORS MULTIMEDIA EDITOR HIRING AND TRAINING DIRECTOR JUSTIN WISE ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1900. STACY YURISHCHEVA KAYLEE TORNAY HAYDEN KIM NICOLE ADKISSON 1222 E. 13TH AVE., #300 KENNY JACOBY PODCAST EDITOR NICK CATANIA EUGENE, OR 97403 MANAGING PRODUCER 541.346.5511 SCOTT GREENSTONE ALEXANDRA WALLACHY BEN GILBERTS NEWS EDITORS TYLER HORST COPY CHIEF VOL. 117, ISSUE NO. 40 AUDIENCE ENGAGEMENT DIRECTOR JENNIFER FLECK ESTUARDO PEREZ MELISSA RHOADS KIRA HOFFELMEYER FRANCESCA FONTANA TAYLOR BRADBURY

LAUREN GARETTO TEDDY LACK SALLY CASEBEER CAITLIN MONAHAN

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 3 ⚑ GAMEDAY OREGON VS. TCU QUARTERBACK BATTLE HIGHLIGHTS ALAMO BOWL

➡ CHRISTOPHER KEIZUR, @CHRISKEIZUR

The battle for the Alamo will feature two high-powered offenses that are adept at torching defenses and scoring points. This year the showdown will be between No. 15 Oregon and No. 11 Texas Christian. The Ducks (9-3) enter the game as the underdogs, returning to San Antonio’s Alamodome for the second time in three years. Oregon will hope it can repeat the success of 2013, when it emerged victorious over Texas. TCU (10-2) will have the home field advantage, essentially negating the neutral field by playing in its home state. The Horned Frogs are eighth in the nation in scoring and tenth in yards per play. Both teams suffered injuries this season that derailed potential Playoff runs, so each will look to rally with a win in the Alamo Bowl. MATCHUPS TO WATCH: Oregon play calling TCU running backs vs. vs. TCU defense Oregon front seven

With Oregon offensive coordinator The Horned Frogs Scott Frost accepting the UCF head are better at passing coaching position, one interesting the ball, but against the subtext to the game is whether he Ducks, look for them will be calling the plays. Regardless to incorporate the run of who is doing it, the Ducks have to early to try to catch the make a statement early by scoring. defense on its heels Falling behind TCU is problematic since so much of the because it allows things to snowball focus will be on the and forces a team’s offenses out of receivers. TCU averages running its normal plays. Oregon 218.8 rushing yards has to maintain a balance between per game, and starting running and passing, and find a way running back Aaron to get the ball into the hands of the Green has had a solid playmakers on the field. The Horned year with 1,171 yards and Frogs are a defense that gives up 10 . plenty of points, so the opportunities will be there. (Cole Elsasser)

OREGON: TCU: Vernon Adams Jr. DeForest Buckner Trevone Boykin Josh Doctson

It’s been a strange season for Buckner has been one of the Boykin is TCU’s best player. He The big question on the Adams, as a finger injury kept most talented defensive ends in ranks ninth in (161.52) minds of TCU fans is whether him from being able to play the the nation this season. He has and second in total offense per star receiver Doctson will be full year. But when he has been totaled 77 tackles and 9.5 sacks game (380.6) in the nation. He put able to play. He missed the on the field, Adams has looked this season en route to winning up 3,575 yards and 31 touchdowns final two games of the season impressive. He leads the nation Pac-12 Defensive Player of the this season. He is also dangerous due to a wrist injury, but if with a passer rating of 179.57 and Year. on the ground, with 612 yards he can suit up, Doctson will has thrown for 2,446 yards and rushing and nine touchdowns. Like should play a crucial role.

PLAYERS 25 touchdowns. Adams, he suffered an injury that Boykin’s favorite target had

TO WATCH: forced him to miss some time, but quite the season, with 79 is projected to be fully healthy for receptions for 1,327 yards and the Alamo Bowl. 14 touchdowns.

