11/5/20 Emerald Media - Gameday Edition

GAMEDAY 11.5.20

MARKED DIFFERENCES DEFINE OREGON’S

QUARTERBACK RACE S T E V E N J O N E S F I L L S S E W E L L’ S V O I D P G 4

D E E P D I V E I N T O S TA N F O R D P G 6

M Y C A H P I T T M A N F O L L O W S FA M I LY ’ S F O O T S T E P S P G 1 3

THE PLACE TO BE.

Local events you won’t want to miss!

Multimedia from the Emerald team!

Breaking news about UO delivered to your inbox!

Furnished options available starting at

$665

Email Newsletter

SIGN UP NOW! Win a pair of FREE gift certificates from any of the following businesses

a month

contact us at leasing@duckabbey.com | (541)414.5622 | visit us at 1848 Hilyard St. Eugene

InJoy Wellness Massage Center • Buffalo Exchange • Vitality Bowls • Barre 3 • Lube-It USA • SuBo • Hacienda Amigo

FREE DELIVERy On orders over $10

To Sign Up, Simply Go To: dailyemerald.com/dailye Drawing Ends Dec. 18, 2020

Call us to complete your game day experience!

Call: 541-284-8484 or

ORDER ONLINE

Everything You Need to Know, Everything UO

TrackTownPizza.com | 1809 Franklin Blvd. | 541-284-8484

@Dailyemerald

LIMITED Y T QUANTI LE! B A L I A AV

PLUMBING HOUSEWARES ELECTRICAL HARDWARE LAWN & GARDEN TOOLS PAINT

ONLY $ 39.95

ORDER TODAY! at dailyemerald.com/haywardbook New coffee table book celebrates Hayward Field’s Legends and Legacy Wonderfully written • Image rich • 140 pages, hardcover

For more information, call the Emerald at 541-346-5511, ext. 302, or email kcarbone@dailyemerald.com.

2825 Willamette • Eugene, Oregon • 541-342-5191 PA G E 2

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

1395 University St. #302, Eugene, OR 97403

GAMEDAY

GAMEDAY, the Emerald’s football edition, is published by Emerald Media Group, Inc., the independent nonprofit news company at the University of Oregon founded in 1900.

EMERALD MEDIA GROUP 1395 University St., #302, Eugene, OR 97403 541.346.5511 | dailyemerald.com

NEWSROOM

AROUND THE

PAC-12

Editor in Chief Ryan Nguyen

Managing Editor Francis O’Leary Copy Chief Sophie Edelblute-Capps Sports Editors Gabriel Ornelas Shane Hoffmann Charlie Gearing Reporters Chris Brouilette Mojo Hill Charlie Gearing Clayton Franke Oscar Duyck Photo Editor Maddie Knight Design Editor Kira Chan

BUSINESS

President & Publisher Bill Kunerth x317 Vice President, Operations Kathy Carbone x302 Creative Director Sam Rudkin x327

ADVERTISING

Director of Sales and Digital Marketing Shelly Rondestvedt x303 Student Sales Manager Stella Kalomiris Account Executives Patrick McCumber Lily Teague Amy Menendez Matilda Jereza

ON THE COVER

Oregon Ducks football takes on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Sept. 7, 2019.

(Emerald Archives)

Fans in the Stands: The Pac-12 announced that fans will not be allowed to attend football games in 2020. However, in compliance with various state and NCAA health regulations, authorized family members will be allowed to attend games. In place of fans, schools have been selling cardboard cutouts to be placed in the seats.

Ranked teams: Heading into the new Pac-12 season, two teams are ranked in the AP Top25 poll despite not playing any games.

Oregon is ranked at No. 14, while USC comes in at No. 21. Also receiving votes are Utah (36), Washington (15), Arizona State (7) and California (4).

Basketball plans announced: The conference has released its plan for the return of Pac-12 basketball. The men will play a 20-game conference schedule and the women will play 22 games in a round-robin format, trading home and away games. With no specific start dates announced for the Pac-12, the NCAA aims to begin its regular season on Nov. 25, a day before Thanksgiving.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 3

GAMEDAY

SPOTLIGHT ON STEVEN JONES TO FILL PENEI SEWELL’S VOID BY: Clayton Franke @clayfranke1

Oregon Ducks football takes on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Sept. 7, 2019. (Emerald Archives)

On Sept. 15, 2019, Steven Jones lined up at right guard. Jones’ defender shook him and applied heavy pressure to Justin Herbert. Herbert broke the tackle, rolled to his right and completed a touchdown pass to Johnny Johnson III. “I actually messed up on that play,” Jones said.

