Issuu

GAMEDAY 11.11.21

CARRYING DUCKS HISTORY IN HIS JERSEY’S THREADS

Byron Cardwell carries the ball with the weight of past Ducks running backs.

P R E V I E W I N G O R E G O N V S W A S H I N G T O N S TAT E P G 5

T R AV I S DY E : H U M B L E A N D H U N G R Y PG 12

C AM D E N L E W I S’ K I C K I N G I M P R O V E M E N TS PG 15

!ok

LLIIMMIITITTEEEDDDYY LQQIUM UAANNNTTTIITTITLYEE! ! A BL U Q V AAVAAIILLAABBLE! AVAILA

Y P P Y A P H P HA R U R O U H HNooOnontoto7p7mpm

$$$39.95 ONLY ONLY 39.95 ONLY 39.95

ORDER TODAY! ORDER TODAY! ORDER TODAY! atatdailyemerald.com/haywardbook dailyemerald.com/haywardbook at dailyemerald.com/haywardbook

New coffee New coffee coffeetable tablebook bookcelebrate celebratess s New table book celebrate Hayward Field’s HaywardField’s Field’sLegends Legendsand andLegacy Legacy Hayward Legends and Legacy

Wonderfully written • Image rich • Wonderfullywritten written••Image Imagerich rich• • Wonderfully 140 pages, hardcover 140pages, pages,hardcover hardcover 140

For more information, call the Emerald at 541-346-5511, ext. 302, Formore moreinformation, information, callthe theEmerald Emeraldatat 541-346-5511, ext. 302, or email kcarbone@dailyemerald.com. For call 541-346-5511, ext. 302, oremail emailkcarbone@dailyemerald.com. kcarbone@dailyemerald.com. or

1395 University St. #302, Eugene, OR 97403 1395University UniversitySt. St.#302, #302,Eugene, Eugene,OR OR97403 97403 1395

Broadway | | Jamesonsbareugene.com 115 Broadway Jamesonsbareugene.com 115115 W.W.W. Broadway | Jamesonsbareugene.com

QUACK QUACKAABOOK BOOK E G R A L @St.Vinnie’s! @St.Vinnie’s! $1G5LE TOPPING SIN FREE DELIV$10)ERY

PLUMBING HOUSEWARES ELECTRICAL HARDWARE LAWN & GARDEN TOOLS PAINT

St. Vinnie’s fits fits the the bill bill St. Vinnie’s for volume, variety and for volume, variety and value in books. So see value in books. So see us first if you seek a a us first if you seek bestseller for reading bestseller for reading (on orders over pleasure, a classic for for pleasure, a classic a class assignment, Mention or bring in this coupon to a class assignment, receive offer. Not valid with any other or something fun fun for for or something offers or promotions. Valid for walk-in a duckling. YouYou might a duckling. might or deliveries. Expires 6/30/22 even findfind a great lamp even a great lamp or coffee table for best or coffee table for best admiring those pretty admiring those pretty picture-books focused picture-books focused on favorite subjects, on favorite subjects, Oregon, sports, likelike Oregon, sports, or or TrackTownPizza.com | 1809 Franklin Blvd. | 541-284-8484 wonderful waterfowl. TWENTY wonderful waterfowl. TWENTY PERCENT OFF ONE ITEM PERCENT OFF ONE ITEM

O R D E R O NL INE

www.svdp.us www.svdp.us

20% 20%

VOTED #1 BEST PIZZA 2021

$20 $20

@ShopVinnies FB:FB: @ShopVinnies Maximum 1 regularly Maximum Off 1 Off regularly coupon coupon valuevalue pricedpriced item item #founditatvinnies #founditatvinnies Best of Campus Student Present coupon any St. Vinnie’s in Oregon operated 541-687-5820 Present coupon at anyatSt. Vinnie’s store store in Oregon operated 541-687-5820

2825 Willamette • Eugene, Oregon • 541-342-5191 PA EE D AY R SR D AY, O V M 202 1 1 PAGGGEEE 222 | || EEEM MEEERRRAA ALLLDDDGGGAA AMM M AY | || T TH THU HUU AY,N O NC OTEVO EBB MEEBRRE 2 R1 11 ,4 PA M E DDAY R SSDDAY, , ,2 2 00 22 1

