Oregon Journey - BCS t-4

by Andy McNamara, Assistant Director Media Services, Football
We've reached the midpoint of our stay in Arizona ahead of Monday's BCS Championship Game, and with the weekend approaching, both schools will likely notice a steady stream of fans hitting town from this point forward.

Today was the nicest day yet from a weather standpoint, with temperatures finally nearing the mid 60s. Since Monday's hail and rain, there hasn't been a drop of precipitation here in the desert.

More Oregon support staff and families arrived today, and yet another plane with staff and band members is due in on Saturday, signaling the title game's imminence.

Players and coaches continue to go about their daily work, both on the field and in the classroom, maintaining the same approach they've taken all season in terms of preparation.


LaMichael James is staying in school but has become a pro at interviewing over the past month.

Today's press conference consisted of representatives from Oregon's offense, with coordinator and quarterbacks coach Mark Helfrich in the interview room along with D.J. Davis, Jordan Holmes, LaMichael James, Jeff Maehl and Darron Thomas.

Video from the session can be viewed at GoDucks.TV along with footage from yesterday's defensive presser.

Outside of that, all was relatively quiet here in the Valley of the Sun on Thursday.

CAPTAIN RASHAD
Former Oregon great Ahmad Rashad has been named an honorary captain for the BCS Championship Game by The National Football Foundation in partnership with the Fiesta Bowl.


Rashad, who played for the Ducks from 1969 to '71 when he was known as Bobby Moore, will share the honor with fellow College Football Hall of Famer and Auburn alum Bo Jackson. Both men will participate in the coin toss, representing their respective schools.

Primarily a running back for Oregon, Rashad set the single-game mark for all-purpose yards with 338 (249 rushing, 89 receiving) vs. Utah in 1971 - a record that stood for more than 30 years. He still ranks eighth in UO history with 2,306 career rushing yards and is tied for second with LaMichael James in career touchdowns with 36.

Go Ducks!