WTD25

If not Oregon (or BYU, my 1b team), then I'm rooting for Indiana to win it all . . . or some other relative underdog. Indiana's story is too similar to Oregon's to not root for them. A HC "savant" with a coaching staff that's been together for years at multiple teams. Shows how continuity, consistency, scouting, and development can make an impact and overcome programs with far superior talent and resources . . . such a cool story. Wouldn't Clemson be considered part of the "outsider" group to win the championship? At least relating to the last few decades?

I'd prefer to see Dan Lanning's reaction to James Crepea asking a question (with a 3-minute preface) about the uniforms, and their impact on the game, LOL

As a long-time fan of the black uniforms . . . I'm over them as well (once a year at most). The green and yellow is a magical combination, and I always marvel how good the uniforms look when it's those colors. It's the best of both worlds. Not only does the green and yellow get back to the basics, they also look the best.

The spoiled fan in me wants to panic: - Why still use all the RBs when it's apparent to us that it should be Davison/Hill. I think some continuity and consistency would help this offense . . . as well as just starting the game with your best RBs. - I was surprised Dante Moore was out of the game for good? Were there concussion concerns? I was hoping to see a bandaged bleeding leader come trotting back on the field to finish the job. - Stein. Just a gut feel, but I think he's good not great; seems a little too inconsistent, and in big games his offense seems to get stymied. I was not encouraged by his quote after the Indiana game that he was mad at himself for not continuing to run with Davison down the middle. Seems like a lesson to have already learned, or learned mid-game and continued. The more realistic fan in me is pleased: - For a young team to be 7-1 with their only loss to a team many believe is now the #1/#2 team in the nation . . . not bad. - Dante Moore looks like a incredible at times, and with more playing time/consistency, could be Heisman material. - We're 7-1 and we have Davison and Hill and Sadiq . . . all is well.

I have a recurring thought when I watch recent RBs for the Ducks. They all tend to follow the blocks religiously, IMO (also IMO in "In My Observation"). In other words, I often see Whittington running behind a blocker, or two, and crashing into them and defenders. When I rewind the play, sometimes I'll notice wide open green to the left or right if he were to cut to the side and sprint. Anyone else notice this at times? The RBs so focused on following blocks that they miss wide open swaths of field? To me, LaMichael James' gift (beyond his speed and quickness) was abandoning the blocker(s) once he noticed a better opportunity for more yards.

Rumors are swirling that Lane Kiffin might be on the move. If so, I think he should take the PSU job. Lots of resources, great history and college town. Their uniforms are some of the ugliest in college football, but that's probably a bit superficial. I think LSU is the next best opening, but I don't know enough about other coaches around the nation to make a suggestion here.

It would appear that we share the same favorite teams: Ducks and 49ers . . . awesome! Great comment as I was also thinking that the Ducks could involve more play action with Davison setting the tone in the run game. Question for any Xs/Os gurus. When the Ducks QB does the mesh with the RB, then pulls it to pass, is that "play action". Or is "play action" specifically defined as, from under center, QB's back to the line of scrimmage pretending to hand the ball off but doesn't so he can pass?

Great article! Since I agree with pretty much everything, I'll keep this brief: RB1, RB2, and RB3 should be Davison, Hill, and Whittington, respectively.

I still don't want to see USC anywhere near the top. As fun as it is to make poke at them, they are a sleeping giant. Given the inexact science of recruiting, taking in that many will likely yield fruit. That's a lot of 4-stars, an it appears Georgia is taking the same approach. Love seeing Oregon in the Top 5. Always a great place to be.

I thought this was pretty cool. Way to represent the Ducks in the NFL! Four former Ducks QBs will be starting this week in the NFL: Mariota, Herbert, Nix, Gabriel

Could eventually have egg on my face for saying this, but Will Stein strikes me as the OC-for-Life type. Not that he won't make the jump and give it a shot, I just don't get the HC vibe from him. With Kenny Dillingham it was obvious from his first interview that he would be leaving Oregon for an HC job if he was a successful OC.

Was great to see the defense in sync this game, but sadly, I don't put much stock into it given the opponent. Hope the same carries into the more challenging opponents.

If I could revise history, I’d have the P12, MWC, ACC, and Big 12 combine to be one super conference from coast to coast.

First, a preface: This is not a defense of Mari Cristbal. That said, Miami is perhaps the worst place to have a team of any kind. I remember when the Miami Heat was in the NBA finals all the time with LeBron James' super team with Dwayne Wade and Chris Bosh. I tuned into some of the games during the playoffs/Finals and was shocked by how many empty seats the Heat had during home games. Terrible fans there . . . and yes, that's a general statement I'm applying to the entire area :)

Surprised that Lanning still refuses to let Davidson and Hill run the show as lead backs for this team. They are so good.

My favorite Mari Cristbal post-game face:

My most recent memory of Beck at Georgia was as both the arsonist and firefighter. He seemed to start every game with 1 to 2 INTs, dig a hole for the team, then play hero in the second half and bring them back; sometimes winning sometimes losing. Was wondering when his INTs would show up again. Glad they did tonight.

Don’t jinx this y’all. Let’s speak this Miami loss into existence by believing in Mari Cristbal.

Agreed, it's not been good Quick clarification on the stats below: "Off. Points per Game" is points scored by offense in regulation (i.e., no D/ST/OT points) Offense including non-conference games: Offense conference games only:

Getting to 70,000 would be awesome, but is that even feasible or wanted in Eugene? Parking for 10k more? Would 10k more come from PDX to watch? Would prices go up or down?

Colin Cowherd now considers the Ducks a "Blue Blood" program . . . for what it's worth. Nice to hear a prominent national voice, who LOVES his blue blood programs, talk up the Ducks.

I agree with the general premise of this, but I think he'd be ok with 2 of the 4 teams you mentioned he should avoid. Go to a team that has an offensive minded head coach: Bears and Browns. Avoid the teams with defensive head coaches: Jets and Raiders. The Raiders are a team that would be awesome to resurrect from the ashes. Great brand and history (80's / 90's / early 2000's). If only the Raiders could get an offensive genius HC.

I really like the black uniforms . . . but I like them most for night games, not mid-day games.

As it stands now, best coach in Oregon history is Chip Kelly. Once Lanning makes it to a CFP Championship, then I'll anoint him. Also waiting to see the Ducks' defense become consistently dominate. If he neutralizes Indiana's offense, that will go a long way to proving it.

Great article, and one that I completely agree with. I think the best evidence for why Hill / Davison should be the primary RBs is because we as fans can all see it. Really fun to watch.