HappyToBeADuck

JJ that article presented a great deal of detailed info to make your case! Well done and thanks. uscuck definitely has the toughest road for certain. All the newbies have pretty tough schedules. Playing Top 10 teams is always rough. IMHO, i dont feel the actual schedule matters as much as which teams are ready to make a move to the top 4 of the BIG? Michigan, tOSU and PSU have had a choke hold on the top 3 spots for years. Iowa and Wisconsin, will not be easy outs. Especially on the road in November for any of the 4 babies. For this fan it boils down to who has the talent, continuity and coaching combination to win those contests? usc - no Ucla - no uw- not sure at this point..... Oregon - yes????? Perhaps we will have a better idea after spring ball and the final round of the portal. Should be alot of off season fireworks.! GO Ducks........

Good post Dr. Hilarius! Now that Sports Illustrated has been found out for AI articles under false names, well anything is possible. The article was presented like my many 10 year old grandchildren write. Uninformed, but spouting like an expert. What dribble...... If you are a player that sees the field on a Top 10 team then you are a cut above......

Schedules can be very problematic for sure. Fair or not, champions get the job done. The CFP doesnt even consider fair schedules. tOSU couldnt beat Michigan and OBD's couldnt beat the huskies. No matter how easy or hard your schedule is, you have to win the big games. That's what champions do! Our Ducks have 3 hugh games next season. tOSU, michigan and huskies. They most likely need to win 2 of those games to finish in top 12 for CFP invite. The other 9 games they better win because they should be the more talented team on the field. No margin for error on those 9 games. The most critical game is tOSU tilt in Eugene. Both teams will be undefeated and Top 5. As long as the game is a close score, hard fought battle and lives up to its expectations, then the loser will not drop. OBD's didnt drop out of the Top 10 even with 2 losses. The Ducks will have at least 3 bigtime games on National TV. The stage will be big! Go Ducks

Personally, the 2 NW schools will be treated like red haired step childs until they appear in title games, win BIG Titles, make multiple CFP appearances and win a Natty Or really draw viewers. The hierarchy pecking order, IMHO: ■ Michigan ■ tOSU ■ PSU ■ The Socal TV market The networks will set up prime time games for usuck and uclasuck. The Ducks and huskies will have to earn their stripes. We are nothing to them at this point Hopefully, the tOSU game will draw 10 million plus viewers and the Ducks win. Then the Michigan game viewership could be off the charts. Only viewers matter to the networks. It's a new world and OBD's are positioned ro carve out their place in it. Go Ducks......

That 3 minute meeting, if true, is?diappointing on so many levels That will come back to bite him hard on the recruiting trail. Between camps and social media those remaing players and incoming recruits know each other.... He lost their trust.... Evidently his word is not his bond. He truly is perfect for the horde up north. It's okay to take a better job for much more money. Thats good business. Players and their families undetstand that. Players will leave for a better NIL or playing time. However, players and their families welcomed you and your staff into their homes. You gave them all the reasons to come to AU. You gave them assurances asked them to trust you....... Aren't they worth your time to answer their heartfelt questions and take some heat? The pos city in Washington and your future was going to be there 10 or 60 minutes later. Good luck selling your we are family line in the furure. Go Ducks.....

As I look back and remember how I was feeling (estatic) when WT had a top 5 recruiting class in hand before bolting for FSU. And how I felt (disappointed and distraught) as that Top 5 class unraveled as MC did his best to salvage it. A part of me wants to feel sorry for the pitiful huskies but i just can't bring myself to it. The happiness i feel as I watch the fan meltdown is only exceeded by the happiness i feel that DL stayed! Often it is the simple things in life that bring us joy snd happiness....

