Oregon Ducks Spring Game

Eugene, OR. – The Oregon Ducks ended last season with a loss in the 2011 BCS National Championship Game. This season, they want to improve that. Before the start of every season comes “spring ball.” Months before the 2011 season kicks off, college football programs are allowed to hold a set amount of practices in the spring time. Many programs culminate these practices with an annual “Spring Game.”

After working hard in drills and exercises for weeks, the Ducks team was split in two to compete in a scrimmage game in front of their fans and media. The game, which was aired nationally on ESPN on April 30, featured Offensive Coordinator Mark Helfrich’s “White Team” vs. Defensive Coordinator’s Nick Aliotti’s “Green Team.” The two coaches had a draft style selection process of the current team to complete their squads. Even some of the next year’s recruiting class, who have completed high school early, were eligible to be selected.

Head Coach Chip Kelly oversaw the days game and tributes. Since he began as head coach two seasons ago, the game had been dedicated to our nation’s servicemen and women. The originally designed Nike jerseys that the teams wore were given to members of the military following the game. This year’s jerseys read either “Land of the Free” or “Home of the Brave” on the backs.

Another University of Oregon tradition is the way fans are able to enter the game. The price of admission is three items of non-perishable food. The food is all donated to Food for Lane County.

The game drew a Spring Game Pac-10 record crowd of 43,468, as compared to last year’s previous school’s record of 25,211. According to Food for Lane County officials, “68,322 pounds of food in addition to $1,248.65 was donated to the local food bank from the scrimmage. That compares with 46,500 pounds of food and $600 generated from last year’s Spring Game.”

At halftime, the football program paid its respects to fallen Eugene Police Officer Chris Kilcullen, who had been shot a week earlier. His family was in attendance and received a personalized jersey.

With all of the respect being paid to the military and Kilcullen family in attendance, the game seemed to be an afterthought. The final score was a “Green” 16-0 victory, behind a 78 yard highlight run by Heisman Finalist LaMichael James.

The Oregon Marching Band prepares in the spring as well.

Punt Returner and Cornerback Cliff Harris gets loose prior to the game as quarterback Darron Thomas takes snaps.

"White Team" starting running back Kenjon Barner takes the ball from "Green Team" backup quarterback Dustin Haines before the game.

Both teams huddle up before the game begins.

The jerseys being worn were designed to pay respect to the military service provided for our country. They read either "Land of the Free" or "Home of the Brave."