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

All, just a few observations. Have not watched Shough (was up in NE Canada during TT game), so I cannot compare the two QBs. When I have seen Shedeur, he did not seem to have designed runs; he moved usually right or left behind the line waiting for a receiver to break out downfield. Shedeur's passing was interesting in that I did not see a lot of arc; I saw a fast and somewhat flat pass (similar to one of our previous QBs); still, the receivers caught the ball - theTEs and WRs are accustomed to his applied velocity. If our DL and Edge are unable to corral Shedeur when he prepares to throw (short Prep and fast) hope that our defenders get their hands up to deflect or knock the ball down. That is doable, and I was surprised I did not see CSU do that consistently. Shedeur has been sacked Approx 15 times, but he is vulnerable to pressure. If and when a defender engages Shedeur physically, they should engage or hold his passing arm because he will try to get rid of the ball. I recall only one DT that chased and tackled him, and I believe Shedeur got rid of the ball just before he was in the grasp. Of course, the DT took him to the ground for a penalty. VR, KCDuck1

Charles (Mr. FishDuck), Have enjoyed how many of our reader/participants/Duck fans have picked up and re-used for emphasis a very incisive phrase you have used, and perhaps coined: "Greatness and Weakness Emerge Early,... ." Thanks. That is a great phrase and it is loaded with experiential truth. I believe it will bear even more fruit as the early season develops. The TT team has their early season backs against the wall (due to that altitude effect and the outcome in Wyoming). Our OBD need to be ready for a similar but lesser effect in Lubbock. Our Ducks will notice the difference just before half-time, and then moreso in the 2d half. Drink from those oxygen bottles and bear down! Go Fightin' Ducks! Win, Ducks, Win! VR, KCDuck1

Mike, You are on it! If Colorado defeats the Ducks in Autzen, the Ducks will feel it everywhere, and the Sports Press will feed the flames and fire. We have beaten many programs for recruits, so noone will cry for us. But, we don't want to lose any recruits to the Buffs, and the State of Colorado always has two or three recruits every year that are special. Win the game, and not only sustain the invitations to the recruits home and family, but capture their imagination and respect! What makes a great team? They know each other and their plays - they are a team. A great team doesn't whine or cry; they prepare for their opponent, and they learn to execute something situational that their opponent may not expect, and they develop resilience and a belief in team so when their opponent attempts to surprise them, they respond rather than react. On that team, every Coach, Asst/Analyst, and player are problem-solvers and work as a section, a unit, as a team. That team never quits, is always mentally, physically, and spiritually resilient. That team can enjoy the unexpected, and that's the team the Ducks want to bring to the competition with Colorado. The number one goal is to win, and then to do it in a first class and professional manner. Defeat the Buffs, and do it good! VR, KCDuck1

Somehow, five or six interceptions of the Colorado QB or a mix of fumbles and interceptions sounds about right. Additionally, the Ducks really must run a punt or KO back for a TD. Would that it might become that easy - just say it, and it will be done, but it rarely is so. I may have just described what Colorado is going to do to the Ducks, but I don't think so. Colorado's defense isn't as good as their QB-to-WRs passing. Since one of the Buffs punts was blocked, a critical eye should be drawn to an area of weakness in their Special Teams protections, also. Still, DL just wants the W, and I am happy with that. I am interested in the Ducks defeating other teams rather than rubbing their nose in some form of excrement and potentially losing a close game. The same attitude should apply to all the Duck opponents, even SC and/or OU or LSU. We have not seen the last of any of those three programs. The Ducks have lost to the last two, and we meet SC during this season and perhaps in the championships. Just win! Get the W, and get it good! I remain VR, KCDuck1

GatOrlando, Sir, Priceless! GK deserves something, but I believe his parting should be directly associated with both of my combat boots! VR, and with a wide smile, KCDuck1

Mic, Thanks for the information on Micah Pittman. With a lot of humility and hard work, Micah could have been so. But attitude (and timing) are critical, and I believe it was all about Micah. When Micah was "on", Micah could be spectacular. I hope the Ducks will minimize his success when we play the Utes. Otherwise, the Utes have played a different than expected first half - that is related to no Cam Rising. Loved that 70-yard bomb right between a S and a DB. VR, KCDuck1

