DanLduck

Compared to the past few years our special teams are doing there job, and doing it well. Very high percentage of touchbacks. Zero missed field goals. Zero fumbles on catches. No one coming close to blocking our punts. No problems with long snapper or holding for field goals. Yes, there have been not many great returns. And yes, we seem to give up one long return each game. But so far we haven't been burned. I give our special teams a B+ grade. I'll give an A after our first return for a td or our first 50 yd field goal.

Indeed. He has been a great line coach for years. He has helped many guys get to, and stay at the next level. Plus, he never got many blue-chip studs either. Yeah, couldn't have waited 2 more weeks???

So many times over the years, when we expected a high scoring shootout, it seems just the opposite has happened, low scoring defensive game. This one has all the earmarks of a high scoring affair, so I predict the opposite, at least in the 1st half. 2 predictions: 1) the officiating will be atrocious and have an influence on the outcome. 2) whichever team weathers the poor officiating will win At least 2 questionable targeting calls and a couple p/I calls that leave us going "what"?

Most important defensive stat: Wins!!

I'll stick with my original forecast, don't put unrealistic expectations onto Bo. Run the offense, read the defense. Don't force anything, don't make idiotic mistakes. That's it. And with good fortune, we play for the Pac-12 championship. Anything else is gravy. After that first game, the fact we are even talking like this is amazing. Go Ducks. Take care of UCLA!!

I think the UCLA game will answer most of these questions. This will be coach Lannings biggest test since Georgia. UCLA compares very well to us in offense. Can we slow them down? I think this game will require his best decision making. A real chess match between an offensive guru and a stellar defensive mind. Dillingham will also need to have a great game plan for Bo, who I think is now a proven commodity. Should be a classic match up. I'm glad it's in Autzen.

Charles, I completely agree with you. Using the "eye test", OSU looks better in the secondary. Several times Ward had all kinds of time to throw, and no one to throw to. He was not the same player he was at home against us. However, the Beavs made Caleb Williams look pedestrian also. Maybe there is something in the water... If they had a decent qb I'd be worried, a little. We can stop their run game, making them one dimensional and shut them down. But they sure look good at home.

Talk about your first year head coach coaching woes! Imagine losing at home to Stanford, this year?! Ouch. Let's hear it for the mighty Pac-12!

Building bonds...priceless. Makes me wish I was on the team!

My biggest surprise? How fast OBD fans went from disapproving of Bo, to being in love! No one is crying our for TT or JB anymore. The reason, the coaches have Bo reigned in, he is playing within his skill set and not forcing the play. He is reading defenses and running the O with precision. I hope he stays "reigned" in. My other surprise is how low Sewell's # are. I think this is due to the type of defense we are running. Noah isn't expected to do it all like past years. I also think he is still learning where he fits in our D. I will say that coach Lanning's success doesn't really surprise me. I think the most important, (and maybe most difficult) aspect of a head coach is putting together your own personnel. Selecting the right team of coaches. Dan L had a list of men he had previously worked with, ready to go. And most impressively, they all seemed to want to work with him. And they all are good teachers too. He truly is a leader of men. Finally, I'm surprised after being schooled in Georgia, we are sitting here thinking our Ducks could make the playoffs! I guess if we continue to improve weekly, that 1%, anything is possible. I'm just glad coach Lanning is our guy.

I think we're getting a little ahead of ourselves. Yes, the Ducks have 5 wins in a row, averaging over 40/game. But the strength of our schedule lies ahead. The Ducks still need to play their best in all remaining, 'cept maybe CU. It's way to early to speculate. Still too many undefeated teams ahead of our one loss Ducks. We need to stay focused. One week at a time. Right now, it's DTR and Charnonnet, and CK's offensive genius, against our own set of young genius minded coaches. This should be an epic match up. Can't get here soon enough! Go Ducks! Stomp the Bruins.

Thanks for that update... I am still tentative about Pink!!

I hate the pink! we lose every time!! It's commercialization of a serious issue. Green or yellow!!

Neuheisel has no clue!!

"Don't let your highs get too high. Don't let your lows get too low" Great advice from our coach Lanning.

Soundly agree. Bassa has really blossomed in this defense. I thought he was good last year, but I think he has stepped up his game way more this year. He is a sure and dependable tackler too.

I believe it's best to err on the side of caution then risk lowering the bar of acceptable prose. Personally, I don't like name calling ever. And even though some make money, they are still college students. We are supposed to be fans first, more then critics, so we should act like it. Send an email, delete the questionable post. You da man Charles Fishduck!

Donate went out un 1st half, so either way he us available to start.

Yes, but 85 scholarship players, each improves 1%... 85 × 1% = 85% ?!? Right?

Absolutely. We need to play even better than at AZ. If everyone improves the 1%, is that an 85% improvement?

I like the 2 week wait. It gives the game the proper hype. Chip's last game in Autzen, probably, and a chance for us to see how coach Lanning prepares for a big game with a 2 week window. I know DTR is a good qb, but he's a 5th year starter!! He should be good. Their offense is more balanced and will be best test for our D yet. They run the ball well. I expect CK to have a couple trick plays thrown in too. CK will never be a top recruiter. He doesn't kiss up to unproven kids. The transfer portal is and will be his saving grace. I expect them to struggle in the B1G. So let's give Chip the farewell he and his traitorous Bruins deserve, a proper beatdown in a rocking loud stadium, the likes of which they will never experience elsewhere. Go Ducks! (I too am impatient)

IMO, this is a no brainer. You stay with what is working. If by chance UCLA scores, we are still gaming that we will score twice. So, we want to kick-off in 1st half, receive in the 2nd. Should be a great game!

Definitely a trap game. Definitely. Main reason, classes have started. Seems like every year we struggle the first couple games after the start of classes. 2nd reason, we are on a 4 game winning streak, just enough to get a little cocky. And 3rdly, de Laura. If he gets hot, he has great receivers. However, if the coaches have the team prepped well, this could be a statement game. Personally, my biggest concern is our redzone offense. We still seem to be struggling there. If we can improve that, and improve stopping them on 3rd down, statement win. Go Ducks!

How is Arizona doing so well recruiting suddenly? They got our WR last year! Sure hope he chooses our Ducks. Perhaps being from Hawaii limits his exposure to more schools?

6 were on defensive side. Our D is getting better.