“Even though I messed up, we were still able to get it. Luckily we have a star quarterback back there and he was able to make that play, but that’s not good enough on my part.”

That moment was a learning experience for a young Jones — One of many the lineman received while serving as a backup in his first two seasons

PA G E 4

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

with the team.

Jones took a backseat to Penei Sewell and the seasoned offensive line the rest of the year. Sewell won the Outland Trophy in 2019 for best interior lineman and was a unanimous all-American.

But on Sept. 7, 2020, Sewell announced he would forego his junior season and declare for the draft.

The Ducks no longer have their all-American lineman or star quarterback to bail them out. If the graduation of Justin Herbert wasn’t already a dagger to the hearts of Ducks fans, this certainly was.

Sewell’s mark on the program goes deeper than

his achievements — it’s felt all the way down the depth chart. Two years of practicing with and taking advice from Sewell has prepared redshirt sophomore Steven Jones to fill the left tackle position.

“He’s brought a lot to the table,” Jones said of Sewell. “Great teammate, love that dude to death. The biggest thing he told us is that the mentality aspect is very important. Keep pushing, keep grinding and always strive to be the best in whatever position you’re playing on the field.”

According to 247Sports, Jones was a four-star recruit out of Chaparral High School in Temecula,

GAMEDAY

(Courtesy of the UO Athletic Department)

California. He didn’t commit a penalty or allow a sack his freshman season, playing in five games and taking 107 snaps at left tackle. He graded out as the No. 1 tackle in the Pac-12 following a win over UCLA. As the senior core took the field each week, Jones got slimmer and stronger. He came into his freshman year at 375 pounds, dropped to 354 his sophomore year, and is now down to 340. Still, he was overshadowed by the veteran offensive line. In 2019, he used a redshirt.

Not only is the offensive line losing Sewell, but also what’s been the core of the line for the last

four seasons: Shane Lemieux, Jake Hanson, Calvin Throckmorton, Brady Aiello and Dallas Warmack.

This means that while Jones faces the pressure of replacing one of the best players in college football, he must also step up as a leader on the line.

“We feel that, since the old heads left, a lot of people look at us as the weakest link,” Jones said.

“None of us go by that. We’re all just here to push each other and lead these young guys to a great season.”

Jones is looking to channel that same group mentality the old unit had. He won’t have to do it alone: Hhe credits Alex Forsyth and George Moore

for stepping up and bringing the young group together. And with so many spots open, there’s plenty of healthy competition to bring out the best in the group. As of right now, it seems Jones is the man for the left tackle job. He’s learned from the best, and now it’s time to step up.

“We’re all kind of the old heads now,” Jones said.

“We took all these young guys under our wing, getting them ready to go because they could play at any time this season too. It’s been amazing. Oour chemistry is all starting to come together slowly but surely.”

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 5

GAMEDAY

A DEEP DIVE INTO

STANFORD BY: Chris Brouilette

Oregon Ducks football takes on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 7, 2019. (]Emerald Archives)

A challenge even bigger than COVID-19 complications, or having star players opt-out of the season.

With no Andrew Luck or Kevin Hogan to command the offense, or a workhorse like Christian McCaffrey or Bryce Love to carry the team on the ground, Stanford football is beginning a new season without an identity for the first time in over a decade.

The Cardinal are coming off a 4-8 record in 2019, their worst since 2007 and the first time missing a bowl game since 2008.

The program is looking to improve in the shortened season with a roster that features some familiar faces, albeit not the nationally

PA G E 6

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

recognizable ones from years past.

For starters, former Stanford quarterback KJ Costello transferred to Mississippi State for his last year of eligibility, where he’d play under former Washington State head coach Mike Leach. Costello was one of 16 players to transfer away from Stanford in the offseason.

Senior Davis Mills, who played in eight games in 2019 filling in for an injured Costello, is the presumptive starter at quarterback.