One of the greatest gifts The Almighty gave Adam and Eve was the right to choose, coupled with consequences for their choices. He gave them one simple rule; dont partake of the forbidden fruit. Obey that rule and enjoy the benefits of all available in the Garden of Eden. Break that rule, be banished from Eden and suffer the consequences of the harsh world. However, forgiveness was made available for those who are truly sorry. Charles has a few simple rules for OBDF mrmbers that are governed by simply being respectful of and to others. Forgiveness is available to those who understand how the rule was broken and work to not repeat the violation. This Forum is very unique and special. It thrives from the respect we give to each other to share our thoughts and feelings, in a safe place. Each of us carries our own feelings and different views, juiced up with passion, joy, anger and ample liquid courage. Fully knowing we are safe to openly express ourselves in a respectful way. We have the freedom to choose to follow or break the rules. Consequences, good or bad may follow. No they will follow...... Notalot, that was a great post filled with passion embedded in a lifetime of experience. OBDF is better from your post. However, Sir Charles is right that the reality of human nature will rear up its ugly head. Fans will boo when performance is poor and does not meet their expectation. Coach DL will most likely hear the boos. But he also has the freedom to choose how he handles those chorus of boos. Or those calling for his firing. Members of this Forum crossed the line over the first 3 point loss in 2023 to those bastardos up north. But Charles forgave them. Our flawed leader understands the value of forgiveness. Let me give you an example of an unforgiveable sin. Last year my business schedule had me out of town. That evening I was out to dinner with 2 customers and their lovely wifes. While waiting for our food I noticed how nicely dressed my customers were and the many other couples in the restaurant. I spoke out loud and asked why everyone was dressed so nice? One of the wives said it's Valentines Day. I dropped my head in shame. The other wife said you have plenty of time to get a card and gift at the mall. She was trying to comfort me. I said that was the least of my concerns. After 18 years together my wife finally proposed marriage, darn it took her long enough. She thought it would be a great idea to get married on VDay so I wouldn't' forget our wedding anniversary. We met on VDay, got married on VDay 7 years ago and today was our 25th anniversary of our first everything. Everyone was silent! One of the guys said to call her, wish her Happy Anniversary, Happy Valentines Day and ask for forgiveness for forgetting. Both wives said that would be a good start but not enough. One of the wives asked me what I thought the statute of limitations for forgiveness was on such a inexcusable action? I said I simply didn't know! She said " Not in this lifetime or the eternal lifetime." Well I said I am sure God would forgive me. She said " God is to wise to interfere between a husband and wife. He didn't interfere with Adam and Eve, he let them suffer the consequences of their actions." The other wife said " Pretty certain God will forgive you. But you will still suffer the consequences of your actions" Boy those ladies were sure right!

Do you know what it is called.... When your expectation of things to come don't meet the realization of the actual end result Or When your entitlement visions dont match reality? That would ve called a husky or trojan fan...... I guess the sky actually fell at Montlake! What a great week.... Go Ducks!

Great comments and thoights on this thread.. .. The huskies should make a big time, top 10 pay check offer to CP. Start at the Top, then work down. Costs nothing but fuel in the jet to go see him. Get his thoughts at least. Maybe a short gig to bridge the gap. Pete is high class and quality. At the very least, name a current assistant, with Pete as a consultant. As for Arizona, Fisch has no pressure on him. At uw, CP and Deboer set a high bar of expectations. Depending on the big 12 conference revenue split, Arizona can cut into that deficit with a CFP game. They say 20-30 million for first round games. Quarterfinals $30-40 million. The expanded playoffs will be a cash cow. Why climb over Michigan, tOSU, PSU and Oregon to get an invite. No such powerhouse teams in the little big 12. Stay home, leverage a pay raise with CFP appearance bonuses. Recruit Texas, Florida and Cali from Tuscon. Build your own legend. Most likely he will move to armpit that Seattle has become. Best of luck to all.

Any road wins, in any conference are big victories. And i to am encouraged and hopeful. If and when the bigs return the options for DA really expand. They provide multiple complications for the Ducks opponents. Best part for me is the team has energy and is playing with effort. Go Ducks.......

We, as others have posted, will get a better meausure of the team when they start playing the top half of the conference. Fun start for the team and fans, for sure. The Cougar football team started 4-0 in 2023. How did that turn out when the competition improved? Go Ducks......

