Mike West

Here's my opinion: The 2021 OL that beat Ohio State can beat any defense against the run. The 2022 OL was better. They opened holes all day versus UGA, and actually had better pass protection against the Bulldogs. We would have shredded the Fuskies last year with either of those OLs because we had the WRs we were missing in both games against elite teams and Will Stein's imaginative system. That's the cruel joke right now. This year's OL does not match the talent level of those two years. I personally would use lots of Bootleg and Rollout when passing, and two back sets (either 21 or 22 sets) when running the ball. In the 12 set, Gabriel must be a feature runner. I don't see this OL unit as elite enough to handle the likes of last year's Michigan, Georgia, Clemson, Ohio State, Alabama, Penn State, or gulp... this year's Miami. I can't remember who it was that said Gabriel doesn't have pocket presence ( after the Spring Game). He absolutely does. Yesterday proved the Spring Game wasn't an isolated situation. Gabriel realistically will have two seconds to throw the ball against the nation's best Front Seven Groups. That's not enough time to unleash an explosive down field passing attack. Worse this OL unit isn't effective enough to sell play action either. This is solely my opinion. The Defense MUST win games this year. My problem with that is I don't believe the system is suitable because the alignments always leave the edge open to exploit. The Fuskies proved that last year, and I would personally develop a running attack to directly exploit that "weakness". If I see it, the nation's best do. I REALLY HOPE I'M WRONG. That is what I'm seeing though.

Idaho outplayed OBD today. We don't have an athletic OL this year. That could be a problem long term. It's the first game. Doesn't decide the season. We are definitely not the third best team, and we sure aren't That Team Out West. Even if Idaho wins the FCS title, they sure lowered my expectations of OBD this year.

Nice article David. My take is the pivotal moment was the Texas Tech game. They proved to themselves in the Texas Tech game that they could handle playing poorly ( and still find a way to win). The players KNEW they blew it in Seattle. I could tell by the way they played the rest of the season. They weren't going to beat themselves again. That is why the Las Vegas game stayed close. They never gave up, despite being OUTPLAYED. The Fuskies were better than us. Dan Lanning gave his players four cracks at executing to win in Seattle. Three of those plays required simple execution - three times Bo Nix forced passes instead of being his usual self. Nix isn't terrible, he just didn't execute. Evan Williams ran right past an interception to seal the Seattle game. Because he was looking at Penix instead of shutting down that fade route. Hence he lost where the receiver was, and was out of position to make a play he would have made had he locked onto the receiver instead of eyeballing Penix. Dan Lanning should not be blamed for plays his players normally execute. Especially when he set them up to succeed. Dan Lanning should get credit for putting his players-truly incapable of winning the Natty last year- in position to win a Natty. They are loaded this year. Still not as talented on paper like Ohio State and Georgia. If they play intense ball start to finish, they can beat both teams. But they will need to execute, and force mistakes. That is what separates us from "them". Execution. It's not the size of the dog in the fight now. It's the size of the fight in the dog. Win the Day Fast Hard Finish. More apt than ever before.

This is a very big reason why I wouldn't pay too much NIL to a freshman QB ( or any Five-Star player for that matter). Falls under potential can get you fired category. I watched ESPN this morning for the first time in months. Two NFL WR standouts are holding out for money. ESPN feeds the greed machine by saying they deserve it ( to a degree they do, but honor your damn contract, and NFL owners, pony up bonuses for an outstanding year besides the contract). I seriously hope college football avoids an NFL style collective bargaining agreement. It's bad enough unproven kids are getting nearly a million in NIL packages. I've heard the transfer portal is going to become much more of a bargaining chip twice a year from now on. Yuck.

Had to, as it turned racial. Stupidity knows no race, gender or ethnic boundaries. Not sure its turning racial like that, but I do agree with your quote. Deion Sanders is butchering opportunities for black men that share his socio-economic roots. It's difficult enough for black coaches to get head coaching jobs in football (college and the NFL). It's safe to say his status has become more of a reason Colorado hired him because no black man would get hired acting like he has the past 9 to 12 months. It's bad enough trying to trust men like this in the black community. Sanders tried to improve the status and reputation of HBCUs. Now he's making a fool out of himself and justifying a whole bunch of prejudiced people that it makes no sense to hire black coaches. When I hear Systemic Racism, I think of this. I've grown up with too many black men that act exactly like Sanders, then want to claim they fail because white people won't give a black man an opportunity. When Sanders fails (and he will), it will be because he didn't look past himself and his blackness and join the World Class, Worldwide standard of excellence. It sucks, because he KNOWS what hard work, sacrifice, dedication, and relentless pursuit of excellence looks like. That's not enough. You can be black and still raise the bar to what any race considers world class professionalism. He refused to do that, and now others like him will face the question of 'will they raise their blackness to world class status". This isn't a race thing. This is way more than that.