In those eight games last season, Mills threw for 1,960 yards, 11 touchdowns and five interceptions, showing he can provide the Cardinal with a viable option under center.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

“I believe that right now in camp we are further ahead than we were last year,” Mills said in an interview with the Pac-12 Network. “This year…it’s been a pretty flawless transition installing new installs and getting through the start of our playbook.”

Alongside Mills, Stanford returns all four wide receivers from last year in Michael Wilson, Connor Wedington, Simi Fehoko and Osiris St. Brown. The quartet combined for 158 catches, 2,007 yards and 12 touchdowns in 2019, the bulk of the passing offense. Also, Wedington averaged 28.1 yards per punt return, which led the conference.

Similar to the Ducks, Stanford

has had key players opt-out of the season. Standout offensive tackle Walker Little and star cornerback Paulson Adebo both opted out of the season and declared for the NFL draft. Perhaps Stanford’s best player on each side of the ball, their absence will test the depth of Shaw’s squad.

“The corner position for us, [with] Paulson deciding to go to the NFL, it really stinks for us,” Shaw said. “Looking at the way Kyu Blu Kelly finished his freshman year…I honestly thought we might have had the best cornerback duo in America.”

Kelly, as a freshman in 2019, added 28 solo tackles, one sack,

GAMEDAY

“I BELIEVE THAT RIGHT NOW IN CAMP WE ARE FURTHER AHEAD THAN WE WERE LAST YEAR.” Ducks players lambo leap before the start of the game. Oregon Ducks football takes on Oregon State for the Civil War game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 30, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

one interception and five passes defended in addition to Adebo’s four interceptions and 10 passes defended, a mark that tied him for fourth in the Pac-12.

Joining Kelly in the secondary is cornerback Treyjohn Butler and safety Malik Antoine, a twoyear captain who will once again lead Stanford’s defense. Last year, the Cardinal ranked in the middle of the conference in almost every defensive category, allowing 21.7 points and 367.9 yards per game.

The Ducks and Cardinal have traded road wins in their last two meetings. In 2018, Autzen Stadium was left in shock after the Ducks blew a 24-7 halftime

lead in route to an improbable 38-31 Stanford overtime victory.

Last season, Oregon took care of business at Stanford, winning 21-6.

Under Shaw’s tutelage, Stanford has been a perennial contender for the Pac-12 North.

Even after a down year, it is impossible to count the Cardinal out of contention, and the primetime matchup on Nov. 7 between Stanford and Oregon will serve as a barometer for the conference’s strength.

After a long offseason, Pac-12 football will finally return to Eugene.

DAVIS MILLS Senior

Ducks prepare to run the field before the game. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2020. (Maddie Knight/Emerald)

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 7

COVER

A TALE OF TWO QUARTERBACKS BY: Charles Gearing @GearingCharlie

The crowd makes an American flag by holding up colored cards. Oregon Ducks football takes on Wisconsin for the 106th Rose Bowl Game at Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, Calif. on Jan. 1, 2020.

(Maddie Knight/Emerald)

The Ducks’ quarterback room is not only made up of two prominent players, but two unique stories.

Following Justin Herbert’s departure from the University of Oregon, Tyler Shough, a junior, was the stand-alone candidate to take the helm of the offense. In the offseason, this changed when Boston College graduate transfer Anthony Brown made the crosscountry journey to Eugene.

“You can’t replace a guy like Justin Herbert,” Shough said. “I’m just trying to be myself, trying to be Tyler, and write my own story.”

Shough has two seasons in Eugene under his belt and leads the race for the starting role but still embraces the opportunity to learn alongside Brown.

“It’s honestly been the best thing for me and the quarterbacks because [Brown] brings a level of maturity because he’s an older guy,” Shough said. “He has a good understanding of football itself. He’s a great guy, great friend and overall just a great addition to the team.”

Graduating high school in 2018, Shough was ranked the number one quarterback prospect in the state of Arizona by 247Sports. Shough, a four-star, was recruited by many of the nation’s top programs, including Alabama, Georgia and Michigan, before he ultimately committed to North Carolina.

Soon after, Shough flipped his commitment from UNC to the University of Oregon.

The Chandler, Arizona native took a back seat in the Ducks’ offense after arriving in Eugene, but he’s relished the opportunity to learn under Herbert.

“We’ve grown much as friends and players,” Shough said, following his first year with the Ducks. “The past year I’ve gotten to learn from him and watch him

PA G E 8

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

and study his tendencies. I think this whole past redshirt season I’ve learned so much from him and all the guys.”

