Mike West

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.

Jon, You brought up the most important facet of OBD's schedule: 8 straight conference games. Going undefeated means playing three elite matchups, then at least two more in the playoffs ( if not all three should we advance to the finals). Losing in the conference title game is a 17 game schedule. I believe it's better to go 10-2, avoid the Title game, host an opening round game, and deal with one less elite matchup ( the conference title game). It may happen anyway given a pretty rough conference schedule. I actually hope Penn State goes 11-1 and earns a bid in the conference title game and faces Ohio State at least twice this season. Going 10-2 in the B1G almost assures a home game in round 1- even if Four B1G teams earn a bid, or five SEC teams. Two close losses to UM and OSU would be the best case scenario. In any event, Lanning's team will have to be extraordinarily excellent to run the table against their 2024 schedule. Sometimes it's better to lose one to "gain one".

Feels like? They definitely tanked the game for the Tigers. Every call went their way. And they REALLY lucked out when the first quarter ended before we could run a play to score a TD. OBD were the better team. Our defense was more physical (as demonstrated by that sack/fimble/TD, and the constant pounding Newton absorbed all day). Newton alligator armed and easy TD out of fear of getting hit again - resulting in a FG that drive. And Cliff's INT? Please. That resulting TD pass was a consequence of that poor call. That's three TDs I just mentioned (one theirs, two ours and you can add the Dye FG to boot- 24 points - more like a 36-12 game). It should have been a blowout. Easily. But we know SEspnC wasn't going to let the P12 earn another dynasty. I don't care what anybody says, Chip's first playoff caliber team was better than most SEC stalwarts, including Saban's first three title teams. It is a conspiracy that started when the SEC made sure USC got the death penalty. The 2010 Oregon team didn't have as much talent as we've had the past four years, but that was easily the most dominant team Oregon has ever put on the football field - especially the defense. When Lanning's boys provide hits like those Ducks displayed all of 2010? Yeah, we'll win a Natty for sure. Watch that tape again. That is what I call punishing defense. Watch the Stanford game that year. Even the secondary delivered knockout blows. If I'm Lanning, I'm playing tape of every blow that team, and any other Oregon team (2019 comes to mind) delivered to opponents. That's better than SEC football my friends. That's what I want to see.

Brilliant and thoughtful. Why am I not surprised? I wish I was St. Michael about now. It sure would be an honor to show you around. My condolences to your family my "pen pal". We already miss you.

I believe a lot of people misperceived how well Nix would do. My initial thoughts were as follows: Nix had a horrible OL at Auburn. He was waltzing into a very good situation at Oregon. Nix had average WRs at Auburn. Again, he walked into a much better Skill set at Oregon. Nix forced things at AU, because he felt the pressure to make plays. I watched a lot of tape of him against the Elite teams, because I felt that would be the best measure of his skills. He was constantly under pressure, and his WRs did him no justice. He ran for his life and frankly, pressed to make things happen. His debut with Oregon in Atlanta was much the same. But he didn't have the WR set he had last year in that game. Georgia sat on the WRs, and Nix forced several throws. Ironically, he had enough time to throw against Georgia, but he felt the pressure to succeed nonetheless. Last year, against the Fuskies, he played well both games. He was under much more duress and had to buy time or scramble much more than against Georgia, and he played far better in both those games than against the Bulldogs. He just didn't execute on fourth down the first game, and he was inconsistent the second game. Overall, it would have taken thorough study to have been comfortable with Nix when he transferred to Oregon. So many SEC and Auburn fans didn't vet him very well in my opinion. That should be clear by how Auburn did after Nix left. In closing, I had the same kind of issues with Heisman winner Jayden Daniels. He played far better with better talent surrounding him. I felt he was a lost cause transferring from ASU, but I was far off base. He adjusted well to his speedy WRs and he made far better decisions at LSU. I believe both will play well in the NFL if they get the kind of talent they had in college.