It is extremely difficult to win a Natty. Unless of course you're as loaded as Georgia was in 21' and 22' compared to everyone else. It's a roller coaster ride until the game is decided. It's just difficult to stay healthy enough, and get the one or two breaks necessary to get over the hump. Look at Georgia last year- a fluke fumble just outside the Red Zone ultimately cost them the SEC Title game. Bama and OBD had safeties run past an INT last year that cost them key games. Ohio State fails to stop a DE from hitting the QB- resulting in an INT that would have been a sure reception ( my opinion here) that puts them in scoring position to beat Michigan. I'm glad we're in the discussion. But I want to see clutch wins. We outplayed the Fuskies in Seattle- until we didn't ( see above). A punter dropped a snap to give Oregon State Field position in the Red Zone...right after Bo Nix uncannily missed a wide open WR for a first down. Our FG kicker missed a chip shot FG to force OT. Bo Nix throws an INT one play after Michael Penix throws an INT. Too many unforced errors to win the big ones. Despite questionable coaching calls Champions play mistake free ball. They FORCE teams to play better, execute more often, and overcome damn good play. That's what missing now- making elite teams beat themselves. The last time I saw that was against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl and that September surprise in Columbus. No matter what, I believe this team has as good a chance as last year's squad. And they're slightly more talented. Are they hungry enough? Are they focused enough? Can they win the battle of nerves? Can they put the dagger in their opponent's heart? I believe there are two definite champs on paper. Three more can steal a title . OBD are less talented enough that they have to play to perfection, and force the one or two errors they'll need to claim a title. But I'm rooting for them, and I hope our fans don't get as entitled as Ohio State fans are (boy are they pissed at Herbstreet and Howard!).

It totally made sense to kick the first FG. I was surprised he didn't. I sure would have, and I thought that at the time. From his perspective at the time? He watched his secondary get obliterated for six straight quarters at that point. The decision looks bad because they lost by three. Wasn't looking like they'd lose by three at that moment did it? I surely wasn't feeling like we'd stop them at all. After watching six straight quarters of them destroying our defense. Not to mention that played out all three games. I think six quarters was enough info to truly consider going for six. That's why I don't question the call.

Yeah yeah yeah... I'd take the points. Hard to admit that now, and I really thought DL should have kicked the FG the first time. Question for you though: can you absolutely assure OBD would have won the game? If so, I'll call you mid game a lot this year, we can make a ton of money - I'm in Vegas after all. Washington was lights out all day, and FGs didn't feel like they were going to cut it based on what the Fuskies were doing ( and guess what - they didn't kick a FG all game - and they ran a fourth down on their own 35 because frankly- they felt the exact same thing - TDs were the only option ) The game was about playing aggressively against an aggressive opponent. Not to mention, if you score 30 plus points a game, you're supposed to win the damn game. Missed opportunities or not. Every pundit criticizes Lanning about those decisions. Guess who every pundit is talking about among the elite coaches? Bad decision Dan.

Very tough to meet or exceed the performance of any position group of both those units. They were simply an exceptional group of defenses. That said, my take is perception. Bama "pierced the bubble" so to speak. Jalen Milroe played far better than expected last year, and that is probably why that's the perceived foible. I've always thought SEC scheduling, and frankly the talent gap between the elite and the rest drives perception of the conference. UGA will earn their chops this year. But they are best suited to run the table in what I see is the first time the elite are going to have to really earn their stripes. The SEC did a great job with the schedule. Party because this year the conference is has more really good teams than they've had for quite awhile( my opinion of course). Overall, the only champions I've seen compared to the 21' and 22' Champs are the 95 Nebraska team. Your Dawgs were practically flawless. It's unfair to compare the 24 team to those two.

