Mike West

February 24

I want to see how the 12 team playoffs turn out before moving on. This has become more about money and power than providing the best value the sport can offer.

I believe the powers that be need to slow down and solve some of the other issues inflicting the sport at the moment. The Recruiting cycle, and it's schedule need some fine tuning.

NIL absolutely must be addressed.

I'm glad the playoff field has expanded, but I'm not much for giving four more teams the delight of getting anihillated. This isn't basketball. Football is truly a team sport, where deep talent matters.

There aren't sixteen equally talented teams, and NIL definitely won't change that. All this dramatic change doesn't give me the feeling the best interests of the sport are a consideration to these decision makers.

Kind of reminds me of the PAC12 Exec Committee.

February 18

Fantastic post Jon!

I for one believe Chip is more dangerous as an OC than HC. No longer encumbered with CEO duties, Chip can spend more time finding ways to carve defenses up. Let me tell you, I don't know many offensive minds that can put you in a quick hole better than Chip Kelly. I also believe incoming QB Will Howard will thrive under Kelly. He is the right mix of the kind of QB Kelly appreciates most-a very gifted runner that converts on third down very effectively (my opinion here).

IMHO, Chip is going to be a menace in the B1G. He is so good he can pick up the tempo or slow things down at the drop of a hat-especially with a guy like Howard. He has two killer RBs, and if he puts them both in the backfield, that will create massive headaches for defenses (especially if both are willing to block for each other). The most difficult thing to figure out is how well Howard will pass to a pretty good group of WRs (especially deep).

Ryan Day has a damn good defense that will be able to hold leads, and now he has an OC that can put a lot of pressure on many a defense.

So now, our fearless leader -the one and only Dan Lanning- is faced again with the challenge of dealing with not just one, but possibly two teams with superior talent, and at least one with a loaded coaching staff to boot. Not to mention Lanning's challenge of duplicating and exceeding the fairly successful performance on defense last year. Can't wait until the Spring Game!

January 12

On 1/12/2024 at 11:24 AM, mikethehiker said:

#3 is the very rare and commendable part of this sequence - a coach keeping his word to the program and his players. What a tremendous example that is to young men in the program and across the country! It should be applauded and frankly, I hope it catches on.

I believe you got it right in your first sentence of this paragraph. I believe it will still be rare, and one recognized, celebrated.

One of the reasons Saban is retiring is that recruits are bringing in Reps demanding the top programs (Bama, Georgia, Michigan, to some extent Ohio State) match ridiculous NIL offers.

The Ole Miss RB left for money. It's annoying a LOT of coaches and there are murmurs several are considering retirement rather than deal with an arms race for recruits.

Perhaps Lanning saw the forest for the trees once his wife beat cancer. He of all people recognize the hassle of running a program like Bama.

Keep this in mind: The GOAT is staying in Tuscaloosa. If DaBoer goes there, he won't have as much a burden recruiting. Saban can be an ally on that one. Talk about setting an example. The greatest of all time will stay committed to the program he's leaving.

FishDuck brought up that brings an albatross to the next Bama coach. I don't think so in that case. DaBoer can focus on coaching all that great talent the program would still attract with Saban still there ( and I bet my bottom dollar that will be the strategy).

Bama doesn't need recruits, recruits need Bama, and DaBoer is a proven entity- one of a very small group of head coaches that can actually coach elite talent, develop said talent, and continue the Bama to the NFL pipeline.

So kids are going to have to decide:. Georgia , Bama to the NFL, or take the money and roll the dice ( because I know for sure Bama and Georgia are going to expose every flaw you've got kid, and you won't be able to run and hide).

Let's hope DL becomes the next blue blood coach to pipeline talent to the NFL. He already is a major influence in showing these kids they need to fully develop before stepping into the thunderdome.

January 11

Anybody see this?

https://twitter.com/CoachDanLanning/status/1745490828850815112?t=R7nSUGj7SJgDLcbXXpomNg&s=19

January 10

On 1/9/2024 at 8:41 AM, Augduck said:

Certainly there are positives that all of those coaches brought to the table with the exception of Taggart

Dan Lanning wouldn't be here if it weren't for Willie Taggart.

