Ben H

The other part that sucks for Oregon is that their semi-final game most likely will be against Texas in Dallas, TX and then if they make it to the Championship it is in Atlanta against Georgia. So basically 2 away games against very difficult opponents. Hoping for some upsets along the way so that doesn't happen.

The one sentiment that everyone seems to agree on after watching the Idaho game is that our offensive line did not play as we expected them to. I am not sure which is more alarming, the 3 sacks and what seemed like constant pressure or that we couldn't run against a FCS team. We have been hearing this offseason about a standard and culture and them wanting to maintain and improve on what the O-line accomplished the last 2 years. But I am wondering if part of the success of the past 2 years was Bo Nix. He was so prepared, had great pocket awareness and made his reads and decisions so quickly that I believe it contributed mightily to him rarely being sacked or pressured. I still believe the O-line played poorly (especially against a FCS team) but I think the days of 2-4 sacks per season may be a thing of the past. This O-line may not look like or have the statistics of the O-lines of the past 2 years but I think some of that will be connected to the fact that Bo Nix was special and made them all look better than maybe they truly were.

I think the most overused word in broadcasting is physicality. I get so tired of hearing it over and over again all throughout a game.

I think lock down corners are so critical to a great defense as it gives the D coordinator so many more options for being aggressive with stunts and pressure. Nick A. used to base his aggressive defenses on great corners. When he had lock down corners, he had great defenses. When I would watch games that UW played Muhammad seemed to be on every play. I think the guy is a stud and maybe the most important defensive pickup the Ducks made. I was hoping for this transfer more than any other once he entered the portal. Nothing is guaranteed but this is a great pickup.

Ironically, Jabbar Muhammad did not mention Martin when asked who was contacting him from Oregon. Listed a bunch of coaches but not Martin. Maybe Lanning has known this was coming and that is why there is no mention of Martin from Muhammad even though that would have been his position coach. Lanning has a great track record for replacing staff so I am confident he will get this one right as well.

Washington getting out coached and they look twice as slow. Dboer may not be as brilliant as everyone thought. Looking like a blowout unless something happens quick.

I think Shelstad (and this team) seems to have that competitive toughness and edge that some of our Duck BB teams of old had with Brooks and company. Shelstad is a gamer with a confidence you have to have as a point guard. He is willing (and wants to) take the tough shot when the game is on the line but at the same time is not selfish and keeps his teammates involved. This team needs their bigs I believe if they are going to make the tournament and have any success when they get there but I love watching them play. They have 3 stud freshman that they can build on if they can keep them together for a few years.

I think the snap count for the Fiesta bowl probably is one big indicator of why he is leaving. 4 snaps in a blowout game with a lot of other defensive backs in front of him. Guys who have been stars in the past don't like to sit.

I love Ty as a person but will be shocked if he does a whole lot as a quarterback. I think it is very telling that Mario and Kenny Dillingham are not going hard after him. They saw him extensively in practice and up close and you can bet they would be all over bringing him in if they saw greatness in him. Love to be surprised and see him tear it up for someone but I don't think I will be. Oregon (to my memory) has not had a quarterback transfer out that tore it up somewhere else and made us regret it later.

Watch the game highlights of Texas vs Oklahoma this year and you might change your mind. Guy stays in the pocket, can avoid pressure and run and looks like a gamer to me. I think our coaches know the type of player they want and I think Gabriel will be a great fit. You also want to factor in 4-5 years of college ball. The Quarterback position more than any other benefits from game experience. Being able to read a defense is almost as important as their physical ability. A lot of guys can throw the ball but very few are gamers who can read and anticipate what the defense is doing and get the ball out to the right spot. I would bet a lot of money you won't see Oregon run out an inexperienced QB ever again unless it is forced on them because of an injury. The level of competition is too high and the stakes too high for the team and coaches.

I played Quarterback in high school and so I feel like I have some feel for the position. There is an "it" factor to being a quarterback and I don't think Ty has it. He may prove all of us doubters wrong but I will be very surprised if he excels in college. I remember when both Marcus and Justin were either redshirting or on the bench, You would still hear from players that something amazing was coming up the pipeline. You never (at least I didn't) hear that about Ty even though he was here for 3 years. I do appreciate his hanging in there and like so many others I can easily root for him and hope he proves me wrong. Seems like a quality young man.

Bo playing in this bowl by itself makes it worth watching. I would go if I could just to say thanks in person for a great 2 years and representing the Ducks so well. I have loved watching this team all year. Didn't end like I hoped but Oregon is in great shape moving forward but I am going to celebrate the present as long as I can.

Oregon to win 38-24 2 TO's 2 sacks 375 passing yards

I look at it this way. Would I be more stressed and nervous today if I were a Duck fan or Husky fan. Although Huskies fans would probably never admit it, I would much rather be in the Ducks position with this team than the Huskies and their team. For that reason, I am actually more calm this week than I was for Utah, USC and OSU. Anything can happen in football and there are no guarantees but I actually think this one might play out like Utah. Bo Nix is a winner and just a great person. Rooting for him to finish this dream season with both the Heisman and the CFP. Leaders lead and he is a winner and a leader. I honestly believe this is the best, most well-rounded Duck team in all my 60 years of following them and rooting for them.

Oregon 52-31 TO - 2 Sacks 3 PY - 345