I think Lanning gets it. College football really is NFL lite. But you can acquire more first round draft picks in college. Freshman AND experienced players. If Lanning wins the Big Ten title this year (no matter what he does in the playoffs), he'll always be able to stack the right mixture of talent. If he goes to the Playoff Semifinals (Conference Title or not), he'll eventually acquire enough talent to raise a trophy or two. Recruiting is a long game these days.

I like the mix so far. Especially if they do go with a stormtrooper all white. I'm more of a fan of mixed colored jerseys over pants ( ie the ones Brooks introduced), so I'm hoping for a mix of apple green pants to a white jersey also ( with the chrome winged helmets- I like those better with the green pants). I'm wondering how many versions they'll eventually go with. I hope they'll keep the throwback home package also. And when we win the Natty ( and I believe we will), I want Green and Yellow stamped in the world's head. That would be a great tribute to Brooks putting us in the spotlight forever.

Jon, My greatest hope is that if the P2 separate, it's done gradually enough that the majority of college fans will get used to a 2 or 3 loss Alabama or Georgia (SEC fans) because the quality of games are so awesome that 10 million fans are watching those games every week. I agree, the non conference schedules are a joke now. At least this year the elite have to show who they are during the season instead of being exposed in the post season (Michigan is a prime example of that- I didn't take them seriously until they smacked Nebraska, knew they'd beat Ohio State, but I was impressed when they took the game from Alabama in the Rose Bowl- that should not be the case).

My dear friend Mr. FishDuck , I've been for the Demise of the PAC12 since before USC left. I have already listed EVERY SEC and B1G marquee matchups for the season (ACC and Big 12 pivotal games too). My real question is will Oklahoma State fans? Will Pittsburgh fans? I'm quite certain Duck Nation would lament the landscape had we gone to the Big 12, or worse accepted that ridiculous streaming offer. I'm concerned CFB going to try to compete with the NFL. Bad career move ( my opinion of course). That would reflect in the next contract. Power for the sake of power is never good. I don't mind the Power 2 dictating terms. I just don't want to see the sport change so radically the fans lose interest. I don't lament the changes, I just believe CFB is a distinct product and should stay that way. If the power two break away, I want to see The Big versus the SEC in the playoffs - not some AFC/NFC thing. That's college football. To me of course. The less we resemble the NFL the better.

How many LA fa s are going to watch a perennial 8-4 USC product? How many CFB fans are going to watch Bama, UGA and Ohio State in the title game each year? How long will it be before fans stop watching because Ohio State got $125M a year before the playoffs and Maryland got $40M? What if that resulted in only 32-48 schools being able to field college football teams? I like the idea of USC at Michigan every three years or so. Will the average college football fan? Just so Michigan and USC can finance a team like the NFL does? I'm not sure these guys grasp the tone of the country at present. People are tired of elites destroying traditions. The best thing that can happen to College Football this year is if Utah hosts and SEC powerhouse in the snow on Friday- the very first expanded playoff game-and wins in a walk off fashion. Then Georgia and/ or Ohio State gets upset. People believe in justice and fairness. They aren't going to feel like supporting a corporate takeover of college football. I know the South and the Midwest will love it. Is that a large enough fan base to create a $6B superleague?

I'm not as impressed with Edge rushers anyway. For my money, the Tackles and inside linebackers are more essential - especially ILBs that can cover the field sideline to sideline - and are awesome in pass coverage all over the field. Blitz packages - at least in my mind- are more important than specialists. I want a DE or OLB that can seal the edge. That's their purpose. The NFL ruined the game when they overhyped Lawrence Taylor, a generational linebacker with skills few will ever match.

I personally want to see USC and the Fuskies in the fold along with us EVERY YEAR . The conference needs the elite depth to challenge the SEC. It would also mean that conference wouldn't be hoggin all the talent. Regarding this year, the schedule is too tough for a debut in a physical conference like the B1G, and I see a 10-2 year. I like that because in my mind, that's one less elite team to play before the playoffs start, as I see either Penn State or Michigan playing Ohio State for the conference title. That makes it a sixteen game season, but two of the playoff games are matchups we can handle, and should win. I believe it's going to take another year for Lanning to get over the hump, and the 2025 recruiting year is key. I'll discuss further into the season for my line of reasoning, as I see some things that lend me to believe this year will be very good, not quite awesome...yet.

