Charles Fischer

A big factor for Washington for this game will be healing from their injuries. They have some big ones, and do see the post I created summarizing their injuries that could impact our game.

The Huskies have a number of injuries that if we played this week--could change the game plan for Oregon dramatically. But with two weeks to heal--I think most will be available, yet many other media sources have doubts. It is important as an Oregon fan to be aware of them, and how the Ducks could benefit, and at the least--it gives us good pondering stuff over the next week. What I have below is taken from a subscription site, and thought I would pass it along for my Duck-Buddies over here. Washington Receivers First, two superb receivers were hurt in their game against Arizona, and it is assumed the Jalen McMillan will be back and fine...although it could be a smoke screen and something to watch for. The other receiver, Rome Odunze, could very well be questionable as the UW head coach did not want to speculate on him. A rumor on "X" was the Odunze was in a wheelchair after the game, while DeBore claimed he, "just had the wind knocked out of him." Hmmmm. (These are really good WRs) Washington Defensive Linemen Coach DeBoer also not sounding optimistic about UW's talented NT 6'1" 292 lbs. Tuli Letuligasenoa, after he hurt an ankle in the game versus the Wildcats. Washington's run defense was noticeably impacted by his loss as Arizona started to gash them up the middle. Defense will likely be the difference in this game, and the Huskies desperately need Tuli for this game. Another Defensive lineman, 6'6" 327 lbs. Ulumoo Ale, also went out of the game when he hurt his hand, and it appeared pretty bad. Have to think that along with Tuli going out--losing both had a huge impact on UW interior run defense. If Ale cannot use his hands, going to be a huge advantage for Ducks interior offensive line. He did return to the game, but was impaired. Tuli Letuligasenoa Tuli's a game changer. No Tuli, and schematically their defense just blows up. Now the A gaps become susceptible, as the Oregon offensive guards are freed up to block the 2nd level against the Husky linebackers, and in pass protection--we can handle the blitz better. There is a huge drop off after Tuli and Ale in the middle of the UW defensive line, as Arizona’s offense almost did whatever they wanted in the 2nd half. The backup QB for the Wildcats--Fifita was ok, but missed quite a few throws that could have changed the game. Running game was humming for the Wildcats when Tuli went out. Washington Offensive Linemen The Huskies lost their starting center and guard in the early season, (6'6" 298 lbs. Matteo Mele, and 6'8" 313 lbs. Julius Buelow) and they’ve been starting Redshirt freshman 6'2" 275 lbs. Parker Brailsford at center as one replacement since. It was known they were thin in depth in the interior offensive line, and their biggest test will be playing a very talented, savvy and experienced Oregon defensive line. Dorlus, Burch, Taimani, Popo, Burch, and Matayo U. will give them fits, IMHO. Popo was a big loss last year for us, and he is banged up now and we hope for his return. Last year was a Meh year for Taki Taimani, but he has had an absolute stellar year in 2023 with incredibly high PFF rankings for his play thus far. The last two games he especially killed it, and this 6'3" 330 lbs. monster is the perfect wrecking ball for the Husky running game. If we get a great push on that light, inexperienced freshman center (as Popo did versus Texas Tech below) then this could drive Penix into our edge rushers, and certainly mess up his timing with his receivers. Regardless of the injuries above--I believe that last component of Taimani versus Brailsford will be a major factor to watch for in this game. Popo just blew up the TT center...

On November 20, 1903 Chief Joseph and his nephew Red Thunder watched a game that ended 2 - 0, a score on safety and Washington victory, and he concluded that "I saw a lot of white men almost fight today. I do not think this good." Sourced from here.... (I am working on a dandy Husky article for next week)

It is highly unusual for Dan Lanning to give us an update on an injury--considering the recent past in that department. He said Jackson was practicing and "had a good day." Keep in mind that the media were not there to see who was, or was not practicing. Isn't it strange that he was so open about the injury? Like he was talking to the Washington coaching staff? What was he saying or not saying? Don't get me wrong--this is FANTASTIC news that he is OK, that is, if he is? I think our corners who came in (Nikko Reed and Jahlil Florence) did super without any let-down. We know that Coach Lanning is pretty calculated on everything. If he says something or omits it--there is a purpose. Or do I have too much time on my hands, and am reading too much into it? I know in this case....he did take it personal.

A big loss for the team. He was huge in the game-plans because he was so fast, and caught the ball so well. A sweet TD pass-and-catch last year... We will hope for a good recovery for him...

Great stuff Alex, and I love your point about how there were so many questions about Bo Nix prior to last season. Even yours-truly was having some concerns, and yet now? The team is completing over 80% of their passes?

One time I respectfully disagree. CU will end up 6-6, IMHO.

Agreed, and welcome to the forum! Do share your thoughts often...

I keep reading how it is impossible for a team to go undefeated in Pac-12 play considering it has not been done--and this year is the toughest the conference has ever been. Yet, aren't we built (referring to David's article today) different than prior Oregon teams, and the rest of the conference? This defense compares to our 2019 defense, but this 2023 offense is miles ahead of that one. Utah has a great defense this year, but Oregon has an offense that can still beat it. Is it a fantasy to think we can go undefeated? Yes, I know how tough the schedule is, there could be injuries, the ball doesn't bounce our way, etc. But this year lines up better than anytime in the past I can think of...right? How cool would it be to do that in the last year of the conference? Whew!

In the Athletic this morning--they had an article proclaiming that the No. 1 contender for the Heisman is now Michael Penix, and the No. 2 is Caleb Williams. Waiting in the weeds at No. 3 is Bo Nix, and it is fantastic he has the chance to play against both, and make his case. Three Pac-12 QBs lead for the Heisman! Whew! Bo will have his game face when he plays them...

You nailed it David, as Oregon is built different. If Arizona can hold them to 31 points…so can the Ducks. And I believe we can score more than 31 points on that defense. Great article!

No, this is not an expanded playoff this year,

For a variety of reasons--people can't see all the Oregon games on television. Want a digital copy you can view on your computer? Long story short--I go to a TON of work to convert the game to digital for Coach Boles and I to make analysis articles. My copy is crisp and clean which is what we need, and if you want copies of individual games, or the season, email me at charles@fishduck.com for more information. Because of the equipment and software I had to acquire to make this happen...if a donation were to come my way to help with expenses--this Shameless Beggar would not refuse it. From a recent analysis article...

Look at how far Duck fans have come...right on this forum! From the August earnest feelings of "I hope our defense can improve," to we now hear the first murmurs of how Oregon has a shot at a Natty?! Wowsa. Blows you away!

As I said before the season....the road is tough with some great opponents, but with this super-experienced savvy team--we can do it! 12-0!

Prime time baby....for the Ducks!

In 2019-we only gave up 16 points per game, but that would not rank in the top 10, I’m sure. IDK, although my guess would be “never.” It is going to near impossible to average giving up on 12 points a game from this point forward, but my goal of averaging 20 points a game is attainable. With the Will Stein offense—if we achieved the 20 point goal-I think Oregon wins most, if not all their games!

We have made a TON of yardage on this play. Thanks Coach!

From another article.... "The Wildcats went up against the No. 7 team in the country without their starting quarterback or their starting tailback and didn’t really flinch. It held UW to a season-low in points, yards, and yards per play. It also sacked Penix twice in one game, which has been otherwise unheard of since he arrived in Seattle." We can do better than Arizona...

Really good article... Oregon's defense starting to morph into what they envisioned at the start of the season 247SPORTS.COM The Oregon Duck defense is rolling and they are starting to live up to the image and reputation they envisioned at the start of fall camp.