Notalot

Sad, but it happens. Wishing him best luck and full recovery. I also thank him for his hard work and contributions made to the flock.

It will depend game by game on what the opposing defense gives to our Ducks. This year’s Ducks football has a highly talented and deep receiver corps coupled with a top 5 nationally Running Backs group. As the season progresses some games will rely primarily on rushing while other games will be won by the receivers. Balance is beautiful. I fully expect big plays periodically by the special teams, too. This will be something not seen in recent seasons.

Harrassment? Or losing at recruiting and on the field? Hoping this was not a smear job, but if true then firing is the right action.

I begin by saying I hope that you are right and the Ducks go undefeated. I temper my expectations due to the following aspects of the team and season. First and foremost the UO coaching is unlikely to overcome Kyle Whittingham, Jonathan Smith, Lincoln Riley, Kalen DeBoer, and Joey McGuire. Big game coaching against seasoned veterans will be a mighty test for the Ducks young coaches. Another big game concern is special teams play. Last year’s return teams were atrocious, and punt and kickoff coverage only slightly better. Will this year’s ST play be far better? Show me. You have listed the defensive backs and touted them, but last year’s play was disappointing as players lacked the skills and abilities necessary to prevail. I harbor doubt about coach Martin despite his popularity. DB play in press coverage, competing for the ball, and tackling must jump markedly for the undefeated prediction to manifest itself. Finally, the players must show up and dominate in every game without let downs. This team is more likely to go 9-3 or 10-2 than 12-0 in my eyes. I previously wrote that these players have the ability to run the table, but actually doing it takes more. Go Ducks.

There has been much media speculation the past two days here in the southeast (South Carolina) that the ACC will take in Stanford, Cal, WSU, and SMU tonight, this weekend, or on Monday. FSU and Clemson will announce departure from the ACC conference in the near future, and are strategizing their moves. They may not end up in the same conference.

That's something to chew on, Jon. The analyses, facts and projections are intruiging. Let the games begin.

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I view the upcoming season's success, and the assessment of the Ducks coaching staff, dependent on the results of the toss-up games. The games against USC, UW, Utah, Oregon State and Texas Tech are big games that are all winnable, or the Ducks might whiff on all of them. The Ducks have the talent to win, but can the coaches and players overcome adversity by rising to the occasion(s) and put it all together? I'm hoping for 12-0, and optomistically hanging on for 10-2. Will the Ducks win the tough ones? Can the coaches show growth in big game management? I'll be somewhat disappointed with 9-3 or very disappointed lower.

This is great news. I fully wish Akili, the legacy of a great Duck, happiness, success, and a great UO education. Thanks for giving us good news in the current climate.

I don't really care much. UA probably won't be in the top group when all is sorted out unless basketball is its magic elixor. Football is in an uncomfortable, sometimes painful metamorphosis.

I don't know that the midst of a storm is the time to mutiny the captain. We do not know what GK has recommended or brought to the table? We do know that the executive committee allowed missteps over a long timeframe without taking corrective action. We can see that the executive committee did not have good vision of the changing environment. We also know that the committee did not strike when the opportunity to expand was ripe. The committee was continually in flux with the transitions of some of the presidents, interim presidents. Governance by committee is not as bad as management by committee. Mr. Kliavkoff accepted his role under perilous conditions beyond his control. The committee was most responsible for the vibrancy and competitiveness of the Pac12 conference. How are they doing of late?

Whichever conference the Ducks compete within during the next 5-7 years, that relationship will likely transition when there are two or three divisions of the top 48-60 programs. CFB has entered a tumultuous transition period now. The most media desirable teams will be seperated from the rest of the field leaving the lower tier teams behind. Every existing P5 conference has programs to shed to achieve the new era alignments with a super league. The Ducks will rise into the rare air after encountering turbulence. Some of the Pac programs will not, as will be the case with every other conference. Yes, even the mighty SEC. GO DUCKS.

Kliavkoff is caught in a vice, as you say, "with his pants down". Not a good look. I retort that GK should bear only a small part of the blame. The Executive Committee is most to blame, with Larry Scott in a close second place. Mr. Kliavkoff stepped onto a fast sinking ship with very bad timing. On these big issues Kliavkoff is merely an advisor as the votes and major decisions rest with the committee who made bad ones even before Kliavkoff arrived at the whipping post.

It is better to be at the top of this list than in the bottom half. Now, let us see the Ducks outperform the #3 ranking.

Tell the world your strategy before it can be implemented? PR? More like peeyou with this release.

If there is a group party (group) to blame for the mess the Pac finds itself in, the CEO group is that entity. It did not excercise over control or effective oversight over Livin Large Larry, resulting in a litany of negative outcomes over a long period of time. They can cite vacancies, turnover, respect to incoming peers, other priorities in acadamia or administration. This group has failed miserably over 7-10 years protecting Maslow's highest need - Survival, let alone flourishing growth. The topic, related history, and outcomes would make a pathetic Business Case study.

Big 12 leaders vote to accept Colorado, clearing the way for Buffs to depart Pac-12, AP source says APNEWS.COM Big 12 presidents and chancellors have voted unanimously to accept Colorado as a new member, clearing the way for the school to leave the Pac-12 and rejoin the conference. Colorado returning to Big 12? League presidents approve membership as Buffaloes consider leaving Pac-12 - CBSSports.com WWW.CBSSPORTS.COM The Buffaloes appear to be ramping up efforts towards a return to the conference they helped found decades ago The earthquake is rumbling.

In 19 years in the ACC conference, Miami U has achieved: - One 10-win season - One Coastal Division (no longer Title) - Finished in the Top 25 only 6 of 19 years - Won 3 bowl games Is Miami really mighty? Mario has some tough paddling ahead against the current Miami has been in..

A fun day and weekend in Columbus! Every day is a good day to be a Duck. That day was even better. Kudos to Buckeye fans who welcomed us before the game, and congratulated Duck fans afterwards. The band can dot the."i". I wonder if they can put a sailor cap on a duck?

Some good analysis and conclusions Jon. Thanks for bringing those facts and opinions to our attention.

3rd and short was a poor odds scenario under Cristobal.

This is what the proud Commish had to say.

"Patience is a virtue" some say. Others? "Lead, Follow, or get out if the way". Still others...PUNT!

The truth will set you free, Charles. Did you have a closeted Suitemate?

Thanks, David, for the article. I see the present and future different than you do. Oregon will ultimately respond to and participate in a full realignment of the top teams in college football. I believe that the Ducks will play in several championship playoffs before the reshuffling occurs.