Wow. I'm surprised this article didn't get much attention. The year we lost to Stanford in Eugene, David Shaw used this concept. The reason he did so was because two very productive NFL players- Deforest Buckner and Arik Armstead- were too powerful to block one on one. So Shaw overwhelmed that power with numbers. DC Nick Allioti eventually switched up against that formation in the second half and shut down the Cardinal offense- too little too late, because Shaw also has a chef surprise for Chip's offense - and Chip fell for the bait. Michigan and Ohio State did the same thing to each other last year, and Michigan uses this formation regularly. Stein is a student of the game. That is why I hope he stays in Eugene until OBD win a Natty. The other surprising aspect of defending this formation is no DC wants to counter it by stacking the line of scrimmage. I personally would force the OC to pass the ball by putting seven or eight on the LOS with strict rules for pass coverage. But that's me. I'm just a hack. What I did like with the picture of the formation on the two yard line was Lupoi at least had four down lineman, and two defenders on each edge. It's the first time I've seen him do that. Again, I'm putting seven on the LOS, with at least five in a two point stance. But again that's just me. I'm sure more people will pay attention to these concepts when the season starts. I'm excited because I'm seeing Lanning's staff has already discussed getting more prepared for the physical nature of the Big Ten, and it's clear they have already been preparing for it. By the way, the elite SEC coaches are already doing this. James Franklin and Penn State don't play Michigan this year, but if he had stacked the LOS against the Wolverines the past two years, they would have had a much better chance of defeating Michigan (my opinion of course). So fun to get into the weeds Mr. FishDuck!!!

Well, It sure did stink in 2003 when USC embarrassed Auburn in Death Valley and had to share the National Title with LSU. USuC would've shut down the SEC's ascent with a good ole butt whipping that year. Ironically, Les Miles called out USC in 2005, but dated not challenge the Trojans to a straight up game to start that season - knowing full well ISC was better than any SEC team. I don't think it was a bad idea. It's just too bad Dennis Dixon tore his knee up in 2007 and jettisoned our first shot at a Natty we surely would have earned that year (ah, injuries...killed two our our best shots as I believe would have hung with Ohio State had we had both our starting WRs in 2014). Besides, do you think we'd still have a conference AND the traditional Rose Bowl matchup given the changes we've witnessed in just the past two years? I propose a toast to Arizona State President Michael Crow. Author of the single best quote to ever to come out of a PAC12 President: something to the effect "the status quo in the conference is excellent!!!" Hip hip hooray.

If the economy had fallen off the cliff before Obama took office, this would have happened ten years ago. And didn't it bother you that TV ratings weren't off the charts during the COVID disaster? Once the kids starting suing the NCAA it should have been obvious to all of us change was coming. DirecTV was the canary in the coal mine. And the ACC was merely a recovering Big East. Or really a shell of that conference. I just can't justify paying a team like Syracuse $60 million George Washingtons because they're associated with Clemson. Twelve Million Abraham Lincolns tell me you gotta carry your own weight - or at least enough to help pay the bills. C Suite Larry was ahead of his time. You need six or more name brands to carry a conference. Preferably ten. People just don't watch enough college football to justify giving 70 teams $60 million a year each.

IDK how many of you watched the Spring Games this year. I actually would put Texas and Alabama ahead of OBD based on performance. However, I believe that is because at both programs, as well as Georgia, their QBs had the benefit of knowing their respective systems ( actually at Bama, their WRs) for more than a year. That will change come October, and early November ( when we can revisit DG's performance). Dante Moore is going to be really, really good. But he is going to fight tooth and nail to start next year , so depth wise, Oregon rivals all three schools. OBD are in the best situation ever at QB, and it will be up to coach Lanning to keep his talented depth the way Georgia and Bama have for nearly a decade. The backup QBs at all four schools are good enough to start at Ohio State and Michigan this year. That's how good they are. I really can't wait till we start getting trolled by Buckeye and Wolverine fans ( trust me it's coming- Ohio State fans already recognize we're a threat to their recruiting treadmill). They would disagree with my assessment on the backups. Trust me, all four schools are in better shape than UM and tOSU at present. At least at the QB position. Now, if we could keep Will Stein for another 3-4 years...

