KCDuck1

Drake, As you noted with the challenges you ID'd, every year is different. To date, this HC, the Asst coaching staff, and the analysts have been markedly better every year, and I expect it to continue on that upward trajectory this year, too. That is based on the HC, the Standard he has set, and the Asst coaches and their stability. But, didn't we lose "Meat"? I believe we will be markedly better. I believe we recruited the right players 15 and three months ago, and that together all the DL and Edge players we have will give us the three -to -four echelons on the DL the HC requires. The competition will do nothing but make all the players work harder to be better. The best part is they will make the OL, TEs, and RBs better, too. The DL must improve focus on hand placement. Our new LBs working with those we have are going to make the TEs, RBs, and Receivers better. The other echelon we don't talk enough about are how the DBs, and the STAR fit together with the LBs and the DL, respectively to create a defensive system. We will have an even more effective system this coming year. Now, if we can just produce a consistent threat to attack KO and punt returns for 6 points or exceptional field position, and upgrade our KO Return coverage. UW found that seam in the PAC-12 Champs. But, we are starting to get close. Have a great series of games at Eugene/Autzen this next Fall. Best regards and VR, KCDuck1

Drake, I agree with everything you stated, but I believe you missed one thing: we must have the coaches, and we must retain them. We might be able to develop some good players in each area, but not enough to be elite. Therefore, we must have the players with elite potential. But, they have to learn how to work, to push, and to stretch themselves. They are doing part of that right now - The Climb. Must still become a TEAM. As Duckster stated, the Georgia Bulldogs weighed us, they measured us, and they found us wanting. UW and OSU did the same to us. Last year, UW did that to us in the PAC-12 Championship game in the 1st and 4th Qtrs. UW became the Medes and the Persians, and they re-directed the Euphretes River so they could destroy us. Initially, they scored, and we looked like saps - don't think we had a 1st Down in the first 2-3 series; 4th Qtr - we could not stop them or that RB. He demanded 6-7 yards every carry, and he took them. Let's see what this year brings. We are re-shaping and re-directing that culture to be a very tough out for any team, and our defense is tougher than last year - best tackling year I have ever seen by the Ducks except for the championship game. We have to learn how to defeat O-Line blocks consistently and beat the big back behind them. We could not stop that RB. Must win that battle this year. Best regards and Go Ducks! KCDuck1

Sir Mister Fishduck, Shouldn't our Women's BB coaches' fanny be red-hot about now? He has finally tied the record for most consecutive losses in a year. He seems like he is coasting while injuries limit his team's success. Still, isn't that a problem for all coaches in every sport? Doesn't a coach determine the physical fitness of their team to then shape the training IOT facilitate greater fitness or to exploit the firness they have to defeat opponents? The Ducks' Women's BB program has been on a downward slide for quite a while. I was disappointed when our previous point guard transferred to USC to play for a winning program. She recognized our program was going nowhere but would continue the downward slide. To be fair, I never talked with our previous PG, and I am specualting as to her motivation. I believe we are fortunate to have the players we have, but they are not enough. We have seen what our coach can do when he has a lot of great material that meshes, and what he does when he fails to mesh the material - he loses, and his job is to win. Best regards with your move and new home. Thanks for your consideration, KCDuck1

Drake, you said the right things, but perhaps in a slightly different sequence. "Utah and OSU created huge problems for DM. I suppose both defenses would have created problems for true freshman QBs. The obvious concerns are his 9 ints vs. 11 TDs, and the 25 sacks the opposition were able to record. Those are obvious red flags considering he was used sparingly a few games. The good news is that we have the luxury of having a 5* QB on our sidelines. He has potential, but he really needs to work at his craft. At least it sounds like the QB coach has solid material to work with. Let’s work on throwing it to the right guys and vastly improve his ability to read defenses." The Utah and OSU defenses caused problems for a number of people as evidenced by the 25 sacks leading to the 9 interceptions. It seems like DM did not have much more than 1.5- 2 seconds to read the defense and select his receiver. If he was in the grasp by that time, he probably threw a poorly-aimed ball. Now, Coach Stein and his staff have to train DM, [and Novosad and our newest QB] to read defenses well and accurately (we are a team, but this is a competition); then, accurately and rapidly go through their progressions based on the play; then, deliver the ball where it is catchable only by the receiver. They must also teach each of the QBs how to gain that perception, "I must move now, and to where" and "Too late, secure the ball," or "Throw it where no one can catch it." They must learn all that and all the plays. Coach Tedford did the "read and recognize the defense drill" and the thinking using a checkers board one Summer for any of the QBs that were available. Drake, You had it, just a little more general than I would appreciate Coach Stein using with the QBs. VR, KCDuck1

