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Oregon Ducks in Super Bowl 49

By Xavier Raymond

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More Ducks in the Super Bowl are expected to start than any other college represented. Those calling the Pac-12 weak should take note of the Super Bowl rosters, as the Pac-12 has more players slated to start on the Patriots and Seahawks than any other school. CBS has a great article and accompanying info graphic that shows a breakdown of schools and conferences. Let’s take a closer look at the four Ducks and their path to the Super Bowl.

Ducks in the Super Bowl: LeGarrette Blount

Jan 18, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back LeGarrette Blount (29) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first quarter against the Indianapolis Colts in the AFC Championship Game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

Of all the Ducks in the Super Bowl, Legarrette Blount might have the most interesting path. For Duck fans the image of Blount sending Byron Hout to the turf with a right hand will be etched in their head forever. Effectively ending his career at Oregon (he did play again for the Ducks but in a limited role), though most Duck fans quickly forgave him, no doubt because of LaMichael James’ incredible production.

Blount went undrafted and bounced from Tennessee to Tampa Bay. He had one 1,000 yard season and this year after starting the season with Pittsburgh he was dismissed from the team after it was revealed he walked out on the team in the game against Tennessee. He was picked up by New England and plugged in adding a new dimension to the Pats offense. In the AFC Championship Game he carried the ball 30 times gained 148 yards and scored 3 touchdowns. He has more rushing TDs, seven, than anyone else in New England post-season history.

Blount’s off the field troubles beyond the incident in Pittsburgh have continued, though they haven’t been severe you wonder where his career would be if he could get out of his own way

Ducks in the Super Bowl: Patrick Chung

Duck fans remember Chung fondly and he’s had an interesting career. He had a sophomore surge and looked like the player known and loved in Eugene but beyond that he’s been a solid not great starter. This year he returned to New England after a one-year stint in Philadelphia. He’s seemed to settle back in and is having his best season since 2010. Chung was selected in the 2nd round and is the highest picked player on this list.

Though 2010 was his best season, many in New England believe he is responsible for their Playoff loss to the Jets. His audible to an ill-fated fake punt still angers many in Boston. In Super Bowl XLVI Chung played well in a losing effort amassing six tackles and one pass defended.

Ducks in the Super Bowl: Max Unger

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I watched Unger go down in the game against the Chiefs live in Kansas City. Based on the on-field and post game reaction I guess I’m a little surprised he got back this year. Unger has become a wonderful anchor to a very good offensive line. Look no further than the runner Lynch is and the productivity Wilson has in extending plays. Those things materialize from good line play.

Unger has started all 67 games he’s played in and worked at both Guard and Center. In 2012 Unger got a new contract that made him one of the top 5 Centers in the NFL and his productivity has lasted beyond his initial GM. He is one of only three players that GM John Schneider kept from the old regime.

Ducks in the Super Bowl: Will Tukuafu

Oregon DL Will Tukuafu went undrafted and was signed by the 49ers and saw very limited action. Will changed to a Fullback in the NFL, but he didn’t shed size for his new position. Tipping the scales at around 285 yards, Will provides Seattle the opportunity to have what equates to an extra lineman out of the backfield. This is his first year with the Seahawks.

Blount is the only one on this list not penciled in as a starter, but even if he doesn’t start it’s expected that he’ll see his fair share of carries in the game. And to step outside of my role at Autzen Zoo I will predict a 35-24 victory for New England in this Super Bowl. I expect Blount to have a good game against Seattle’s defense opening up passing lanes for Brady. I’ve personally seen both teams dominated in person against the Chiefs, so both teams have their fare share of warts. Either way Go Ducks!

Super Bowl XLIX will be played at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ on Sunday February 1st at 3:30pm Eugene time.

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