jrw

Per a school spokesman, Moorhead is being evaluated for non-COVID-related illness.

Hey you kids! Get off of my lawn!

I think this is huge for Oregon. What athlete who is interested in NIL opportunities would not look at a connection with Nike and go, "Wow!".

Oregon 35-24, 1, 1, 265 yards.

I would ask these three questions: 1) Has Joe Moorhead been successful at every other stop in his career? 2) Does Mario make poor hiring decisions? 3) Was the 2020 so-called season indicative of anything? I would answer yes, no and no and not be worried about what's to come.

Great article, Ryan. Washington is definitely Uncle Rico.

Ever been to Lubbock? At least he's not in the PAC. Best of luck!

At this point, without better evidence on the field, I feel as if high expectations are a curse. But then, it's only ESPN.

Can he please wear #7?

You can't recruit to Eugene, right Scott?

Not too worried...the small percentage drop means that not many upperclassmen left, so it follows that lots of the young players now have game experience.

Prediction: he'll be Gracen the field in the Ducks uniform.

Is there a more complicated sport anywhere in the world?

It appears that if you coach a good game against the Ducks, Mario will hire you. Other good news: Jaylon Redd comes back for another year, and the crystal balls are pointing to commitments from Byron Cardwell and Gracen Halton.

Excellent article, Charles. I hope that, on average, I am a critical analysis fan. The problem is that one day I feel like a suck-up to the coaches, the next day a troll, the day after that a sunshine pumper, and the following day a dark pessimist. And, on the other days, I vow not to even think about the Ducks. Does that make me crazy, or just a typical fan? Given the recent ups and downs of the program, I'd like to think the latter.

The mere fact that you're asking the question is scary, Ryan. If an 18-year-old who has not played a down is seen as a potential savior, we're not in for a good season.

Is it presumptuous of us to think that we get to pick and choose? Is the Ducks' program that attractive to coaches who could go virtually anywhere?

Agreed, bud I'd settle for winning, by whatever method works.

I see the Ducks in a "Yes, but..." situation. • Yes, they were the youngest, most inexperienced team in the nation. • Yes, the COVID impact hurts a young, inexperienced team more than others. • Yes, they had a new offensive coordinator and a new scheme, with little practice time and few games in which to learn. • Yes, they lost a 4-year star starter at QB and the entire O line. • Yes, they had established stars and leaders on defense opt out. That's a lotta "yes" explanations or excuses, which I think are valid. I feel many of us had unrealistic expectations for this season given all the above. • But, the team often seemed unprepared, unfocused and undisciplined in all facets of the game. • But, the same old failed and failing brain-dead plays were being called in the obvious situations. • But, the QB situation was handled really, really badly, so that everybody lost. I think this season was not one that yields a realistic evaluation of the coaches and players. If there is a normal season this year (still doubtful), then we can gauge how well the team is set up for the future with Mario at the helm. It seems likely Avalos will depart, and I would not bet on Moorhead sticking around; the way things have gone doesn't give me much belief that he is in charge of the offense and the play calling. He's too talented to put up with that. I'm throwing out this season and hoping that a better picture emerges in the coming 12 months.

Well, Oregon lays an egg on the national stage. On offense, defense, special teams and on the sidelines.

I give up. The worst play call, over and over and over and over and...

Put in a QB - which one I don't care - then stick with him.

Well...freshmen are inexperienced every year, by definition . The bulk of the team, more than 75%, has two or more years to grow and mature.

Regardless of the outcome, I see a very, very young Ducks team that suffers hugely, both in talent and leadership, from the opt-outs in the defensive backfield. They're game, they're talented, but mistakes hurt them. And, Iowa State is really, really good on offense. Who can tell about their defense when they always have the ball?