Kansas City Chiefs Win!!! Mahomes, Kelsey, Hardman, and that's not acknowledging the Defense, Special Teams (recovered a punt off an SF players' heel and blocked an XP), and coaching. The Chiefs had to play "uphill" once they began the post-season due to less than stellar performances in Detroit (to open the season), and then again against the LV Raiders. but they won.All facets of the game contributed! That great QB - TE relationship really came through. Really looking forward to OBD HC and staff molding a team from all the great athletes they have brought in together with our 2023 team. They have the leadership, communication, family, the Plan, and the Duck standard. KCDuck1

The Huskies just seem ...so, emotional and unstable. Hang in there Huskies. Help is on the way, and he and your new team will need to help each other. See you in Eugene near the end of the 2024 season. Why are we, the Ducks so calm? Because we know the feeling of leadership deserting the team (several times). We did not like it, either. VR, KCDuck1

Auburn Alan@SarcasmAndMore 23h "I am not a smart man, but I know what an SEC coaching staff is." Priceless "X" comment. VR, KCDuck1

John, I rarely disagree with you, but I did disagree with one of four sentences above, specifically the Joe Moore award sentence. UW's roster from a recruiting point of view was far better than their recruiting rankings: Phil Steele cited the following players as UW O-Line starters with their recruiting rankings in parentheses: Center: Matteo Mele, Sr. (#55) Right Guard: Nate Kalepo, Jr. (#49) Left Guard: Julius Buelow, Jr. (#44) Right Tackle: Roger Rosengarten, So. (#22) (RR liked the Ducks, but chose Huskies). Left Tackle: Troy Fautanu, Jr. (#87). When we played them, I watched this O-Lineman; he moved very well, and was an excellent blocker. Were these players the only O-linemen that played? Don't think so. For example, Culp was listed as TE started, but I recall Westover played a lot - terrific receiver. Using leadership, UW pulled their folks together to form a coherent and cohesive team that was tough to beat. I would like to beat these guys again 10 straight. VR, KCDuck1

So, what is the general opinion regarding our defensive philosophy and the application of that philosophy to the effectiveness of our practices and the execution of our defense? I am curious what Crepea saw that created the grit that became stuck in his craw such that he despises our coaching, practice, and defensive execution. When I read that statement, I recognized here is a person who despises our coaching, our defensive scheme and players, and our team, overall. So, I ask why? What does Crepea see as the wrong or the category of wrongs we have done to him, or to the viewing public? Our team is not lazy. Yes, our defense has been over-rated at times by other sportswriters and commentators on and off this season, and I agree our defense (and offense) have been inconsistent during games and during stretches of multiple games. We have not consistently dominated as we should. We are a young team for which we all have high expectations. Nonetheless, this has been generally the best tackling I have seen our defense execute. There has been very little striking without wrapping up, and the wrapping up has been at waist level and below where the defenders can gain control and break their opponent down the quickest. Tackling has often been by at least a minimum of two defenders facilitating gang tackling. Even the offensive line has been aggressive and gone after their opposing defensive targets to knock them down and keep them there, and the center and guards have worked on multiple blocks per plays, where possible. It has been fun and enjoyable to watch. If the issue has been that our left and right guards are slower or not as quick as they should be, then I agree with him. The PFF scores validate this assessment. Is this part of the issue related to our defense and execution? So, what is Mr. Crepeas' issue(s)? Does anyone know? Or, is Crepea just "a dolt camping in an echo chamber of honks", or worse? Is he a vicious writer who means us no good? My questions are 1) Is he correct, and why or why not? 2) If he is correct, how do the coaches correct it? 3) If he is not correct, but not far off, how do the coaches recognize what right looks like and fix it? 4) If we determine he is wrong and is just a vicious and untrustworthy piss-ant, well, I will leave the rest about the concrete boots unstated. It always makes me uncomfortable when Canzano seems to side with or support us. It makes me aware something is not right in the universe. Is Pluto perhaps not really a planetoid in the solar system? Is one of the other planetoids going to careen through our solar system toward the Sun but suddenly veer toward us and land on the Big House on 12 NOV just before the Ducks take the field to defeat the Wolverines? Are Ducks a more vicious and dangerous mascot after which to model ourselves than a wolverine? Thanks and VR, KCDuck1 ;-))