Everyone here calls Taggart an idiot. Well that idiot recruited the number three recruiting class before he displayed his character and poor judgement.

In other words, an idiot proved you could recruit elite talent to Eugene.

That is absolutely the most positive impact this program has ever experienced. Again,. THAT IS THE MOST POSITIVE IMPACT THIS PROGRAM HAS EVER EXPERIENCED.

Bringing an elite team of recruiters, claiming and proving we could recruit anywhere on the continent altered the course of this program forever.

That pretty much means Willie Taggart did have a positive impact on the program. Not to mention he unleashed the real Justin Herbert.

I am frustrated that I still have to point this out. Don't get to comment on why I think that is unfortunately. But it infuriates me to no end.

Willie Taggart was a net positive for this program. Bar none.

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 9:13 PM, HDuck said:

One thing about the 21 point loss, it does soothe the angst a bit for Huskies fans. After a bit of time, I doubt they'll rue the missed opportunity as much as Auburn 22-19 vs Oregon?

HEck,

It was Ohio State 21 Oregon 20 heading into the 4Q. Then I saw our LBs run right past gaps they were supposed to fill and low and behold it looked like a rout.

Edge guys cover the outside. That's why they call them MIDDLE LINEBACKERS.

Oh well. We didn't have much offense in the 4Q either. So once again, the "physical"

Big Ten makes us look dumb.

Where's Warren Moon and Marcus Allen when you need them?

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 9:38 PM, Cacker Guy said:

Ducks are right behind Georgia and Texas and ahead of Alabama in ESPN's "2024 Way-Too-Early college football Top 25."

Only non-SEC team in the top 4.

2024 Way-Too-Early college football Top 25 - ESPN

WWW.ESPN.COM

The 2023 college football season may have just ended, but Mark Schlabach already has a top 25 for next year.

Way too early indeed.

Gotta love that SEC bias though.

January 9

DL is only going to get better.

We are a lucky fan base.

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 8:13 PM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

Bottom line is Michigan had the best defense in the country and it showed.

Ohio State has the best defense in the nation. If their offense was as good, they'd be in this position.

I thought Washington choked. Dropped passes, penalties, and Penix finally lost his composure.

Michigan forced the issue, but plays were left on the field, and UW didn't continue the strategy they used to close within seven at halftime.

I expected much more swing routes to the RBs and WRs. Setting up fakes to those areas and quick strikes downfield along the sidelines. UW actually did that to Texas, and I expected more of that. And those vaunted curl routes to the TE they used against OBD.

OBD are capable of handling all the playoff teams, Georgia, Ole Miss, and Missouri. That slow start in the Conference Title Game hurt our shot at taking this physical brand on. OBD have an offense that can handle these elite teams.

I like Michigan. I think you can drop thirty on them. Washington showed you can. I'm sure plenty disagree. I'd love a shot at that defense. They can be forced to deal with what their aggression leaves available. It's there for the taking.

That's why I'm not a fan of repeating the same plays over and over again in practice. My philosophy is give them looks so you can take what they give you, which means my OC is using ALL 195 plays in his playbook.

But that's just me.

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 6:34 PM, Mike West said:

Now Michigan has to sprinkle more play action on early downs to suck those LBs in.

Yep

They finally went play action... Loosened up the LOS.

That's what I call forcing the issue the right way.

Another clutch set of decision-making in the 4Q this playoff round for UM.

January 9

But we know who the refs are giving the advantage to. Can't cover the WR, hold him along the sidelines. You'll get a free pass.

Not pleased...

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 6:16 PM, TerryM9 said:

Total domination from Michigan and only a 7 point lead. I dont think Wash. can play worse.

Dillon needs to sit in the second half, he really looks hurt

Total numbers advantage finally neutralized. Good adjustment using the safety to close gaps.

Same philosophy David Shaw used on Chip Kelly to ruin TWO Natty berths. If you can't beat em, outflank them.

They couldn't do it to tOSU this fall, but they sure did enough to Penn State (because Manny Diaz refused to adjust early).

