Oregon in the News!

Grid Iron · 04-20-2005, 12:52 AM

Oregon in the News!

With the playoffs just a day away, the Oregon Ice are getting a lot of press on their improbable season, as well as their prospects for the postseason.

CFL Guru’s 2006 Playoff Preview:

Oregon Ice (11-5) - The Ice are serious about winning the Ring of Ice division. After winning division titles in 2003 and 2004, the team finished 9-7 in 2005 and missed the playoffs. In reaction to this the team released RB Rodger Rubenstein after three straight 1000-yard seasons and traded away 2003 CFL Bowl MVP QB Landon Hurst. The result: A record of 11-5 and their 3rd division title in 4 years. Now that the playoffs are here the media is starting a quarterback controversy between opening day starter Maurice Brown (5-2 in 7 starts) and current starter Thomas Kuhn (also 5-2 in 7 starts).

Read more of CFL Guru’s playoff team capsules here.

Klemu Hakkinen’s Games of the Week

Boise (11-5) at Oregon (11-5)

The Ring of Ice Division has easily been the most fun to watch over the last couple of weeks. Boise pulled out enough wins to get to the playoffs and Oregon won key matchups down the line to secure their division championship. Throw in a 10-6 Seattle team that didn't make the playoffs and you have a recipe for good football. I don't think that anybody in the league scores second half points like Oregon does. They can just turn it on in the 3rd and 4th quarters. In the previous two matchups of the season, Oregon has won both of them. But those games were early in the season. Has Boise gotten better? Has Oregon gotten better? The answer to those two questions is YES, which makes this game THE game of the week.

Key Injuries: Oregon looks to be pretty healthy. Sure, they've got their share of injuries, but most are not to key players. The biggest injury in the Ice's clubhouse is RT Stephen Covey who will be missing the game. Boise's biggest injury is to DT John Butt. No, he did not sprain his gluteus. Boise will be happy if CB Ibanez Foster can make it into the game to shore up the week side of their secondary. Foster is questionable for Sunday.

Analysis: Boise is a hell of a Juggernaut to play. They have a turnover ratio of +17, third down conversion rate of 47.9 (best in the league) and not to mention one of the best rushing attacks in the game. On defense, they can stop the run, but have a little trouble with the passing game. Oregon, just wins. They've beaten Boise twice already this season and it's hard to figure out how they did it. They aren't very good at running the ball, but they are pretty damn good at throwing the ball. Oregon could get themselves into trouble early if they turn the ball over. However, as I mentioned earlier, the Ice are the kings of the second half. Look for Boise to go up early, but then for Oregon to come back and make it a game.

Klemu's Kall: Vegas says Boise by 4. Klemu says Boise by 1. I can't wait to watch this game, it should be an instant classic.

Read more of Klemu’s first-round playoff predictions here.

04-20-2005, 12:52 AM	#31
Grid Iron Ice Cream Man Join Date: Feb 2002 Location: Bay Area	Oregon in the News! With the playoffs just a day away, the Oregon Ice are getting a lot of press on their improbable season, as well as their prospects for the postseason. CFL Guru’s 2006 Playoff Preview: Oregon Ice (11-5) - The Ice are serious about winning the Ring of Ice division. After winning division titles in 2003 and 2004, the team finished 9-7 in 2005 and missed the playoffs. In reaction to this the team released RB Rodger Rubenstein after three straight 1000-yard seasons and traded away 2003 CFL Bowl MVP QB Landon Hurst. The result: A record of 11-5 and their 3rd division title in 4 years. Now that the playoffs are here the media is starting a quarterback controversy between opening day starter Maurice Brown (5-2 in 7 starts) and current starter Thomas Kuhn (also 5-2 in 7 starts). Read more of CFL Guru’s playoff team capsules here. Klemu Hakkinen’s Games of the Week Boise (11-5) at Oregon (11-5) The Ring of Ice Division has easily been the most fun to watch over the last couple of weeks. Boise pulled out enough wins to get to the playoffs and Oregon won key matchups down the line to secure their division championship. Throw in a 10-6 Seattle team that didn't make the playoffs and you have a recipe for good football. I don't think that anybody in the league scores second half points like Oregon does. They can just turn it on in the 3rd and 4th quarters. In the previous two matchups of the season, Oregon has won both of them. But those games were early in the season. Has Boise gotten better? Has Oregon gotten better? The answer to those two questions is YES, which makes this game THE game of the week. Key Injuries: Oregon looks to be pretty healthy. Sure, they've got their share of injuries, but most are not to key players. The biggest injury in the Ice's clubhouse is RT Stephen Covey who will be missing the game. Boise's biggest injury is to DT John Butt. No, he did not sprain his gluteus. Boise will be happy if CB Ibanez Foster can make it into the game to shore up the week side of their secondary. Foster is questionable for Sunday. Analysis: Boise is a hell of a Juggernaut to play. They have a turnover ratio of +17, third down conversion rate of 47.9 (best in the league) and not to mention one of the best rushing attacks in the game. On defense, they can stop the run, but have a little trouble with the passing game. Oregon, just wins. They've beaten Boise twice already this season and it's hard to figure out how they did it. They aren't very good at running the ball, but they are pretty damn good at throwing the ball. Oregon could get themselves into trouble early if they turn the ball over. However, as I mentioned earlier, the Ice are the kings of the second half. Look for Boise to go up early, but then for Oregon to come back and make it a game. Klemu's Kall: Vegas says Boise by 4. Klemu says Boise by 1. I can't wait to watch this game, it should be an instant classic. Read more of Klemu’s first-round playoff predictions here. __________________ Follow the story of the Oregon Ice of the Continental Football League. Last edited by Grid Iron : 04-20-2005 at 01:05 AM.