HappyToBeADuck

Charles you are having way too much fun. You probably should stop but I recommend you pour it on. Ktmguy 2018, Williams is a great talent but a poor team leader. He gives his all for stats and points, his stats and his points. He strives to win but his team needs his leadership. You are so right that you want your leader to be front and center. On the front lines encouraging the D to fight on. Not pouting on the sidelines but leading his team not just in victory but in defeat as well. He is an exceptional talent playing a big boy game. Next year, if he leaves early, he will be playing a grown man’s game. Time to show that you can take it like a man, no matter what.... I will not underestimate the great sc offense. The Duck D could and will play great and yet could give up 50 points. So it’s all hands on deck, total focus, sharp execution and SCORE on every offensive possession. Until the Duck D takes control of the game.... Nothing matters but improve, beat usc and finish this new week, 1-0..

Great comments and a great deal to ponder about Ty.... Ty has athleticism, a rocket arm, quick release and size. Those are his givens. Those are great givens... Following Bo will be difficult for any QB, even a proven portal transfer. And yes talented, proven QB's will be lining up to transfer to Oregon. As Charles, the writers and OBDF posters have pointed out, Bo is special and we should enjoy every moment of his Duck career. What makes Bo so special and why are the a Ducks 18-4 with Bo taking snaps? It's Bo' intangibles.... intangibles that Bo has developed as a 5 year starter. Bo developed, thru experience and hard work. Bo has learned how to utilize the clock and slow the game down. He is not just playing in the game. Bo is taking command of the game. How many audibles has he called, or multiple audibles, and snapped the ball under 5 seconds on the play clock? Moves and countermoves are part of his strength. Can Ty or any transfer QB bring that calmness and control to the Duck offense? Don't know! Bo is accurate even when he scrambles. Because of the play calling by Stein and/or Bo's audibles the receivers are wide open. More important, he takes the time to scan the field. The last 2 seasons the O line has given Bo the time to make all this production happen. But Bo did his part and was patient enough to let the play unfold. I ask the Forum, can you name a college QB who has consistently stayed calm, called audibles and continued to improve? Maybe Burroughs and Bennett.....and they lead their team to Nattys... Even if DL brings in a experienced starter, Ty will get his chance to win the starting job. As long as Stein stays then Ty will know the system. But he will lack 50 plus games of experience. That cannot be overstated. It took time and games for Bo to read defenses, call audibles and slow his internal clock to a standstill. Ty will have to learn and develope those traits, on the job with Michigan, tOSU and UW on the schedule. .....only time will tell. In the meantime, i will enjoy the gift that is Bo. Let's hope we see Bo healthy and starting 6 more games as a Duck As for Ty, he has talent. The difference might be how much he has learned from Bo........

It should be noted that the Hurricanes wanted MC so much that they were willing to pay his $9 million (or something in that neighborhood) for his buy out...... They paid for what they wanted and got what they paid for....... If or when MC decides to hire quality assistants and get out of their way then the Canes will win and win big. Imagine top 10 recruiting classes with top level coaching? Wait I don't have to imagine that.....it'real and happening at Oregon now because the Canes had to have MC.... The ACC is a below average conference and will not improve with the 2 bay area powerhouses joining in 2024. So top 10 recruiting, coupled with great coaching amd Miami could rule the flag football ACC. It truly is the season to give thanks. Miami thank you for accepting our gift to you. Does it look as good now that it has been unwrapped?

Ryan you are so correct in your assessment because that first quarter was, well bizarre. The first quarter was a combination of exciting action, loss of focus and concentration, miscues, equisite PAC referrees reaching a new low level for penalties and the Ducks perseverance to overcome! (I don't mind penalties but Bucky got hit helmut to helmut and no call,WTH) Most games don't have that much happen in 4 quarters let alone 1 quarter....... I asked myself, what can I take away from this game? ■ The 2023 Duck team has so much talent that they can over come their own mistakes....(Consider how many 4☆ talented players are getting virtually no playing time) ■ The best team that Oregon faces every day or week is itself. ■ That DL does not watch the scoreboard. He watches for performance and execution. 22 point halftime lead and he was not happy that they didn't perform to his standards. Impressive....... ■ Confident that DL voiced that feeling to his team at halftime and the 2nd half execution was very good. ■ In game adjustments! After the Ducks overcame their sloppiness and the refs to score 14 points, Cal adjusted and stopped the Duck O and moved to 14-10. Both the Duck O and D made adjustments and the Ducks built a 22 point lead. Cal made halftime adjustments, took the 2nd half kick-off and scored with ease. Then Cal forced a 3 and out (not easy to do) Both the OC and DC made adjustments...the result was a 2nd half rout. ■ DL and staff will work on that next 1% improvement all this week. The Duck players will be laser focused for the dangerous trojans. Great teams overcome no matter what..... Go Ducks....its all about beating the spoiled ones. Let them no there is more to come in the BIG....