PAGE 4 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY

Royce Freeman seeking the #21 endzone against Utah in September. ROYCE FREEMAN (Adam Eberhardt) BY THE NUMBERS ➡ KENNY JACOBY, @KENNYJACOBY

Before every football game, Oregon Ducks quarterback Vernon Unfortunately, even though the Heisman is supposed to be Adams Jr. tells running back Royce Freeman he’s the best running awarded to the “most outstanding player in ,” wins back in the country. and losses matter far more than individual feats. Over the past 20 The country, apparently, disagrees. years, the winner’s average team record is better The NCAA announced three Heisman Trophy finalists — Alabama than 11-1 when the votes are cast. The Ducks, however, are 9-3, and running back Derrick Henry, Stanford running back Christian only three players have won the Heisman with three losses under McCaffrey and Clemson quarterback Deshaun Watson — on Monday. their belts during that span. Following a Heisman-caliber season, the only thing more “I don’t think Royce has got as much attention as he deserves insulting than being snubbed from the Heisman ceremony in New because of our early season stumbles, but we can count on him for York is being snubbed from Heisman-snub lists, which is exactly 100 yards,” former Oregon offensive coordinator Scott Frost said. what happened to Freeman. “Really everything else that’s working in the offense, including Few running backs in college football history have been as Vernon passing, gets started when we’re able to run the ball.” efficient toting the rock as Freeman has been in his sophomore year. After a 3-3 start, the nation wrote off Oregon as a legitimate In the past 20 years, running backs have cracked the top three in team, and thus Freeman as a worthy Heisman candidate. But if not Heisman voting a total of 16 times. Of those 16, only Reggie Bush in for Freeman, Oregon could have done a lot worse than 3-3 with 2005 (8.7 ypc), Larry Johnson in 2002 (7.7 ypc) and Melvin Gordon Adams sidelined with a broken finger. In those six games, Oregon in 2014 (7.5 ypc) gained more yards per carry than Freeman (6.6 ypc) ran the ball 78 percent more often than it passed, and Freeman in 2015. accumulated 859 yards and nine touchdowns on 123 carries — “He’s probably the most underrated back in the nation,” that’s 20.5 carries, 143.2 yards and 1.5 touchdowns per game. Adams said. And he hasn’t slowed down since. Freeman is currently riding With the Alamo Bowl still to play, Freeman leads the Pac-12 with on eight straight games with more than 100 yards on the ground, 142.2 rushing yards per game and 6.6 yards per carry (min. 100 including a season-high 246 against Washington State. attempts). His 1,706 rushing yards rank fourth nationally and are Henry and McCaffrey are deserving Heisman candidates, as are 99 yards shy of breaking LaMike James’s Oregon single-season running backs Dalvin Cook of Florida State, Leonard Fournette rushing record. of LSU and Ezekiel Elliot of Ohio State. But moreso than any of Freeman has shown his reliability through the air as well as on the his counterparts, Freeman’s monster year was truly lost in the ground. His 169.3 all-purpose yards per game rank sixth nationally whirlwind that was Oregon’s season. and fourth among players who haven’t returned a kick. Freeman has repeatedly said individual accolades don’t matter But you’re telling me he doesn’t belong in the to him, but I have to believe this royal snubbing will leave a chip Heisman conversation? on his shoulder come next season.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 5 NOW ADDITIONAL 6am-2pm PARKING BEHIND MON-FRI CAFE YUMM. 6am-3pm NOTE: There is no longer GLUTEN parking across Broadway. FREE SAT & SUN PANCAKES! Wisdom Teeth OPEN SINCE Dental Emergencies 1965 Dental Implants Oral Surgery

Conveniently located near UO.

Student discounts available and most insurances accepted.

2233 Willamette Street Building G Eugene, OR 97405

Phone 541.484.2136 Fax 541.484.0960 541-343-7523 • 782 East Broadway, Eugene eugeneoralsurgery.com John E. Villano, DDS, PC Corner of Alder & Franklin Blvd. Walking distance from campus!