Thanks Grandpa Duck for sharing your family journey. Sometimes core family values and careers place tremendous strain on the family unit. Making balanced choices isn't often easy. Smart decision making is needed no matter the priorities..... For WT and MC going home may have worked out great for them and their families. Career wise maybe not? The massive pay days certainly eased them thru their mistakes. Coach Lanning has his family living where they are happy, coupled with big time paychecks. Lanning doesnt have to leave Eigene to go home and have his dream job. Eugene is his dream job and his home. DL will hold his job during those 8-5 or 7-6 seasons in Eugene. The fans will be frustrated but supportive. Some Forum members will meltdown and be temporarily banned. But the Oregon fans are family and DL Is part of the family Back to back mediocre seasons at Tuscaloosa and you will be gone.

I just love this Forum. Great post Duckster. Only on OBDF can the sky be falling all around us one moment then the next moment.........wow the Sun game up! Who knew DL has grit, character and is a man of his word........ Not much of that going around these days. Some high quality coach is going ro jump ship and devastate their fanbase. Just not DL, for now. Go Ducks.........

The writer sid a good job in his analysis of the teams. However, way to early. More transfers will take place after spring ball and final rosters are whay counts. What will matter is where the Ducks are ranked after the tOSU and Michigan games. OBD' must win one of those games.... I am certain the trojan fans will demand a recount for they were left off the TOP 25 list. Must be a mistake for sure........ Go Ducks...........

As a fan this was a great season and one of the best in many years. Many shoulda, coulda wouldas for sure! Very few lows and simply entertaining Congrats to the Wolverines, they beat a very good husky team. That is the benchmark for DL and his staff. Build teams to beat Michigan and tOSU, year in and year out. You have to beat a champion to become The Champion. Fond farewell to the PAC12 and lets go win the BIG......

Thanks Jon for the schedule info and breakdown for 2024. Sets up for a fun rollercoaster ride...... PSU has a very favorable path to the CFP but they need to find an offense that can score 40 points plus in a few of their games. 11-1 or 10-2. As you pointed out, Michigan will suffer a loss of talent to graduation and the NFL. Perhaps even their HC. I will hold off on Michigan until after spring ball! With Penix and those talented receivers headed to the NFL I expect the huskies to drop a bit. However, Deboer is one hec of a coach.... There is no reason to expect tOSU to not go 11-1. Nothing changes for them. Same with OBD's.....11-1 or 10-2. However, DL and staff must win those big games or its 9-3.... usc and ucla will not be a factor. Spoiler maybe? So tOSU and PSU should be in the CFP. uw, Michigan and Ducks fight for the 3rd invite. Not sure a 4th team will get an invite. Three teams at 11-1 and one st 10-2 could land a 4th invite. So much has to fall in place........ Big home wins against Buckeyes and huskies, coupled with no other stumbles(other than at Michigan) should put Ducks at 11-1. They would be in...... This is dependent on DG coming in and executing at an NFL level and the holes on defense filled..... Going to be fun but nerve wracking for thiscold Duck. GO DUCKS!

Great news for all us Duck fans.... Jordan Burch and a number of returning Ducks have a great opportunity to raise their draft stock. Bo, by returning, moved from a midrounder to perhaps a 1st roind pick. With above average NIL money flowing these players dont have to risk leaving early. Grow into your man body, develope your skills and play on the big stage. Late 1st and 2nd rounders get 4 year deals in the millions. The NFL will not run out of money anytime soon. So take the opportunity to increase your value. IMHO, all the returning players can build a 1st or 2nd round pick resume. So can some of the TP players! GO Ducks.....

Really excited to see the 4-0 conference start by the team. Every early win matters during selection time for the tourney. These early wins help build confidence even though these wins came from playing the bottom half of the PAC. Hopefully the big guys can return soon. Go Ducks.....

Fun read Ryan, very creative and well thought out. Each player certainly can raise their draft stock (worth millions, potentially) bank their NIL money while providing valuable experience and leadership. Hopefully a few more veterans decide to stay. Their experience could be the difference in needed victories at home against tOSU and huskies. Along with key BIG road game victories! Hopefully DG, with all his experiemce will stay in the pocket long enough to let the play unfold. Bo was very patient and it paid off. 2024 should be a BIG year...... Go Ducks..........

