Great comments by all on this thread. So early in the game of NIL to have any concrete results.

 

Will boosters continue to pay millions without Natty's? In Texas boosters have been paying big bucks for decades. Limited Natty's has not slowed the money train. A & M will probably pump it out until they get one.

 

Others schools maybe not.

 

We live in a results orientated world. To early for results. Let's let this topic percolate for a few years.

Charles thanks for the article. Leadership is so crucial to the success of any organization or venture. Leaders, by example and experience, can and should inspire those around them. 

 

To me the 2019 team had leaders on both sides of the ball. They played together like brothers and family. That leadership was spawned from upperclassmen who endured 4-8 and 7-6 seasons. If respect and trust are truly earned then players like Herbert and Dye left no doubt by their dedication and work ethic. They made it easy for others to follow.

 

Those talking heads and click bait fools proudly proclaimed that Justin Herbert was not vocal enough to be a leader.  It took just one start for Justin to prove his leadership. Nobody ever won a football game by yelling the loudest. Justin was prepared and let his execution do the talking. Those pundits sing a different tune now.

 

In the 2021 victory against tOSU the team played inspired and as brothers. They left it all on the field against a true blue bloods home turf. We, as fans, were proud, excited and inspired for the future. One young fan was so proud of his team that he left a little tiny toy Duck on the defeated buckeye field. The final blow to add insult to injury. This young fan said nothing but his action spike volumes.

 

The mountainous number of injuries in 2021 limited the Ducks from that moment on. Who knows what levels of leadership were no longer on the field to lead by example. In some games 7 or more true freshmen were on the field playing defense. Some in new positions. Noah was the one constant. Did these youngsters even have a chance to build trust with each other? It takes scheme, leadership, experience and player trust to stop third and long plays. The 2021 defense had very little of those components.

 

2022 and beyond will be all about leadership. Leadership from Coach Lanning and staff as well as players earning their leadership roles. I am confident the roster is full of potential leadership.

 

Can the coaches find it, nurture it and develop it. But more important can those leaders find it within themselves and do they want to?

 

Great ponder point Sir Charles........

 

Charles thanks for this article and topic. I have reread this 3 times. There is a great deal to think about and ponder.

 

I like the idea of putting the players and coaches in a sort of a pressure cooker. Will they be shaped into hard diamonds or simply, spit out? Without a doubt, very talented players will transfer out. It is usually easier to quit than finish within difficult situations. 

 

The Ducks will be as prepared, motivated and in shape as the Bulldogs when they step on the field in September. Maybe not as talented. The question is will they be as prepared, motivated and in shape late in the season against Utah or USC/Utah in the P-12 title game? Or better yet in a rematch with Georgia?

 

Many on this team played and experienced 3 losses in 4 games to close out 2021. They played uninspired and seemed tired. My hat is off to them for sticking it out under a quitting coaching staff. Their staff will not be quitting on them in 2022. 

 

The opportunity is theirs for the taking. We will all see who rises to the challenge. I feel confident Coach Lanning and his staff will teach and drive these young men hard  Go Ducks........

 

 

I truly hope that the connections being built between the coaches and players helps the new staff truly find out why this talented squad got destroyed on the field at the end of the season. 

 

Did they lose trust in MC and his staff? Did they stop caring for each other, the team and staff? Did the players feel betrayed?

 

Emotional damage control will go along ways to bringing back the swagger that apparently was left in Columbus ,Ohio.

 

I like that Coach Lanning and staff are building that bridge of trust, again. A commitment of trust for each other, the staff and team is critical to the journey to Athens and beyond.

Gonzaga is not playing its best basketball right now. St. Mary's laid out a blue print to confuse and stymie Gonzaga's bigs. They are very vulnerable even though their talent and depth is off the charts.

 

Being born and raised in Spokane I am an avid Zag fanatic. A lifelong friend and I attended games in the old Kennel in the early sixties. We were 10 year olds. That friend attended the WCC tournament and expressed concern over the team not firing on all cylinders.  We shall see.

 

If the back court and wings keep the ball moving and hit those jumpers then the Zags make the final four. If not an upset in the Sweet 16 is possible. Go Zags. Let's hang that banner. 60 years is a long wait.

Player development.........

 

Take what the staff teaches you to build and grow as a man and as a player. Add to your God given raw talent and develope your individual skill set.

 

Learn from your mistakes, daily. Grow your skill set daily. Be prepared and ready.

 

Then learn your role(s) within the team. Grow within the team and its process and schemes.

 

Give 110% in practice. Be a better team player each practice and each week.

 

Win games.

