Mike West

I like the strategy. On offense, that Sim pressure can be cracked. I just don't have the time to at present to show what I have discovered. If I can muster enough energy, I will break it down for you (sorry friends, I am going to be dealing with post surgery collateral damage-and its all for the better). I see it, but Moore executing it is the key-which is why I hope the staff has been giving him mass simulated havoc in practice, and plenty of scenarios shown on film over and over again. Its muscle memory over the short week, but it is absolutely the key to victory this week. On Defense, I really believe Lupoi must force everything to the box. No outside running allowed-especially Mendoza. I expect lots of natural pressure on the QB. I really think the defense is coming to play. I just have the feeling the defense wants to shut everyone up. Same with the offense. Again, this is all hunch, but if I see it, what does the staff see? What are they cooking up being far more up close and personal with the players. It boils down to preparation and execution. I like your thoughts about it and I believe that can work.

Scoring in every quarter since October. That is phenomenal. Imagine if they executed like they did in September...This team has far more upside than any team in the playoff field. Moore can blow everyone away if he steps up to his potential.

Thanks for the update. I really hope Lanning lit up his analysts and his new coordinators. As far as I'm concerned, they should be handling a huge load of prep for this week. Obviously, you'd like Stein and Lupoi dialed in, but that is unrealistic given they have massive responsibilities with their new jobs. I have only had maybe six hours this week to study. I'm tired. I'm going into surgery tomorrow morning (non invasive thank God, but it's still surgery). I have a lot on my mind. Even if I was going into surgery and had to coach, I'd be sleeping 3 hours a night max. I can rest when I'm dead as far as I'm concerned. We may never have another Semi final appearance (doubt it). That's my take. This staff has got to drill the players with the best information, providing the best simulations possible. And of course, its the same for the players. The players need the rest, but they certainly can put in overtime hours to prep for this game. I'm making sure Dante Moore throws as many uncomfortable passes possible until he is comfortable (with being uncomfortable and executing precisely). The coaches are allowed a limited time every week with the players, so how they prep the team (and get the players to do the extra homework) really matters. Indiana is foolproof, not unbeatable. We have more talent across the board, and if applied, we should be able to cake walk this game-even against a machine like Indiana. I am telling anybody that visits this forum for decorum, we only need to execute to win. If and only if we max out tomorrow? Nobody can beat this team. Not Ohio State at its best, and especially Indiana. Two games. This one first. I expect some injuries this week because I expect the hardest hitting I've ever seen out of OBD. It matters that much (take that SEC). If I ever thought I could really coach when I was in my twenties, I would be savoring every second of this era. We are witnessing excellence on a different level. After Alabama got smoked, Kalen Deboer said there is a fine line between excellence and failure. I watched that game in full finally. Even with Bama's outright flaws, they should have been in that game. They are good enough to beat Indiana. That's how good Indiana has been. But they haven't met their match in execution. I want to see that tomorrow.

Oregon 24-14 1 2 255

Solar, You have some very good takes, and they're always in the back of my mind. You painted out that Moore has trouble reading zone coverage, and I believe that has played out to form in key situations. Indiana uses zone blitzes (weren't you the one that pointed that out?), and Moore needs to "catch em in the act". I found a great YouTube vid that opened my eyes. If Moore see it, he can literally rip the Hoosiers apart. I think Stein saw that the first time, but Dante just missed it. I'm wondering what Indiana changes, and what kind of prep Moore got this week... As usual, in looking forward to your comments about this game.

You are not pouring rain in the parade at all. Breaking that trend is paramount. It totally has to happen. And it will occur while losing two coordinators. It's like climbing Spencer's Butte having to carry both of them. I'm imagining that round table from the Ohio State "Ducks versus Then" take when Lanning was specifically pointing out what to do and when to do it and who to use. That's what I'm seeing myself, and if there's one thing I know about Lanning, it's that he knows the game. I believe Lanning is going to be more directly involved in this game, because he needs to be. That is going to be a factor tomorrow.

We still have to cross our fingers Jon. We have yet to see the kind of complete game from OBD that Indiana has against the best this year!

Drake, You're into a theme that I also will play out in this game. Not only will motivation be key, but I believe we will dominate the line of scrimmage. And I think people will be surprised. Could it be the new coordinators are already impacting the perform if this team? As mentioned above, did that 9 AM start effect the offensive line? If reports are accurate, we will see a very intense output form OBD. I sure hope so, because if they come with a killer instinct, this is going to be a brutally physical game

Good points. I keep hearing Indiana is the better team. I believe they are the more complete team. They use veteran players, their staff has been together for ten plus years, and they eliminated the flaws they had last year Ohio State and oregon have more raw talent, and Indiana took away that advantage. But it required mistakes. Penn State even exposed the talent gap, so it boils down to execution. I keep coming back to the ifs. If Oregon executes, they will shock everyone. I'm Julie Andrews walking along the Swiss mountainside singing the hills are alive with the sound of music. Because I'm just getting the feeling Lanning has out more responsibility in his analysts and new coordinators. I've finally been able to direct a little more details, and if I see it, they do. Moore has a chance to light up Indiana in a way that will surprise people, and it may be necessary because I also believe Indiana is going for the jugular early.

