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!

Mic, DL has to be very careful when contacting a QB located at a PAC-12 or other Power 5 school. So far, the NCAA has been ineffective in coralling the tampering. Still, we don't want to give any other team and league a reason to "come gunning" for us anywhere except on the field when we play. I seriously doubt DL would take anybody his OC did not personally/professionally whole heartedly endorse. Coach Stein would be betting his job and reputation on that. Whoever it is, they will be good. Last year, Moore was very good in HS, but he apparently did not believe he should have to compete for the job. Moore's stats at UCLA prove he was wrong by a mile, and we know Coach Kelly is a very good QB coach when he wishes to be. Moore will probably be very good next year, but would he have been a great backup here this year? Attitude is so important to make great coaching effective. VR, KCDuck1

Joe fricken., Actually, the genesis of that quote came from "The Treasure of Sierra Madre" with Humphrey Bogart and more. In that movie, the Mexican bandits were replying to a request by the miners to see their badges after the bandits identified themselves as Federales (the Mexican constabulary), "Badges? Badges? We don' need no stinkin' badges!" Great movie, as was "Blazing Saddles". The two movies are demonstrate very different different genres. However, as with Cal, we must wait until we see the results of the game before we high step into the stadium. I would never want to lose to the Trojans, Sun Devils, Beavers, and/or the Huskies (again). All it took earlier this year was the Safeties misplaying the long ball 2-3 times early and late, and less than creative playcalls in the Red Zone and at midfield. Our HC, our OC, and our QB will be ready with the best creative plays. Why do I use the term creative? Because the Husky staff studied our trends in specific situations and made educated guesses as to which plays our leaders would call in those situations, or something similar. Damned good educated guesses, wouldn't you say? Our Ducks must out-think all these teams and then out-perform them as individual players/units and as a team. We have those kinds of leaders and players, and we practice the right ways! Go Ducks! Win Ducks, win! KCDuck1

Mr. Fishduck and Mic, Cal Vs Oregon is a trap game. Don't look past the Bears team. If you recall the year the Ducks went 12-0 and Chip took us to the Natl Championship game against Auburn, our Ducks had the darndest time at California. I recall we may have had a punt return or kickoff return TD by our terrific CB from the Fresno area, but not a lot otherwise. Our Ducks have seemed to have problems often with Cal, with putting Cal away; we have often won, but it was hard work all the way. But, it's that way with every team until it isn't. As Mr. Fishduck emphasized, Cal has an explosive offense with a very good RB. They have had OLine problems the last few years, but they have a reasonably good DLine, some linebackers that can stick-it, and Receivers that can catch a ball that is threaded through small openings. Their QB is very good, and not just because he is a first-year player - he's good, and he does not quit! These Bears are not going to roll-over and giveup. Be tough-minded, and be ready for them. The Bears QB gets rid of that ball fast, and their team hasn't experienced Ducks tackling before. The Ducks' road to a Pac-12 Championship goes through Cal. Play for the Brotherhood! Fight Ducks, Fight! Win Ducks, Win! KCDuck1

The Cal-USC game was exceptionally sloppy on both sides, but especially with Cal. Cal was often leading by a TD (or more, IIRC). The USC RB Marshawn (?) was critical to SC because he never quit until he was completely tackled - he went through numerous arm tackles. But,Cal and USC had more fumbles and loose balls than I can recall ever seeing in a PAC 12 football game in the last 6-7 years. But, after Cal fell behind, the Cal QB never quit, and he just kept passing or running the ball until Cal scored. Then, Cal decided to go for the win, but appeared to have not practiced such a play (or, perhaps they finally became ineptizoids). OBD can definitely beat Cal, but don't under-rate them. Cal seemed to be so resilient against USC, but the USC defense was often unable to get off blocks and to then solidly tackle, and it caused me to give the Cal QB a lot more credit than he may have deserved. Another high performer was Cal's RB, Jadyn Ott (Sp?), but the gaps between the USC DE and DT were sizable and USC DLine and LBs seemed like they had never heard of sealing the edge (a gap between the right D-end and D-Tackle seemed to be often open). One would have to watch the game (suggest an abbreviated version) to believe you are watching two 2023 PAC-12 FB teams play. There was no such thing as a solid tackle that I can recall - arm tackles galore. We should want to beat the pants off both of these teams, but we cannot play down to their level. Our Ducks greatest opponent is Oregon. Put on a clinic, and win these games going away. VR, KCDuck1

Aggressive, Adaptable? Yes, those two characteristics are part of DL. However, he is also a designer and an analytical thinker, and a good one. Keep thinking and preparing your/our team. This week's game (Wazzoo) will be a microcosm of last weekend's game (UW). The Ducks need better initial coverage & challenge of the deep balls. Agree, Coach Stein should have called more downfield passes for Troy later in the 3rd and 4th Qtrs. On that 4th down play at the end of the 2d QTR, when Coach Stein flooded the right side of the end zone and Bo rolled to the right, Stein (or Nix) should have already sent someone forward and right, then cut to the left in the end zone. There was noone over there, and perhaps such a receiver running left against the flow might have attracted a DB; or, maybe not. Get ready, and win this game! Go, Ducks! VR, KCDuck1

