Oregon Football Ranked No. 4
The Ducks were ranked No. 4 in the country Thursday, and got one first-place vote from the panel of 62 coaches participating in the USA Today poll, which is now sponsored by Amway. Defending national champion Florida State is the preseason No. 1 team, followed by Alabama, Oklahoma, Oregon and Auburn. The Ducks went 11-2 in 2013, Mark Helfrich’s first season as head coach, and finished the year at No. 9 after beating Texas in the Alamo Bowl. Their No. 4 preseason ranking for 2014 makes it four straight years in which Oregon has been in the top five of the preseason coaches’ poll. Oregon, which opens preseason camp Monday, led a pool of six Pac-12 teams ranked in the preseason coaches’ poll. The Ducks were followed by No. 7 UCLA, No. 11 Stanford, No. 15 USC, No. 18 Arizona State and No. 25 Washington. The Cardinal and Huskies visit Autzen Stadium this fall, as does Michigan State, which was ranked No. 8 by the coaches. Oregon opens the season Aug. 30 at home against South Dakota, and hosts the Spartans a week later. Pac-12 play begins Sept. 20 at Washington State.
BBQ with the Beavers
The first week of practice for the 2014 season will nearly be complete when you get your chance to speak to head Coach Mike Riley at the annual BBQ With The Beavs Fri., Aug. 8 at 1 p.m. at the Reser Stadium concourse. It’s the first preseason event of the year with the season opener just a few short weeks away on Aug. 30 vs. Portland State. Stop by practice (10:20 a.m.-1 p.m.) at the Tommy Prothro Football Complex before having lunch with Coach Riley, Benny Beaver, the cheerleaders and band. Practice is open to the public. Our Beaver Nation members can attend the BBQ With The Beavs event for $20 while non-members can enjoy the day for $25. Included in your cost is the meal, beverage and one adult beverage ticket (more may be purchased). Children are admitted for $10 as are those interested in admission only. To register for the event visit ourbeavernation.com or contact the OurBeaverNation staff during business hours at 541-737-2370.