Duck and husky fans have been spoiled the last 2 seasons with Heisman QB's running the show. I felt ease and comfort when Bo was on the field.. Now DG might be even better. We just won't know really until the tOSU game. Maybe! But Charles is right that tOSU offense may take a hit without an experienced QB. The PAC profile was elevated the last 2 seasons with its QB play on the field. If DG can win over the team, lead them and execute at Bo's level then most teams in the BIG cannot score 45 points on the Ducks. One of the biggest off season concern for me is can DL and staff figure out how to win games against the BIG defenses that hold the Duck O well under theirscoring average. Most of this will be fun to discuss but we wont have any concrete answers until after spring ball. Players will hit the Transfer Portal and then rosters will have their final look. Go Ducks....go Blue......

David you are right on with your observations for 2024. DL needs to win some BIG games to continue to cement his legacy. OBD's will have the defending national champions, the Natty runnerup and tOSU on their schedule.......wow..... Winning 2 out of those 3 games and no slip ups may be needed to reach the BIG title game. The husky vs Duck game may decide the issue for entrance to the title game and subsequent CFP invite. How the teams replace talent and coaching will tell the story in 2024. I sure like OBD's chances. Go big Ducks.......

Very proud of the 2023 Ducks and their 12-2 record. Congats to DL, the coaching staff and the players for such a fun ride. Looking foward to the journey the 2024 squad will take us on...... Lots of questions will be answered as current players make their 2024 announcements. More questions will be answered as DL completes the roster via the TP. Jon, this old Duck fan is very fired up! One thing is certain about the 2024 season, OBD's have the 2023 seasons national champion and national runner up on their schedule. Throw tOSU into the mix and OBD's will need to win at least 2 of those 3 powerhouse games to position themselves for a CFP invite. The stakes will be high in 2024 and this Duck cant wait for it to unfold. Go Ducks..........

Happy New Year to all OBDF members....... Charles thanks for the article and the concerns, especially about a possible slow start by the Ducks! A slow start by Bo and company would only mean 45 points instead of 63 by the Ducks. The Flames will not stop the Ducks O...... A slow start by the Duck D will only make the first half interesting. The Duck D will adjust..... In the early part of the season the Flames were scoring in the low 30's and in early October Sam Houston held Liberty to 21 points. Should be plenty of film for DL and staff to view and build a game plan to stop the Liberty O. The 2 deep roster the Ducks put on the field will be the best D the Flames have played. The Ducks are bigger, stronger and faster. The Duck D will attack the 3-option and close quicker than any team the Flames have faced. In another article Charles showed some clips of plays run by the Flames O.... The D players in the clips were not attacking! They were waiting to see what was unfolding. That is the hesitation that gives the 3-option an advantage. There was no disruption by the D. I expect the Duck D to be very disruptive. We should see a few trick plays by the Flames so the Ducks must play their positions and assignments. This Duck squad is and has been a Top 10 team all season long. This fan expects OBD's to play like it. GO DUCKS!

Ducks win 63-31 2--TO 2-Sacks 325 yards passing GO DUCKS! Thanks to the players and coaches for a fun season. Close strong....

Ryan, thanks for the article and scenario similarities comparison of the 2 Fiesta Bowl appearances. Just a few thoughts: As you pointed out the ISU squad played 5 more games than the "Baby Ducks". That meant about a month more of practices for a team packed full of 4th and 5th year players. The 2020 Ducks did not have the 2019 talent or experience. I could be wrong but that squad had about 60 underclassmen. 60 youngsters with very little player development. As proven by time, games and seasons, MC and his staff lack in ways that cost their squads games. IMHO, the Ducks brought a group of talented boys to play a ISU squad of men, with future NFL players. In the 2024 Fiesta Bowl the Ducks bring talented, experienced players who have been developed. Or talented, experienced, developed mercenaries that fit DL's culture. The 2023 squad has depth and leadership that the 2020 squad did not have. Both the 2020 and 2023 squads had/have HC's who are top recruiters. Both have Top 10 classes. The similairities end there! MC talks a big game when in fact he holds his players back. DL motivates and developes his players. The Ducks should put 56-70 points on the board against the Flames. MC would find away to keep the Flames in the game. Very excited to get to see this Duck team one more time. GO DUCKS!