Mikethehiker, Well done, Mike! The only thing you might have missed on the blessings is this year the coaching staff seemed to play a lot more of the freshmen, and most definitely on the D-Line (the whole season) and in the defensive backfield during the last part of the Fiesta Bowl game. I recognized Poncho playing on the O-Line (6th man as Freshman), and not as many of the Receivers until the last part of the Bowl game. I enjoyed the freshmen playing in the D-Backfield in particular. One player caused a receiver to lose control of the ball based on how he tackled him, and another of our D-Backs recovered the fumble. Great tackling and teamwork! That fumble gave our 2d team QB another opportunity to work on his progressions and pass the ball (his passes were much better the 2d time). Would really like to see Special Teams returners take some punts and KOs back for a TD or a near TD. One more item: we have had as a group some of the best coaches and Asst coaches I can recall having since '70 & '71, based on their development of the standard and basics like catching the ball with their hands and sure and gang tackling (wrapping up to secure the hips and legs instead of wasting time striking the shoulders but not wrapping up, and blocking by the O-Line and TEs) Great list you compiled! Thank you. We were really blessed this year! VR, KCDuck1

Krsmqn, If the coach, coaching staff, and the support staff can take all the support the team and program have, and build a cohesive, coherent team, a real brotherhood (similar to but even better than this past year), hold Spring ball to teach and reinforce the standard and fundamentals, while educating all the players on what a Natl Championship team and team members must do to prepare for a title run in the B1G and DIV 1 National Championship (ie. who is willing to put in the work), then, the team may be on their way. It all starts in January when all learn/re-learn what the standard is, and it is reinforced in the early Spring (consistently apply the standard), and the standard is reinforced and refined going into AUG. All this is done while the staff and coaches are recruiting the next years' players to reinforce and/or to fill any potential gaps. I can't think of any position group that won't have significant teaching and competition for positions, and everything should be open and up for competition. I still believe the Ducks O-Line was the best O-Line, but they did not demonstrate it in the Conference championship game; and, that's where steel is proofed. Our D-Line must "teach" and "stretch" our O-line, and vice versa. Coach, please consider 4-5 bird droppings (the long ball) every game. We have the speed and capability to compete-in-the-air for that ball, and we have the human capital/capability at CB and SAF to give the Receivers a legitimate and consistent training sample against which to learn and compete; same with the TEs and LBs/STAR. Nonetheless, I enjoy watching our RBs and skill players getting the ball at the 1st down marker and then putting on a evasion clinic IOT break free from the defense (if one can ever really do that) while keeping the ball secured. Best regards, and I remain VR, KCDuck1

Krsmqn, Just be thankful that FSU stepped up to play the former 2-time Natl Champ Georgia when Georgia had something to prove. FSU's 63-3 loss to Georgia wipes away the sting of the Ducks' 49-3 loss two years before. One never knows, but I don't think we ever lose to anyone with an end score like that, again. It just seemed like every yahoo on sports TV mentioned that result during the 2022 playing year. Sensitive? No team and the fans of that team ever want to lose 49-3 on national TV in a season opener. Now, most fans can say their team did not play Georgia and lose 63-3. Who lost by that horrible score? Florida State! Thanks! KCDuck1

