Mike West

The lineman that would have led an explosive play down-field fell down. What coach can game plan that? If you want to keep the ball, and you have a MASSIVE physical advantage, take the shot. That's entirely on the players. They weren't playing so bad, that you lose total confidence in them. I'm about putting an inferior opponent down. Especially when I have a huge physical advantage. I'm not going to back down because an inferior team might score a TD off the poor execution. My team is good enough (and they proved it) to overcome an execution problem like that. Again, I will never fault Lanning for making a decision like that. Especially since he calls plays the team can and should execute. The decision is to put an end to the nonsense, instead of playing the percentages-which can be construed as playing not to lose. Like playing prevent defense. I want to win. There is no reason to believe Idaho would not have scored anyway after the punt. They scored TDs on back to back drives. And the first one was ANOTHER example of poor execution as the CB was caught looking at the QB instead of covering the guy right in front of him-who scored the TD. You know my pet peeve about that mistake - which happened exactly the same way in Seattle. Chy, these players must take control of the game themselves. They have been given more than the tools. You wrote an article about it this morning. They need to execute. Coaching is bit the problem right now. Not one but. The players were given plays to dominate, and they didn't. It's plain and simple. And you proved it this morning.

Nice demonstration Charles. Indeed that is a question to ponder. I wonder how much of this was brought up. He still played well. But he left A LOT of food on the table.

LSU going 4-8 is tremendously better than Idaho going 11-1. We're talking about an SEC team. That would bury Idaho is fifteen seconds. I can't say what I really want to say, so I'll say this instead - comparing a team ranked below 126 to a top 20 team before Sunday is like saying a Praying Mantis is more dangerous than a Grizzly Bear. Not to mention, I don't see ANYBODY challenging USC to a matchup next week. I'll say this until people can't stand me anymore: USuc and the Fuskies playing well is damn good for us. We're supposedly better than both, right? The better their respective records are, the better it is for OBD. Rise to the challenge and quit begging for their demise. Champions don't want wimpy competition. They want to prove they're the best.

I'm sure Lanning drilled them off camera. But the public message is key as well. We should always strive to learn. Especially from wins. Because what you didn't do that you should do must be the focus. Love our coach. He chided his team, showed tough love, and encouraged them after a very disappointing performance. It's up to the players. They have the right coach.

The only thing that matters is their offense looked way better than ours. So did USC:s (against much better competition at that). We are in the here and now. Florida State lost last night. We look about as good as they do at present. If we lose, you damn well bet they will troll us endlessly. They're winning. Winning matters.

I sure hope you're correct.

Does anyone ever watch Josh Pate? I'm interested in what people think of his views. Thought he was on point about the overall scene. I recommend checking him out.

Do you feel Nix might have avoided those sacks? I saw way too much Havoc from Idaho for my comfort. And since OBD didn't control the LOS on runs, play action will be less effective if the OL doesn't improve. It's why I suggest slowly implementing max protect, Bootlegs and Rollout packages, 22 and 21 sets. And Gabriel has to be part of the running game. It's early. But what do you think? Is this a fundamental issue, or is it fixable? I don't know if you saw Georgia, Texas, Miami and Bama. They look miles ahead of us. Frankly, this is no time to just apply the standard. It's also time for some creative adjustments to deal with our weaknesses ( that is if you believe we have them). And Georgia still has an advantage of adjusting to havoc and physicality better than everyone else. Implementing contingency strategies to overcome shortfalls is what I call elite coaching. If you can't out muscle them, you better make them think about what they're doing. Idaho did that to us, stayed in the game and climbed back in it. That's damn good coaching right there. What day you FishDuck?

One other observation, I believe the OL is better at blocking 1-on-1. They are big and strong enough to pile drive anybody in my opinion, and they're good at it Which means the TEs are the key to motion blocking ( from my perspective). As H Backs, the TEs can handle pulling to clear space. I'm going overboard here, but I truly see a flaw that won't be fixed by "fundamental training". It's like Dak Prescott for Dallas ( he can get you to the playoffs, but he's not winning a Superbowl). This is a case of you deal with the cards you have. Fold em properly, hold em properly, and run away from your weaknesses. Again, I hope I'm totally incorrect. But I see this as a big picture issue. A forty thousand foot view.

Really good observation. Overall, Gabriel took the efficiency route. Especially early. Later, when he did look down-field he didn't have time The Drive before OBD closed out the game with a TD, Gabriel missed a skinny post for a TD inside the Fifteen yard line on third down- which resulted in a FG. He didn't even scan the field- he knew what was going to be open on the opposite and took the "cheap" win. His "clock" is faster though. In my opinion, he isn't going to have enough time to look backside, and go through his entire progression. The good news is Stein knows how to get anybody open. I even saw a copy of what Georgia uses to spring their TEs open. And that play is designed to get SOMEBODY open- it forces a conflict decision in the secondary. I'm concerned that even a healthy OL won't do. I'm hoping Stein has sequential plays to Bubble Screens like Arroyo had , and Hitch and Go plays to exploit aggressive LBs and CBs. I'm also hoping several versions of Screens to the RBs and MAX PROTECT blocking packages become a strategy moving forward. I truly believe the OL situation is permanent. I do not believe this OL is capable of handling the Elite teams we would face in the playoffs. They're not athletic enough.

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.