Mixed-Up Martial Arts
Former wide receiver Johnnie Morton came to practice and gave advice to wide receiver Ronald Johnson afterward. At least we know Morton's OK now following his 38-second career as a mixed-martial arts fighter and . . . you know the rest.
I hope he wasn't coaching the receivers up on how to take a hit!
At least Morton gave it a try, and let's face it, that is one vicious sport. Not many men can survive that type of punishment. I wonder how many second (or tenths of seconds) Scott Wolf would have lasted?
Duckmann91 has been all over this blog this week, it being SC-Oregon time, and I presume he will be moving on to another blog after the game Saturday. But to respond to an earlier inquiry about the mental status of Ducks' fans in Autzen, let me say this. I have had 20 year-olds come up to me and say, "Your colors (SC) look like puke," and they wanted to get it on right then and there. And even sitting in the alumni section (older people), I have never been able to get a laugh out of them. This unfriendliness (animosity?)I have not seen anywhere else in my American football travels.
Last year at the Oregon State game (whose fans are just as spirited, but can take a joke), I asked them about the Ducks' fans, and they told me that they treat everybody that way (although they're especially rude to Washington and OSU fans, and then SC).
And the basketball "Pit" has its notoriety as well. Oregon people are normally pretty nice. What goes with the Ducks' sports fans? Although to answer my own question, Autzen is only 1/3 full 15 minutes before kickoff. The majority wait until the last minute to enter the arena because they are outside getting juiced. And alcohol often does not mix well with civility.
Re: Lawyer John
When they play Fresno State they are confined to a small area in the end zone and sourrounded with campus cops! No class bunch for sure!
even the best of men who climb into the ring can get KO'd.
the most vulnerable time is the first round when the fighter is cold.
why mock courageous athletes ? Takes a lot of guts just to get into the ring
Lawyer John- Much of what you say may be true, especially with regard to the booze. I have been a college football fan for a long time now and have seen the problem get worse in every stadium I attend. With regard to your experience at OSU, you must have been in a good section. In my more than 20 years of “Civil War” experience I have never been so lucky. I suggest that when you visit Autzen you try to score a ticket ca.sec.32. Me and my buddies are up for a spirited yet civil rivalry. I think you will find a relatively hospitable reception. With regard to Morton, just4sc your point is well made and I am sorry. My final thought: Ducks win by 7 points rush the field and enjoy the biggest win in Autzen history. What? You expect us to act like we have been there before?
To follow up on the Autzen crowd...
I've heard the same things from every school that goes to Oregon. They're vicious to UW, OSU, SC, and Fresno State fans. The thing that's puzzling is, average people on the street in Eugene are some of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Years ago, I made many trips to the University of Oregon to visit a childhood friend, and I remember walking around the streets of Eugene (going from party to party) and finding the students to be overly nice. You'd get waves and hellos from perfect strangers. People you didn't know would invite you into their homes and let you drink off their kegs for free. It was just part of the laid back culture.
But get those same student into Autzen Stadium, and they turn into Raider fans (and I'm a Raider fan, so I know what I'm talking about)
Maybe Duck fans are over-compensating for a lame mascot (I mean Duck? Come on, that's trumped only by their fiercest rival, the Vagina's, I mean Beavers)
I'd like to get Duckman's take on the questionable behavior of the Autzen denizens.
Sureshot
I was a freshman during Morton's last year and rememeber it looked liked all Rob Johnson had to do was loft it up in the air and Johnnie would come down with the ball no matter how badly it was overthrown.
I was guilty of being part of the crowd that didn't give Chad a fair shake in his USC career because he didn't create the excitement at running back that his big brother did as a wide reciever.
Well, Duckmann91, I am close to you and your buddies, being in Section 33, Row 27. What row are you in in Section 32, because I will look you up, you being a pretty fair-minded sports person and all.
And when you said that the fans would rush the field, I got chill bumps. Last year Oregon State did the same thing after beating SC and it was one of the greatest sights I have ever experienced. It would almost make up for my Trojans losing, if it happens at Autzen.
But if I may brag for a moment, SC has won 11 national championships and five No. 2s. So "I have been there before." The greatest one I ever saw was in the 1975 Rose Bowl game (the 1974 team) when Pat Haden threw to Johnny Mckay at the end of the game to pull within 17-16. Haden then threw a lame duck pass for 2, but Sheldon Diggs "dug" it out for the 18-17 win, and the national championship. I recount the details only because you too will remember the great moments Saturday for decades (if Oregon wins).
But beware-- SC is very tough and historically prideful, and the Trojans will not go down without a ferocious fight.
Hey Duckman:
I remember all too well watching the Oregon fans stream on to the filed after a 3OT victory over USC about 4-7 years ago. So, you have been there before.
Morton was probably selling "care packages" to players to make up for the money that he didn't make. He figures it is better to distribute than to take!
Better pass out the stuff necessary to pass the drug tests!
OK Lawyer John- I know how to find you. So wear your colors. When a Duck fan comes up to you and asks how the flight was, that will be me. Ya know I have been embarrassed by some things that I have seen, but I have a hard time believing that the guys in your section are really that bad. Are you basing your comments on encounters elsewhere or what? Hope to see you there.
uscmike- Yes we had a stretch of wins against SC (98-01)and maybe pulled out a couple memorable wins as underdogs, but I believe Saturdays game will be the biggest game in Autzen history. The best match up between our teams for sure. (#5 vs. #12) Are guys are up for it and I'm sure your boys will be too.
There are still wonderful people, in a wonderful town. But, the University is Berkeley-North now. Another good thing from the Notre Dame game...the Trojans won't be distracted when, they again see, "butt-ugly" green and yellow uniforms.
I found the Duck fans to be rather hospitable in 2005. Maybe they knew they were just lucky to be in the game in the first half, but everyone was very congralutory after the game.
Hey Trojan RAB,
Don't feel too bad about not giving Chad Morton a fair shake because he couldn't create excitement on the field.
If I recall the history Chad is the one who guaranteed victory against FUCLA in 1999 thus snapping their so-called domination of USC and creating plenty excitement for everyone by being the last SC player to be carried off the field!