Nevada Dawg, Well said, and especially the "quit on a team" comment. I have been trying to explain it to my son, and why I did not like it; that was the easiest description. Not pointing any fingers, but I just don't like it. When everything is focused on the team, participation in team tests/games should be so, also. Player comparisons with Mike Penix Jr.: you hit it perfectly - Kenny Stabler, and he was a lefty (IIRC). It was incredible watching Stabler lay that ball into a receivers hands, almost effortlessly, and the Raiders' receivers/TEs seemed to catch them so easily (of course, they were not caught effortlessly). Thanks for the reminder! Go Ducks (I am pulling for the Dawgs because they are PAC-12, but I just can't get it out of my mouth or type it)! The Ducks are 12-2 and with this recruiting class and QB/O-Line, Receivers/TEs, D-Line, LB, and DB, and Kickers Rooms - if our coaching and analyst/strength and speed personnel can build a very similar cohesive team as they did last year, and develop our players and rooms very similarly and coherently, the sky is the limit this next year. Happy New Year! We have won two Bowl games in a row against teams we had never before played. Let's plan to keep that streak up. KCDuck1

OBD Forum, Don't feel bad for OU; they would have preferred D. Gabriel as their QB, but their QB had been selected the National Gatorade Player of the Year; his HS was the same North Texas HS that the Five star Safety came from who had committed to the Ducks; and who then, under pressure from Mom, changed his commitment to OU (he said he had signed the wrong document). Oh, well. Let's just make sure our "Men of Oregon" are ready to play a good and very cohesive team. The Liberty QB sounds even better than the Wazzu QB. But, it's not about Liberty's skill and/or their strength of schedule; it's about our team's brotherhood and the team's determination to play hard and smart (as they have been taught, trained, and have repeatedly executed the Duck Standard), and to win this game to demonstrate what U of Oregon Fighting Duck Football is all about! The Liberty QB had Approx 2400 Yards passing and more than a 1,000 yards rushing. That kind of dual purpose team and QB are always tough to stop. But the kind of coaching we have and the brand of football we play are exactly the kind of football that wins big. We aren't OU or tOSU! We are the U of Oregon Fighting Ducks! Win Ducks, Win! VR, KCDuck1

JRW, Winter Tng and Spring Ball will toughen and teach while winnowing the wheat (OBD). VR, KCDuck1

Yes, the Huskies O-Line is very good. For some reason, the football coach before Coach DeBoer rarely played his best O-Line. The Huskies recruited well (Rosengarten from Colorado was a player the Ducks wanted), but their O-Line coach was a poor judge of players and application of technique. Fortunately for UW, I believe that coach was fired. So, the Husky O-Line players are better than most thought. So, let's figure out how to improve both lines, do so, and let's beat their team. The way the Huskies RB (Dillon Johnson (a transfer from Miss St) came crashing through our D-Line in the PAC-12 Championships game was impressive. Usually, one of our defensive players hit their RB after he crossed through the LOS by a yard; but our players rarely wrapped up, and the RB kept churning for another 6 yards. That was the worst defensive tackling I saw the Ducks execute this past year. Of course, the Husky O-Line had a lot do with that, and our D-Line and LBs know to succeed one must defeat any attempts to block them. This Ducks team had been the best tackling team I had ever seen at Oregon. The Ducks need to regain that sure, wrapping-up style of physical tackling for this Bowl game if the Ducks want to win this game. Don't waste time striking our opponent! Wrap him up and put him down! I hope our RBs learned a lesson from the Husky's RB. Keep those thighs and feet churning for yards, and don't stop until our opponent stops you cold! That new RB from NW Missouri by way of the TP may be exactly what the Duck doctor has ordered (but not for us for this season). So, to return to your Husky O-Line comment, yes, their O-line award was deserved based on their play against the Ducks in the championship. The Ducks outplayed UW up in Seattle, but not in Las Vegas. Those were the O-Lines the voters watched to see which O-Line performed like a champion, which one was best; and in Las Vegas, their O-Line outplayed our Ducks O-Line. That's where Bo lost the Heisman; he was the clear leader before the game. When teams get to the championships and Bowls, they play like a Champion, or they go home a loser. The stakes are high - reputations are cemented or lost, and they cannot be recovered until the next championship year, if even then. Let's go, Ducks! Play like the champions you are! But, you must coach and play like champions the whole game - no let-downs! Out-think our opponent. Don't do what our trends have been in tactics and plays. We have a bad habit starting out - going too slow. We have the QB and receivers! Throw them the ball past the 1st down marker. Traeshon showed everyone the answer at the end of the last game. Go Ducks! Beat the Liberty Flames! VR, KCDuck1