For me, Oregon's best shot to receive an invite to the CFP, runs thru an undefeated putrid husky team. This season it does matter who our Ducks play in Vegas. The higher our opponent is ranked the better. Follow my empty thought process! Viewer warning, my post involves the huskies winning games. Assuming all top teams win out and rankings stay the same. When tOSU and Michigan play, the loser will drop out of top 4. An unbeaten washington would move into the top 4. Ducks will potentially move to #5. When the Ducks beat the huskies in the title game, that #4 spot will be theirs. If Bama beats The Real Dawgs in the SEC title game (hope not), then it gets dicey. Both teams finish 12-1. However, the Ducks will be a conference champ. Georgia would not. Georgia needs to eliminate Bama feom the equatio Lets say Michigan beats tOSU in the regular season but tOSU gets revenge in BIG title game Or vice versa! Both teams finish 12-1. The loser is not a conference champ but the Ducks have a title. I dont feel a 1 loss little big 12 champ or ACC flag football champ at 12-1 will trump OBD's at 12-1 The committee will not think less of the Ducks when they win out. They will just enhance how they are viewed now as the best 1 loss team in the land. Strength of schedule may be the tie breaker. The invite rests on a thin, subjective line skewered by perception. The PAC title game must matter and the matchup epic. A rematch of the best game of the year would be perfect.. The BCS (mostly biased BS) and CFP committees have placed great value in revenge victories. IMHO, playing a 10th ranked or worse team in the PAC title game may allow other 1 loss champs to jump them. The Ducks need only beat the huskies by 1 point to get an invite. A close game, against a lesser opponent????? I know it is sacrilege to want those s...birds to win any game, however a win over a top 4, unbeaten husky team will land OBD's a CFP spot. Love to read some opposing views from this great forum group. BUT FIRST THINGS FIRST. BEAT CAL! Go Ducks......

Since the start of conference play my predictions have been bold and over estimating the Ducks scoring ability. So to ensure the Ducks score over 50 points... Ducks Win: 38-13 1 TO 3 Sacks 258 passing yards JJ, to ensure a putrid husky win, i agree that usc will simply outscore the dogs. Go Ducks! Beat Cal......

The money may not be an issue for DL and his family. Afterall 5.1 mil a season is great. I am not sure i can support the notion that DL already makes enough money.... Thats not for me to say..... thats for DL and his wife, isnt it? Consider Harbaugh and Ryan Dey are $7 mil plus, with day heading to $9 mil plus. Kelly, Sabin and Sweeny $9:mil plus..All have made the CFP. Only DL can decide the mountains he wants to climb and conquer. I ask myself, if DL makes the CFP doesnt he deserve that type of pay? It would be a great sign of appreciation from the school toward DL. Producers should never have to ask for a pay raise.... Their performance should speak for themselves. First things first...beat Cal.. Go Ducks......

Darren thanks for the timely article! Thankfully former players, well meaning alumni and those who rule from nosalgia weren't the final decision makers.. ... I like Justin Wilcox and no doubt he would do better with the profile and resources at Oregon. Lots of 9-3 and 10-2 seasons...... HELL NO TO THAT........ Oregon football is driven by the money of a business firebrand in PK. Its brand, like Nike is high profile. A exotic Ferrarri fueled with jet fuel. Coach Dan Lanning is a firebrand. Darren not just Bama will be coming after DL. When DL coaches the 2023 team to a CFP appearance or a Natty, another substantial pay raise and extension best be given. DL's salary should be in the top 10 of HC salaries if he makes the CFP. And DL should not have to ask for it, either. Nice thing about DL....he is focused on beating Cal and getting one more 5 star receuit. Go Ducks......

This will be the strongest defensive unit that Cal will face this year. The Duck D Is big, long, mean and aggresive.... As long as the Duck D is focused and not full of themselves from the Ute game then Cal will struggle to score 17 points. The Duck O, if they play clean should score 42 plus on Cal. That covers the spread. Only the Ducks can beat the Ducks. I hope the Ducks prove Klatt and Coherd correct.... Go Ducks.....

