HappyToBeADuck

Jon the portal will be like capturing lightning in a bottle. Those that catch it will potentially reap great rewards. Williams to USC might fall in that category, if it were to happen. Wonder if any Ducks will be heading to Miami? If they don't that could reveal a great deal. Besides anything is possible. Just heard that Houston beat Auburn. You know that team from the 8th largest media market in America. A team and market that maybe we could have had. I guess somethings just aren't possible..........

I remember AB being interviewed after the Fresno State game by the PAC 12 Network crew. He was visibly upset at his performance even though the Ducks won the game. It was a 4th quarter comeback win engineered by AB. When the AB interview was completed they broke to a commercial. When the crew came back on air they showed what happened between AB and Allioti during the break. Coach had his hands on AB's shoulder pads, looking him in the eye. Allotting told him to remember they won the game. He recognized AB owned it and now told him, go back to practice and fix it. Great advice by Coach and AB took it like a man and a leader. I disagree with the notion that AB doesn't get to defend himself. This young man did own it. Saw and heard it with my eyes and ears. He took Coaches advice and went about fixing it. He played and executed the game plan as per the coaches schemes. Never, and I mean never did I hear or see AB blame others. He repeatedly owned it. Measuring performance is subjective at best. Results are 10 wins, one in the shoe.

Darren thanks for those thoughts and words. I am confident you summed up how many on this forum feel. Not sure what the ratings have been for this bowl season but I have not watched a single game. Happy for the teams, players and fans of the schools who participated in the bowl games so far. Remember the excitement we felt as the Ducks earned the Independence Bowl invite? It was exciting..... Back then the Bowls were the prize. The only 2 games I have watched since the CIVIL WAR game have been the 2 FCS semi-final games. They were exciting and fun to watch. BTW, they were games that mattered. Football games are a contest not an exhibition. Or a beauty contest. The current format is just a beauty contest. Subjective not substantive. The format is just for the chosen few.........IMHO my opinion ESPN has ruined fan interest. Their greed pushed them to control it all. Now the bowls are less attractive and the road to the Natty leaves 10's of millions of fans unfulfilled. Not watched a CFP game since 2014. The last 2 seasons for me have just been a let down. Don't get me wrong, I love our Ducks and 14-6 thru the last 2 seasons is wonderful. Wins on the battlefield are the goal. But just plain vanilla in my opinion. Since the Ducks walked off the Rose Bowl field in 2020 where's the excitement and fun been? A few nail biters over the rivals to then be told we don't have enough academic prowess by a mascot led team that can't even use a toilet, except to drink out of it. The amazing win at the shoe is the highlight of the last 20 games. That game mattered. We won that beauty contest event. After that win, the chef (MC) got done cooking the stew. Every meal but a few were bland at best. I was full but most of the time unfulfilled. Even got indigestion. The first Utah debacle was a bad case of food poisoning. . I am so proud of the young men who have hung in thru the last 2 seasons. Proud of the youngsters who stepped up thru all the injuries. You have my full support. Enjoy the Alamo Bowl experience. It used to be considered a great reward for a hard fought season. Still is in my opinion. Just not a 5 course meal, anymore.

For certain the burden of the rule book has been lifted. Especially for boosters. Just bring a good proposal that entices players. Coaches and administrations will have their arms wide open. Can't you feel the love. All warm and fuzzy. Whatever under the table deals were done in the past, we may never know about. Doesn't matter, the future of football is upon us. If there were any prior shenanigans at Alabama, Georgia or Memphis, well Coach Lanning may have learned a few tricks. Glad he would no longer have to hide any. Here's wishing Coach Lanning has learned the best from those coaching staffs about....... Player development In game coaching adjustments Building a CFP worthy team that all Duck fans can be proud of. Go Ducks......