Steven, Logic completely says Indiana takes this game hands down. They look unstoppable. The eye test shows it, their experience (players and coaches) seem insurmountable, and they just don't give you many chances to beat them. Talent is overrated, and Indiana has proven it. I do think talent will matter in this game, and I think the Ducks, despite the evidence, pulls this one out.

Triphibius, You've added much to the discussion of what we've been looking at. I hadn't put much stock into the 9 am playing time (but I did find out the Orange Bowl usually the last bowl on New Year's Day). I hope Harris plays. We need hum. I believe that Oregon route Indiana IF Moore processes what he sees accurately because Indiana gave him 3 TDs he didn't see. Ifs and butts...candy and nuts. This game has a chance to be really fun.

Thanks Smith 72. I enjoy writing, but I especially enjoy the discussion after. Talk about great insights and perspectives, I learn more than you can imagine from the forum.

Nice additional perspective "Happy". I didn't think about the motivation factor entering the battle in Eugene. Not to mention Dante Moore admitted he was shaken by Indiana, and didn't lead as effectively in the game. There truly are lots of "ifs" in this game. Execution, mistake free play, and making plays when absolutely necessary. Motivation will be key. Thanks for that nugget of info.

Geeze, The comments are of the charts! Charles (Forum Royalty), This is what I call throwing the receiver open. The first case may be a little late, but both were open. The second case requires the kind of trust and touch that should be developed in practice because it requires precision. In both instances, it requires guts to throw knowing you may get hit, AND fitting the pass in tight windows(though the first screenshot is a clear case of TDs to either of them). The other skill Dante needs work on is feeling out the pocket better. He needs to recognize when to shuffle into the pocket, or set his his get quickly enough to deliver a pass. Moore walked (ran) into several sacks this year. Even if he leads OBD to a time this year, he needs to come back. He needs more experience against full speed scenarios isn't used to seeing.

In my mind, the only difference between these two teams is the level of execution.

Your comments are killing it! I'm licking my chops at each suggestion. I have a thought about Stein and Moore I will share Thursday (man, its going to be tough to match the quality of suggestions in this thread. And I can only wonder what Stein is thinking about with so much on his plate. This game is going to be very interesting.

Mr. Marsh, I have saved you for last because you write the articles that gets everyone thinking. And your comments the past few hours really dialed in on some key themes that will play out in this game on Friday. That isn't anything against what has been some excellent dialogue. I had to write notes down for your comments more than others tonight. I do believe Lanning short circuited the aggressive play calling in the second half. It was obvious OBD were going to win. Stein was simply tasked with winding the game down. But it was so frustrating. Tech's Front 7 was rearranging our OL, and their LBs were filling gaps so quickly it was difficult to run anywhere. They are probably the best group of defensive lineman and linebacker in the country this year. They presented challenges that were tough to overcome. STILL... I also believe Lanning was aggressive in a destructive manner. While I didn't mind any of the 3rd and 4th down calls that were less than 3 yards, I did mind the type of plays that were called. That 4th and Goal pass was similar to that disaster in Seattle. That was Stein's/Lannings worst play choice of that group in Seattle. It was open, but for the wrong reason. It was not open in Miami. It was going to be an Interception as well. OBD got lucky. How much Davison plays will be key. I totally like your thoughts on using a 13 set (1 RB, 3 TEs). And using it to run roughshod. The most important aspect of your thoughts is Indiana will have to chose between attacking a run play or laying off to cover those TEs. It gives me goosebumps just thinking about that concept. In my eyes, these are the concepts that should be worked on starting in January. Its the stuff I would expect the analysts to work on, hashed out between that group and Lanning/Stein. Re-hashed every practice for at least 20 minutes. I'd put every kind of scenario on the table. I'd make it a one quarter challenge between coordinators and their analysts, with Steak Dinner or Oatmeal at stake. Every week. 10 months. Drill that ability to recognize and counter strategies, philosophies, and every play known to the football world. Spy versus Spy. So much so that it is routine to handle in any kind of game. Now I do believe that has been happening this year-the adjustments that is. But my dream world as a HC would be to drill my entire staff on going at each other play by play, series by series. So when they are scouting other teams, they are crafting counter strikes automatically. Street ball. In as organized a fashion possible. I want those guys as loose as a goose. I think I have seen some of that this year. Because I am having a difficult time determining what Stein is designing for this game-and I now believe Lupoi has his unit seeing the whole field. I am still studying this year in review for both teams. And I can't wait to figure out what we have been looking at this past six weeks.