Choice Awards

St. Vincent de Society Paul Society of Lane County (locations by St.by Vincent de Paul of Lane County (locations Open daily, 10 –am – 6 pm listed Open daily, 10 am 6 pm listed at www.svdp.us). Cannot combine with other at www.svdp.us). Cannot combine with other offers.offers. (all locations listed online) (all locations listed online)

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

Editor in Chief Sarah-Mae McCullough Managing Editor Jael Calloway Copy Chief Amanda Lurey Sports Editor Shane Hoffmann Reporters John Rustik Eric Berniker Aaron Heisen Charlie Folkestad Daniel Vigil Photo Editor Ian Enger 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 Patrick McCumber Account Executives Amy Menendez Keaton Roberts Melanie Lopez Riley Valle Jen Caplan Kevin Sullivan

ON THE COVER

Byron Cardwell (21) breaks free from the Colorado defense to score a touchdown. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald)

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 3

OREGON

WASHINGTON ST.

OREGON OFFENSE

WASHINGTON STATE OFFENSE

Devon Williams No. 2 WR-X RS SO/TR

De’Zhaun Stribling

No. 88

WR-X

Johnny Johnson III

Donovan Ollie

No. 6

WR-Z

RS SO

Mycah Pittman No. 4 WR-H SO

Calvin Jackson Jr.

No. 8

WR-Y

GR/TR

George Moore

Travell Harris No. 1 WR-H RSSR

No. 3

No. 77

WR-Z

RS SR/TR

T.J. Bass No. 56 LG JR/TR

Liam Ryan No. 63 LT GR

Alex Forsyth

RS JR

Jarrett Kingston

No. 52

RS JR

Ryan Walk No. 53 RG RS JR

Brian Greene

No. 50

RS SR

Steven Jones

No. 74

RS SO

Cade Beresford

No. 75

RS JR

Terrance Ferguson

No. 19

TE-F

Abraham Lucas

No. 72

RS SR

Moliki Matavao No. 8 TE-Y FR

Jayden de Laura

No. 4

Anthony Brown No. 13 QB GR/TR

Max Borghi No. 21 RB SR

No. 78

Travis Dye No. 26 RB JR

WASHINGTON STATE DEFENSE

OREGON DEFENSE

Ron Stone Jr.

No. 10

RS JR

Brandon Dorlus No. 3 DE SO

Antonio Pule No. 96 DT SR/TR

Popo Aumavae

No. 50

RS JR

Christian Mejia

No. 93

RS SR

Keyon Ware-Hudson

No. 59

RS FR

Brennan Jackson

No. 80

RS JR

Kayvon Thibodeaux No. 5 JOKER SO

Jahad Woods No. 13 WILL GR

Jeffrey Bassa No. 33 WILL FR

Justus Rogers No. 37 MIKE GR

Noah Sewell No. 1 MIKE FR

Jaylen Watson No. 00 LCB RS SR/TR

Mase Funa No. 47 OLB SO

Geroge Hicks III

DJ James No. 00 BCB SO

Daniel Isom No. 3 SS GR/TR

Steve Stephens IV

No. 7

RS SO

Derrick Langford Jr.

No. 5

RCB

SR/TR

Verone McKinley III

No. 23

RS SO

Armani Marsh

No. 8

RS SR

No. 18

Mykael Wright No. 2 FCB SO Jamal Hill No. 19 STAR SO

WASHINGTON STATE SPECIAL TEAMS

OREGON SPECIAL TEAMS Nick Haberer No. 38 PT/H FR Andrew Boyle No. 27 PK/KO RS SO Tom Snee

No. 38

PT/H

RS SO

Camden Lewis No. 49 PK/KO SO Karsten Battles No. 63 LS JR Mycah Pittman No. 4 PR SO Mykael Wright No. 2 KR SO 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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

Tyler Williams No. 47 LS RS JR Travell Harris

No. 1

PR/KR

RS SR

GAMEDAY In an attempt to avoid the Ducks second safety of the night, Orregon Ducks quarterback, Anthony Brown Jr. (13), hands off the ball to running back, Travis Dye (26), to get the ball out of their own endzone. The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/ Emerald)

Jordan Happle (32) closes his arms around the ball, making an interception off of Husky quarterback Dylan Morris. The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

. S V N O G E R O G N I W E I V PRE E T A T S N O T G N I WASH

ougars. C te ta S n to g in h s table Wa ic d e r p n u e th e c a me to f Oregon heads ho BY: Daniel Vigil @dannyvigill