EastBayDuckDad, thank you for posting this information.

 

I agree with Jon that alot goes into bringing high 4☆ and 5☆ talent to Oregon. Especially when they seemed to be entrenched in the southeast.

 

Money is a big factor to some. Mommas home cooking is another.

Most of all, Coach Lanning and staff must get to the CFP and eventually put a Natty on the books.

 

It's one thing to have the best facilities, as Oregon does. But we need the proven championship pedigree. Coach Lanning will bring some of the best defensive talent to Oregon, ever. Why, because when he gets that ring on his finger his credibility will skyrocket.

 

Great times ahead but we might want to consider being patient, maybe? Maybe not?

Just another form of pay to play or maybe just sit on the bench or sidelines.

 

I truly love people. Love interacting with all that God created. However, some people can sink to the lowest common denominator. When they get caught, the first rat will spill the beans and try to take the rest down with them.

 

Haywarduck is right on that if we are surprised then we weren't paying attention. Personally, those without a moral compass simply say I didn't know I was doing anything wrong.

On 3/9/2022 at 5:35 PM, Jon Joseph said:

Some playoff time basketball trivia.

 

75 year old, I emphasis, Coach K lost his final home game to UNC! Talk about a tough way to go out for a legendary coach.

 

Without asking World Wide Webby for the answer, where did Coach K play his college basketball and who was K's head coach?

Jon

 

I think his coach was Bobby Knight. Not sure but the school might have been Army? Not certain but it sounds right.

 

Tough way to go out at home after all these years. What a great Coach... put him in the Coach Wooden class on many levels.  Certainly left Duke better than he found it......

Any P-5 defensive player who watched the Natty could envision or dream about playing for Coach Lanning. Only so many high 4 and 5 star players can go to Georgia, Bama, tOSU, etc.

 

Oregon with Coach Lannings scheme can never get enough of those type of players on the roster. If Coach calls and asks you to come visit, WHY NOT?

 

Deciding between Oregon and UCLA? That choice could be the difference between a NFL Combine invite or just finishing your degree and on to your 40 year career. Or maybe just a legitimate shot at the CFP.

 

Young people have dreams. Dreams that drive your personal motivation engine. Playing for a national brand on national TV could be part of that dream

 

Go Ducks find those hungry, talented players willing to work for the team and make their dream come true. Find players who are committed to 2022 being a 15 game season.

Whatever pieces it takes to have a 2 deep defensive roster in place September 3rd against the Bulldogs.

 

Mingle a little veteran experience with the baby Ducks, pour in the seasoning of the Coach Lanning Defense and take the PAC by storm.

 

Georgia, BYU, WSU and Utah offensive schemes and talent will push the D to the limit. The D may need to win 2 of those games. The difference between 10-2 and 8-4 could be a few key pieces.

Injuries from the first three games, especially to starters, will be or could be problematic going into conference play.

 

It normally requires all hands on deck for the Ducks when battling the Cougars in Pullman. 2022 will be no different.

 

Team confidence will be critical depending on a 2-1 or 1-2 start. The character of the team will be taking shape and all the 2021 experience will be on display. Good or bad.......

Annie, thanks for posting the list. It's always fun to see what others feel or perceive the future to be 

 

With the unrestricted transfer portal in play by April 30th the top 10 could change dramatically. Then change again by September 1st. Much to ponder and discuss.

 

The only constants are Alabama, Georgia, Ohio State and maybe Clemson.  OBD's must string 3 or 4 seasons of 13-0 or 12-1 to break into that club. 

Why or why not.........

 

It's difficult for me to think the Ducks can duplicate the result in the shoe against the Bulldogs. As Jon points out, the tOSU defense was not elite. It was the perfect storm for the Ducks to pull the upset.

 

Don't get me wrong, the Ducks earned that great victory. They can certainly equal the effort and execute a masterful game plan against Georgia. However that may not be enough. Their is no reason to believe the Bulldogs will have a let down in 2022.

 

We can only hope they under estimate the Ducks. Can lightning strike twice?

 

Too many ifs at this point to feel confident about a victory. I am confident the players will give it their all. Keep the score close, hit a few bombs and play with your hair on fire. Another game in the national spot light. Go Ducks.....

Great comments with equally great perspectives from all commentors.

 

One could be curious about a sport and give it a try. Realizing the sport is fun and stick with it. In some instances, not all, size, strength, speed, agility and power dominate the landscape. Football and basketball would be obvious examples. Many get left behind as the competition increases.

 

Natural, God given talent is a big plus. Couple that with a desire to excel and the willingness to put in the time to be the best and great things can happen. These young men and women who compete at the college level have poured their blood, sweat and tears to reach their elite status. It isn't by chance, it's by effort and design.