EastBayDuck Dad, Zero upside? I beg to differ. How about 12-2 vice 11-3 with a lot of well-deserved opprobrium (if we lose)? I believe DL, the team, and the program will opt for 12-2. Merry Christmas, and I remain VR, KCDuck1

Dr. Hilarius, Suggest "Reaction/Response" icons; additionally, add our field goal hiking/kicking formation to the "except" file. Someone (snapper or holder) screwed up the hike and the holder attempted to pass (to whom?) and was unsurprisingly intercepted. Remember when DL explained there are two types of fumble: a city fumble, and a country fumble? This was a city fumble - fall on it, and secure it. Don't pass downfield when the opposing defenders are the only players arrayed to catch the ball. Thanks and VR, KCDuck1

Mr. Fishduck, Sir, Charles, A U.S. Army Chief of Staff titled his memoirs, "Hope is not a Method". The hope to which you have referred is based on the integrity and determination of the current PAC-12 Commissioner to do the right thing [for all]. We cannot put aside that said Commissionar chose not to do the right thing by telling all the PAC-12 members that he had a "Media" plan and offer, but would not discuss it at the conferences' Media Day meetings and interviews; U of Colorado had regardless requested that information be made available to them on that day. Essentially, the Commissioner works for the universities (Presidents & Athletic Directors) that comprise the PAC-12 (if I understand the employer-employee relationship accurately). Therefore, Mr. Kliavkoff owed U of Colorado Reps that information regardless of the method he chose to share it. Unfortunately, the Commissioner lied; he did not have the information, and he did not have a plan. The bottomline is cautionary: be careful when relying on the PAC-12 attorneys to "stay on point". I believe we are talking about hundreds of millions of dollars. The two universities (the PAC-2) may subscribe to the saying, "Go big, or go home." BTW, if I have misstated anything above or inadvertently maligned anyone or any institution, those mistakes are mine, and I apologize in advance, and I welcome external editing. These are delicate and precise subjects. I have tried not to conflate this topic with political religions and humanism, and while I admit I am no damned good, I am a Fightin' Duck through and through. VR, KCDuck1

Log Haulin, I quoted you after you wrote the above. Thanks! I had been going through the previous games trying to remember where Bo was picked. I had forgotten the Colorado game. That was the 1st pick. I recalled the Cal game where Tez must have been "juiced" when he was given the opportunity to excel; and Tez did excel, but just not on that first pass, which bounced off his hands and the Cal DB just took the ball right out of the air based on the DB's positioning. Great interception in that the DB took what Tez provided by his mistake. Tez has made up for that mistake. But, it has been that 3rd [phantom] interception I have been trying to determine. You referred to it above as "the Tech one". The ASU game stats show two interceptions against the Ducks. TT had one (because he did not go through his progressions and telegraphed his passes - he had receivers open for each pass, but just not always the primary designated receiver. (I appreciate TT self-selecting himself out - leaders cannot violate the basics with impunity). When during the game did that so-called "Tech one" take place? Was that Texas Tech? Circumstances: can you take me through when, where, and what you observed, please? I am not a coach; but, I am a Duck and a fan, and I would like to know the circumstances. Thanks, sir. I remain VR, KCDuck1