After defeating bitter rival Washington in a 2616 victory last weekend, Oregon (8-1) heads back home to Autzen Stadium to face the lackluster Washington State Cougars. Despite its record being 5-4 overall, Wazzu sits second in the Pac-12 North with a four-game winning streak in Pac-12 play after a notable win over Arizona State (6-3) during Halloween weekend. The Cougars will be well rested against the Ducks as they come off a bye week. The 2021 season has been quite a whirlwind for the Cougars. As they were preparing for their week 8 matchup with BYU, five members of their coaching staff –– including head coach Nick Rolovich –– were fired for not meeting compliance with the state’s COVID-19 vaccination mandates. With a midseason coaching turnover, and Jack Dickert as their acting head coach. The Cougars’ chances of a playoff berth and even a shot at the Pac-12 North title were looking very slim.

Regardless of the setback, Washington State is roaring on offense this season with their sophomore quarterback Jayden De Laura. In nine games, De Laura leads the Pac-12 in passing touchdowns with 17, has 1,967 passing yards and has completed 63.7% of his passes. On the other side of the ball, the Cougars defense is sure to shake things up for the Ducks. They had two interceptions and three fumbles in their game against ASU. They currently lead the Pac-12 with 20 takeaways this season. Washington State looks to knock down Oregon this Saturday. A win for the Cougars would give them the first place in the Pac-12 North, and a loss for the Ducks would ultimately lose them their spot in the College Football Playoff. This game will be a test for both teams. Looking back on previous matchups, Washington State has beaten Oregon four out of their last six matches with their most notable going back to 2018

when ESPN’s College Gameday came to Pullman for the first time, and WSU’s Gardner Minshew threw for 323 yards and four touchdowns. Since then, however, Oregon has beaten Washington State back-to-back times. They hope to make it a three-peat after this weekend. The Ducks open as two-touchdown favorites against this Cougar team, yet are 3-5-1 when against the spread. While on the other side, Washington State is 6-3 against the spread this season. With eerily similar stats to De Laura, Oregon’s Anthony Brown has thrown for 1,895 passing yards, 11 touchdowns and has completed 63.5% of his passes. Washington State will also have to face off against Travis Dye who is second in the whole conference with 820 rushing yards and is averaging 6.1 yards per carry. A fiery offense that will surely test the Cougar’s secondary. With the Pac-12 North lead at stake, this Saturday night match is bound to be a nail-biter here in Eugene. T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 5

GAMEDAY

OREGON STANDS STANDS AS AS LONE LONE OREGON RANKED PAC-12 PAC-12 TEAM TEAM RANKED BY ERIC BERNIKER

ABOVE: Mycah Pittman (4, center) leaps to celebrate with reciever, Devon Williams (2, right), after Williams scored the first touchdown of the night for the Ducks. The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

PA G E 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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

O GAMEDAY

The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/ Emerald)

With only three weeks left, PAC-12 teams play desperately to gain bowl eligibility.

With a win at Washington last weekend Oregon further separated itself from the rest of the conference. With only three weeks to play only three Pac-12 teams are bowl eligible. These are the Pac-12 standings going into week 10.

OREGON (8-1, 5-1 PAC-12) A 26-16 road win against Washington was Oregon’s first time covering the spread as a favorite all season. With their fourth straight win, the Ducks control their own destiny. Winning out presumably will punch Oregon’s ticket to the College Football Playoff. The Ducks host Washington State this weekend in Eugene.

2. UTAH (6-3, 5-1 PAC-12)

The Utes improved to 5-1 in the Pac-12 with an impressive 52-7 blowout over the Stanford Cardinal. Utah converted on 7-of-11 third downs, punting just once. Utah, who leads the south division, meets Arizona this week in a highly favorable matchup.

3. ARIZONA STATE (6-3, 4-2 PAC-12)

Rachaad White carried the football 28 times for 202 yards and three scores for the Sun Devils, who took care of USC 31-16 at home. Jayden Daniels and the Sun Devils, who boast one of the Pac-12’s most exciting offenses, will travel to Seattle and meet the Washington Huskies next week.

4. WASHINGTON STATE (5-4, 4-2 PAC-12)

The Cougars took a week off after defeating Arizona State two weeks ago. Although they no longer run Mike Leach’s “air-raid” offense, quarterback Anthony Gordon leads the Pac-12 in passing touchdowns with 18. The Cougars

will travel to Eugene this weekend to meet the Ducks; Oregon has won the past two meetings.