You know the wild thing about that astute assessment is nobody knows what is going to happen next on offense. We keep waiting for this nuclear explosion to unveil itself, and it "never comes". I will say this, I am sure Indiana is very concerned it will drop in Atlanta on Friday. What truly isn't working? And that isn't a disagreement about your premise. I see too many missed assignments". But they look like horrible play calls-especially for certain situations. What truly IS working? That is a serious question as well. Stein is killing us. But I do believe his opponents have been saying, "man, Indiana (Penn State, Iowa, Washington, USC ) really lucked out". That's the conundrum. When will we see that Montana State, Oklahoma State performance? Will we see that Oklahoma State, Montana State performance? I sure hope Stein uses that Action-play of yours (is it also called a Draw Play). It works. And again, it pulls the Back 7 back to the LOS. We want that group up close and personal because they will not win those battles. Very, very good observation on this team as a whole trusting themselves. That is an intangible that has been a constant theme. Brandon Finney is the one young gun that has brought swagger all year. But I saw a lot of that on defense last week. Like you have consistently said: Dante Moore needs to read properly. He needs to trust himself more than anyone else when he is under duress. I believe he completely realizes he doesn't have the experience yet to dismantle a havoc clad Front 7. You hit the bullseye-he needs to Yoda this baby (I wonder how much Lanning has grilled him, and Stein has drilled him on just throwing the damn ball to a guy he is staring at).

Sometimes I really wonder what Stein is up to in the middle of all the chaos. It was frustrating last week to see Tech escape so many times.

This game is going to be the ultimate chess match. I LOVE your thoughts on drawing Indiana inside. Our Tackles will probably need help. But some NFL style checkdowns would really work here. Not sure Stein would dial them up (I'll have to show them in the offseason), but forcing the Back 7 closer to LOS will open up massive space for the TEs, or whomever runs the seam, curl and dig routes. Turnovers are always key, but I see a clean game from both teams. Moore has thrown 3 Interceptions so far. None of them really hurt the team, and only one of them was a questionable decision on his part. I sure hope Stein dials up a October 2024 surprise again. Not sure yet what he and Lanning want to do this game.

This: That’s the nature of that intangible called motivation. I believe Curt Cignetti is the best in the business at present. His staff is awesome at developing precision level performance. I'm talking German Craftmanship here. With a Formula One style of play. He does have a very mature group of players-they're mostly 22 or older. That takes nothing away from the preparation and performance his players have dialed up this year. I also happen to believe Lupoi and Stein in particular are growing on the daily. I have seen more adjustments, and more precision in their ability to spot key plays to attack and defend. But they are not Jedi yet. Sometimes they have to unlearn what they have learned. What they plan to do, and how they adjust during this game will say a whole lot about their futures. So, which Dante Moore will

Boy do I hope they have a set of sequential/constraint plays in store for the Hoosiers based on that play. Everyone seems to blow up that play because it is so easy to read pre snap. Sometimes it is a blown block, but every time I have seen that play, every secondary zooms in on the designated receiver like a guided missile. Stein is ultimately responsible for the unit's performance. Even if the players aren't executing. What will it take to maximize their performance? That has to be on the staff's radar. Four excellent defenses, four games of missed opportunities left on the plate. We as fans are starving, and this unit is throwing away more than scraps. We're talking about a course or two from a five course meal.

Excellent Post! This Forum of Decorum brings out the best in us. I agree Indiana is less prone to change much. I do wonder if they will throw more wrinkles as it appears they brought out more of their arsenal against both Ohio State and Alabama. And they looked scary against Bama ( Bama pulled that disappearing act again. I am beginning to believe they are more scared of themselves than teams and programs fear them now). I'm not sure how OBD waltzed into the IU game. But I am more prone to believe your premise that they strode in with a Business as Usual approach-thinking they had hurdled the most daunting task they had ahead of the CCG in December. Last year, Indiana wasn't so physical at the Line of Scrimmage (LOS). Boy did that change this year. Cignetti's crew outcoached Lanning's, and that has been the case in every game of theirs but the close call in Happy Valley (and its too bad Penn State collapsed, because that hurt our reputation). You hit is dead on: Lanning and crew must demonstrate even more growth than they already have this year. In my opinion, the disjointed efforts on one side of the ball in numerous games makes everyone wonder if Lanning has put it all together yet. This really is Lanning's most significant game.

That thought reminds me of the 2 point conversion in the 2011 Natty. The play flowed to the right and Lance Allworth's stunt double (jeff Maehl) gracefully snatches Darin Thomas' backside heave.

Friends, I am at work, but I haven't forgotten you. Talk about some very insightful posts! After work, I'll respond to those posts. So hold on Mr. Marsh; Gotcha;Solar; Kamakazi Kid; WTD25; Washington Waddler and Mikethehiker. You guys are feeding the post graduate level analysis here. Thanks for your thoughts. Can't wait to as my thoughts...