Take away those two LOS double teams and you take away the advantage. Now Michigan has to sprinkle more play action on early downs to suck those LBs in.

I think they go back to their 1Q attack to see if it works, then proceed accordingly.

Fortunately for the Wolverines they have a QB that can do damage, come back if need be, or take over

Washington got out of rhythm with early LOS control from UM. They finally settled down and got down to business.

I think UW needs to run Frosh Rodgers in the 2H as much as key back Johnson. Their OL is creating enough space to exploit with more "speed" from a healthy Rogers). I think the 2yds per carry is because Johnson is running on one leg.

Key opening series for UM. They'll need to dual up some pressure in Penix because UW has unlocked UM's puzzle.

This game is going as I expected. Good coaching early, as good adjustments in the 2Q.

January 9

And the PAC12 has the NERVE to post a conference of champions ad. Going down the pipe this year.

Ugh.

January 9

Yep,

UM is shooting for double teams at the point of attack. Nice close by the safety, too bad he got injured.

I see countering that strategy coming.

Look for Michigan to set up play action from this attack strategy.

January 9

Look at THAT hold...

Yeah, both ways

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 5:42 PM, candyduck said:

Best offensive line in the country?

Let's see what they do one on one. Haven't seen them control the LOS without double teams.

January 9

On 1/8/2024 at 5:22 PM, JabbaNoBargain said:

Die dawgs.

Luck runs out tonight, I have no idea how they went undefeated with this D.

Nobody goes 7,8,9 on the LOS like my Michigan.

January 9

Nice hold downfield by the TE.

No breaks for the Fuskies. Gonna have to bust some noses to get hands off their shoulder pads

January 8

It appears the SEC will cannibalize just as much. UGA isn't escaping Ole Miss this year. They face Missouri again. Bama has a difficult schedule too.

I doubt we'll see an undefeated SEC team this year (again).

Made for TV matchups are going to be routine.

I believe we will see matchups like this on the regular. I certainly hope so.

I'm all for USC being much better this year, UW being as close to this year, and OBD rising as far as this year.

I want UM, OSU and PSU as good or better.

I just want damn good college football. Even from the SEC.

Nothing is worse than subpar football. May excellence reign forever more and as widespread as possible.

Awesome CFB is better than the boring NFL(I only watch that league in the playoffs). I loved watching Bama v. TEXAS , Bama v. Ole Miss, and UGA v Missouri. tOSU v. PSU, UM v. PSU and UM v tOSU.

That kind of football is compelling. Give me excellent college football or give me death.

January 8

Very good article as usual Jon!

I will reserve my thoughts until fall, when rosters are more concrete, and w we've seen a few games.

Initial thoughts are tOSU is almost a lock.

Penn State looks solid enough ( I want to see how that defense end up, and they really need to launch an explosive offense- you have to be able to score 28 plus on elite defenses).

OBD will be a work in progress, need to see how the defense develops over the season.

QB Rodgers is going to surprise many- the guy is talented. Not sure how much depth UW will have next year, but like UM, they will decide who is going dancing in the playoffs.

USC is another team that will determine who does dancing. If they are serious about being more physical, especially on defense, they may go themselves.

I see four for sure, even with two losses ( by the way, I see only one SEC team with the possibility of escaping unscathed, Georgia- but this year those teams are playing real schedules... Finally).

I'll say this with absolute confidence:. We are going to see some of the best football the sport has to offer this year. TV ratings are going to go through the roof!

January 8

On 12/11/2023 at 6:33 PM, OregonDucks said:

On 12/11/2023 at 6:13 PM, AnotherOD said:

HOWEVER, it could be argued he faced 4 HUGE games as a Duck (Georgia obviously, OSU to get a spot in the Conference Championship game in 2022, and Washington twice this year - not going to hold 2022 Huskies game against him as he got hit).

And in those games he was 0-4. Absolutely doesn't take away from Bo as he isn't by himself; but, I'm ok moving to DG.

Expand

You could have brought back Justin Herbert or Marcus Mariota for the Georgia game last year and it would not have made a difference in the outcome of the game. Georgia was just that much better at every position (Kirby Smart did not lie in his post-game comments). Our defense could not stop Georgia's offense.