5. OREGON STATE (5-4, 3-3 PAC-12)

The Beavers, on a two-game losing streak, dropped an overtime thriller at Colorado 37-34. After giving up 39 points the previous week, Tim Tibesar was fired as defensive coordinator. With five wins, the Beavers need two more to claim bowl eligibility. Looking to bounce back, the Beavers will host Stanford this weekend in Corvallis.

6. UCLA (5-4, 3-3 PAC-12)

The Bruins have cooled off tremendously after peaking at No. 13 in the nation when they beat LSU in week 2. Riddled with injuries, most notably a thumb injury to star dual-threat quarterback Dorian ThompsonRobinson, the Bruins are currently on a twogame losing streak. Chip Kelly’s squad will host the Colorado Buffaloes this weekend.

7. WASHINGTON (4-5, 3-3 PAC-12)

The Huskies dropped a heated, rainy game to Oregon at home, 26-16. Prior to the game, Washington head coach Jimmy Lake made comments disrespecting Oregon’s “academic prowess.” During the game, Lake struck a UW player trying to break up a scuffle and was suspended for next week’s game without pay. The Huskies will look to get back into the win column, without Lake, hosting Arizona State this weekend.

8. USC (4-5, 3-4 PAC-12)

After firing head coach Clay Helton earlier this season, USC has slid toward the bottom of the Pac-12 standings. The Trojans fell this past

weekend in Tempe to Arizona State 31-16. Two wins away from bowl eligibility, they will look to bounce back hosting Cal this weekend in Los Angeles.

9. COLORADO (3-6, 2-4 PAC-12)

The Buffaloes have had an underwhelming season, but were able to upset Oregon State this past weekend in front of home fans 37-34. Their defense was able to step up, picking off Chance Nolan in the red-zone, the lone turnover of the game. Freshman quarterback Brendan Lewis continued to improve, throwing for 170 yards and three touchdowns. The Buffaloes will look to build on their performance when they travel to Los Angeles this weekend to meet Chip Kelly’s UCLA Bruins.

10. STANFORD (3-6, 2-5 PAC-12)

Since upsetting No. 5 Oregon in week 5, the Cardinal have struggled on both sides of the football, dropping their last four games. In last weekend’s 52-7 loss against Utah, the Cardinal turned the ball over twice — once by interception and once by fumbling while going 3-of-13 on third downs. The Cardinal will look to bounce back in Corvallis this weekend against an Oregon State team which hasn’t been bowl eligible since 2013.

11. ARIZONA (1-8, 1-5 PAC-12)

The Wildcats picked up their first win of the season this weekend, stunning Cal in a 10-3 nightmare of a game for both teams. The Wildcats, who lead the Pac-12 in interceptions thrown, overcame three picks by holding the Golden Bears to 1-of-14 on third downs. Arizona will look to build on its win this weekend when it hosts Pac-12 champion contender Utah.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 7

GAMEDAY Byron Cardwell (21) celebrates after scoring a touchdown for Oregon. (Will Geschke/Emerald)

NEW PLAYER,

SAME NUMBER Oregon running back Byron Cardwell grinded to become a three-down running back who prolongs the legacy of his predecessors.

BY: Aaron Heisen @aaron_heisen Destiny became reality for Oregon running back Byron Cardwell as he trotted into the end zone on the Ducks’ opening drive against the Colorado Buffaloes. Cardwell left Buffaloes safety Mark Perry in the dust, outrunning the defender’s angle. Perry was left grasping for Cardwell’s jersey. One that has historic significance stitched into its back. Cardwell worked hard to gain more responsibility in the Ducks’ offense. He and fellow running back Travis Dye make up one of the nation’s best backfield tandems. Now, Cardwell is fulfilling the high expectations attached to his jersey number: 21. It’s the same number that was touted by the No. 1 and 2 all-time leading rushers at Oregon: Royce Freeman and LaMichael James. Cardwell finds comfort in the weight he carries. Cardwell grew up in San Diego. He always felt at home in Oregon knowing

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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

fellow San Diegans Freeman and CJ Verdell found success in green and yellow, his former high school coach and personal trainer Jason Van said. “Seeing those guys and how they were successful at Oregon made Byron believe he could go out there and be even better,” Van said. Freeman is the all-time rushing yards leader at Oregon and was selected in the third round of the 2018 draft by the Denver Broncos. Verdell, who’s ninth all-time in rushing yards at Oregon, had 406 yards and six touchdowns through five games before he injured his lower leg earlier this season. While his predecessors influenced his decision to become a Duck, filling their shoes was never on Cardwell’s agenda. “He’s his own player and he came to Oregon to further his own individual journey,” his dad Byron said.

