Oregon’s clash with Michigan kicks off in about 15 minutes, and if the pressure on Lloyd Carr’s underachievers wasn’t harsh enough, they’ll also have to contend with a violent Duck. From Friday’s Eugene Register-Guard :

The University of Oregon Athletic Department announced Friday that the Duck mascot will be suspended for next Saturday™s home game against Fresno State.

The action comes after two incidents between the Duck and the University of Houston Cougar mascot in both the first and second halves of last Saturday™s game at Autzen Stadium.

The Duck is in Ann Arbor, Williford said. Exactly what he™ll be allowed to do is unclear, but he™s not suspended for the Michigan game, Williford said.

In the first half of the Houston game, the Duck approached the Cougar mascot on the field and appeared to kick him in the side after he mimicked the Duck by doing pushups after Houston scored a touchdown. The Cougar then tackled the Duck as he went back to the sideline. In a scene that ended up on YouTube this week, the Duck can then be seen punching the Cougar for about 20 seconds.

Apologies to Liz Clayton for treading on her turf, but our sponsors at You Be The QB are paying us at least $3 a day to at least feign newsworthiness.