Some of those are valid points. But the Cane glory, you speak of is in the past. The past...... We are speaking of the current landscape......... For sure the talent pool is greater in Florida over Oregon. Population in Florida is greater, by far. A few Florida players came west to Oregon. But Oregons foot print is currently National. The Ducks recruit California, Texas and Florida.. The private jet has plenty of fuel and only needs to make 20-25 stops each year. But here is where the rubber meets the road. It's about coaching...... . If the talent is so good within 4 to 6 hours of the campus, how come the Canes aren't dominating the ACC and the CFP. I agree that the talent is there. I support your post. But where are your Championships the last 20 seasons? IMHO, lack of coaching and some recruiting losses have been the theme since Butch left. The Canes have had no 4 or 5 year runs of 10 plus wins per season. Ducks have Now you have Mario. He is one of if not thee best recruiter. But Miami has not been short on 4/5 star players the last 20 years. The Canes will have annual top 10 recruiting classes under Mario. He's amazing.... But, just as in the last 20 years or right now, these talented players need coaching and player development....... We at Oregon were blessed to see 2 and 3 star athletes developed into NFL ready talent. But more importantly developed as a team. We were blessed to have 4/5 star talent enroll at Oregon. Especially under Mario. Somehow though, the player development and team unity just didn't happen. As Charles said Miami got the coach they wanted. Careful what you wish for......... I just don't think combative posts will change many forums members minds about some of Mario's coaching decisions or player development. Even if Mario was posting to defend himself, he wouldn't change many minds.

Hello Captaincane I think John Charles presented a good list. But keep in mind it's all about who's cooking dinner and what ingredients we throw in the pot. Nothing like home cooking. So my statement was homerized...... A couple of my ingredients to add are: Since 2000 10 win seasons Ducks 12. - Canes 5 Wins Ducks 202. Canes 182 That's 1 more win per season Rabid fan base and some high powered donors who do not need to be asked for money. They bring it in an armored truck. Miami fans talk about the glory days and have done very little to get back there, until now. Oregon is committed to creating some glory days of their own. IMHO, Oregon has better trajectory and momentum, at this point...... The investment from Miami boosters is so far just a promise of things to come At Oregon the investment has been made and will continue Both schools started the 21st century on fire. Then a slight fall off for both schools. Then the Ducks reloaded and had a 6 year amazing run . .... The Canes did not. The Ducks had another 2 year drop, then Mario moved the Ducks to the top of the conference and 2 Championships. The Canes did not. Top dog is Clemson in ACC. Miami used to be a brand. Oregon is a brand............... Now as many on this forum can attest, I am not controversial. So let me say 3 final items: First, in 1985 Oregon was just learning how to win and go to bowl games. Miami under Howard S. was building a powerhouse. I rooted for the Canes to beat FSU, Notre Dame and Nebraska. The Canes made amazing Coaching hires and put the trophies in the case ......Scoreboard ! But they did not sustain it...... Second, records do matter. Mario as a head coach is 62-60. There is no mincing or waltzing around that. It's okay and IMHO nobody is smearing Mario. He has earned the respect of many on this forum. But the wins at Oregon belie the empty promises. The sting is still strong. If Charles didn't monitor this site you would really see how many feel about Mario You and Cane nation are going to find out, soon enough what that means. First hand......... Third, on this forum you probably won't get much love touting that Miami Natty in 200whatever... Why? Because the Canes did not play the 2nd best team in the country. You know the Oregon Ducks....... Nebraska playing Miami meant hire ratings. That's why they called it the BS National Championship game .. Sorry for the long response. And truly thank you for being on this great forum. Your participation makes it even better Call me out any time and PS. It's difficult to get Jon to move off his position. Just another voice that makes this forum so strong. Glad it's late. Nobody will read this post and it will probably get banned.

As the world turns.......... MC and how he handled this left me disappointed. We all knew his love for his Alma mater. No surprise that he took that job. He loves the school, the city and the memories.. Wish him well. Really do....... IMHO, Miami was and is not a step up or even a lateral move from Oregon. However a 12-1 MIAMI may be an easier ticket to the CFP. The Canes have street and media credibility Thank goodness we lost to Stanford and wet the bed against Utah. If not MC would have delayed his announcement thru the CFP. What a mess for recruiting, coaching hires and holding on to current players. Imagine starting the hiring process mid January?