Internship Positions WE’RE HIRING • Designer • Web Developer • Videographer • Social Media • Event Planner • Special Sections Writer

Paid Positions • Account Executive • Special Sections Writer

Send in your résumé and cover letter to [email protected]

PAGE 6 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 NEVER A COVER

Emerald MOBILE DANCER GIRL WHO WEARS YOGA PANTS TO EVERYTHING EXCEPT YOGA AUDITIONS Call 541-517-7196

DailyEmerald.com Nude Hours 12pm - 2:15am Daily Lottery Champagne Room Outside Smoking Drinking Patio

YOUR ESSENTIALS. YOUR EMERALD. 1836 South ‘A’ St., Spfld • 541.762.1503 Only 5 minutes from campus! www.sweetillusions.biz

4,425,791 STD TESTS IS PLANNED PARENTHOOD

GET TO KNOW PLANNED PARENTHOOD SAME DAY APPOINTMENTS · EXTENDED HOURS · ALL BIRTH CONTROL OPTIONS · EXPERT CARE WWW.PPSWOREGON.ORG · 541.344.9411

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 7  COVER DUCKS IMPROVE IN ALL PHASES

➡ RYAN KOSTECKA, @RYAN_KOSTECKA

It’s been one of those years. That’s probably the best way to describe an Oregon football season that’s had a little bit of everything. It was terrible and awful during the 3-3 start. It’s been heartbreaking and exciting, with five games decided by one score. And it’s been amazing and championship-quality, proven in wins over USC and Stanford to end the year. As per usual, once the Ducks found their groove, the offense hummed at high-speeds while the defense played “bend-but-don’t break” football. The only problem was that it took Oregon half its season to find that groove. Here’s a breakdown of how Oregon fared in the three phases of the game. OFFENSE This has to be broken down into two categories: one with Vernon Adams Jr. leading the way and one with him on the bench. In games Adams started when healthy, the Ducks were 7-0, including wins over USC and Stanford, the two teams who played for the conference championship. In games where Adams wasn’t healthy or didn’t play, the Ducks were 2-3. Adams finished the season by completing 155- of-240 passes for 2,446 yards and 25 touchdowns to six interceptions in eight games. Backup quarterbacks Jeff Lockie and Taylor Alie combined to go 60-for-98 for 640 yards and six touchdowns to four interceptions in four games. The running backs, led by Royce Freeman and Taj Griffin, and the wide receivers, led by Bralon Addison, Dwayne Stanford and Darren Carrington, all shone brightly throughout the year. Freeman finished the regular season by averaging 142.2 yards per game and 14 touchdowns. He was by far Oregon’s workhorse, averaging 6.6 yards per carry and leading the nation in runs over 20 yards. Griffin provided the Ducks with speed and quickness and became electrifying when giving Freeman a break. Addison was the go-to guy, finishing the year with 58 catches for 775 yards and 10 touchdowns. Carrington returned from suspension for the final six games and caught 25 balls for 502 yards (team-high 20.1 yards per catch) and five touchdowns, while Stanford added five touchdowns. All together, 11 offensive players caught a pass on the year. Tyler Johnstone led a talented offensive line that paved the way for Freeman while giving Adams time to throw. Combined with Tyrell Crosby, Cameron Hunt, Matt Hegarty, Matt Pierson and Doug Brenner, this unit improved from last year despite losing three starters. They helped Oregon average 278.8 yards rushing and 548.2 total yards per game while leading the Pac-12 in Charles Nelson makes a leaping scoring, rushing and total offense. catch during Oregon’s home matchup against USC. (Adam Eberhardt)

