Sound Off.

Byline: The Register-Guard

Buffs will roll

The Oregon Ducks will finally play a team that should be considered worth playing and will really put them to the test. If they think a team like the Beavers was tough, wait until they face a real team, the Colorado Buffaloes.

In my opinion, up to this point the Ducks have not played very highly ranked teams, which is the main reason they are still undefeated. The main difference between the Pac-10 and the Big 12 is that the latter is a much tougher conference. That's where the big boys play.

The Ducks should consider it a victory if they can stay within 14 points of the Buffaloes. Maybe after the Fiesta Bowl and a meeting with a real competitive team, the Ducks will not complain or get angry about who is No. 1, No. 2 or No. 3.

Prediction: Colorado 45, Oregon 14.

FRANK HERRERA

Walla Walla, Wash.

Miss the band

As an avid Oregon basketball fan, there is no greater joy than watching a game in Mac Court. Over the holidays, however, I must say that the atmosphere isn't the same without the Oregon band. Aren't some of those kids on scholarship? Shouldn't they be forced to stick around during the break, like the athletes on scholarship? I doubt that Freddie Jones or Shaquala Williams were allowed to miss practice the last few weeks.

If some of the band can perform at football games before school begins in September, they shouldn't be apathetic toward the basketball games during the holidays, and they certainly shouldn't be allowed to pick and choose the events at which they do and don't perform.

I would hope that someone in the athletic department gets their ducks in a row and realizes how important the band is to the fans and, especially, the team. I would hate to be the one to let Ernie Kent or Bev Smith down.

JANET JONES

Eugene

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