Shough, much like Herbert, has always been a natural competitor.

“When [Shough] was young, playing baseball, he was playing up two levels and I think he was nine or ten playing with 12 and 13 year-olds. He was pitching, and gave up a home run,” Shough’s father, Glenn Shough said. “The kid blasted one over the fence on a pitch that he threw. Most kids his age would probably cry, or melt down, but he didn’t. The next inning, he was the lead-off hitter, and stroked a double out to center field. His psychology of being a competitor was present at a very young age.”

Brown’s always been similar in that regard.

From youth sports to taking over his team’s offense as a freshman in high school, he’s never been one to back down from a challenge.

“I trusted him, he trusted me,” Brown’s high school offensive coordinator, Jeff Papcun, said. “As a freshman, I allowed him to run a two-minute offense by himself without calling any of the plays.”

Brown’s road to Eugene was marked by trials and tribulations. After utilizing a

(Courtesy of the UO Athletic Department)

Need Birth Control?

Try Telehealth!

Call us: 541-344-9411

redshirt in 2016, Brown arose as a starter for the Eagles the following season.

He would play only 10 games that season before suffering a season-ending injury.

“I told him: ‘Keep your head up, keep pounding. You’ll get back out there, just believe in yourself,’” Papcun said.

Brown returned to start all 12 games the following year, leading the Eagles to a 7-5 season record and an appearance in the Pinstripe Bowl, where they lost to Iowa by a touchdown.

That year, Brown became just the fifth Boston College quarterback to throw for 20 touchdowns in a season. His season high came against Wake Forest, when the Cliffwood, New Jersey native threw for 304 yards and five touchdowns.

After starting the first six weeks in 2019, Brown suffered a lower leg injury during the Eagles’ matchup with North Carolina State that would sideline him for the remainder of the season.

“He’s a tough guy,” Eagles head coach Steve Addazio said in a post-game press conference. “He’ll bounce back.”

Addazio was right. Brown did bounce back, and one year later, he’s competing for a starting gig on one of the nation’s top programs.

Book online: ppsworegon.org

We’re here with you.

Wherever you are.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 9

GAMEDAY Oregon Ducks football takes on the Nevada Wolf Pack at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Sept. 7, 2019. (]Emerald Archives)

PA G E 1 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

GAMEDAY

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER: STEVE STEPHENS’ LONG AWAITED SHOT IS HERE BY: Mojo Hill @mojohill22

After patiently waiting in the wings, an opportunity has finally presented itself for safety Steve Stephens IV, but it’s been an admittedly wearying path for the sophomore over the last two years.

The Fresno, California, native came to Oregon as a four-star, but has yet to see the field in a meaningful role.

After redshirting as a freshman in 2018, he played sparingly last season as a backup behind Verone McKinley III, recording just seven tackles and a single interception. With the departures of Jevon Holland and Brady Breeze, however, Stephens may get a chance to play safety behind Nick Pickett.

“It’s been a very humbling experience, not being able to come and do what you thought you were going to be able to do,” he said. “With that, I had to sit back and learn a lot from the guys that are ahead of me.”

With two years of experience under his belt and the chance at a more prominent role this year, he’s excited to take the field and showcase his full potential.

“It’s really exciting to finally get my routine, go out there and show the world what I can do outside of just special teams,” he said.

Stephens cited film study as an important tool that has helped him not only improve his own game, but to gain a greater understanding of the Oregon defense as a whole. Despite the shortened season, he’s in prime position to establish himself as a force on the back end of the Ducks’ defense.

Stephens has earned the confidence of his coaches and teammates, who

recognize his talents and are equally excited to see him finally get his shot.

“It’s his time now,” senior safety Nick Pickett said. “I feel like whenever his name is called, whenever he gets to play, he’s going to excel. He showed a little bit last year with his pick; it’s on from now.”

The coaches have been particularly impressed by what Stephens has shown through four spring practices and the first week of camp.

“The outside world hasn’t heard of him much, but he certainly showed up in spring ball,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “We all expect him to have himself a really good football season for us.”

The safety isn’t just making more plays, he’s refining his mental approach as well.