PAGE 8 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 DEFENSE When reviewing Oregon’s where missed tackles were an defense, one can focus on the issue for the team, Coleman negative when it comes to the rarely missed one. Joe Walker Arrion Springs (1) and Khalil ➡ RYAN KOSTECKA, @RYAN_KOSTECKA secondary or the positive when it and Rodney Hardrick provided Oliver (26) chase down a USC comes to DeForest Buckner. veteran leadership as seniors and player. Let’s start with Buckner. He they ranked first and third in total (Adam Eberhardt) was far and away the Ducks’ best tackles respectively. defensive player this year and The secondary is where Oregon not only did it reflect in the stats, struggled the most. As a unit, this it’ll be reflected when he’s chosen team surrendered 301.2 passing high in this year’s upcoming yards per game to opposing NFL Draft. As a down lineman, quarterbacks while allowing Buckner led the Ducks with 33 touchdowns to be scored on 16 tackles for loss (third in the them. This unit was hurting so Pac-12), 9.5 sacks (second in the bad for consistency and players Pac-12) and six quarterback hits that dynamic and was second on the team with Charles Nelson switched to safety 76 tackles. At the other defensive halfway through the year and end spot, Henry Mondeaux was started every game from there second on the team with four on out. The secondary started sacks while nose tackle Alex a different foursome in each of Balducci was third with 3.5 sacks. the first six games before finding The Ducks showed their most consistency with Tyree Robinson depth on defense at the defensive and Arrion Springs at cornerback line as Tui Talia, Torrodney and Nelson and Reggie Daniels at Prevot, Christian French, Austin safety. These four, combined with Maloata and Jalen Jelks all saw Ugo Amadi and Juwaan Williams significant playing time. as backups, got a lot better as the Tyson Coleman saved his best year went on and show a lot of for last as the redshirt senior promise, as each player will be had his finest season as a Duck. back. Robinson led the unit with He finished fourth on the team three interceptions while Amadi with 58 tackles, second with 10 added two. Springs led the team tackles for loss and third with 3.5 with 12 passes broken up and 13 sacks. He was constantly in the defended, while Daniels added 10 right position and, in a season passes broken up and defended. SPECIAL TEAMS Aidan Schneider won the 2015 Vlade award, given to the nation’s most accurate kicker. On the year, Schneider went 20-for-22 with a long of 41. He was a perfect Alex Balducci (56) and Tui 4-for-4 from 40+ yards and went Talia (55) reach to block a 62-for-62 on his PAT attempts, all field goal during the home leading up to him being second in game against USC. the nation in most points scored (Adam Eberhardt) by a kicker. The return game was bolstered by Addison and Nelson as each player scored during a return. As a punt returner, Addison averaged 13.6 yards per return but none of his returns were bigger than his game-changing score against Michigan State. Likewise, Nelson was the unit’s primary kick returner, averaging 26.1 yards per return (second in the Pac-12) and a 100-yard touchdown score against Arizona State. If this unit struggled anywhere, it was punting. Ian Wheeler averaged just 40.1 yards per punt (10th in the Pac-12) but did have a long of 56 yards. Also, this unit was never blocked on a field goal or punt, thus making its coverage team very good.

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 9 ⚑ GAMEDAY ALAMO BOWL PLUMBING ELECTRICAL HARDWARE PREDICTIONS TOOLS PAINT OUR GRIDIRON STAFF: HOUSEWARES LAWN & GARDEN ➡ RYAN KOSTECKA 2825 Willamette • Eugene, Oregon • 342-5191 OREGON 48 TCU 52 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 42-12

➡ JOEY HOYT OREGON 45 TCU 42 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 40-14

➡ HAYDEN KIM OREGON 55 TCU 37 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 39-15

➡ CHRIS KEIZUR OREGON 36 TCU 48 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 39-15

➡ JUSTIN WISE OREGON 42 TCU 38 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 38-16

*One-way fare. Offer available online only. Valid for sale and travel through May 31, 2016. Fares, routes and schedules subject to change without notice. Other restrictions apply. See Amtrak.com/SeeWhatHappens for ➡ details. Amtrak and Amtrak Cascades are registered service marks of the National Railroad Passenger Corporation. KENNY JACOBY OREGON 42 TCU 31 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 35-19 Shuttle to Portland International Airport

➡ WILL DENNER OREGON 45 TCU 38 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 35-19

➡ ANDREW BANTLY OREGON 41 TCU 34 REGULAR SEASON RECORD: 33-21 Make reservations at city2cityshuttle.com or call 541-758-8001