EastBayDuckDad, Of course, Dyer's knee was down! Don't forget the interception our weed-addled but quick like the wind cornerback (CB) made earlier, and which when the film was played later, showed the CB had made a terrific interception and controlled the ball before touching down out-of-bounds. But, the officiating team was determined NOT to check too closely. Still, that was a fun game, and completely turned once Chip started throwing the ball. We had a 6'6" wide receiver whose hands were like glue, and he terrorized the Auburn DBs. Those were fun times. Remember? That was the only time I recall OBD running the PAC-10/12 schedule undefeated! Now, we'll see if our Duck Warriors can keep it to one loss. Thanks and best regards. I remain VR, KCDuck1

Mr. Fishduck, Sir, Ducks 57-24 3 turnovers 4 sacks 310 passing yards & 305 rushing yards. Wouldn't a punt return TD for the Ducks be just right? Thanks for taking the time for the Fishduck presentation on our DT's sack moves. Kansas City is just a mite bit too far for a Friday afternoon flight. VR, KCDuck1

Haywardduck, In battle, one displays the black battle flag when the order is given, "Take no prisoners." If no prisoners are taken, let's hope the Ducks are the ones giving that order. The black battle flag doesn't make anyone feel emotionally safe. VR, KCDuck1

Kirklandduck, I haven't even read any of the following posts, but you have hit on the key elements. But, it's not just a feeling - it's reality! Well done. A lot of this is Tosh Lupoi and the defensive coaches developing their players and contributing to the schemes and nuances. But, this is also DL teaching Tosh, and Tosh is learning how to not only be an incredibly effective recruiter, but how to be an incredible D-Coordinator, and perhaps a terrific HC. DL's analyst staff and OC are working in the same way. They are going well beyond what we see from 95% of their peers; and they are refining that. Still, any terrific HC wants to have at least one and maybe 5-6 Natl Championships. Whether DL and Tosh get their first big one - THEIR Natty - remains to be seen. The defenses' Prep and response has been phenomenal. If they can keep applying and improving, the Ducks may have a "D" beter than what we have seen at Alabama and Georgia. The keys are always leadership, people, and preparation (or teaching). I think we have all those in spades. We definitely have that attitude! In life, attitude and timing are everything! When Tosh was interviewed, he described the detail he and the staff examined WRT the character of the players they are recruiting. This program is not just recruiting great players, they are also recruiting potentially great people who want to excel, who want to be part of something special that demonstrates superior achievement as a group (and perhaps individually and as position groups (like the Joe Moore Award)). That is the achievement arc on which these coaches and players seem to be riding. Color me a candy apple green and yellow homer, but that's how it seems to me. Go Ducks! Go, Fight, Win Ducks Win! Am I wrong? We'll observe and know over the next three-four weeks. VR, KCDuck1

You called that one. I just saw the press release that Riley fired him. So that will be interesting to see how the Trojans respond. CalBear95 and Desert Duck, Great points! It's very possible the Defensive players will rally around those two Asst coaches who are the acting co-DCs, and USC will show up hunting for Ducks. Our Ducks must be ready, and I doubt if any of our coaches and players will lack for motivation to play hard and smart, and then win! Still, because of the motivational aspect of LR freeing the players from Coach Grinch who I believe they did not respect and/or support, this could be a trap game; the game is probably not a trap game - probably. But, who in their right mind would ever underestimate USC, ASU, OSU and UW. Every one of these teams plays our Ducks hard; it's an honor for them to beat our Ducks! Don't fall for the Trojan propaganda that the team will just be going through the motions before they wave the white flag. No! BS! These players have just been granted a reprieve, and they are gunning for the Ducks. A victory over the Ducks would make their season! Get ready! This is going to be a tough game. As with Mr. Fishduck, I would be thrilled if our Duck warriors scored 70 points on the Trojans. Let's limit USC to 17 or less! WooHoo! This is going to be a tough game! VR, KCDuck1 Go Ducks!