I'll take the 0-4. Bo Nix is going into the Oregon Sports Hall of Fame.

What WILL be mentioned is what Nix meant to this team, the University, and the football program.

Bo Nix is leaps and bounds better than when he arrived.

I saw a guy with no OL at AU, not even close to decent WRs, and a guy who pressed hard to win despite those factors.

That is the real Bo Nix ( cue in the music from the "to tell the truth" game show folks- Bo Nix is a winner).

Oregon presented Nix an opportunity. Nix more than gave back to Oregon. All champions have flaws. Bo Nix is a champion in my book.

January 5

On 1/4/2024 at 10:34 PM, OregonDucks said:

This is one of the few times that I wish there was a thumbs down on FishDuck.

Huck the Fuskies!

Me too. Because sometimes a thumbs down is a good indicator of how passionate OBD forum is(and sometimes it's good to know just how much the pot is stirring- a thumbs down isn't a prison sentence- just a statement about how one feels and it sure beats reading poison we see on other sites).

I'll tell you one thing, Darren Perkins almost always brings out the passion in us. Another successful article Darren !!!

January 5

The Pick...The Finger.

Those two events changed the game from a contest to a rivalry. Washington fans are no more insufferable than we are. We absolutely have out of control, arrogant fans. Especially the kids that experienced a 70-14 whipping for the first time ever.

When we win a Natty, that will make the day the entire country recognizes how arrogant our fans are.

Washington gets no respect for their shared Title. In fact, the PNW is such an afterthought, I believe a 12-1 UW or Oregon would have been left out of the playoffs. Mind you, there was plenty of discussion early in the year about how lethal UW was. Excellence recognizes excellence. That being said, there was no way Alabama was out of the playoffs. OBD were on razor thin margins getting in.

For all the criticism of Michigan, they are getting more hype than Washington. East Coast and Southern football bias is massive. Both playoff appearances for OBD. and Washington had the same narrative after they lost: not physical enough. Washington still has that tag, despite dismantling a much more physical Texas team( and the score was no indication of how much UW dominated the game).

USC and UW are the reason OBD are in the national conversation. You can thank both programs. We see tons of hate for those schools. Let's face it, we hate programs more successful than ours. They are the most motivating factor for our success. That will not change as we enter a conference than spans both coasts.

Last I checked, not one recruit has left OBD since UW defeated us twice. Not one. 24' or 25'. By the way, I believe UW recruits like Utah does. They look for inner and intangible qualities as much as raw ability. I don't see them raising to top ten level status - it's not their priority.

Now all that logic will be dispensed because our emotions rule the roost. We hate teams as good as, as arrogant as, and with as good as a reputation as we have. We just don't like competition. Granted, UW fans have p*sssd all over Autzen for decades. We do the same to our little brother up north. Because we can.

That's the rub of it all. We want the whole cake, the whole pie, the whole world to ourselves. Nobody deserves to be in the conversation when it comes to OBD. That's how I see the world. Because it's the same in Tuscaloosa, Columbus, Ann Arbor, Los Angeles, Seattle, Athens, Gainesville and Tallahassee. Nobody deserves to be better than "my college team".

And that's why I love college football. Excellence fosters excellence. Competition brings out the best in us.

My Dad used to go to Portland to bet on the dog races. I used to laugh at those greyhounds chasing that electric rabbit shooting down the left side of the track. That's how I see UW and the rest of the Blue Bloods- we're trying to catch and surpass those damn rabbits. I don't want complacency in our program. That's what happens when you don't have hated rivals.

January 2

Well, you have to ask yourself: if DaBoer has enough confidence to go for a 4th and 1ON HIS OWN 34 yard line (to maintain control of the game), why wouldn't our coach have the sense to understand you don't kick filed goals against them?

FGs don't win games against Washington. That is utterly clear to me. And I will clutch my cold dead hands in a fist declaring that.

Washington outperformed a much more physical team than ours tonight. FGs don't beat Washington. Forth down conversions do.

January 2

Good deal. That's one BiG team in.

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