PAGE 10 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY

PAC-12 LEFT OUT BECAUSE OF PRESEASON MATCHUPS, NOT QUANTITY ➡ JUSTIN WISE, @JUSTINFWISE

Stanford provided plenty of highlights to end The Pac-12 is the only league to play Western Michigan, Air Force and Central its season. With a last second field goal to beat a nine-game conference slate and a Michigan. then-No. 6 Notre Dame and a Heisman-like conference championship. The Big Ten plays – Oklahoma went into a hostile environment performance from Christian McCaffrey in the a championship and will begin a nine-game at Tennessee early in the season, but used its Cardinal’s 41-22 win over USC in the Pac-12 conference schedule in 2016, while the ACC and other non-conference dates to play Tulsa and Championship the following week, David Shaw’s SEC use an eight-game conference schedule with Akron. bunch captured its third conference title in four a championship. The Big 12 uses a nine-game Clemson faced Notre Dame as well as in-state years. But they’re not reaping the benefits. schedule without a championship. rival and SEC member South Carolina, who The Cardinal were the lone conference Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich and finished 3-9 this season. On the contrary, two of champion from a Power Five conference left out offensive coordinator Scott Frost (who recently Stanford’s non-conference opponents finished of the this season — a became head coach at UCF) stated a potential the regular season ranked No. 13 (Northwestern) result which seemed like a foregone conclusion need for the Pac-12 to move to an eight-game and No. 8 (Notre Dame) by the College Football after its first Pac-12 loss to Oregon on Nov. 14. conference slate after the Ducks’ win virtually Playoff Committee. Instead, the Cardinal will face Big Ten runner- knocked Stanford out of playoff contention, Rather than having a schedule that included up Iowa in the Rose Bowl. A prestigious bowl, according to Sports Illustrated. one team from another Power Five conference but likely not what Shaw and the rest of the But while that argument may be firm, it’s not and either FCS or Group of Five opponents Pac-12 envisioned back at the start of the year why Stanford isn’t in the playoff this year. The rounding out its non-conference slate, the considering the win over Notre Dame and a Pac- Cardinal aren’t in this year because of their non- Cardinal set itself up for a much more strenuous 12 title. conference schedule. campaign than the majority of the playoff But how the year started seems to be Stanford Compared to the four teams in the College participants. and the Pac-12’s underlying problem. While Football Playoff this year, Stanford and Clemson And, in the process, Stanford proved how Oregon used a premiere top 10 matchup win are the only teams to schedule both a Power Five multiple equally matched non-conference games against Michigan State to launch into the national conference opponent as well as a consistent title have the potential to do more harm than good. championship conversation last year, Stanford contender in Notre Dame, who is Independent, in So, while the argument is valid that the Pac- stumbled its way to a 16-6 loss at Northwestern non-conference play. 12 should consider changing the conference in the opening game of the 2015 season. The other participants’ non-conference slates schedule from nine to eight games, it still may After the unexpected slip-up, the Cardinal were constructed like this: not have prevented the Cardinal’s eventual fate. salvaged their playoff chances and reeled off – Alabama opened its season versus As you can see when compared to the rest of the eight consecutive wins. But its lone Pac-12 Wisconsin, but faced Middle Tennessee State, UL playoff’s contenders, scheduling two measurable loss proved consequential and reason for Monroe and Charlestown Southern. non-conference opponents proved to be the an argument to be raised about altering the – Michigan State faced Oregon, but played difference for Stanford this year, because the conference schedule. the rest of its non-conference games against majority only scheduled one.

