EUGENE -- As first impressions go, Mario Cristobal's first eight days as Oregon's coach were chaotic.
In those eight days between his first press conference and first game, Cristobal scouted the Ducks' Las Vegas Bowl opponent, Boise State; hastily rescheduled a key recruiting weekend to Eugene on the eve of the early signing period; ran bowl practices by day and flew to visit recruits in their homes at night; and learned which assistants were following Willie Taggart to Florida State, and which UO could persuade to stay with hefty raises.
At the same time, Cristobal also was planting roots.