Fun for us fans but so unlike the national media to lavish praise on the ducks. Sure is nice to hear.. Hope the players are not listening to any of this fluff. Cal will give them their best shot Go Ducks! One game at a time. Beat Cal. ..

David it is beginning to look alot like 2014..... I agree with Log Haulin that the 2023 team, on paper is better. Especially at QB and the D. In replaying the game I noticed Bo seemed to be getting his team to the line, eyes focused on the Utes D and making multiple audibles. Marcus had more speed but may not have been an on field, play calling coach like Bo. That is an intangible to consider. The 2023 D is built to win and maybe dominate. There is not much drop off, if any, when substitutions are made. They still need to shut down Williams and or Penix to evem get to the CFP. We shall see. Lots of football ahead though. Fun topic to ponder but much left ahead to be handled. Before we can compare 2023 to 2014 this years squad must handle business and get to the Natty. Go Ducks......nothing matters but beating Cal.....

Hard to tell who was booing. My gut feeling was the student section. They had a great deal of passion wrapped up in the day. Many of them probably stayed up all night to be on site at 0 dark thirty for CGD. They had energy, passion and hope Hours later the Ducks literally kicked their teams arse and sucked the life out of the entire Ute fan base. Consider that they have not been thrashed and dominated at home in forever. My home was filled with Utah/BYU fans for both Natty games rooting for our Ducks to win..... Our own student section can be one step above asinine at times, too. Go Ducks.....

Thank you Charles for the article and all the time you invested in the breakdown and analysis. This article today is what makes OBDF special and over the top. Well done. DL, Stein and Bo seemed to have a pipeline to the Utes D signals. Bo adjusted to what he saw, audibled and made the Utes pay. Bo had wide open receivers for easy first downs. The Utes D was off balance and overwhelmed...... Whats most impressive, to me, was how KW made adjustments after it was 21-3. Those adjustments slowed the Duck O down. Those adjustments kept Utah in the game. However Stein made halftime adjustments and Bo kept calling audibles. After the Ducks first drive of the 2nd half, because of adjustments, the Utes were no longer in the game. Now thats impressive...... First 4 quarter, complete game of the season by the Ducks according to DL. Let's see the Ducks make it 2 in a row against Cal. Go Ducks.........

Lots of football left to play, including championship games. But fun stuff to ponder, for sure. All the Ducks control, at this point, is how they prepare for and execute against Cal. Nothing matters without sending the Bears, south for the winter with a loss. The committee has rewarded the teams who have avenged regular season losses in their league title game. As long as both teams were CFP worthy. Ducks best chance for a CFP invite is to beat a 12-0 putrid dog team in Las Vegas. Both the putrid dogs and the defensive juggernaught know as Oregon should beat SC. 12-0 Washington and 11-1 Oregon would be CFP worthy. Remember either OSU or Michigan will have 1 loss when they most likely face off for the Big title. The loser will not be a conference champion. That has always mattered to the committee. The PAC has not been invited to the CFP because the champ has 2 losses. No bias involved, simply 2 losses. (A one loss Utah would have been in in 2019 but the Ducks took them to the woodshed in the title game.) No bias, just a second loss. Will be interesting to see if strength of schedule matters to CFP after Tuesday night. If it does, then Michigan shouldnt be in the 4. THEY HAVE PLAYED NO ONE....... For me: tOSU, Georgia, FSU, Washington, Michigan, Oregon, Texas, Bama. We shall see if my streak of bad guesses will remain intact. Go Ducks....beat Cal

The Duck staff game planned very well against the Utes. The D executed that game plan beyond expectation. They made the Utes offense 1 dimensional, took the crowd out of the game and Bo and company did the resy. While i am exciting about how the Duck D dominated the game yesterday, personally I am trying to keep this in perspective. This D unit is basically the same as 2 weeks ago. Same talent, same coaches, etc..... Yet the huskies scored 36 and utes scored 6. Why? The difference in talent level coupled with playmakers on the field. The putrid dogs have NFL talent at the skill positions and the seriously injured Utes, not so much. Penix can release both quickly and accurately under pressure. The Utes, without Rising, not so much. If and when the Ducks dominate Williams and company, then that would be something..... Lets dominate Cal first.....

