Oregon really blew up, at least on the west coast around the time of the 2003 Sun Bowl game., but Oregon was getting real strong before under Mike Bellotti. No one really noticed Oregon before Bellotti outside the Pac 10, other even though they were OK under Rich Broods before that.
Post Bellotti, when Chip Kelly became coach they really started getting a lot of attention, mainly due to the continued Nike funded flow of crazy uniforms, the wins vs. the traditional PAC Ten powers, but mainly due to the fast paced spread offense. Recruiting really picked up under Kelly as well, as USC declined.
I never bought into the whole idea that Oregon was some sort of massive national brand, but they did rise from being like Purdue or Illinois to being a huge national player, despite their backwater state location and small stadium.
Nike/ Phil Knight and the ability of the HC to draw California talent that previously had been going to UCLA, USC, Washington, or east to Eugene had a lot to do with it. The post Kelly regime (Hellfrect?) could not sustain the high level of success, and Taggert bailed after one year, so the jury is out on what will happen at Oregon, especially with UW and WSU on the rise under Peterson and Leach.
I think Oregon is looking at some leaner years, despite all the Phil Knight cash they have.