The 4/5 star O Line talent that is at Oregon now and looking to come to Oregon wants to play in the NFL. Those big, strong road graders and bridge supports need the best coaching available. It appears this coach checks that box. As far as recruiting goes, the proof will be in the pudding........

Yes that's very good news for the team. Cyrus Moss has the potential to be a home run recruit. Gotta believe that one or 2 recruits that Coach Lanning has been building a relationship with at Georgia, may come out west, too.

For sure on that. Scott was nothing more than a puppet or court jester for the 12 presidents Washington isn't the only PAC school with the academic prowess mentality. In what world did the PAC presidents think standing pat was a power move. Clowns? Any aggressive move by another P-5 Conference or Network and the PAC, which is vulnerable, could be in harms way.......

Thanks Jon for this well organized and concerning article. Based upon the passion and frustration, on these 3 concerns, from your previous posts thru out the season there must have been a few rewrites and edits............ Whether these decisions were from the ego driven arrogance of the presidents or the ignorance and ego of Scott or both. .......... Either way the hard core truth in this article makes my blood boil. So I will control my anger as I revisit the blueprint of the PAC's self destruction. When the TV contract ends, what then? We have no bargaining power as we failed to position ourselves to offer the networks what they want..... More TV eyeballs within our footprint and fresh content. You know like SC vs Baylor or Oregon vs Oklahoma State. WTH......... When the BIG and SEC sign their new TV contracts each school could be receiving around $100,000,000 per year. Rutgers, Maryland, Vanderbilt, real football juggernauts cashing big annual payments. So how long will Oregon and USC stay in the PAC for a measley $50 to $60 million a year. Better yet why should they. Big time football deserves big time paydays. None to be found in the PAC..... You could guess that more than one conference will come calling......

Ultimately when the PAC leaders turned down expansion they may have sealed their own fate. They had the perfect chance to make it a P4 group. Eliminate a major competitor and pick up a few key contributing schools Stick their nose in Texas, carry three time zones and be a player. Now when the next moves are made what will the remaining PAC schools do when USC, Oregon and a few more schools leave the conference. USC and Oregon will not be part of a have nots conference. When the shift comes the big boys will be forced to move where the big money is. JJ is right. Add the BIG 12 to the alliance. Go at it as a group separate from SEC/ESPN. Include a few of the Group of 5 conferences in a true 16 team National Championship tournament. It's eat or be eaten. Create something that ALL the networks can be a part of and bid on. The money will flow because 3/4ths of the country or more will be interested in. Create something that. ESPN can't survive without...... The PAC had a chance to take the 2nd lethal bite out of the remnants of the landscape. SEC, Texas and Oklahoma took the first bite. I am afraid, without aggressive moves , the next bite will be taken out of the PAC.

Always and in all ways fans are susceptible to any and all optimism. We need some hope. The double gut punch from WT and MC the last 5 years has reduced the flaming torch of promise to a flickering candle for many. We jump at any hope and promise. However....... In order for success to take place in any venture...... .. for hope to be realized! Then......... Opportunity and preparedness must meet........ The opportunity for these players to put their stamp on this season comes in the form of win #11. Are they prepared?

Definitely late to the party on this topic, for me...... Great posts for certain from multiple sides of the spectrum. Optimism, pessimism, uncertainty, confidence, excitement and frustration............ The forum pot is full. And everyone is safe to share. What a great forum this is. So much food for thought and consideration. Thanks to all............ I get the feeling that Coach Lanning has his own plan.......He will have plenty of film to review to see what the true talent level is on this team. Then all of sping ball to see how that talent level executes his plan. When I am hired to consult for our customers the owner(s) always want to know how I am going to fix their problems. My answer is as always...... I have know idea until I observe your team and see what I have to work with. From that observation I will discover if your team or your processes are the road blocks to your goals.......... In football terms do I need to bring in new personnel (coaches-players)? Do I need to change, modify or install a new process (systems-schemes) Once I make my discovery, then my group gets to work. Some existing team members quit or move on. (NFL-portal) So now I have to assemble the team I need(recruiting-portal) Also I have to rally the troops that remain (current roster) Everyone has to buy in to the plan or program. Victory comes with the team. But know this. Everyone on the team needs training. They gotta be taught, coached up and loved. (Player development) IMHO, Coach Lanning is in the observation and assembling faze. Some pieces will leave after the bowl game. Other portal pieces will come available right after the CFP is completed. Then the final assembly on National Signing Day. We will know much more about Coach Lanning and his staff then. As some have mentioned, after the Georgia game, when the Ducks take the field they will have the most talent against any opponent. Probably true. Coach Lanning inherits a young, experienced roster. Needs a few pieces and a new process. All three phases. And teaching, training, coaching and love for the team. Can they develop players? The jury will be out on the Coaching staff hires until this time next year. Coach Lanning and his staff will have growing pains thru their learning curve. It is inevitable. Some questionable hires? I expect mistakes. They will be out coached in a number of games by more experienced coaches. (Shaw, Whitt, Chip, Herm, Smart) Hec 8-4 is a possibility. So is 10-2. As long as Coach Lanning, staff and players learn from their mistakes then they will be ahead of MC. He just never learned or would make changes. If MC can win 37 games then Lanning can too. Slow start but strong finish in 2022. If they develop players, make good in game adjustments, then down the road Lanning will take us to the CFP. Natty? Well, if ifs and butts were candy and nuts then Everyday would be Christmas.

Just Ducky I don't think you're being negative. That non block was just one of a few plays or games that kept us out of the 2 or 4 team playoffs over the years. The ride has been magical since the pick. Filled with many ups and then those devastating losses. Part of the ride that comes with the amazing memories. The Black Mamba was lightning in a bottle. He just didn't execute on that play. Cost us big time. IMHO it didn't diminish his greatest accomplishment. He proved that 5 star athletes can come to Oregon. As I read the article I too thought of those few missed plays, injuries and losses that kept us from a potential Natty. Just reminds us of how narrow the path is for Oregon. The margin of error is minute........... Unlike for Bama.........

That stain will never leave the little puppies program. Never........ Not even "Shout" will cleanse that bad boy stain.......

David Lanning definitely is a high risk hire But it's a risk that needed taking MC was becoming a bit of an old record. Yes he won, won alot! But even I had run out of defending his excuses. The talent on the field the next 3 years should help with growing pains for Coach It's just a plus that the assembling of the new, young Duck coaching staff causes so much angst with Husky fans. Imagine their angst as that staff continues to out recruit them on the trail. Then whoop em on the field. Let's not forget we owe them a 70 spot stomping........

Not sure about dreamy or easy on the eyes....... However whenever my wife sits down to drink her morning coffee and SEC Game Day is on, if she sees Mr. Dreamy she sighs and Softy whispers yummy...... I asked her once if the yummy was for the coffee or Herbie? Her answer was, both... Never asked again! Guess Annie was on to something. Over the years Herbie has been pretty high on his praise for Oregon. Especially with the video game remote in Chip and Mark's hand.

Well at this fine Holiday Season as the Husky faithful gather around their doggy dish for dinner........ Ask yourself what do they have to talk about? What is truly positive about their program? Not much........... Next best thing......... Bad mouth your master?

One of the best Christmas gifts received today. Thanks Charles! Gosh the Huskies are the gift that keeps on giving. Merry Christmas OBD forum.......

The landscape of big time college football is changing so fast that its almost unrecognizable. As fans we have no say in these matters. College football will change as the money and opportunities arise. Most roller coaster rides have sections that are difficult and stressful. G force pressure..... For some it's exhilarating, for others it's painful and upsetting. The transfer portal is just that, a roller coaster ride. As soon as the bowl games are completed their will be hundreds of players entering the portal. Get ready....... The rules have always allowed for players to transfer. They just had to sit out a year. That may make some fans happy but it was unfair to the player. None of us and I mean none of us know each and every players reasons for playing football. If that player cannot achieve or satisfy that reason. ... Well they should have the right to move on. And I wish them the best. Afterall, they play for themselves and family. Maybe Mom or Nana missed Jayson. Maybe Jayson missed them. Consider that Coach Lanning talked with each player or recruit on the plane ride to Eugene. Or in person. Pethaps Jayson didn't feel he would fit in Coach Lannings scheme. Either way, to me, the human element of the players and coaches outweighs the loyalty to school nonsense. Or loyalty to the fans. If we want Oregon to succeed and win a Natty then change is necessary. And change is coming.... Good luck to all who leave for the NFL or another school. Life is a journey and each of us has to live with the consequences of our decisions and actions. As a fan, I truly don't like this but I sure hope your replacement is better. Sooner or later, a group of Duck players and coaches are gonna walk off the field with a Natty. Hope it's sooner.........

Jon, as we all know, leadership in the PAC was woeful. Why is our 2nd best team playing outside of the PAC foot print. But consider this..... With all the money and billionaires in California why is their not a Second New Years Six Bowl in Socal? 2nd place team should be showcased in the PAC foot print. Theirs plenty of money, hotels and potential sponsors to make a big payday possible. I mean Rose Bowl type money. Maybe the new council can get with it. If influemce and name recognition is all the council has, then use it. The Jimmie kibble and bits bowl is just underwhelming.........

Well done Coach...... Keep the gifts coming this Holiday Season...... Get that Natty for Georgia and come out west and get a handful for Oregon and OBD.......

It's so wise and Necessary to keep politics or any potential " Forum Launch Points" under control. Normally I am long winded but this post has one point. Hope you can take it under consideration. In the middle of the last century when the world was in three colors, black, white or gray ( especially TV sets) sports were just starting to creep on the small screen. When my Father bought the first color TV set in our neighborhood an interesting thing happened. Neighbors, friends and relatives came to our house to watch TV with us. Some brought dinner but ALL brought dessert. YUMMMMMMM Sunday was special. With the formation of the AFL there was now 2 to 4 games on every Sunday. It was heaven. Food, family, neighbors and friends with a common goal. The color TV Set. So it was football from 1-7 est. If the late afternoon game went past 7, well tough. (Look up Heidi Bowl) The networks cut to their National Night Time broadcasts. Walt Disney, Ed Sullivan Hour then Bonanza of Gun Smoke. Dad bought a 2nd color TV for the family room so you could choose between games and shows. My fellow forum members it was a time I wish I could bring back. Sundays were wonderful. 2 things broke the fun up. By the time MNF came around most people had a color TV set in their own home. The second was political talk. Gosh the anger and harshness was frightening to a child. Some Dads got banned. Moms rule...... No one is welcome in my Brothers home today unless you agree to his wife's politics. WTH. It only ends bad when politics get discussed. Don't you feel their are plenty of sites to argue endlessly and yet change no ones mind? So in my family since the 1950's sports has been a safe haven. Politics a foolish venture into nothingness. Thanks Charles and team for getting that aggravation to the curb.

Just an additional thought. Non scholarship kicker sets up for a game winning field goal in a P5 conference championship game. Make the kick and you send your team to the CFP. The school and conference divide up millions of dollars. Reap the recruiting rewards that follow, yet........ We can't carve out a scholarship because of rules. If we can have NIL dollars flowing then why not target specific scholarships..... Maybe I am bitter because my son played 3 years of D1 ball while on a full ride ACADEMIC SCHOLARSHIP. IMHO, The school and coaching staff had no problem with that..... Just saying.