Ryan you are so correct in your observation about the talent gap between the Ducks and Utes....... Especially when all that talent improves weekly and then executes their individual assignments, thus playing as a unit. The offense has been playing at the highest level all season. After the first 3 Duck scores, KW made adjustments that allowed the Utes D to slow the blow out. However it did not matter..... The talented, experienced D took the running game away and made the Utes one dimensional. The D dominated completely! I am tempering my enthusiasm because the Ute QB is not Williams or Penix throwing to future NFL wide receivers. Not taking any kudos away from the D. I watched in absolute silence, stunned at the defensive performance. The Utes QB and wideouts are not on the same talent level as uw and usc. Ryan you are correct that Rising would not have made any difference. Dorlus and company would have dominated just the same. Do that the next 4 games and my only response will be WOW! The Utes had the ball the last few minutes of the first half and first few minutes of the second half. KW had to feel confident that they had stopped the Duck's offense on 2 drives in the first half. So take the 2nd half kickoff and go down and score. The D gave them nothing, absolutely nothing. The Duck O's halftime adjustments worked and Bo and company scored easily. The game was over..... KW knew it. Everytime the national TV cameras showed his face, KW looked dazed and confused. KW and staff had no answers. The crowd was silent! This Duck fan was in awe....... Now comes the real challenge for the Ducks. No looking ahead to the Trojans. You didnt win the Natty in SLC. Dont take Cal lightly. Great job Ducks. Cant wait to see how much each unit improves against Cal......

FINALLY...the Oregon Duck defense has arrived on the national stage! This is as impressive and dominant as you can get. I am just as excited for the defense to step on the field as the offense. Well done Ducks.....

We owe the Utes a stomping before the PAC 8-10-12 becomes a footnote in sports history. If the D dominates the Utes run game then this could be a blowout. Going to be a a difficult first half but the Ducks will score often in the 2nd half. Go Ducks......

Afyer a 14-10 first half with Utah leading Ducks Win 45-17 1 TO 3 Sacks 279 yards passing by Ducks DL and staff make adjustments at the half and Duck stars silence the Utah crowd... Go Ducks......

Its a toss up for me at the QB position. However, as a coach, if a game smart, talented, proven, experienced QB is available and fits my scheme, i would take him. One injury to TT and a redshirt freshman or true freshmen at the helm? No thanks. Look at the mistakes the freshmen QB at UCLA has made. The QB at Arizona stepped in well, however he hss yet to face a D. The Beavers D will be a big test. No substitute for game day experience Staying on topic, i would be excited for any high quality, mean, nasty DL/OL portals that fit DL's needs. Does usc have any of those?

Discussions about player development(PD) have certainly layered the Fishduck landscape since MC became the Duck HC. While the level of recruiting moved to Top 10 (or near) it was pointed out by Charles, the gifted writers and Forum members that many players were not remotely reaching their potential. Coach em up filled articles and posts. We all were excited as the Duck roster began filling with future NFL talent level players.....yes! Yet each season the Ducks had weaknesses in all 3 phases of the game. (Not to mention MC throttled down the QB's and the offense) So.....either 1. The HC and staff lacked the ability to develope the players 2. The high level players didn't want to be developed. They knew MC and staff wouldnt make them sit or replace them. 3. The HC and staff recruited ☆stars☆ not players who could fill specific needs to eliminate weaknesses 4. All of the above....... IMHO, DL and staff are proving that their PD program is evidenced on the field. Take the improvement on D. Last season the D could not cover the deep ball, cover over the middle, pressure the QB, get sacks and stop 3rd and long........ (did I miss anything?) That is the recipe for a 6-6 or 7-5 season. Yet DL and staff took the under developed talent and carved out a 9-3 season. If not for a Bo injury and DL coaching decisions shoulda, coulda, woulda been 11-1. DL admitted he did not have the skilled, developed players to run his D scheme. They adjusted and simply outscored 9 regular season opponents. Thats a combo of coaching and talent. Not the case this year. Thru recruiting, the portal and PD those D weaknesses are greatly reduced.. It is obvious, to me, that on a DL team, you best take the coaching and improve each day or you may not see the field. Thats a great motivator..... Charles, whether DL builds a PD program with longevity like Coach Belotti or KW depends how long DL stays a Duck. That will always be a big "IF" I ponder on how much Belotti and KW have done and accomplished with 2 and 3 stars mingled with 4 stars. My heart skips a beat and my hopes soar as I ponder what heights the Ducks can reach when you PD repeated classes of 19 plus 4/5☆. The future is bright under DL. Thanks for this safe haven for an old Duck to share his thoughts. Life takes so many turns on its journey, some are not pleasant or easy. Its a blessing to have a like minded community to share ones thoughts with. As always looking foward to the Forum posts. Especially on game day crazy...... Go Ducks! Beat the Utes......