“I’m excited for Steve because Steve has grown tremendously,” safeties coach Keith Heyward said. “He’s been asking a lot of questions about the front and how he fits … Steve has always been a high football IQ guy and smart player.”

Although it may have come later than he had hoped, Stephens is starting to flash the potential that scouts and coaches saw in him when he was ranked among the top-15 safeties in the country in 2018.

“I had to sit back, take it in, learn from [my teammates’] mistakes, learn from their successes and apply it to my game,” he said.

As the team regroups and rebuilds, Stephens looks to be a pivotal gear in the machine that comprises the defensive secondary. He’s not only thrilled with his own progress, but with the strides of the unit as a whole.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 1 1

GAMEDAY

Ducks wide reciever Mycah Pittman (4) hangs out after the huddle breakls. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on Oct. 11, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

PA G E 1 2

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

GAMEDAY

MYCAH PITTMAN FOLLOWS HIS FAMILY’S FOOTSTEPS BY: Oscar Duyck For Mycah Pittman, football runs in the family.

Last season, Pittman competed against his brother Michael Pittman Jr., who played wide receiver at USC before being drafted to the Indianapolis Colts. Their father, Michael Pittman played running back in the NFL, winning Super Bowl XXXVII with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

As the sophomore enters the 2020 season, Pittman has a chance to break out.

“All I know is football,” Pittman said. “Think of a kid who’s been raised with a dad in the NFL and a brother in the NFL. All I know is ball.”

In 2019, Pittman entered the season ranked as a top 150 recruit by ESPN and an overall four-star recruit. In his senior year at California’s Calabasas High School, Pittman posted a statline of 67 catches for 828 yards and 12 touchdowns.

However, he suffered a shoulder injury in fall camp that sidelined him for four games. In that time, veteran receivers Johnny Johnson III and Jaylon Redd established themselves as Justin Herbert’s primary targets.

Pittman became an immediate impact player for the Ducks. In his debut game against Cal last season he had four catches for 43 yards. Over the next two games he would haul in a pair of touchdowns.

Disaster struck a second time for Pittman. After playing only six games with the Ducks, Pittman broke his arm against Arizona, placing him on injured reserve for the remainder of the Pac-12 season. Even so, Pittman posted a respectable 2019

statline of 14 catches for 197 yards and two touchdowns. Fortunately for Pittman, he was able to return to action for the Rose Bowl, salvaging what remained of his freshman season.

“It’s a very humbling experience,” Pittman said of his injuries.

I wouldn’t say it was

Ducks wide reciever Mycah Pittman (4) celebrates his touchdown. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 19, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 1 3

GAMEDAY

something I needed, but something that made me stronger mentally.”

After Michael Jr. left USC for the NFL in the offseason, Mycah is the lone Pittman playing college football. With their fierce sibling rivalry, there is no doubt that Mycah wishes to follow his older brother’s footsteps. Their sibling rivalry extends beyond the football field as the brothers each have their own vlogs on YouTube. Michael Jr. spoke about their sibling relationship in an interview with the Los Angeles Times in 2019.

“The stuff that he could do as a freshman coming into high school, it’s kinda like what he’s doing in

college now,” Michael J said to the LA Times. “He’s just opening people’s eyes.”

Watching his older brother go through it opened Pittman’s eyes towards the draft process.

“It’s a big reality check for me that I only have two or three years left and I can be in his shoes,” Pittman said. “It makes me more motivated and more hungry.”

Pittman has been expanding his game during fall camp, playing on the perimeter as well as the slot.

“He’s an excellent football player,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “He’s another guy in terms of playing the game the way it’s supposed to be played.

He embodies that.”

The journey to 2020 has not been easy for Pittman. Like many Americans, Pittman has lost a family member to COVID-19, a constant reminder of the myriad of tragedies that have surrounded the sports world this past year. In any case, Pittman has shown the grit and determination to make a big impact for the Ducks this season.

“My family takes this virus very seriously”, Pittman said. “But at the end of the day, it’s life and its really upsetting, and I know we have to move on.”

“It’s a big reality check for me that I only have two or three years left and I can be in his shoes. It makes me more motivated and more hungry.”