 

But for me it's passion. Pure passion. When I was very young I had a curiosity and desire for the foolish game of golf. After my first 18 hole round (age 😎 I had a passion for the game. It became a love affair. From age 14 to about age 35 I would shoot between 67 and 75 each round. However, I was not competitive. Never played on a high school or college golf team.

 

I simply was passionate for the game. That passion is what keeps me playing 6 decades after I started. It cannot be quenched. Must be love because I rarely break 90, anymore. But teeing up at sunrise, challenging the course is as exciting today as it was in 1960. The fond memories of family, friends and customers never wanes.

 

IMHO, the players and coaches have passion and a love for their sports. They work hard, sacrifice and compete to excel. It's within us all, not just sports. It all walks of life......

Duck1972, great question and ponder point. The thread has some excellent and diverse opinions and comments.

 

As a fan, I would hope the new coaching staff will and can assess the strengths and weaknesses of the players. Then teach, train and coach the player weaknesses into strengths. The previous staff may have tried to focus on player development.  However the QB talent must have missed many practice sessions.

 

Or the talent is/was unable to be developed. So many facets to player development, especially for the QB position. Should we air it out? With a diverse, well balanced offense, led by a confident, prepared QB then yes.

 

Question is do we have that QB in the room? Can that QB be developed to lead a well balanced offense?

 

Spring ball will tell us alot.

 

Personally the other side of the coin is more concerning. Can the coaches teach this talent? How will they handle in game adjustments?

 

More questions, few answers. So much fun to ponder. Answers coming soon, just not soon enough.

Charles, as always thanks for another great topic to ponder. The whole Taggart, MC experience is difficult to digest, as a fan.

 

Makes me appreciate the continuity of head coaches we had from Brooks thru MH. We were truly fortunate.

 

MC was always going to Miami and I would call him a bold face liar to his face, if he said or implied otherwise. His crowning coaching jewel, the win in the shoe, set it all in motion. The Hurricane boosters, with deep pockets, had to have this coach now. So the check books flew open.

 

But it set in motion the Ducks getting a young, top notch DC as a coach. Let's hope he can become an equally top notch HC.

Joshua, I agree it would be nice to see JB stay with the program. Even though 2020 Spring Practice was cut short due to the pandemic this is his 3rd spring session. However, if he stays this summer will his 3rd full summer session.

 

This young man has 3 or 4 years eligibility remaining. By this time he should have his grown man's body. I truly believe their is one hec of a QB within that young man. And somebody is going to get the benefit of his talent and knowledge.

 

I am afraid that once he gets his degree he will transfer. He will not last long in the portal if he enters it. The big question, to this point, does JB have enough QB IQ or was the previous staff inept at developing his talent?

Joshua you are on target that bringing in Nix was a good move by Coach Lanning.

 

Under the bright or dark shadow of the transfer portal the QB room could change again after spring ball.

 

In or out...........

Jon, your comment about fearing for Oregons future more than the future of the P-12 Conference raises one of the ultimate questions for the OBD Forum and Duck fans ...

 

Where would Ducks sports be without Phil and Penny's generous support and donations?

 

Would we look like Oregon State, California or Colorado athletics? Good grief to that thought.....

 

Would world class athletes come to Oregon? Would our profile been high enough or the facilities the best in all collegiate sports to attract Sabrina, Thibs, the Sewell family, et all?

 

After all to the long time Grey Beards we didn't sniff any national aspirations in the 20th century. Once Phil and Penny committed to provide Oregon with what it needed to be a National Brand then things changed.

 

Can we expect Arizona, ASU, Colorado, California, Stanford, UCLA WSU  and OSU to get to that level without a donor like the Knights?

 

It takes dollars, big dollars, millions of dollars to get to where Oregon is at.  The 12 Presidents should recognize that TV dollars are their best answer. GK even called out each schools to raise an extra $20-$30 million per year to close the gap. Well what if it's not there, year in and year out?

 

Well you Arrogant, sell righteous, pompous......, improve your brand and negotiate it thru the media rights. Negotiate as if the conference survival depends on it, because it does.....

Jon, you didn't write that article. You posted an article from a national writer with knowledge of the NCAA and what is coming. My apologies if I gave the impression it was your writing. I should have been more clear to all.

 

Sorry, sorry, sorry. Mea culpa, mea culpa, mea culpa.