GAMEDAY When Cardwell first arrived in Eugene, he was buried on the depth chart — an uncomfortable position for a running back who started every season in high school. He ascended the depth chart quickly as the Ducks lost three notable running backs: Cyrus Habibi-Likio transferred to Boise State, and Sean Dollars and CJ Verdell sustained significant injuries. Cardwell saw the opening as his chance to prove he was the most capable back to be promoted. “He didn’t take a backseat or wait his turn,” Van said. “He got as many reps as he could and took advantage of those reps.” It paid off for Cardwell, who had a breakout game against Colorado. He carried the ball seven times for 118 yards, highlighted by a 34-yard house call. His opportunities continued to rise in the Ducks’ game against Washington on Nov. 6. He took 16 carries for 55 yards and hauled in his first reception of the season. While he was unable to break an explosive run, it’s clear the Oregon coaching staff trusts Cardwell with a heavy dose of touches. Standing at 6-foot, 210 pounds, he presents a hard-nosed, between-the-tackles running style — not dissimilar to the style the Ducks lost when Verdell went down. But defenses can’t judge Cardwell by his build. “He’s like a train, but he’s elusive at the same time,” Oregon running back Travis Dye said. And that’s where he catches you: his speed and shiftiness. It’s unexpected but devastating. Dye described the style and strides to that of a gazelle. “I can catch a lot of defenders off-guard with my speed,” Cardwell said. “My biggest attribute is my speed because a lot of guys don’t think I have it with my size.” The Ducks utilize their running back rotation to keep defenses on their feet. They start by getting 5-foot-10, 190-pound Dye into open space to outrun defenders, then they turn to Cardwell with zone reads and stretches to wear tacklers down. Both backs possess different styles of running which allows them to feed off one another and keep defenses guessing. “[Cardwell] runs with physicality and makes it very tough for the first guy to get him down,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. That physicality mixed with Dye’s quickness creates a one-two punch that is the heartbeat of the Ducks’ backfield –– one that has catapulted into the top-20 in the nation in rushing yards, yards per carry and rushing touchdowns this season. The Ducks’ rise to No. 3 in the College Football Playoff poll is predicated on the success they’ve found in the running game. To develop his sturdy build and shifty running style, Cardwell went through extra workouts with Van following high-school practices. Their collective goal was for Cardwell to bulk up and work on his durability to become a three-down back. It took dedication to Van’s workout plan which entailed upper body exercises and disciplined eating habits. Cardwell met every one of those expectations so much so that the running back said football became muscle memory. Cardwell willed himself into becoming a prototypical back. “He’s a Swiss Army knife that’s explosive… He can run; he can block; he can catch; he can even throw a little bit,” Van said. Cardwell’s recent performances suggest his starting role is going nowhere and the Ducks’ running game will heavily rely on his success. As the season progresses, Cardwell will continue to pave his own path while furthering the legacy of the successful Oregon running backs from his hometown.

[Cardwell] runs with physicality and makes it very tough for the first guy to get him down. MARIO CRISTOBAL Oregon football head coach

Byron Cardwell (21) celebrates with Moliki Mavato (8) after scoring a touchdown for Oregon. The University of Oregon Ducks defeated the University of Colorado Buffaloes 52-29 at Autzen Stadium on Oct. 30, 2021. (Will Geschke/Emerald) T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 9

GAMEDAY

Oregon vs. Washington PHOTOS BY: Serei Hendrie

The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021.

Final Score:

Oregon: 26 Washington: 16

Handel’s Ice Cream 47554 Travis Dye (26) is tackled by a Colorado player.

Punter Tom Snee, kicks the ball away on a fourth down play.

Verone McKinley III (23), walks to get into postion before the ball snap.

Ducks defense tries to bring down Husky tight end, Cade Otton (87). 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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES OPEN TO ALL UO STUDENTS OUR SERVICES • • • • • • • • •

Primary Care Acupuncture Acute Care Allergy/Asthma Birth Control Colds/Flu Counseling Services Dental Diabetes Management

• • • • • • • • •

Energy Healing 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 Medicine Vaccinations

E G R A $1G5LELTOPPING!

