Ducks emerging as a big story nationally, set for Big Noon Kickoff

Oregon fans have something they've always wanted, a defense that gets after it with speed, physicality and aggression, pressuring the quarterback, giving limited cushion, contesting every catch. | Troy Wayrynen-Imagn ImagesThe national media is waking up to Oregon, and realizing just how much better this team is than those cautious/question mark preseason evaluations.

Big Noon kickoff will be at Northwestern for the Oregon-Northwestern game, and they're not there to talk about the Wildcats.

Northwestern lost at Tulane in Week One 23-3, won Saturday against Western Illinois 42-7. SMU transfer quarterback Preston Stone had a big day against the Leathernecks, 21-29 passing for 245 yards and…