Mike West

The sooner they reinstate player movement restrictions the better. Everything else will settle down once we know what the landscape looks like.

Maybe they should allow the onside kick when the game is in the balance. Safety does matter, but are we serious here? Football is becoming more like softball, can't hit people - that is the appeal of the sport. As long as a player isn't intentionally trying to hurt another player, let them hit. If I want to watch softball, I can watch Oklahoma dominate everyone again.

Another juicy article Duckster!!! So much to chew on... simple, direct, precise. I have to think this one over a bit. I recall the nail biting be we all felt before the last PAC12 title game he ever. I had an all 22 look from one of the endzones. I was worried sick all game because I saw a familiar flaw that resembled a throwback to Chip versus David Shaw back to back years. Might write an article about it. You're on point though...NIL is running the show. Culture, identity and talent really matter. Philosophy, and game chops matter as well. You hit the bullseye on Sewell. He was a fish out of water in Lanning's scheme. As was Mase Funa. Lanning has his boys on defense. The body type, the athletic type etc. He only pursued two baddies on the interior defensive line. He has to replace four very stout guys. Is that a sign he believes he's got the boys he needs to execute his scheme? A title team needs a money QB, and a monster front seven. Check and IDK. The one thing those Fuskies had over us was they controlled the line of scrimmage all three games. It's a wonder Bo and company dropped thirty plus all three games. It seemed like the secondary was the weakness. But in actuality, Michael Penix rarely hit the turf. I have my preferences for running a defense, but it's not my call. But the QB can't be comfortable all game. His butt needs to hit the ground...often. For me, OBD needs to keep a powerful offense at 21-23 points. By any means necessary. Lanning is a defensive guy, who was smart enough to hire a powerful OC. Let's see if he can give his offense the opportunity to score 23-28 on an elite defense.

Well, I believe the players and the NIL collectives are driving that bus... The players are getting greedy, and boosters are falling into bidding wars for, in most cases unproven players. Straight from the NFL playbook. And players are going to stop performing soon enough. Even if it costs them a healthy NFL contract. Worse, the Power 2 aren't really considering the players as they manuever through the playoff process. So I agree with you. The NFL is already chaffed at the playoffs starting the first week the big boys play on Saturdays...

If no one dislikes you you're doing something wrong. Poor Beaver fans. They had the most influential President in the PAC12 for a decade, and he didn't have the foresight to protect his school, and enhance his Athletic Department's Brand. Now they suffer for it. Oregon State has one of the best Engineering Schools in the country. If he protected his more visible Brand like he maintained the reputation of that school, the PAC12 would be alive and kicking right now.

That's a very good analogy. Someone trolled Nick Saban last night, claiming he couldn't handle the new paradigm. I bit back- explaining some kids are going to ruin the game for a while lot of other kids- and Saban realized it more than most. I don't think 17 million people are going to be watching Ohio State versus Michigan in the future. That golden goose is going to get cooked!!! Not sure the TV execs (And the P2) are looking that far ahead. I know the players aren't. What a shame.

You could be right. Depends on Michigan and Penn State. I fear Sherrone Moore is another David Shaw, and I'd QB Drew Allar has an OC that opens that offense up, the Nittany Lions can make the Conference Title race a nail biting affair.

When I read it, I was like WOW. It was thorough, thought provoking, and timely. It should have been a FishDuck article. I'm following several folks on X (Twitter). Nothing against anyone else, mostly because I've decided to get more info from Blue Blood fans, but I would have posted that for sure on X. The discussion would have been lively (an Ohio State fan trolled us this afternoon in fact, so your post would have been perfect). I can't wait for the second post, and I'm going to find a way to post this thread.

You're spot on Jon! And I agree, coming sooner than we think. Not sure this is going to be good for college football though. I love the idea of seeing the Blue Bloods squaring off each week, but then we already have that: the NFL. I personally only watch the elite matchups and the playoffs. I don't want that to happen to college football.

I've been feeling that way since COVID hit us. I have no idea how the G5 are going to field teams in the near future. As elitist as I am, I always thought it was cool to watch kids that killed it in high school, but weren't good enough to play for the Blue Bloods could still play- and be on TV!

Excellent point. But for Michigan winning the Title this year, one could also say the SEC has pushed their weight around considerably.

I believe NIL formalized a practice the Blue Bloods had been using for decades. The Transfer Portal allows them to consolidate power further. I'm impressed Ole Miss exploited both to their advantage. I certainly feel for the likes of Utah and North Carolina- teams in the Second Tier of the P4 conferences. Personally, I believe the latest P2 propos is generous. It's the only way I see the Big 12 getting two teams in the playoffs, while Clemson and FSU may occasionally crash the party if they stay in the ACC. I think it's time to add two more divisions to College football, each with their own playoffs. I fear the TV execs won't pony up enough to allow the teams currently listed as D1 programs to continue fielding football teams.

Had to look at the comments before pitching in. Elite in my eyes must include defeating the elite teams. Has happened twice in the past 12 years ( losing record). Miss. Elite involves a killer instinct mentality. Lesser teams never have a chance. Check. Elite teams enter the fray as elite when they climb back from self inflicted wounds. Especially against elite teams. They must finish however. Mixed. I recognize Dan Lanning has been criticized for taking risks. The first Washington loss told me we had arrived. The second loss told me we still need more players,but the coaches need to play the game they're in, not the just the one they gameplanned for. OBD are At the cusp. Ryan Day and Dan Lanning are in the same spot. Their fan bases are tense, desperate, and nervous. Day has the talent advantage, the schedule advantage, and tOSU is a proven Blue Blood. Snatch a victory in Eugene. That puts OBD in the room. But our fledging program will be mocked until we win a Natty. I'm very interested in what DL does with this relatively young team. I plan an article myself about our prospects this year. Don't know if I can light the pages up like Duckster did (whew!), but I'm excited about our prospects, and look forward to "spitting" my thoughts regarding our future.

Duckster, That was a full blown article! And a damn good one at that. Looking forward to the next installment. Simply fabulous.

Kim, You will definitely be in my thoughts and prayers moving forward. I certainly hope you recover soon, and completely. We miss you!!!