SINGLE ERY DELIV FREE (on orders over $10) Mention or bring in this coupon to receive offer. Not valid with any other offers or promotions. Valid for walk-in or deliveries. Expires 6/30/22

O R D E R O NL INE

• X-Ray

Visit the Duck Nest Wellness Center in the EMU, or remotely at health.uoregon.edu/ducknest FOLLOW US:

UNIVERSITY HEALTH SERVICES

@healthyUO (Facebook and IG) @HealthCenterUO (Twitter)

health.uoregon.edu 541-346-2770

EO/AA/ADA institution committed to cultural diversity.

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

VOTED #1 BEST PIZZA 2021 Best of Campus Student Choice Awards

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 1 1

GAMEDAY

TRAVIS DYE:

HUMBLE AND HUNGRY BY: Charlie Folkestad @folkestad3

The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

The longtime Duck is quickly building his case for Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. Many Oregon fans became familiar with Travis Dye using one of two attributes: He was either “Troy Dye’s little brother” or “that guy who doesn’t wear gloves.” Dye is a relatively undersized running back at 5-foot-10 and 190 lbs, but he doesn’t care. Whether it’s the bare hands or smooth mustache, “Baby Dye” has always done his own thing. “I’ve never been one to care about what I have on or what my hair looks like or what anything looks like on me,” Dye said. “If it’s comfortable to me, I’m

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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

wearing it… It’s never about the looks for me.” But the biggest growth of Dye’s career hasn’t been his ‘stache; it’s his leadership. According to backup running back Byron Cardwell, Dye has helped teach him how to practice more effectively. “Understanding my reads and pass pro and staying tight on your wall and paying attention in the meetings and everything,” Cardwell said. “Just little stuff to make me all-around better.” After playing second fiddle to CJ Verdell in the running back room for three years, a Verdell injury has allowed Dye to excel in the spotlight. He’s seven carries away from passing his personal season high (140 as a freshman in 2018). “He gets better and better all the time,” Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal said of Dye’s career-high rushing performance in the 26-16 win over Washington on Saturday. “He’s a game-changer. And he changed it in a lot of different ways.” Dye’s 19-yard scamper put the game away on the first snap of the fourth quarter. In all, he racked up more yards on the ground (211) than Washington’s entire offense (166), but he remained more humble than ever. “The ‘W’ means everything to me,” he said. “The performance is just a plus.” He added: “All the credit goes to my linemen, to the preparation we made all week… I can’t say I did it myself or anything like that. We did it as a team; we all got 211 yards or whatever it was.”

GAMEDAY When wild weather called for a more conservative offensive approach, the Ducks were ready. Cristobal said, “The rain was coming down at such a high clip that it wasn’t gonna be easy throwing the ball,” but he had no problem “giving the ball to one of the best players in college football in Travis Dye behind that offensive line.” “When you know you can run a ball down a team’s throat, it is the best feeling in the world,” Dye said. This season, Dye ranks 30th in the nation in total rushing yards (820) despite being 50th in total carries (134). His 11 rushing touchdowns are tied for third in the Pac-12, and his 6.1 yards per carry trail only Oregon State’s BJ Baylor in the conference. But Dye also adds another element: pass-catching. His 277 total receiving yards are more than every Oregon player except Devon Williams at the moment. Each day Dye remains hyper-focused on the next game. His preparation is praised by coaches and teammates alike, especially Cristobal. “Tremendous leadership skills, ability to make big plays in the most critical situations,” Cristobal said. “Travis is just scratching the surface of what he’s gonna be.” His strong character certainly doesn’t hurt.

