Ducks Digest

Oregon Duck Mascot Skips Rival Washington Huskies in Big Ten Tour

The Oregon Duck mascot returned home to Eugene after an epic Big Ten tour of its new opponents. The Duck hit every Big Ten Stadium except one: the Washington Huskies.

Bri Amaranthus

Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks mascot The Duck on the field during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks mascot The Duck on the field during the first quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports / Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports
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The Oregon Duck mascot has been an epic journey visiting its "new friends" in the Big Ten conference. The mascot is now "home" after posting photos attempting to get into every Big Ten Stadium, even crashing a Nebraska Cornhusker press conference and making an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show... Well, every stadium except one... Husky Stadium in Seattle, WA.

It seems the Duck skipped the home of Oregon's rival: the Washington Huskies. In The Duck's first video of his road map of the Big Ten, he circled all the opposing stadiums cities but crossed out Seattle.

A very funny slant to the Huskies, or maybe the Duck just ran out of gas.

Oregon's marketing team has earned an A+ for the splash the Ducks have already made in the Big Ten. The Ducks have undoubtedly one of the most recognizable brands in college football.

For their inaugural Big Ten Media Days in Indianapolis, Oregon busted out a massive inflatable Duck to float the White River in downtown Indianapolis.

"I'm hoping we get to travel that Duck to all of our away games this year." Oregon coach Dan Lanning said.

The inflatable Duck made national news and trended on social.

"We're mighty different when it comes to the jerseys you might see us wear, or the facilities that we get to be in," Lanning said. "And we're innovative, and we've always been on the cutting edge of everything we do. We've certainly positioned ourselves to be on the cutting edge and we're grateful for the opportunity to compete in the Big Ten."

Many Big Ten opponents mistakenly have been calling The Duck, "Puddles."

The Duck cleared that up on the Pat McAfee Show, clarifying his name. Puddles, is the name of the former live duck brought to Oregon Football games in the 1920’s, not the current mascot’s moniker. After many charades, The Duck simply wrote, “The Duck” on his whiteboard to communicate his name.

Meanwhile the Oregon football team is roaring through their fall football camp. Coach Lanning provided positive updates on many of his players, including Oregon running back Jordan James, who is expected to be a key player in the 2024 offense.

"He's a guy that every single practice, him and I both challenge each other... when he plays he plays really loud, and I appreciate a guy who plays loud, brings the energy every single day, runs hard, runs tough. You know, he's that guy that has toughness," Lanning said of James.  

Oregon is commanded by the top-transfer portal quarterback in Dillon Gabriel, surrounded by dynamic playmakers and arguably the best wide receiver unit in Oregon history.

Oregon offensive coordinator Will Stein enters his second season calling plays after leading the nation's No. 2 offense last season. In 2024, Stein has some tricks up his sleeve.

"(Will Stein) has some crazy trick plays, always. He's drawing up on a napkin somewhere in a restaurant," said tight end Terrance Ferguson to Oregon Ducks SI's Bri Amaranthus. "Coach Stein's done a great job of being creative like that. And he really thrives in trying to get the players the ball in space. And I think that's really the best thing you can do."

Oregon kicks off the 2024 season vs. Idaho on Aug. 31 in Autzen Stadium (4:30 p.m. PT, Big Ten Network).

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Bri Amaranthus
BRI AMARANTHUS

Bri Amaranthus is an Emmy-winning sports reporter with over 12 years of experience in television, radio, podcasting, and digital sports journalism. She has been with Sports Illustrated for four years, providing breaking news, exclusive interviews, and analysis on the NFL, college sports, and the NBA. Prior to joining SI, Bri hosted NBC Sports Northwest's prime-time television show, where she also served as the Oregon beat reporter and created content covering both the NBA and college sports. Throughout her career, Bri has achieved significant milestones, including covering major events like the NBA Finals, NFL playoffs, College Football Playoff, NCAA Basketball Tournament, NFL Draft, and the NFL Combine. She earned a D1 scholarship to play softball at the University of San Diego and won two state softball titles in high school in Oregon. In addition to her Emmy win for NBC's All-Star Coach special, she has received multiple Emmy nominations, highlighting her dedication and talent in sports journalism.

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