PAGE 10 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 11 ⚑ GAMEDAY 10 TOP PLAYS OF THE YEAR IN OREGON FOOTBALL ➡ RYAN KOSTECKA, @RYAN_KOSTECKA

With the regular season over, the Ducks are now turning their focus to the Alamo Bowl where they will take on No. 11 TCU in San Antonio, Texas. While Oregon can begin its preparations for arguably the most enticing game of its season, here’s a look back at the Ducks’ top 10 plays from the year. Dwayne Stanford reaching for Royce Freeman fighting off a pass during the Ducks’ game defenders in his dominant game at ASU. Royce Freeman’s game against against WSU. (Adam Eberhardt) 7 Washington State (Adam Eberhardt)

This game is impossible to choose a single play Vernon Adams Jr.’s debut as from because Freeman was dominant the entire Adams’ slightly overthrown touchdown 10 Oregon’s quarterback time. With Taylor Alie and Jeff Lockie splitting time 3 pass to Byron Marshall against at quarterback and doing subpar work, Freeman Michigan State On Oregon’s second play of the game against his kept the Ducks in the game with 246 yards on 27 former team in Eastern Washington, Adams took carries and three total touchdowns. It was a game Down by three with 1:24 to play, Adams, who was the snap and fired a bullet to tight end Evan Baylis for the ages for the Oregon running back. playing with a broken index finger on his throwing for a three-yard gain. Although there wasn’t one hand, overthrew a wide open Marshall. The ball, particular thing that was special about the play, it The Arizona State triple in outside of Marshall’s reach by six inches, would was special considering the circumstances. Some 6 three overtimes have led the receiver right into the end zone and people had no idea if Adams would ever see the field given Oregon a four-point lead and, potentially, at Autzen, but this simple three-yard gain was proof On 4th-and-goal from the eight yard line, Oregon the victory. that the Adams era was underway. found itself trailing 41-34 with 12 seconds left. Dwayne Stanford saved Oregon’s season when he caught Adams’ touchdown pass after being leveled by his multiple players at the same time. In the third overtime, Bralon Addison made an over-the- 2 The “hit” against Eastern Washington 9 Utah’s Devontae Booker’s TD to shoulder touchdown catch to give the Ducks the Britain Covey lead while Arrion Springs picked off the Sun Devils in the end zone to end the game. It was one of the With the game well out of hand, Adams was At this point in Oregon’s home matchup with the best finishes in Oregon history. scrambling when he slid to avoid contact. However, Utes, the Ducks were trailing 34-13 early in the third Eastern Washington linebacker John Kreifels had quarter and needed a touchdown badly. However, other plans for his former teammate. Kreifels the Ducks turned the ball over on an 5 Joe Walker stops Stanford for the win lowered his head and shoulder and speared Adams and on the very next play, Booker threw a 25-yard in the hand and head, breaking his finger. Due to TD pass to Covey. That score made the game After Stanford rallied with a touchdown with the injury, Adams was less than 100-percent in the 41-13 and the onslaught was on in full as the 10 seconds left, the Cardinal were forced to go for next game against Michigan State and didn’t play Ducks suffered their worst home loss since a 54-0 two to send the game into overtime. As Cardinal in games against Georgia State, Utah, Colorado drubbing by Washington in 1977. quarterback dropped back and threw and Washington State. The Ducks went 2-3 over the ball to his tight end, Walker made a diving play that span. that knocked the ball down, thus preserving the victory. Adams’ TD pass to Darren Carrington Adams’ escape from the Beaver trap in 8 in the Washington game Washington State’s touchdown pass 1 the Civil War 4 with one second left to send the game It took two minutes for Oregon to score a into overtime The play itself didn’t have a massive impact on touchdown, and it came on a 36-yard pass from the game but it symbolized everything that is Adams Adams to Carrington. The play was important Washington State’s touchdown pass with one and his teammates. After scrambling around, Adams because it was Carrington’s first game back from second left to send the game into overtime was caught from behind and had his leg in a bind suspension and he gave Oregon a threat they’d been All Oregon had to do was stop the Cougars on this by a Beaver player. Rather than go down, Adams missing all year, a deep one. That score led to a win, last play. Needing a touchdown to send the game fought to turn around and fired an 18-yard bullet to which led to six straight wins to end the year. into overtime, Washington State quarterback Luke Carrington for a first down. This play symbolized the Falk threw a game-tying touchdown to a leaping fight the Ducks put up to recover their season after Dom Williams with one second left. The Cougars, Adams’ return. with the momentum, went on to beat Oregon in triple overtime.