Mic, Great point! However, there will be two angry teams. One, our Ducks, who lost to the Huskies; our Ducks lost one we should have won. Our lack of 4th down conversions into points and/or 1st downs were "killers". Coach DL has to ensure our Ducks' emotions are channelled, and emotions do not lead to damaging penalties. That was a close-fought game last year in Pullman. Wazzoo is the second angry team. They have lost the last two games they believed they had a good chance to win; and, the Arizona loss probably made it sting. Arizona slowed down UW, and they beat Wazzoo like a drum (with their 2d team QB). I believe the Cougs will be a handful, but the Ducks are even moreso. Our Ducks and fans should be prepared for a very tough game, especially after both teams suffered tough losses. Now, our Ducks must make their vulnerabilities their new strengths. Remember: the Coug receivers have gained a Rep for multiple one-handed catches. Let's make sure none of those are memorable. Bo Nix stated the issue succinctly: we control our destiny [in the Pac-12] (or words to that effect); and, and Bo is correct. However, everyone is going to give us their best shot, and then some. We just saw Stanford's incredible comeback against Colorado. We should expect teams to attempt the same type of comeback in the event our Ducks take their webbed feet off the gas. This will be a great game to apply those lessons learned on defending the long ball thrown by a QB with touch that has good receivers with sticky hands, and our 4th down playcalling. Our Ducks are very good, but our Ducks cannot let themselves play down to the other teams' levels. Ducks, win the game! Win, [Fightin'] Ducks, win! VR, KCDuck1

I just despise losing a game we should have won. Regardless of stats, we should have won that game. Our DBs generally need to play the ball in the air better, and unfortunately, more like the Huskies played the balls thrown to our Receivers. I am one of Bo's biggest fans - he thinks, and he does not quit! But,it helps to have a QB with the touch the Husky QB has and therefore to practice against him. I don't know if we could have defended the first two Husky long ball TDs any better, but I believe our coaches need to teach our DBs how to recover and play the ball as it comes in because it was not evident that our DBs knew how to do so when they are trailing an opposing receiver by a 1/2 stride. A 1/2 stride means the DB must track the ball and jump-reach. As stated, a DB plays the ball. A Receiver does not catch a deflected ball, usually. Perhaps I saw the receiver/DB competitions wrongly, but I don't think so. Our Receivers played well, but the Husky DBs seemed generally to play the ball better than us. I would enjoy seeing us do that same thing to the Huskies in the Championship game; let's practice that during the next six games, ... please. Coach DL: I don't appreciate FGs, but they do play a role. I enjoy TDs, but the KC Chiefs have taught me that FGs have a value that accrues to create wins so long as you score several TDs to accompany them. When you are playing with house money, score! Thanks, and VR, KCDuck1 This one stung, didn't it! Go Ducks!

Mic, I believe DL's vision is to always improve that standard. We have only completed four games this season. Potentially, we have another nine games and possibly as many as eleven more games. It would be a waste and shameful not to appreciably become better in all areas for each game; to improve, and then build on that improvement. And, what/who might be our worst enemy? Complacency, satisfaction, and OREGON. I hope I am wrong, but I can imagine that Stanford game being a lot tougher than we want to believe it will be. DL is not taking them for granted. Thanks to you and Charles Fischer, and VR, KCDuck1

Kirklandduck, Great description - accurate! Most people settle on the "Is it the chicken or the egg" argument; you were wise enough to go past that and zero in on the system that the coverage and the rush create. They both work together symbiotically. They (and the system) were a thing of beauty we have not seen before with the Ducks. We saw partial flashes of it years ago, but the coaches only were able to create it here-and-there. Nice explanation. You kept it simple. Thank you. I admit to being more than curious whether our Ducks can apply this system to Stanford's two-headed monster. Don't look past the SU coach. As DL noted, while the current SU HC was coach at Sac State, he defeated several PAC-12 teams. He is a good thinker and recruiter. This may be our Ducks last opportunity to really say thanks to Stanford for all the difficulties they have presented to us. As DL states, It's all about us. We are playing Oregon, or words to that effect. I remain VR, KCDuck1

Jack, Thanks for adddressing this topic. Was disappointed to see Dont'e leave, but, oh, well. Dont'e was key at the end of the Utah game when Bo had to throw that long ball way down field, and to whom was he throwing it - Dont'e. Dont'e was defended, but got the ball, seemed to fumble it, and then recovered it (IIRC). It was interesting seeing how Dont'es' replacement (Holden (but not Bryant)) has done; and, interesting how Dont'e has done without a great QB. The Ducks have come out ahead apparently on that switch. Knoxville and UT are in a beautiful setting on the Tennessee River, but Eugene does not lack for surrounding scenery what with the MacKenzie River and the Millrace running nearby, the Coburg Hills to the East, and the various hills/buttes surrounding Eugene. Yes, he's closer to home. Or, was Dont'e from NJ? Thanks for the reminder and information. I remain VR, KCDuck1

Wasn't that fake punt just beautiful! I immediately thought of the Michael Clay fake punt Chip Kelly (CK) ran, almost an exact copy. If DL takes time to have an analyst go back into our history of fun plays by which the Ducks created advantages and/or dislocated our opponents mentally and on the gridiron, that will be the stake in all our opponents' hearts (just as the onside kick from last years' game with UCLA was like the onside kicks CK ran against Harbaugh and Stanford to beat them). Now, they have to gameplan and practice against DL using those misdirection and fake plays. Of course, our opponents could use those same plays against us, but they usually don't. Well, it appears we have the right coach who is wise enough to use what he has inherited. Mr. Fishduck, thanks for posting and playing that fake punt snippet. What a great memory. All of those fake-type plays make Duck football even more fun. VR, KCDuck1