: Moshofsky Center: Shellsstrode out of the Hatfield-Dowlin Complex prior to the start of Oregon's first postseason practice Friday, entered a scrum of media and didn't even wait for the first question before addressing the elephant in the room.Yes, Taggart knew as everyone else did that his name was being rumored with the newly open Florida State job. No, he wasn't going to entertain speculation on the subject with local media Friday."I'm still smiling, still happy, still the coach here," Taggart said. "I'm not addressing any of that rumor stuff. So, you guys want to talk about our football team?"Eventually, the line of questioning turned to Oregon's postseason preparations, for a bowl destination the Ducks will discover Sunday. But first, Taggart acknowledged that he's been in discussions with the UO athletic department about a new contract.And, he said, he's had to address rumors about his future plans with recruits."Just like I am with our players, I'm always open and honest," Taggart said. "That's who I am. I'm not gonna sugar coat anything. Just keep it real."Oregon quarterbacksaid that's exactly what he's come to expect from the first-year UO coach."People are talking, but I try not to focus on that too much," Herbert said. "If Coach Taggart has something to say, he'll tell us. He's an honest guy. We've got his back, and he'll let us know if anything's up."Unless and until that happens, the Ducks have a bowl to prepare for, likely the Dec. 26 Cactus Bowl but potentially the Dec. 16 Las Vegas Bowl. Without an opponent to prepare for yet, practices this weekend are about reinforcing fundamentals."Right now I just want our guys to be sharp at what we're doing," Taggart said. "And then as we figure out who we're playing, we can start to game-plan for that opponent. … Here in the early part of it we're going to take a little load off our older guys, and try to get some younger guys reps."Those older guys are soaking up the experience of continuing to practice into December, after the Ducks missed a bowl last season. When Taggart took over, he spoke of wanting to mend some divisions within the team, but it's clear by now the Ducks enjoy each other."It's a lot more fun," Herbert said. "We're around here for longer, and we just get to be together for a longer time. It's a much better feeling."Added defensive end: "It's another week with our seniors. Another week to practice with our friends, before they get a chance to leave.": Herbert said prior to practice a primary goal was to re-establish timing with receivers, and that was a process. In 1-on-1 drills to start practice, there were a couple instances of Herbert and a receiver not being on the same page. But by the team period to close practice, they were locked in. On the first rep, Herbert fired a laser over the middle tofor a long gain. He followed with a short completion tothat might have gone for bigger yardage, but a receiver didn't get a block set in time, another timing element the Ducks can continue to work on the next couple weeks. … Walk-on cornerbackmight have had the play of the day, wrestling the ball away from a receiver with one arm and turning upfield for the pick-six. …took his lumps as the starter at midseason, but he's kept working and showed signs of continued development Friday. On one of his first reps in the team period, he dropped back on a play action pass and hitwith a pass over the middle. Later, he sprinted out of the pocket to his right and, while running near top speed, rifled a pass to. …busted a long run later in the team period. But on the last rep of the day, he was stripped andfell on the ball. The offense and defense were woofing at each other pretty good, so to settle it, Taggart hadandline up for a "bulls in the ring" drill. Young got the better of it, and the defense soaked up the win.: With no opponent to prepare for, the Ducks did not have a scout team designated. Every player on the roster can spend this weekend brushing up on Oregon's own stuff. …was back in pads after not playing in the Civil War. The right side of the No. 1 offensive line still featuredat guard andat tackle. … Running backsand, who each missed time due to injury recently, had a light day of work.Sophomore quarterbackJunior defensive end