DuckIt

Damn this O-line!

They could also use Conerly and James as decoys. Get them to think we are running the ball, then pass it.

A part of me says that our OL has been getting the job done in the trenches, so let Conerly gradually grow into his role and familiarize himself with the playbook first. The other side of me however, sees the upside of having him on the field now which will only make the Ducks that much tougher, both running and passing the ball. It's hard not to recognize his physical dominance and sheer athleticism. He's one of those players that leaps off the TV screen at you and really stands out among our OL. He reminds me a lot of Penei Sewell, maybe even a tad more explosive. For three games now, we've watched him be the difference maker on crucial downs, paving the way for the "Big Boy Package." Many of us, myself included, said during the preseason that he should pack on more weight first. Undersized or not, he has been tossing guys aside and getting down field and blocking. Any team playing the Ducks, should always be aware of #76 on the field. Here's a screen shot of him driving back and caving that left side of WSU's DL which allowed James a bit of daylight, to punch it into the end zone:

True, the Ducks are loaded at that position, but Dowdell will give this RB stable some size which will come in handy near the goal line. They haven't had a big, powerful back since Rolls Royce Freeman. Dante is already listed as 6'1.5" and 210 lbs. And he is only going to get bigger.

The Trees will do what they always do which is, try to control the tempo and eat clock, to minimize Oregon's possessions. Ducks can't let them. They need to put them behind on the scoreboard early and set the tone of the game.

I commented earlier that it would be nice to have both the the veteran, Nix and incoming frosh, Moore in the same season. It would be a luxury that the Ducks have not had in a long time. Our backup QBs have been somewhat of an Achilles heel. I know it sounds wrong to project Moore as the future, without seeing him play a college down. But when was the last time the Ducks pulled, potentially the #1 rated QB from that recruiting class? Never! We did however get commitments from two future Heisman winners, Mariota and Manziel, but both were 3-star recruits out of HS. Now, we could have two of the top QBs from their classes, the other being Nix. Out of HS, Bo Nix was the #1 Dual threat QB, a true 5-star recruit. The only other QB that was rated higher than him in the class, was Spencer Rattler who was more of a Pro Style QB. Over the years, Nix's rating has taken a hit, playing for Auburn. He went from 5-star to a 3-star. This is the year that Nix proves those pundits wrong and turns some heads. Depending on how this season plays out and if Nix can get his draft stock up, he may have no plans to return next season, despite having another year of eligibility left.

I want the Ducks to annihilate Furd this time around and not leave the game in hands of the inept Pac-12 refs to decide. I'm talking about blowing them out by 30 points or more and beating them in all aspects of the game. I think the Ducks are more than capable, but the defense will need to show up and capitalize on those 3 and outs. They will need to play with discipline. As for the offense, they can't leave points on the table in the red zone. Last season, the FIX was in and MariØ was its enabler. If MariØ didn't have the Ducks take their foot off the gas, he wouldn't have left the door wide open for a comeback and allowed the refs to rob the Ducks of their win. It's one thing to have to play against your opponent. But to have to butt heads with your HC, on top of the controversial officiating crew, with their 3 phantom calls on the final drive, is a recipe for a no-win situation for any team.

You saw how MariØ would handled being behind in the game, with his response against aTm, no sense of urgency (conservative plays, running the ball up the gut) and poor clock management.

SC's defense didn't win that game. The announcers gave SC's defense too much credit. Their defense is suspect. It was more Nolan rolling the dice and forcing the ball into coverage for the last three quarters which lost them the game.

Beavs would have won if Nolan took better care of the ball.

Beavs have been pinning the Trojans in their own end zone all game. When Ducks play them, they can't put themselves in that situation.

Bad. He's just airing it out hoping his receiver wins the day.

Yea, Dye is their most productive player this game.

Michigan, Oklahoma, and SC all being tested for the first time this season. Michigan escapes by a TD. Sooners weren't so lucky. This game is up for grabs. Makes you question how good these preseason rankings are?

Their secondary is taking away SC's passing game.

He still probably shouldn't have threw that ball. He stared down his receiver on that play.

SC looks unprepared and confused. Burnt their 3rd timeout early in 2nd quarter. Williams is off.

Beavs lead 7-0. Stopped SC on their last two drives.

Nah, I give him two years at most, similar to Slick Willie at FSU. It ends with a buyout. The fans will be calling for his head by the end of this season, demanding change. He won't have it nearly as easy as he did in the Pac-12, getting to a 10 win season or winning a ACC title. They are delusional, thinking that he can lead them to the playoffs or even a Natty. They only need to watch the last four seasons of the Ducks to know what kind of coach they bought themselves. A lot of the fans are trying to justify that MariØ just needs time to recruit his players. That will help solve some of their issues, but it won't fix their team. They can have the best players, and MariØ will still have them underperforming and playing down to the competition. Many of them were saying that MariØ plus the bags of money is the right fit for Miami, long-term. Although, when questioned if they would take MariØ without the money, "No," was the common response. I'm still waiting for the day when his ability to recruit matches his ability to coach. Money will always ensure that Miami will be able to recruit though.

Miami fans wish they had our offense.

Yea but those false starts on 1st and goal are killing drives, especially early on in the game. I only saw one this game on Aumavae-Laulu, but it put them behind early and set the tone of the game. Ducks were chasing their tails until the final 2 minutes of the game.

I think the true storm or the perfect storm's name is MariØ. Canes better batten down the hatches and settle in, because this hurricane isn't going anywhere, anytime soon.

Let's go for the trifecta with Beavs over SC. I think Fuskies will prove too much for the Trees, so an upset is unlikely.

A win is a win. I'll take it!

Funa with the game saving TD!