You know, Bama won two Nattys because they kept their top two QBs back to back years. This team is potential dynasty material if Lanning and Stein are "Mac Daddy" recruiters. It's going to take two QBs to win a Natty here. Our QB has to be a major factor in our running game. I just don't see keeping the elite defenses honest without featuring the QB as another running threat. We're 4 deep. And I'm not concerned about DG. They guy is a playmaker. Proved that in Dallas LY. Moore will have to step up to keep Novosad at bay. That's a positive. I'm just a hack, but my strategy would be make the defenses handle all five skill positions. Run the damn QB.

Wow, I look forward to digesting these "scrimmages" when I have the time. My quick thoughts are as follows: Michigan is underrated (sorry Jon- I think that defense is better than advertised, and HC Moore is another very good coach following Jim Harbaugh - as in David Shaw good). Ohio State has the best defense in the country. Same issue on offense till further notice: OL and QB question marks (not sure they're elite enough at those positions). I also believe Bama beats UGA (sorry Duck-Dawg fans, but Bama is still more talented overall, and DeBoer didn't show how lethal that offense is going to be - my opinion of course). Haven't seen Texas, but "my sources" tell me they will be more formidable on defense than people think. Haven't seen Nebraska, but same thing ("my sources") , except the offense is going to win them plenty of "toss up" games. I'll check both out this summer and give my update. Haven't seen Mizzou yet. I'm intrigued though. Not sure they have enough depth and talent In the Box. They sure have very good talent at the skill positions though. I believe Tennessee is one very good QB from surprising people this year. Time will tell. Ole Miss is trying to hide their talent. I'll have to wait till fall to assess them. On paper, they are very dangerous. But paper is mighty thin isn't it? LSU still needs a defense , but they are going to spoil some teams this year. Georgia? Same as it ever was. But that loss to Bama tells me good coaching, and mistake free football is all you need to hang with them, and maybe steal a W. Auburn is also going to spoil somebody's season, including maybe Bama. Penn State losing last year's main WR target is a major blow to their title hopes (bad career move for him though- he would have gotten better looks with that new former Buckeye WR joining the mix). Utah...If they can step up their usually decent Defense, they are playoff bound. They don't have enough talent to challenge the Blue Bloods though. USC? I don't think they have enough talent on defense. Nice QB, but he'll have to win games for them. Not sure he's that talented. Not sure they're mentally tough enough either. Clemson has a good enough defense to stall the Blue Bloods, but that offense can't score enough. Think Georgia before Kirby Smart. FSU comes back to the regular pack, despite a damn good HC. No, Miami isn't joining the club. Need to see A&M. I really like HC Elko. He may be playing possum right now. He's said it's taking him longer than expected to get the chaos in order. Possible smoke screen to also hide his talent? The SEC is still too deep for the BiG, but Nebraska, Iowa and Wisconsin are only a good enough QB away from adding major depth to the conference. OBD... Man. I suspected HC Lanning knew his DL was stacked. Now we know. This team is in play for a deep playoff run. Now, it's up to learning how to make teams beat them by playing mistake free ball. If DC Lupoi and OC Stein "up" their game and adjust on each drive of each game, oooh- they could really step into a title game and make some noise. Big "if" at this point. I see a lot of Bama versus Michigan type games this year. It truly is going to be one of the best regular seasons in the history of College Football. And I'm.not blowing smoke here. Every elite team, has an Achilles Heel. Some teams on the bubble have enough talent to hit that bullseye and walk away with an upset. Coaching has never been more important.

Solar, I "hate you" but love you. I came away impressed overall. But I also thought the QBs struggled early because they held onto the ball "too long". Not sure that's a long term deal, and I can only speculate they were pining to get those deep shots completed. They all adjusted. But in the two tight games they'll play this year, those "mistakes" may cost the team the game (Ohio State and Michigan both looked very good on defense). think we keep Novosad if we get him the right NIL deal. He's definitely a keeper, and it behooves Oregon to keep him off another roster. On another note-I think OC Stein is going to be hard to keep. Not sure he wants to be a HC, but he's another Chip Kelly. Yes, he's that good.

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.