MicroBurst61

As one that has had to deal with my own shortsighted perceptions viewed through the lens of my own temperment, I thoroughly appreciate your cander, self reflection, and apology (public even), I thank you for that. This is, and always will be, the true definition of a Man. It is obvious that this forum is a labor of Love and your focus on keeping it a civil and a productive space for all things Ducks is obvious and admirable. It must be quite the endeavor and balancing act, but is appreciated by all that frequent this site. Thank you.

Hmmmmm...4 Team Playoff for 5 power conferences. The minute that was adopted the importance of being a conference champion was immediately diluted. A conference champion was Always going to be left out, sometimes more than one depending upon success of independents or two undefeated teams in the SEC. PAC 12 Champion was usually the odd man out because of...perceptions. FSU is now feeling our pain, but worse cause they are unblemished. Well PAC is now on a rebuild (good luck OSU/WSU) but will never be viewed as a power conference again. 12 team playoff guarantees 3-4 teams from each of the new Power2, conference champion from both the BIG12 and ACC (until the ACC is collapsed and raided), and 3-5 from independents and G5 schools. Still a popularity contest and we as fans will always root out controversy in regards to our teams selection or placement. However, I won't feel too badly if a three loss Duck team, finishing 3rd or 4th in the B1G, happens to NOT make the field, than my frustration of a year like this that could have played out differently, if we only had a playoff spot. So I guess the powers that be, after working decades to get to this point in determining a national champion, have what they want (for now). There will still be controversy but the most capable teams of winning it all in any given year, will now have that chance to do just that. Did the committee get it right? Probably not, but working with their self imposed parameters, they provided probably the most competitive matchups. And after all, TV Executives value that most of all. Go FSU! Prove you belonged by taking out Georgia with your Backup QB! See you in the playoffs next year. And as always. GO DUCKS!

Roster management in today's college football landscape has become...cumbersome. I appreciate the energy and apparent ability of Lanning and co. to maneuver the complexities of recruiting, transfers, NIL, against the roster limits imposed. Maybe his youth as HC is an advantage, as DL seems more attuned to modern day roster building. At this point it is a free-for-all and at sometime in the near future will "self correct", probably through litigation of some sort or another. Until then it is apparent that Duck Inc. is going to take every advantage afforded them to annually create a top flight roster to compete with. No, definitely not what we are accustom to and it does, drastically, change the "flavor and atmosphere" of what had always been associated with college football. Time and change marches on. I take the effort to follow the outstanding roster management and then start to get excited about players ACTUALLY on our roster after the second signing period ends in the spring. Until then it just seems pointless. So I am along for the ride but I do know I'm going to get to watch some top notch Duck Football, year in and year out. And watching elite level, well played football, is why I am a Fan of the sport. GO QUACKERS!

Believe? Rob Mullens, Dan Lanning and his assistance coaches. Top 5 football facilities in the nation with a state-of-the-art practice facility ready for 2025(?). Proven developed NFL players currently from our program. Move to the B1G with significantly better national media coverage AND a revenue bump of 20-30ish Million Dollars annually. Consistent top 10-15 recruiting classes (top class in the B1G through early signing period) with an understanding of the efficient use of the transfer portal. A significant donor base through Division Street anchored by Uncle Phil (who we all know wants to celebrate Oregons first National Championship before moving on the "next realm). Unbelievable fanbase here in Oregon and Nationally! And an overall true vision and goal of a "Natty" for Oregon as a consistent top ten program in the country. Believe. Hell yeah, I believe. So much so that I am calling for TWO national championships for OBD by the end of the 2030 season. GO DUCKS!

That's it RIGHT THERE! Living in a world where "clicks" have become the new way for personal validation. Makes people feel important. Best way to get "clicks" is to create controversy, where none actually exist, and run with it until it loses its energy. Then on to the next controversy with nothing significant coming from the previous. Fentress is getting what he wants...people talking about his OPINIONS, and getting all riled up about it. I do read his articles and gleen what I can from what he writes, but let his obvious biases and blatant attempts for recognition pass through me like a malignant spirit. He has NO influence or effect on the quality of athletics of our OBD. Fentress being one of the better paid "troll journalist" that regularly covers Oregon Athletics. In a word...he's a Tool. Go Ducks!

Chargers are a Trainwreck on Soooo many levels. Sad to see because it appeared that they were trying to build around Herbert the past three years and failed miserably. Hope the next GM and HC (not Belechick) can work together and untangle this mess. Otherwise, Mr. Herbert will NOT be finishing his career as a Charger. We shall see in 2024. Fingers crossed

There it is again. Billionaires and Lawyers. When it is all finally worked through the courts, appeals, venue changes. OBD will be in a far better position to compete, nationally, year in and year out. Beavs and Cougs will fade into college athletics obscurity. I am more frustrated that OBD is being payed half of what the LALA schools are being payed to join the B1G than I am about the "lost" revenue share from a defunct conference. But, the 30ish million PER YEAR shortfall to OBD for that move to the B1G, was considered Worth It, for the future of OBD competitiveness. Do the Beavs and Cougs Deserve what's left of the value of the PAC 2? Absolutely not, but the Billionaires and Lawyers thinks so and currently are winning that argument. But, again. The final solutions and settlements are still Years in the future and believe me, OBD will care less, making up to 30 times more annual income in the B1G, than any PAC12/MTNWST teams will be receiving (double that, or more, when the new B1G television contracts is up for renewal in 6-7 years. I, for one, prefer being on this side of the valuation. GO QUACKERS!

Billionaires and Lawyers. None of this matters to the fanbase except for giving a reason to moan and groan about something that opinions will have no effect on. ALL this legal maneuvering is just a symptom of the larger system it operates under. Two, three, ten years from now it will all be worked out, behind the scenes, large amounts of money (that most persons truly cannot accurately comprehend) will trade hands, and the desired results that the Billionaires and Lawyers pushed for will be realized. So I try to let it roll off my back (like water off a Ducks back) and try to appreciate and enjoy what OBD fandom has to offer me; and let go of "frustrations" that dampens that joy and entertainment in my life. Highly suggest others try to do the same. GO DUCKS!

Ok...showing my age butt.....I remember the "good ole' days of transfers being a rarity (who had to sit out a year that counted towards their eligibility); and the highlight of "program building" was "faxed" letters of intents on signing day (there's the "old"). Back then, the buildup towards that day was palatable and listened to the local sports radio as they announced each commit over the course of the day was an event, I for one, looked forward to. But, just like so much in college athletics, those days are gone. In fact I don't bother getting to know our next year's roster until after the spring game when the second TP closes. Then I can start to appreciate, and mourn, the players moving in and out of OBD program. Not saying I hate it but definitely don't love it. So it is what it is and the people we have supporting and growing our athletic department have done a masterful job of positioning OREGON to succeed, now and into the future, in this new college football paradigm. It's not old school but they are succeeding with everything the new school has to offer. So I strap myself in and enjoy the level of competition, in most college athletics, that OBD provide each and every year. GO DUCKS!

Sometimes...yes sometimes, the "Universe" actually hears you and answers on its own terms. Although rarely at the time or with the desired results we first cried out for. Lol

OBD 39 - 31 1 TO 2 SACKS 310 PY ( > 200 RY ) On to play Michigan as the number 3 seed, in the final PAC12 / BIG10 Rose Bowl! GO DUCKS! Bring it on home.