Charles Fischer

We have built an offensive roster that is superior to theirs in the passing attack; with both teams loading the box, our difference can be through the passing attack, in particular with our veteran receivers, DAK, and Evan Stewart as a decoy at minimum. He will suck defensive attention to him to open up DAK, Bryant, Benson and the Beast. This is the game to establish and remind everyone that better recruiting counts. And for those who tremble about the weather? What did you expect in the Big-10 in November? This is what we built our roster for...

As I have stated in other threads, I believe both teams are going to try to shut down the run by loading the box, and challenge the other team to beat them through the air. I believe Oregon has a much greater skill set for doing that, even if Dante Moore makes some mistakes. Our receiver core is superior, and if you mix in rollouts and a variety of different passing plays, I believe that Oregon will prevail. There is NO WAY that if Iowa loads the box, and we load the box....that they will outscore Oregon. No way.

Yep....and that is why Oregon should always get an experienced portal QB as we did before. But...

Sure, they are known for that, but again--it makes sense with the weather and Dante being unproven that they will pack the box. Iowa lost to Indiana on a touchdown pass when it was 3rd and four and the Hawkeyes ran a "Cover-Zero" defense; no free safety, as he was covering the QB run. Thus when Seraat ran a slant and the corner slipped...he jogged in easy TD in because of no FS backing him up. So, they will run man-pass defense. On similar plays versus Oregon...I do not invision them dropping into eight man zones, when Dante has been rattled by Simulated Pressure-Blitzes recently.

Old news. This has been extensively discussed here already. He is ahead on the rehab since the June injury, and is available to play in the final four games, and the Playoff, but we do not know when he is officially returning. There have been hints on social media that it might be this game...if for only a few plays.

I disagree. If I was Iowa....I would pack the box, and make Dante Moore beat them through the air, and I believe we will see that. So relying on the run is going to create a ton of punts, and play the Hawkeye game. C'mon....we are DUCKS, and if anyone can pass and catch in the rain....it is us. We will get a ton of man-coverage in the secondary, and we have a bunch of receivers who can exploit that. If Evan Stewart returns, then not only can he stretch the defense, but he can be a tremendous decoy to pull their best corner away from Dak. Pass to loosen things up, and get a normal box in terms of numbers on defense, and THEN have Davison go to work, IMHO.

Today an article in The Athletic was a mock NFL Draft for this April's 2026 draft, and that writer placed Dante as the No. 19 pick in the first round to Pittsburg.

Uh...YEAH Baby!

Look at that COOL Helmet! Love this uni!

Oregon vs. Alabama in the Playoffs?

Damn, Mike....just what I needed....a mature voice in the room. I've had SO MUCH fun with Mario over time, and really should not have enjoyed his losses as much as do, but I NEVER SAID I WAS NOBLE. You are right; we owe a lot to Mario because he took the confidence in recruiting that Taggart began, and built upon it. And yes...he did a lot of winning before things started to turn downhill in his last year, but the bottom line is I should appreciate what he gave us. And I do.... Now I go back to lampooning him! He'll Get Clock Management Figured Out...

Fields was an incredible recruiting win over USC at the time... The defensive backs coach has just done an incredible job recruiting, as you DO expect to lose a No. 3 player at any position although usually they are closer to Florence's age, and not Fields. Dakota sees the future; if Fields cannot dislodge Finney or Iffy now, it will be even harder as they gain game experience. It makes retaining Devon Benjamin (below) at corner that much more important for the 2026 recruiting class. EVERY major program wanted him...look at this list and it is all the elite teams, as most analysts feel he is the best corner in the nation.

Sad, but true. Our path is uphill, and winning out is the only solution.

No sweat. You are an invested, passionate Oregon fan...and we love you for it. Look at the BRIGHT SIDE...

One of the few times I disagree with you Jon. I have a bad feeling that we have to win-out to make the Playoff. But...

There is a ton of talent in the transfers, but they are not playing as a team yet. With Shelstad back, the ball movement will be better, and the turnovers will be much less. A very raw team that has good upside, and I like some of the depth, but as noted by spartan--a ton of growth needs to take place. Oregon won 60-59, and was fortunate to do so after having an eleven point lead blown, but we will take it.

The remaining teams on our scheduled are ranked--just about like the eyeball test to me appeared. They are good, but not great.

Set your DVRs if you can't watch, and I look forward to learning about this new team. Crap...I forgot to print off the roster before leaving the office, as we have a ton of new faces to watch for. The 22 year old Chinese point-guard, Wei Lin, sounds interesting, as does Oleksandr Kobzystyi, a 6'8" senior transfer from Kremenchuk, Ukraine! Gotta hope Nate Bittle has a great year!

Thank you for the memory!

Right, and we would not need them if the young talent was playing now. For example, I do not believe Oregon will go for anyone in the portal in the defensive backfield for the first time since Lanning has been here. That is due to superb recruiting and development at those positions. In fact I expect more portal transfer casualties out in the secondary. In my view, the majority of the starters will not be here next year, and that is the definition of an older team. But we can disagree--no sweat. A'Mauri Washington Batting Down a Pass...

That is a GREAT term, and so true. Me? Guilty! Amen Duck-Brother. You are a great fan...

I have my doubts about that. I see us "being OK" to the majority if we win, and if we lose? We are punished badly. Yet Iowa would only go up a little... Now if we were in the SEC...it would be completely different!