Quack attack

A buzz has surrounded the Oregon Ducks this week. But it's not because of the football team’s 39-7 smackdown of Michigan last Saturday.

Oregon's Duck mascot has garnered national news attention for roughing up the Houston Cougar mascot during the Sept. 1 season opener. You can watch the video here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nkbKjtuNJhQ

Two prominent YouTube posts have over 77,000 hits respectively and the Associated Press' footage courtesy of KEZI landed the lead story on Yahoo.com Thursday. The skirmish apparently started because the Cougar mimicked the Duck's trademark move by doing push-ups after a touchdown.

The university called the fight "irresponsible" and said that it violates the athletic department's "Code of ConDUCKt." The mascot was handed a one game suspension.

With everyone talking about Donald the mascot, the Oregon football team has flown under the radar. After all, they handed the Wolverines their worst beating since 1968. That would be before legendary coach Bo Schembechler started working the sidelines at the Big House.

QB Dennis Dixon accounted for 368 total yards and had a career-high four touchdowns. The Ducks ran the "Statue of Liberty" play to set up a touchdown and then faked the "Statue of Liberty" for touchdown. Oregon vaulted into the Top 25 this week following the victory.

To help Dixon add running back tandem of Jonathan Stewart and Jeremiah Johnson, the Ducks are looking good. The Ducks’ defense is a solid group and good enough to contend with top teams.

Oregon is probably better served by not drawing lots of media attention. But since they host No. 8 Cal on the 29th and No. 1 USC before the end of October, Eugene could easily become a hot-spot.

First off, they need to get past a pesky Fresno State team who lost a triple-overtime thriller in College Station last week.

It's fun to watch a Duck beat up on a Cougar, but the football version of the Ducks should be beating up on other teams soon. Oregon's ascension after the Michigan game adds them to a jumbled pack of contenders in the Pac-10.

Watch out for the "Quack Attack!"

Blogger’s Note: Oregon players celebrate last week’s historic win in Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines dropped to 0-2 for the first time since 1959. Photo courtesy of AP Photo – Tony Ding.