OhioDuck, If the Mater Dei (MD) to which you are referring is the Catholic High School from Santa Ana, CA, then the answer is yes, the Ducks are recruiting at least three to five of the MD senior class players. If Carlsbad (located between Orange Cty/LA, CA) beat the pants off MD this past weekend, I would say Carlsbad was ready for them, and MD had taken their eyes and brains off the ball and the field of play, and Carlbad gave MD a well-deserved wake-up call. The Ducks are recruiting an offensive lineman, a defensive lineman, a running back, and a receiver. The receiver has committed to the Ducks. Perhaps the other players and their coaches should focus on school/class curriculum, on the team, and on-practice and getting ready for the next attempt at a wakeup call. Thanks for the update! I remain VR, KCDuck1

QuackAttack, Please keep us updated on Michael Van Buren's (MVB) [improving] progress or on his sinking into the swamp of bad QB decision-making leading to leader mediocrity. Enjoyed your brief input. BTW, regarding short, MVB is probably 5'11" and definitely no taller than 6 Ft. He is reportedly a "heady" player. Regardless who is recruiting MVB, if the information provided is not true, I like it when someone debunks BS. Let Alabama suck up a mediocre QB because our Fightin' Ducks cannot afford to do so. Here's hoping MVB's O-Coordinator does a better job with MVB in the film study room and with a proposed plan of attack for this week than they both did this past weekend. Thank you for your post and the information. Hope your son's team has an outstanding season! KCDuck1

" It is only "by the grace of Good Gosh" that the U of O is not in the same position." - Quote from Triphibius. Who in the h*ll is "Good Gosh"? Just express yourself in a non-Business background way! You mean the Grace of Good Gosh, right? That is what it is. ;-)) Otherwise, well stated. Thanks and VR, KCDuck1

Is "CPT" Kliavkoff (CK) able to work on more than one future-related Conference project at a time? Does he always believe he has everything he needs right in front of him, and nothing someone told him is anything other than what he believes (didn't the Colorado President tell CK he expected CK to provide the "[Media financial] numbers" during Media Day? Does he always believe no other conference intends to poach any of his Conference institutions just because they don't call to tell him they are doing so? One has to remember human nature, and that winners/losers exist today in our society - sports has winners and losers! The Conference of Champions and all academic/athletic conferences are to a limited extent zero-sum games. CK may want to believe all professional relationships are "Hail Fellow, well met", but they are not. Just ask your local Bar Association. I happen to think the PAC 9 will be better off without Colorado, and better off with SDSU. SDSU has invested in it's reputation. CU has only begun to do so. But, that doesn't mean the PAC 9 should treat CU poorly by not showing up with the Media financial numbers and information CK had; and, it doesn't mean CK can hang SDSU out to dry, just because he can. CK has been caught with his pants down more than twice, and he must understand he is not an advisor and the fault all lies with an Executive committee. No, he was hired to be in charge, and to make those tough decisions that includes a lot of staff work and resposible coordination. I think CK should have one more month to tidy up all the loose ends, and if he can't do it, and do it well, he's done; and that action is with prejudice. By the way, has CK begun the legal action to recover or pay the $50-60 M back? The PAC 9 cannot afford to do one action at a time. If that's the standard, we all lose. VR, KCDuck1

Haywardduck, You mentioned several key things we should want from Mr. McRoy. He's going to slim down, but more important is whether he is light on his feet, whether he has quick feet and great balance; if he has just a bit of a mean streak by which he can bury his opponent or block/dislocate a DE and still get to the linebacker and block him out of each play, then great! He has chance to play, to start, and to advance to the NFL with plenty of post-season trophies, rings, and accolades; and, with a degree. We need a mentor program within each position grouping, and it's probable the O-Line group has such a program already; they sure had that mentorship last season. Whether Flowe had that elite mentality or not, I don't know. He was a step slow against UCLA this year, twice, and their RB just got past him. McRoy seems like he understands everyone works and practices hard, or they don't play, regardless how high you are rated. From what McRoy mentioned, the "Law Firm" will take a hard technical look at him in the weight room, in meetings, and during drills. Attitude and timing are critical. If McRoy has quick feet and hands and works to develop his pass blocking skills with his teammates with the O-Line "Law Firm" teaching, supervising, and guiding them like big brothers teach and supervise their "little" brothers, we might just have a tough-minded crew that won't be beaten, because they are not only tough-minded, but team-oriented, and they practice daily against one of the future best D-Lines in college football. VR, KCDuck1