Underdog Backflips, Coaching Nominees & Duck-Badger Kickoff Teases

Underdog Backflips, Coaching Nominees & Duck-Badger Kickoff Teases - painting of Oregon Ducks football venue

Rookie Tez Johnson’s Gravity-Defying Debut

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie receiver Tez Johnson made headlines with an acrobatic backflip after hauling in his first NFL touchdown—a 45-yard strike from quarterback Baker Mayfield in a 30-19 win over the San Francisco 49ers. In the postgame locker room, Johnson confessed he thought “MVP” chants were aimed at him rather than Mayfield. The former Oregon Ducks star, drafted in Round 7, has impressed with six catches for 112 yards so far and is gaining notoriety for his explosive playmaking and crowd-pleasing personality. With Tampa Bay’s receiving corps dealing with injuries, Johnson’s speed, special-teams prowess, and flair have quickly made him a fan favorite.

In a world where NFL rookies often tiptoe onto the field like startled deer, Johnson cannon-balled onto the scene with a backflip that made gymnasts question their career choices. Fans chanting “MVP” for Mayfield might as well have been chanting “Me!”—because clearly the Bucs signed an ol’ circus act disguised as a wideout. Next thing you know, he’ll be cartwheeling through the trenches and pirouetting past linebackers. If this keeps up, Tampa Bay will need to build him a trampoline at midfield. Who needs playoff hopes when you’ve got gravity-defying highlights?


Will Stein Cracks Penn State’s Coaching Hot List

After Penn State dismissed James Franklin, Oregon Ducks offensive coordinator Will Stein emerged as a leading candidate for the Nittany Lions’ head coach position. Stein, hired by Oregon in 2022, has overseen one of college football’s most explosive offenses, guiding quarterback Dante Moore to a 72% completion rate and 15 touchdowns, plus a stable of dynamic running backs. Stein’s résumé includes player development—Bo Nix and Dillon Gabriel thrived under his tutelage—and success on big stages, including a win over Penn State in Beaver Stadium. With programs seeking recruiting prowess and NFL-ready talent creators, Stein’s track record makes him a top name to watch.

Nothing says stability like a coaching carousel spinning so fast it resembles a Tilt-A-Whirl. Penn State alumni probably woke up to find Will Stein’s name buzzing through their nightmares. “Sure, let’s grab the Ducks’ secret sauce,” they mutter between gulps of Happy Valley tap water. Stein, meanwhile, might just stroll into State College with a clipboard and a grin, ready to turn Nittany Lions lawns into Oregon’s offense training ground. Just imagine recruiting visits with backflips and touchdown dances—college football will never know what hit it.


Duck vs. Badger Showdown: Kickoff Time Teased

The No. 8 Oregon Ducks will travel East for a Week 9 clash with the Wisconsin Badgers at Autzen Stadium, but the exact kickoff time and broadcast network will only be finalized after Week 8. If CBS picks up the game, expect a 12:30 p.m. PT start; otherwise, a late-afternoon slot on FS1, NBC, or Big Ten Network is likely. Oregon, coming off its first loss of the season, aims to bounce back, while Wisconsin—2-3 overall and winless in Big Ten play—seeks a confidence-boosting upset after a lopsided defeat to Iowa and a matchup with Ohio State.

Ah, college football scheduling: the only puzzle more opaque than your cable bill. Fans will hold their breath until Week 8 to learn whether they’ll need sunscreen or a spotlight for this high-noon or high-tea kickoff. Meanwhile, Ducks and Badgers alike will prepare under the eerie glow of “TBA.” It’s the sporting world’s version of “Guess Who?”—except everyone already assumes Oregon will win. But hey, nothing fuels excitement like not knowing when to tailgate, right?


Leave a Reply

Discover more from Progrums

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading