HappyToBeADuck

Charles thanks for this article. Once the 2022 recruiting cycle is completed next month, along with utilizing the transfer portal, Coach Lanning should be installing his program and processes. With this being his first HC in college football we as fans were able to see his defensive schemes firsthand against Michigan. Better yet we get to see how he makes adjustments against Bama in the Natty. As mentioned above, if he brings in the talent on defense we see he can coach the D players well. As for the offense........... Whatever Coach Dillingham runs is what we will get. Good, bad, exciting or boring. We can only hope that Coach Lanning is open minded and will change what is not working on offense. The last coach was as stubborn as they come. Future Duck players watching Duck games were probably not wowed. Excitement brings exciting players. With all the confusion around the program this year I may have missed this.... Were their any 5* running backs, QB's and receivers lining up to come play here? If they were, well I missed it. Remember, we are going to see our new HC develope, build and grow right before our eyes. Also his staff I just hope that Coach Lanning and Coach Dillingham at least ask themselves..... What kind of schemes and plays did Oregon run to score 45 plus points pet game for 5 straight years? What kind of players did they recruit? I know someone with a library full of answers.

Anything that upsets the unpotty trained horde up north is pleasant to hear. If Coach Lanning has truly learned from his coaching pedigree, the delusional masses up north will be in for a rude awakening. Of course, it's difficult to change an entire narcissistic fan based mired in a state of academic prowess.

I am not sure which conference is up next for media rights negotiations. That deal, how many bidding players and final dollar amounts will set the tone for what's to come. Then each conference and or each school can make the choice that is in their best interest. If you were a betting person which commission will make the calls to better position their conference for a big payday? BIG 12 - BIG - AAC - PAC?

It would sure be nice to have those options without having to pay for the package.

Tough loss for the Utes and their fans. We have been there and done that as Ducks fans. It hurts........ The Ducks and Utes proved that some teams from the PAC can play with the bluebloods...... Any other takers from the PAC want to step up? I truly hope the Utes can maintain their program at this high level

MaiTaiDuck I love your forward thinking. The state of Oregon has not shown any interest in being part of the solution to bring big time sports to the state. Getting an NFL franchise would prove to be difficult, even with a state of the art facility. One reason, just like San Antonio, Portland will never be forgiven for being founding members of the World Football League in the 70's. NFL owners don't forget or forgive. Another is because the NFL cash cow, the Networks, want and need more eyeballs. For decades the Networks were shown by fans that they would watch the nearest team. Before Seattle, people in Spokane watched the Raiders, Chargers, Rams and 49ers. When the Seahawks arrived the network found out that Medford fans wanted the Niners, Raiders and Chargers games. Medford gets those games to this day. The NFL and the Networks consider Eugene and Portland the Seattle market. Ratings back that up.. As too adding seats at Autzen...... I know during the Chip/ Helfrich 6 year run their was a long waiting list for season tickets. Demand was thru the roof. My son had 4 season tickets. He sold his 4 Natty tickets for enough money to pay for 4 more seasons of tickets. 4-8 and 7-6 seasons killed that. Along with some less than exciting games the last 4 years. He has trouble giving those tickets away. I would love to see more seats and luxury boxes. The additional revenue could be needed. Go to an 8 game conference schedule and the Ducks would always have 7 or 8 home games. Money in the bank. The question would be is the demand high enough? Probably would be if the play was exciting and if we annually made the CFP.

I really like that you expect progress and good decisions to be made.. The talent on the field deserves just that.. They made a great decision to come to Oregon. ADAPT to the talent you brought it. What a novel idea.

The PAC needs a standard bearer to carry the conference. A team that gets to the CFP at least 2 or 3 years in a row. The perception of the PAC will not change because SC or Oregon go 10-2. I am talking 13-0 or 12-1 after the PAC Championship. So how do we get there? And do we have 12 conference members who want to get there? First, recognize the mistakes made. Own it academia...... Then, fix it........ 8 conference games. Play a creme puff lste in the season to rest a few dinged up players Don't have your top teams play each other late in the season. Unless it's in your own division. In the SEC, I think Georgia and Bama play every 6 seasons during the regular season. If Oregon has to play SC or Utah, play it early in the season. In the new contract, sell those games as prime time only. Negotiate smart for a change. For a conference full of academic prowess we sure have seen a lot of stupid, foolish decisions made. Like selling out the Rose Bowl to an empty promise. Conference members must make large dollar investments into their programs or get out. Sell or merge the Network with Fox or ESPN. Those networks will showcase what they own. The greed to control it all by the Presidents led to 100% of very little. A commitment to building winning programs. Is the commitment better or stronger in the MWC or at BYU? Just do it as the slogan says.

Haywarduck Great topic. Your brain must never sleep? In fairness to any AD or Coach, it's important to remember this is a business. In my 40 plus years of experience deciding who to hire is difficult. Quessing who will succeed is difficult. Even with a previous track record or references. Usually the deciding difference is how the person sells themselves. We often hear AD'S talk about how they were sold on a new coach based upon that new coaches vision and plan. Basically the new coach sold themselves. So, a large buyout can help protect the school from poachers. But it is a double edge sword when the coach under performs. It's a roll of the dice or a flip of a coin. Throw in the boosters with their big dollars and high expectations and the final decision can get clouded. Let's use Texas A & M and FSU as an example. They saw the success that Jimbo Fisher had at FSU. The Aggies and their boosters wanted him bad. 10 years $75 million bad.... He got an extension and now gets $9 million per season. Fisher is a above average 34-14 thru 4 seasons. In a division where you can't lose 2 games I wonder if Aggie fans and boosters are feeling a little let down? Left wanting more..... After all Jimbo killed it at FSU. The man can coach and recruit. Since his departure the Seminoles have fallen hard. Their AD made at least 1 bad HC hire since Jimbo left. So was Fishers success because he took over a powerhouse program at FSU? A program in a weak conference. Once Dabo turned Clemson around, FSU could not hold them off. With Bama, LSU and Auburn on your schedule every year. 9-3 may be the Aggies peak. Jimbo is a top recruiter but can he coach against the top teams in the top division in all of college football? Because it's a learning curve it may well depend on everyone's expectations. Repeated 8-4 or 9-3 seasons at Oregon will not meet fans expectations. Not on this forum.... And not with Phil and big dollar boosters........ So coaches will come and go. Either fired by the school or looking for a different pasture....... The Hurricanes proved that $9 million dollar buyouts mean very little. Just my opinion...... Ask yourself, we're you satisfied with the Ducks record the last 4 years? Or did you want more? Depends on your expectations...

Jordan thanks for summarizing all that has transpired since Coach Lanning took over as Duck footballs Top Chef.. As a youngster, I would watch my Mom or Nana add their ingredients to whatever wonderful dish they were cooking.. The excitement and anticipation sometimes were just too much. But the results of their efforts were worth the wait. Them sweet ladies were Top Chefs........ Coach Lanning is definitely cooking something special. Looking forward to see what additional ingredients he adds to the mix. With February signing day and spring ball right around the corner, this off season has my full attention. Others on this forum have mentioned that our previous coach usually won the off season. I must admit that he could get top level ingredients to cook. But he just wasn't a great chef and never will be a Top Chef......... Let's hope Coach Lanning and his staff develop into Top Chefs........

The new commissionet and PAC presidents may have dealt the conference a lethal blow by not expanding. By not eliminating the B12 thru a mega merger the conference has left itself vulnerable to possible predators. What kind of academic prowess, arrogance or short sightedness does it take to not prepare yourself for the next TV contract. Networks want eyeballs in different time zones. They want partners who put a great product on the fields or hardwoods. There are many reasons the PAC12 Network was a failure. But it seriously lacked eyeballs. Eyeballs that advertisers will spend money TV. Money that would have gone to P-12 schools. The future BIG 12 had one team in the CFP and 2 in the New Years 6 Bowls. By the way those games were watched by millions on TV. Log Haulin is absolutely correct in that the P-12 isn't going anywhere. But a few members will be leaving for much bigger paydays. The BIG 12 or BIG will come calling. A 4-team west coast division ensures one of those conferences the west coast time zone. The networks will pay big dollars for that.

Well we all have our feelings and opinions on it, for sure. Truly, nothing will change on the discussion of should a G5 team belong or should a G5 team not belong in the CFP. One thing is certain....... I am tired of barely being part of the CFP discussion. Let's just get there and be a player. Tired of being all dressed up and not getting to go to the dance. Here's to Coach Lanning and his staff to getting the Ducks on the dance floor.

Well, whether Cincy deserved to be there or not is a topic to truly ponder. Point is they got there. They ran thru their schedule and got it done. I for one like any team that beats the Domers. When's the last time a G5 like PAC team beat the Domers? Scoreboard matters. Blue bloods like tOSU and OU didn't have scoreboard. If either of those teams had 1 loss then Cincy is out. It still is a beauty contest and every now and then a beauty from the wrong side of the tracks walks in the room. Hec Cincy and Houston would have won their fair share of PAC games. Both would have probably beat the true PAC champ. BYU.......

Happy New Year Chsrles and all the OBD forum. Charles, just curious, is that a smile on your face? The only reason I ask is because as I watched the Bulldog defense react and execute their assignments a smile exploded upon my face. Why? For a few reasons.......... The players appeared to be well prepared, knew their assignments and executed at a high level. That is a sign of good coaching...... The Bulldog defense came to play with fire and passion. The attacking scheme expected a level of dominance to be established. Not a bend don't break scheme. How refreshing and exciting ....... Granted, that defense has its share of 5 stars who look like NFL material. IMHO, you can be born with all the physical attributes to be an NFL draft pick. But high level coaching coupled with that talent gets you NFL ready. Does Oregon have that talent level? There are Duck defenders who could play at Bama or Georgia, for sure.... Oregon doesn't have as many on their squad right now. That will change. I feel that doesn't matter because the PAC does not field many offenses with SEC 5 star talent. Oregon has brought in the last 3 top recruiting classes in the PAC. The talent needed may be on the field now. That talent just needs a solid scheme(s) and solid coaching. To me that was the case on the field last night. The Natty game will provide all the current and future Duck players another snap shot of their future. Oregon had a chance at redemption against Utah. The coaches could not offer the players a better game plan nor motivate their players. Same out come. Another embarrassing beat down........ Bama embarrassed this great Georgia defense. Looking forward to see how and if the Georgia D can earn that redemption...... Last night was the first time I watched a CFP game since the Ducks beat down FSU. The games are just not compelling and I am not into SEC games. However last night and this years Natty are compelling. We get a glimpse of Oregon's future...... At the very highest level....... Looking forward to see how Coach Lanning handles a redemption game against the best, the very best........ Hopefully that Georgia defense can put more smiles on our faces.......

I must have missed the memo? Weren't the dogs supposed to go 12-0 during the regular season? I don't see them listed in the CFP. Personally, the beat downs from Utah and OU, were disappointing. But those are top teams....... Where does one rank their valiant effort in the epic, game of the century, hard fought loss to Montana? FCS, Montana.

24, 92, 255, 2, 3 Coach come home soon, victorious. Not a good idea to let a bunch of rambunctious 18-19 year olds loose, unattended........

David, I appreciate your article and your gracious attitude toward those that I will no longer speak their name. In the spirit of the article, I will no longer name call. I am truly thankful that the coaches have left Thankful to the administration's who saved us from not just a bad date but a bad relationship. Thankful that we don't have to endure coaches who worked hard to get less out of these talented players. Thankful to not have to under perform in a less than mediocre conference. Attendance and ratings prove the overall conference is lacking. Thankful to not here coach jibberish or useless coach speak. At least not from the nameless ones, anyway. Happy New Year OBD Forum members. This is one of the true Duck treasures. Did I mention I was glad the coaches left?

Yes bring on the Lanning Era..... Please..... Now I can officially add MC to the list of 4 letter words I do not ever utter. Not cause I am a Saint. But 8 kids, 20 grand and 3 greats give you pause to watch your words. Helps you change and break bad habits. Something(that name that will not be uttered) he will never do, change. Go Ducks........

Boy no matter how positive I am about such a strong effort by this young, roster depleted team....... I hate losing, always have and always will. It's called competition And these youngsters truly competed. They climbed out of a beat down and rallied until the end. Proud of them....... Now, I am going to finish sticking my finger down my throat and barf out all the WHAT IF'S of the MC UNDER PERFORMING ERA....... Coach Lanning, fill in the blanks, coach them up and let's turn the page to the Lanning Era You got some great warriors with talent to work with........

The best part of the game was truly the effort the young Ducks displayed. Start to finish.......... Looking forward to spring ball.

Thanks Coach for sharing your thoughts and explanation of the 20 and 21 sets. If Ty sticks around and Bo coming in we have 2 former 5 stars in house to run this offense. Great running backs, receivers and tight ends to utilize. And best of all the making of a 2 deep, monster O line. Plus filling in needs thru the portal. Go Ducks............

FSU and other ACC teams are going to get whipped like nobodies business in the recruiting game by MC and his staff. Seriously.... However, MC's offensive philosophy is predictable. In game adjustments are non existent and player development is lacking. Seriously...... The Miami fan boards will be fun to read when they witness this. Game after game, year after year. You wanted him, you got him and he's all yours Seriously..........

Seeing how much money that CBS makes on March Madness, you would think they would be all over a 16 or 32 team format. The money grabbers at all the networks would want to bid on a real National Championship. The model is already built at the FCS level. So the excuse of getting finals done or too many games is gone. Continuity and momentum will not be lost with 3 to 4 week layoffs. You build it the money grabbers will come......... However, first round picks may opt out to protect from injury. Transfer portal will be weekly as teams lose and end their season. Can you imagine the TV fan interest? Conference Champs get the home field for first 2 rounds. Wouldn't want to play the Utes on their home field in mid December. Oh well, cost nothing to dream. Even foolish dreams.

Thanks NJDuck...... It may take all 9 of them to step up to keep us in the game It's their team now. It's their opportunity to make it happen. Let's hope they are prepared. Best of all, let's hope others not listed, step up. The Oegon fan base is ready for a handful of new stars to emerge.

For the 2% that have a chance to make The League, all games create the chance of injuries. And as deshutesduck said, drop a few spots.............and you'll lose millions. For just a small few the next step is their career. Though a short career, at best, getting that 2nd contract is the prize. Hopefully someone in the room gives them sound advice. Protect the opportunity. After all it's money that drives these non essential bowl games. TV money, sponsor money, people staying at hotels, eating at restaurants. Spending the money...... The players get trinkets, gifts and a free travel experiences. Yet they are the entertainment! Paying them seems right, to some degree. Don't know what or how much.... Log Haulin posted "And down the rabbit hole we go" Do we really want to go there?