Just the thought of it is revolting. I've seen the WNBA tastefully. But it's just hard to stomach full blown commercialism. Let's hope the guys in charge are creative enough to find more palatable solutions.

It hasn't been kids getting a free education for decades. Not to mention coaches started being mercenaries over a decade ago. If purity is what you're looking for, Harvard, Penn, Howard and Gambling have much to offer. You can dream for days past, but again, we were in High School when that ended ( if you're a grey beard like most here). I know this personally, because I talked directly to many a Fusky when I attended Washington. Players got "deals". And let's remember Don James got probation for his efforts. He wasn't the first, or the last. It's either the schools generate much more revenue, or college sports are dead. All of them. Now, I was a pretty damn good intramural football player ( 2 titties, one as a freshman, one as a junior), but the biggest crowd we got was two hundred folks. That's the future if you get your wishes. So my question for you is, is purity really that important to you? I love college football. I want to see Toledo at Akron on TV still because it's like watching Creswell at Oakridge, you know, those kids that aren't talented enough to play at OBD or USuck. You know, the kind of scenario you want college football to be That's going away unfortunately. And so will all of college football if we don't see investment from Venture Capital ( remember the PAC12 was offered that nearly ten years ago), and corporate sponsorship. I hate to preach, but it's absolutely necessary. The good old days weren't always good and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems. So Bye Bye Miss American Pie...you have a choice to make.

Two things stand out about Sanders that concern me most: He doesn't visit the players he recruits, and his strategy for acquiring talent is better suited for the NFL ( portal recruiting over High School recruiting). His style and manner don't bother me. I wouldn't promote my program in the fashion he does, but that's just me. Sanders is a Brand. Sanders is a lot like Chip. He hates the adulation these kids get, and he doesn't believe they deserve it ( I completely agree). Unfortunately, coaches have to buy in a little to the hype. Relationships are key to successfully building an elite college football program. I doubt Sanders elevates to elite coaching status. He's a smoother form of Willie Taggert, but he cares about the kids more ( if that makes any sense). He doesn't quite grasp the nuance of melding a cult personality with developing a high performance organization.

My opinion? There can be no comparison to the damage USC did to the conference. They shot down TWO proposals that would have allowed the conference to thrive. USC basically changed the entire fabric of college football in actuality. Their greed singlehandedly destroyed the PAC12. Such poetic justice the B1G brought us along to destroy their legacy forever (although quite frankly, an elite USC would make the B1G as great as the SEC in my opinion).

Get ready to laugh guys... Dumb (Willie Taggert) and Dumber (Mario(o) Cristobal) had the greatest impact on the program. Taggert broke the glass ceiling ( no no that one), when he declared Oregon CAN recruit elite talent. He assembled an ensemble that recruited well, and to top it off, brought in a DC that could coach the elite talent they brought in. He was DUMB ENOUGH TO WALK AWAY FROM THE #3 RECRUITING CLASS NATIONWIDE TO PURSUE HIS ULTIMATE DREAM. Cristobal, one of the key recruiters on Taggert's staff, salvaged a decent recruiting class, then butchered one of the best, if not the absolute best offense in Oregon History. Furthermore, in an even DUMBER MOVE, Mari (o) left one of the best Oregon Defenses in history to dry because he abandoned Taggert's offense. Cristobal was even dumber to follow Taggert's path and pursue HIS Ultimate Dream, after also recruiting better than Oregon ever had before. Ironically, both dummies built enough talent to EACH earn a Natty, as both had enough talent on both sides of the ball to win a title their second year. Brooks started it. Belotti enhanced it. Chip changed the entire sport ( and got some damn bad calls in his title game), Helfrich held on. And Lanning recognized what a damn good opportunity he was walking into. Dumb and Dumber changed the paradigm. They brought the talent. When everyone said Oregon couldn't. Enough talent to take down the SEC like nobody but USC had done (yes the talent was that good- an NFL caliber QB that killed it his sophomore year, that was left hanging to dry-combined with a salty defense with enough talent to not only slow down teams, but to help that ridiculous Gulf Coast Offense pad the score). IMHO, Lanning is going to bring a title to Eugene. I highly doubt he would have even thought of OBD if it weren't for the "foundation" Dumb and Dumber laid- proving Chip was wrong about recruiting elite talent to Eugene.