DanLduck

He makes a great point about a week 1 loss. If it's not close, the pundits will write us off as not ready, young coach, etc. Look what was said about Clemson. Remember Chip's first year as head coach? A loss at Boise, but we finished great. Personally, if we don't suffer major injuries in the fall, I see game #1 against Georgia as being VERY entertaining!

I see Ty leaving 1st. Jay already has used his red shirt.

He is a class act. A man of integrity. I hope he has success this year!

Great article Alex, The questions we are all thinking. If it wasn't for the portal, I would be very happy with those 3 qb's. But the fear of losing one or two gives the decision of who starts much more significance in our eyes. What they all need is game experience, and only one can get that. Being able to read a defense at game speed and make good decisions takes game experience. I think both Ty and Butters could be great, but how to get opportunities to develop? I've always liked Butterfield. Great arm, accurate, throws a very catchable ball. He can run well enough (see Herbert's runs in his last 2 games as a Duck). He's a smart kid, and smarts helped JH a lot. But unless he can separate himself somehow this fall, the start has to go to Nix. He alone has the experience, and hopefully he will make the right decisions.

If you must play the defending National Champion first game of the year, then doing so after losing 15 starters has to help...at least a little, maybe. I'd say we got 'em right where we want 'em!! lol

I agree that NCAA wasn't responsible for practice, but I think they could regulate intensity levels like they do with wearing pads. And workouts should never be designed around punishment. I'm disappointed that neither coach was held accountable. Who else would be?!

This is why the hiring of headcoach DL was so big, defense. We will need a very good defense to win the north. (And as Charles has said many times, more than 40 points a game.) WSU will pass alot. OSU will run alot. We need to be stout up front and quick on the back end. The portal has really changed how fast a team can turn things around, at least on paper. The key will be how well all the new pieces play together. This will separate who the better coaches/programs are. What schools will have the best "team culture". Football is still very much a team sport. It should be very entertaining to watch it all unfold.

Update: Andrew Boyle, a transfer from WSU, will be on campus for fall practice. He is a "big leg" kicker to challenge Camden Lewis but can also fill in as a punter. So maybe now we will have 2.

Walk-on punter Will Hutchison has entered the portal. He was the only punter in the spring game. He was impressive! He had 2 kicks over 60 yards and was able to change his style and keep it out of the endzone. I know it's not the most important position, but a good punter is a great sneaky weapon to have. Scholarship punter Tom Snee is away from the program currently, for undisclosed reasons. I guess we didn't have a schollie to offer. Here's hoping Snee comes back. I want our special teams this year to be, well, special.

So now we will have 6 scholarship players as RB's and 2 walk-ons. Seems like a lot.

Hey, they all got a contract and a chance to make a team. Good for them. They also all had to know that each needed to make improvements. So now it's really up to each of them. Sometimes it's just too hard to wait for that thing you want so badly. I wish them well.

He seems like such of a real deal. You can't help but want to hope he has success. Specially cuz I'm a die-hard Duck fan!! Seriously, I hope we have a long and wonderful relationship with coach Lanning and his family. Starting this Saturday! Go Ducks!! Who all is planning to go this sat?

Clear (mostly) mid 60's, and expecting a big crowd. Bringing back older star players, track, soccer, baseball, softball, all on campus same day. Someone was thinking outside the box! Go Ducks!

Tucker and others aren't listed until they are enrolled in classes. Won't be till summer.

What a great get for Eugene. Better make room reservations now!! Definitely be a busy weekend!

I think Oregon's trap game is WSU. It's a home game for the Cougars who will be out in huge numbers, excited to take us down. We have often struggled on that field. And it follows the BYU game, a possible let down on the road? Mark it down, Sept. 24, will be one tough major battle.

What a great quote, "when you get up to that level (NFL) you got to be a grown a** man and be able to move a guy off a point". Love it. And again, "I want to be able to impose our will on the defense". We've heard that before, but, somehow I believe it more. We'll see. Mr. Fishduck, you must be so excited to see changes in our O-line. I bet you wish you could suit up!

CK worked his tail off to improve and is still doing that. He worked in Oregon last off season. I'm hoping these PWO do the same, work their buttons off and make not just themselves, but the whole team better!

I love all these solid 3☆ PWO the Ducks are bringing in. That's like 6 or 7 now. These guys have the desire and can be counted on to really work hard in practice, which will push others to keep working hard. We got us some smart coaches.

I know nothing of the encouraging part. I was thinking about the idea of family including all, and how family comes first. That we do all together because success is experienced by all, as all contribute. That love of family and responsibility for family encourages a giving of all you got.

Instead of "culture", I wish they would use the Polynesian word, Ohana. What we mean by culture is work ethic, team support and encouragement, obeying coaches, believing in the game plan, believing in each other, and living off the field in a manner that is respectful of the logo on the jersey. What better word than ohana, family. Reaching deep to give a little more for your brother next to you, what better culture is there!

It is very impressive to me the number of preferred walk-ons the coaches are bringing in. And from all over, Tenn., CA, GA, and in state. They are wanting to play for these coaches. Nice. Very nice.

Have we ever had a year without injury to Olinemen? If he is this highly rated he will play and start when there is injury.

Maybe he did know!

I wish this meant he knew Conerly was coming aboard!