Utah has given up, like 105 points in 7 games. Thats pretty stout. They have only played 1 high scoring machine and they surrendered 32 points to usc. Victories over Florida and Baylor boosted their national perception. However Florida will be 4-3 on the season after they play the Real Dawgs and Baylor is 3-4. That trojan game was a road game against a team that plays very little defense. When they went on the road to Corvallis the Beavers held them to 7 points. Beavus has a solid D and stymied the Utes at every turn. Ask your self these questions: is Oregon's defense more like the Beavers or Trojans? Is Oregons offense more high scoring like the trojans? Utah will have to deal with a balanced, high scoring Duck offense and a nasty D that will shut down the Utes running game. Make the Utes one dimensional and sacks and interceptions should follow. This game should be 41- 17 Ducks! Now comes the howevers. The Duck O must play smart, efficient and clean. Only penalties have stopped Duck Drives. All game at TT, first half at Stanford and some decision making at uw. Notice the key component "At". We will be AT Utah. At Rice Eccles and against the most experienced coach on the west side of the country. I expect some of the Ducks will be anxious, nervous and make some critical mistakes. Mistakes that take points off the board. I like as mentioned above a 11 point Duck win. 28-17. Doesnt have to be this close but it will be. Go Ducks .......anything less than making and winning the PAC title game will be a ley down.. ..

Log Haulin, DL was certainly subdued in those presses. Seemed to be fatigued..... No way to know if anybody got their wings clipped. I asked myself why would anyone (the AD, PK anyone?) clip the wings of a HC who is 16-4? 98% of the FCS schools would want him as there coach. The other 2% will chase him if they need to. DL is a rising star, gaining valuable real time in game experience at a Top 10 level temperature. Mistakes are part of the job! Let DL do his job.... Wing clipping is an off season, behind closed doors, out of the heat of the moment type of thing. Mostly for losing record coaches. Who in their right mind would criticize or clip the wings of top producers? Gee Dan, we know you are 16-4, #2 in ypg and ppg, top 10 ranking, top 10 recruiting class, up graded the D and added more weapons for Bo, but......... Not a chance, imho.... After watching and rewatching the Coug game, just dont see where going for it on 4th down was necessary. No gambling needed. This game was never in doubt and no need to do anthing but ram down the cougars throat ala #88. At Rice Eccles, Log Haulin, rest assured DL will gamble and take chances. He knows the table stakes against the Utes. I like that version of DL. But FG's do count! CFP hopes are dashed for the loser. I wonder if the OBDF members feel OSU has a better defense than the Ducks? Or does Utah have a better offense that the huskies? I don't and this game shouldnt be close. Barring mistakes, Utah should struggle to put 21 points on the board.... Only the Ducks can keep themselves from scoring 38 points. Not the Utes! Go Ducks..........

For me, YES! The Utes are the real deal. The are almost unbeatable at home. Ducks must exploit the Utes few weaknesses and their own tendencies. The game is a toss up. USC is simply an offensive highlight machine. As a team they are more fluff than substance. OSU will not be able to pound the ball and overcome a 20 point deficit. DL has a stout front 7 built to stop the run. When the Ducks play clean they are unbeatable at home...... All 3 games will be exciting, physical and nerve wracking. However, the only game thats on the Duck 1 game season is Utah..... Go Ducks.....

Thanks Coach for taking the time to create and share this article. I hope we see a little more of the Y-Pop RPO against the Utes. Punishing a LB who vacates his duty of covering the TE will help keep the Utes honest, get a first down or 2 and maybe points. Bo is experienced and capable of making the right decisions in the RPO sets. Utah, just like our Ducks, has tendencies, too! On both sides of the ball.....take advantage coach..... No matter what the line is on this next big game (believe Ducks are a slight favorite) IMHO, its a toss up. Could go either way. The talent advantage goes to the Ducks, head coaching and home field advantage to Utah Just a few plays will decide the outcome of this game. Maybe the Y-Pop RPO will be one of them. Go Ducks.........