MYCAH PITTMAN

Ducks wide reciever Mycah Pittman (4) points at an opposing husky. Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Wash., on Oct. 19, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)

PA G E 1 4

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

COVID-SAFE Dine in/ Take out/ Delivery

PASTA

Campus Location Only

pegasuspizza.net 3 locations Campus Oakway South Eugene

LUNCH SPECIALS Coupon For

3 OFF

$

Large or Giant

University

Health Services

Visit the Duck Nest Wellness Center in the EMU! and Remotely at https://health.uoregon.edu/ducknest

OUR SERVICES

exp 12/31/2020

Primary Care Acupuncture Allergy/Asthma Birth Control Colds/Flu Dental Diabetes Management Energy Healing

DUCKS HOUSING the simple search for UO students

Massage Therapy Medical Lab Tests Medical Records Meditation Nutrition Pharmacy Physical Therapy Psychiatry

Sexual Health Sports Medicine STI Screening Clinic Stress Management Tobacco Cessation Travel Clinic Vaccinations X-ray

Follow us: @healthyUO (Facebook and Instagram) and @HealthCenterUO (Twitter) University Health Services

DUCKSHOUSING.COM

health@uoregon.edu • 541-346-2770 EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity

From the latest in Oregon Ducks apparel, to art and school supplies, to books and technology accessories, to gifts perfect for any Duck fan, it’s all available for safe, quick and convenient pickup in-store!

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

PA G E 1 5

GAMEDAY

OPINION:

MAKE CRISTOBAL THE HIGHEST-PAID COACH IN THE PAC-12 BY: Bazil Sterling

The pain stemming from Florida State’s poaching of former University of Oregon head football coach Willie Taggart has certainly been eased by the abundant success of current coach Mario Cristobal.

This does not change the fact that Taggart used UO as a mere stepping stone to get his dream job in Tallahassee, playing the UO athletic department like a fiddle. Prior to Taggart’s departure, Chip Kelly bailed on the Ducks for another bird: the Philadelphia Eagles. Bitter UO fans can revel in the career failures experienced by both Taggart and Kelly once they dipped out of Eugene; I know I do. But, to avoid yet another backstabbing by a successful UO football coach, UO must do everything in its power to extend Cristobal’s contract. This must include a substantial pay raise along with a high buyout fee if Cristobal decides to jump ship.

Crisotbal’s contract has not been expanded since his 2019 Redbox Bowl victory over Michigan State. Since then, Crisotbal has proven himself as a bonafide leader, captaining the Ducks to a Pac12 Championship and a Rose Bowl victory over Wisconsin. This on-field success combined with Cristobal’s unrivaled recruiting success has made him an irreplaceable asset.

Of course, UO is all too aware of this necessary move to protect its rising star of a college football coach. The two parties began contract-related discussions in February, only for the pandemic to derail the talks and trigger a hiring freeze in April.

On paper, there is no need for immediate concern, as Cristobal is under contract through the 2024 season, thanks to an extension agreement reached in 2019. If Cristobal leaves UO prior to January 2021,

PA G E 1 6

|

E M E R A L D G A M E D AY

|

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 5 , 2 0 2 0

he would owe the university $8 million. But, the buyout fees drop to $5 and $3 million in the following two years. That leaves UO vulnerable to yet another poaching.

Cristobal’s 2020 salary of $2.7 million makes him only the 57th highest-paid college football coach in the nation. For an employee of a public university, this salary is obscene. But, one must use basic comparative analysis to see that, relatively, Cristobal is brutally underpaid.

Cristobal, reigning champion of the Pac-12 and a Rose Bowl victor, ranks 11th in pay among his peers.

Cristobal unquestionably deserves a yearlysalary of at least $5 million, the current paychecks received by Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and former Washington State and current Mississippi State coach Mike Leach. A pay raise is, unsurprisingly, a key motivator for coaches taking new positions. The Pac-12’s coaching salaries pale in comparison to those of other Power-5 conferences, with the Pac-12 being the only such conference without a coach receiving a top-10 salary. If UO fails to competitively compensate Cristobal, alternative, lucrative offers will be there.

Should a university employee make millions of dollars every year? Absolutely not. But, the marketplace of college football demands that Cristobal, and other high-caliber coaches, deserve such salaries. If UO wants to retain Cristobal as its coach, and it does, it must construct a deal persuasive enough to do so.

Head Coach Mario Cristobal on the sideline.

Oregon Ducks Football takes on the University of Arizona Wildcats at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. on Nov. 16, 2019. (DL Young/Emerald)