PAGE 12 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 ⚑ GAMEDAY WHY TCU WILL BEAT

BEAT➡ OREGONTCU 360 DEAN STRAKA, **Editor’s Note: Each week during football season, we feature an essay from the opponent’s student newspaper on why Oregon will lose. Straka is the sports editor at TCU 360.

A year ago, the Horned Frogs seemed destined to meet Oregon in the last season and having played 30 freshmen this fall. That might not be Rose Bowl as part of the inaugural College Football Playoff. the mark of a playoff-caliber team, but it sure the heck is a sign of a That matchup never materialized, as the playoff committee bounced resilient player core with a genius coaching staff led by head coach Gary TCU out of the top four in the final week of the season moving the team Patterson. from No. 3 to No. 6. With over a month off between the Frogs’ dramatic victory over Baylor One year after 12 people in Grapevine, Texas, crushed the hopes and on Nov. 27 and the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2, TCU has more than enough time dreams of TCU fans everywhere, the No. 11 Horned Frogs will finally get to get healthy and come as close as they can to resembling the formidable their crack at the No. 15 Oregon Ducks, albeit the two are heading not to squad that earned them a No. 2 preseason ranking. If wide-receiver Josh the playoff, but to the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, Texas. Doctson is cleared to play after suffering an injury against Oklahoma If you want a good defensive showing in this matchup, you have come State on Nov. 7, and starting quarterback Trevone Boykin is back to to the wrong place. With the Frogs and Ducks possessing two of the more 100 percent after injuring his ankle late in the season, the quarterback- explosive and high-tempo offenses in the nation, this game will likely receiver duo could be a nightmare for the Ducks’ defense. come down to a matter of who can reach 50 points first. It is also one last chance for the seniors, including Doctson and Boykin, Both teams will be hungry in this game too. The Ducks and Frogs began to make a final mark on their legacy at TCU before graduating. For senior the season ranked in the top 10 with playoff aspirations. The Ducks were tailback Aaron Green, a San Antonio native, it is a chance for him to go unable to dig themselves out of a hole created by a sleepy 3-3 start, while out with a bang right where he learned to play the game. A motivated the Frogs were overwhelmed with more injuries than anyone cared to team with nothing to lose is a dangerous team. count. Will it be easy for the Frogs? Not one bit. The ever-depleted defense will These two squads are almost as evenly matched as it gets, and the game have to contain quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who has led the Ducks to could easily go either way. But Eugene needs to fear the Frog as they enter a six-game winning streak, and the Oregon offense entering the game. the confines of South Texas. But make no mistake, with all the adversity the Frogs have overcome this The snake-bitten Frogs aren’t the same team they were last season. season, purple will reign over the Alamo. They still managed to go 10-2, even down more than 20 starters from

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 13 Still AirportConnector, public transit service to Eugene Airport. All it takes is valid LTD bus fare and 25 minutes from downtown Eugene to reach your flight! Searching? Plan your trip today. Call 541-687-5555 or visit our website. LET US ASSIST YOU.