 

Jon your topics, articles and post are awesome. This topic is not sexy, glamorous or fun. But it is relevant to the truth before us. The absolute foundation of college football is changing.  Vision, forward thinking and bold moves are part of the horizon. Oh how I miss PAC 12:30 pm kick offs on ABC.

Duck 1972 I like your solution about creating more divisions as a possible solution.

 

Jon posted an in-depth article awhile back that was a long, boring difficult read to follow. Since my first wife prepared me to handle difficult and boring, I was able to work my way thru it. It was a snapshot into what is coming this August when the schools meet.

 

Divisions are coming. The SEC can invite more schools to join and form their very own division.  The P-5 can completely shut out the G-5 schools. The SEC, BIG, BIG12 and ACC can shut out the PAC, if they want to. Will they? I just don't know 

 

I am open to anyone on this great forum to share with me how a merger with The B-12 and PAC 12 would weaken our position.  Either a single 24 team conference or 2-12 team divisions as one conference. Hec they could have their own semi-final game, then a title game. Winner to the CFP.

 

Not to long ago, a competitor took 4 small accounts from our customer base. Its business and how competition works in America. They were so proud and boasting to a very large 5 store account they serviced that they had taken these accounts from us. At that same moment the very large 5 store account notified our competitor that they were switching to us. 

 

Point is, in business you keep working 24/7, 365 to improve your company. Make things better for your customers. Out work, out smart, out maneuver your competition.  Do you feel the 12 dwarfs are making things better for the AD'S, players and fans?

 

This has been an eye opening thread and again thanks Southern Duck and all the posters. Great stuff....

 

Makes me wonder or question:

 

Are TT and JB over rated? Do they have the mental acumen to learn and execute the new offense? Or were they not given enough real time opportunities?

 

Did MC and his staff teach these young men? Did they recognize the ceiling of the QB's talent? Or was it easier or safer to stick with AB? Were the coaches even capable or willing to adapt to their QB's abilities?

 

Most important:

 

Can Coach Lanning and his staff recognize then develop the talents TT and JB possess?

 

Can the Ducks put in place an offensive scheme that players will adapt to. Keep it simple, continues and the main staple. Just like Saban at Bama .......

 

Jon, great take and you know I stand with you. The PAC and B12 should follow the advice of this time honored saying, "United we stand, divided we fall.

 

Should they merge or work collectively to improve their media rights dollars.? Yes they should......

 

Will they merge or work collectively to improve their media rights dollars? No the probably won't.....

 

Why not? My guess the PAC 12 presidents will take a pass.

 

Why will they pass? Let's take a short review to answer that.

 

1. Back in the very beginning the PAC Conference and PAC Network was offered by the Networks to partner together. The PAC Presidents said no to a media partnership. They felt they could build a successful media sports network. With their giant egos, unrivaled arrogance and academic prowess they wanted to prove to the other conferences that they could build a network. Without the help of people who knew how to do it. The PAC Presidents wanted all the money. No sharing with others. Ask yourself,  how did that work out for all 12 members?

 

2. Once the PAC Network was up and running they couldn't market the Network to all the giant cable networks. The number of eyeball's watching was limited. The coverage became regional. Thus advertisers paid the Network less dollars for less eyeballs. At least the 12 Presidents didn't have to share their limited revenues. 

 

3. The 12 Presidents made what I consider the first of 3 major decisions that may prove fatal to some of the current conference members: FIrst, they hired and took advice from Larry. Second, when Larry's advice and direction failed they kept him in charge way to long. Third, after firing Larry and hiring GK, they are failing to admit their mistakes and move forward with help. The decisions are still being made by 12 presidents not qualified to make these types of decisions. 

 

4. Then when the SEC handed the PAC Conference, PAC Network and 12 closed minded presidents a way out, the 12 dwarfs said no.  They said no to giving the B-12 a life jacket or life line  The PAC presidents didn't want to merge and felt the conference was in a position of strength as it currently stands. WTH............

They didn't want to make less money. OBD Forum don't be fooled by that bull.... The PAC was in control of the entire situation. No revenues will change or would have changed until Texas and OU headed to the SEC. The PAC presidents failed to see that now the PAC will need a life jacket or life line.

 

5. The 12 presidents failed to learn from their mistakes. When given a chance to add millions of eyeballs from coast to coast, they said no. When given a chance to expand the footprint, they said no. When given the chance to save the network by giving advertisers more eye balls they said no. The arrogant, unqualified 12 members of the brain trust said NO......

 

Based on their past decision making why would they now say, yes?

Southern Duck thank you for this informative post......

 

This information is eye opening and I look forward to all the forum members responses.

 

Please post often and welcome. This is one hec of a article with a great deal of subject matter to ponder.