The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

He’s a game-changer. And he changed it in a lot of different ways.” MARIO CRISTOBAL Oregon head coach Travis Dye (26) yells into the night after scoring a touchdown. The Oregon Ducks take on the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium in Seattle, Washington, on Nov. 6, 2021. (Serei Hendrie/Emerald)

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 1 3

WALKING DISTANCE WALKING DISTANCETOTO AUTZEN FOR AUTZEN FORAFTER AFTERDUCK DUCK HOME GAMES. HOME GAMES. INDOOR AND INDOOR ANDPATIO PATIODINING DINING SELECTION OFOF SELECTION MICROBEWS MICROBEWS

CAMPUS CAMPUS

790 E 14ththAVE 790 E 14 AVE 541-344-4471 541-344-4471

OAKWAY OAKWAY

4 Oakway Center 4 Oakway Center 541-344-0844 541-344-0844

S.S.EUGENE EUGENE

2864 2864Willamette Willamette St. St. #300 #300 541-344-9931 541-344-9931 our website vivisisitt ou

Z A.NEETT PPEEGGAASSUUS PIZ

PA G GE E 11 4 4 || E EM ME ER RA A LL D D G GA AM ME ED D AY AY || T TH HU UR RS SD D AY, AY, N NO OV V EE M MB B EE RR 141,, 22002211 PA

GAMEDAY

PUSHING THROUGH THE UPRIGHTS Camden Lewis’ kicking improvement has been sensational, and his positive attitude is a crucial part of how he did it. BY: John Rustik

Ducks kicker Camden Lewis (49) kicks the ball for a field goal. The Oregon Ducks crush the Arizona Wildcats 41-19 in game four of the 2021 season. (Ian Enger/ Emerald)

Camden Lewis wasn’t a kicker before his freshman year of high school. He wasn’t even a football player. Before he became the first player for the University of Oregon to make a game-winning field goal in over 15 years, he was a soccer goalkeeper at William Amos Hough high school in North Carolina. Throughout his career as a kicker, he’s skyrocketed to become one of the best in the nation, remaining a perfect 9-for-9 after drilling a 46-yard field goal last weekend in Seattle’s tumultuous weather conditions. He is one of just six kickers to have attempted nine kicks and remained flawless. “Camden would have excelled at anything he pursued,” his mother Christina Britt Lewis said. “That is just who he is. He does not care what other people think. He is his only competition. Being better than he was yesterday is his goal.” His journey to Oregon started his freshman year when his high school coach and family friend Steve Sechrest needed a kicker for his junior varsity team football team. At first he wasn’t so sure, but he ended up taking the spot. In just the fourth game of his football career, Lewis was given the opportunity every kicker dreams of. Losing in the closing seconds of the game, he kicked a 43-yard gamewinning kick. This is when Sechrest knew he was special. “When I first started working with him, he had never kicked a football before,” Sechrest said. “He’s such a teachable, nice kid. He’s so genuine and has so much character.” As Lewis continued to improve, Sechrest contacted kicking trainer Dan Orner, who trained NFL kickers Bradley Pinion and Ryan Succop. Lewis impressed Orner with his desire to improve and take his game to the next level. “He’s a staple for hard work,” Orner said. “Every time he comes home, he’ll get off the plane, he’ll have like two, three hours sleep and he’ll be texting me first thing in the morning like, ‘Hey can we get out and kick.’” When it came down to selecting his college, Lewis’ commitment to Oregon was a last second decision.

T H U R S D AY, N O V E M B E R 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

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

PA G E 1 5

GAMEDAY Before making the choice to come to Eugene, he decommitted from Minnesota. “The University of Oregon is a very special place,” his mother said. “They do things differently and better at Oregon. Camden was honored and proud to accept the offer from Coach Cristobal and is determined to make him proud.” Lewis’ time in Oregon wasn’t entirely successful at the start. His first collegiate kick was a miss against Auburn. He ended the season 9/14. After going 1-for-4 last season, he lost the starting job. His parents were still there to support him –– whether it was by being there for him or the times his mother would send memes to keep him laughing. All his hard work has finally paid off. As just a sophomore, he is the best kicker in the conference, and he still has plenty of room for growth. “We are where he can come to laugh, shake it off and remember that who he is matters so much more than what he does,” his mom said. “We could not be more proud of who he is. That is all that really matters to us.”

Camden would have excelled at anything he pursued. That is just who he is. He does not care what other people think. He is his only competition. Being better than he was yesterday is his goal.” CHRISTINA BRITT LEWIS Camden’s Mother

Ducks kicker Camden Lewis (49) stops to wave before half time commences. Oregon Ducks Football host annual Spring game at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore., on May 1, 2021. (Maddie Stellingwerf)

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 1 1 , 2 0 2 1

Camden Lewis (49) kicks a field goal. The Oregon Ducks defeated the Stony Brook Seawolves 48-7 on Saturday night, Sept. 17, at Autzen Stadium. (Will Geschke/Emerald)