NO APPLICATION FEE • ASK ABOUT MOVE-IN BONUS SOME INDIVIDUAL LEASES AVAILABLE STUDIO, 1-2-3-4 BEDROOM UNIT LTD.org/air

1301 Ferry #2 • 541-485-7776 • vonkleinrentals.com

PAGE 14 EMERALD GAMEDAY THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 Looking for the solutions? Download the Emerald Mobile app today. FUN & GAMES: CROSSWORD It’s available on both the iTunes and Google Play stores.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 ACROSS 46 On tenterhooks 5 Quandary 39 Microsoft Office, e.g. 1 Top dog in 48 Law firm 6 Floral garland 40 Grand Bazaar 15 16 17 Hollywood in the employees 7 Playwright William purchase 1930s 53 What shadows 8 1960s-’70s Soviet 41 “Give ___ rest” 18 19 20 5 Cans become as they space program 42 Words after “Go on 10 Zealot lengthen 9 Declined …” 21 22 23 15 Burst into flames 56 The Wars of the 10 Archangel in 43 Light 16 Abrogate Roses began during “Paradise Lost” application his reign 24 25 26 27 28 17 Gondor’s northern 11 Spot 47 Implore ally in Middle-earth 57 Sharp shooters? 12 Jackie Chan action 49 Rejoinder to a zinger 29 30 31 32 33 18 42, for Mo 61 Preternatural film featuring a 50 Uncompromising 19 What 39-Across 62 Musical high-tech jacket sort 34 35 36 37 38 means featuring 39-Across 13 Reacted 51 Bespeak 21 Continental ___ 65 Masculine side pusillanimously 52 Protracted 39 40 41 42 23 One who ignores 66 Oversupplies 14 Member of a campaigns bills 67 Swell colonial army 54 Tosspot 43 44 45 24 W.W. II bond type 68 Many moons ago 20 Kind of sting 55 School zone 26 Treat barbarically 69 Mr. in two Oscar- 22 Minuscule distance warning 46 47 48 49 50 51 52 29 Woodwind or wind winning shorts units 58 University figs. gauge 70 Short cuts 25 Subject of the 59 ___ reflection 53 54 55 56 33 Major showcase 71 The Pac-12’s Runnin’ 15th and 19th 60 Supermodel Taylor Amendments 34 Global capital inst. ___ 62 “Grand” letters 27 False 57 58 59 60 61 35 Comedian Dunn and DOWN 63 Impersonating others 1 Sports champion 28 Many moons 64 M.O.: Abbr. whose father twice 62 63 64 65 38 Gloaming, to a poet 30 Signs up represented Iran as 31 Fliers, e.g. 39 Mouthful from a an Olympic boxer 66 67 68 1964 song 32 Natural history 2 “Afterward …” 43 Slam museum attraction, 3 69 70 71 Workers with pitch for short 44 Number of giorni in forks? a week 36 Not together 4 Nonvoting, say 45 Terminal approx. 37 Soup go-with

BringBring inin thisthis completedcompleted puzzlepuzzle forfor 1/21/2 priceprice appetizersappetizers betweenbetween thethe hourshours ofof 22 -- 99 p.m.p.m. MondayMonday throughthrough Wednesday!Wednesday! aa campuscampus classic.classic. 550 E. 13th Ave, Eugene • (541) 349-8986 • Open Daily 12:30 p.m. - 2:00 a.m.

Fill in the blank cells using numbers 1 to 9. Each number can appear only once in each row, column and 3x3 block. Use logic SUDOKUS and process elimination to solve the puzzle. The difficulty level ranges from Bronze (easiest) to Silver to Gold (hardest). Voted WE BRING THE PROPS, CAMERA, LIGHTS, & STAFF. 12 Years in a Row! YOU BRING YOUR FABULOUS BREAKFAST SERVED ALL DAY! SELF. Mon - Fri: 7am - 2pm Sat, Sun: 7am - 3pm 1698 Willamette Street (541) 343-1542 BOOK NOW See our full menu online www.brailseugene.com [email protected] featuring COFFEE ROASTERS

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 10, 2015 EMERALD GAMEDAY PAGE 15 *Sale valid only at the Flagship Duck Store on 13th & Kincaid. Some exclusions apply—check store for details. No additional discounts or promotions apply.

895 E 13th Ave • 541.346.4331 • UODuckStore.com ONCE A CONGRATULATIONS GRADUATES! Show your Duck Pride, stay connected with your alma mater, and enjoy a number of DUCK awesome rewards with a membership in the UO ALWAYS A Alumni Association. Career networking assistance through the Duck Career Network Priority football ticket access Discounted entry to chapter and UOAA DUCK events worldwide Annual 20 percent off coupon to the Duck Store And more!

Join today at uoalumni.com

PAGE 16 EMERALD DAY, MONTH XX, 2015