National attention brings changes to Eugene

    By now, we all know that the university of Oregon football team has changed their philosophy from the days of Rich Brooks and Mike Bellotti. Chip Kelly has taken what they have done and made it his own. when Bellotti took over, he was off success that Rich Brooks had, though it might not have been much. Bellotti made the team nationally relevant. He took them to a 11-1 record in 2001 and should have competed for the national title. after that season, there was a bit of mediocrity and then came the days of Chip Kelly. Kelly has taken this team to new heights. In his first three seasons, he has taken the ducks to three BCS bowls, including the BCS national championship.

   Kelly has closed spring practices to the media and fans. This is something he has started to do as the ducks have become more nationally relevant. To the fans and media, it is just the football program distancing itself from the public. I don’t see it that way, I see this as a smart football move by coach Kelly. By closing practices, it creates a sense of mystery for opposing teams. for example, last year when darron thomas went out with his elbow injury, coach Kelly wouldn’t say wether Darron or Freshman Bryan Bennett would get the start against Colorado, which made Colorado game plan for both Darron and Bryan Bennett. That game, Bennett came out and played a very solid game and led the ducks to the win. 

   Fast forward to this spring and there's the competition between Sophomore Bryan Bennett and true freshman Marcus Mariota. Both have been praised by coaches and players, but until we get to see them in live action the fans don't know what the two quarterbacks have been doing. Not only do the fans not know who the quarterback is, but neither does arkansas state. this creates another surprise factor for week one.