DUCKED

Missed that!

Even more recently: Andre Ware Gino Torretta Danny Weurffel Chris Weinke Troy Smith Tim Tebow …. and the list goes on

“The players like it and that trumps any argument.” I definitely agree, but it’s not just the players. People from all over the country would talk about the Ducks’ uniforms and the uniforms became perhaps the catalyst in Oregon becoming a “cool” school, which of course attracts recruits as well as non athletes. Even now there are press releases prior to games telling us what the Ducks will be wearing on Saturday. Cool uniforms have become part of Oregon’s identity. Having said that, I have to admit that sometimes the uniforms make me shake my head, as in “What were they thinking?”

My top 5: Whittingham Riley Shaw Kelly Smith

Of course we wouldn't have a problem if Lanning was doing the same thing. As far I know, no rules have been broken. And the insinuation that tampering was involved may or may not be true, but there is myriad ways to tamper and stay within accepted guidelines. All these top players know each other from camps and all-star games and I'm sure the recruiting among players is rampant. And then of course you have the "representatives" wooing players with the promise of big NIL bucks, and that is only going to become more prevalent........until the NCAA funds a way to reign it in. Lincoln Riley is smart. He has used the portal very effectively in the hope of turning things around at USC in year one. USC has big bucks, and with Riley taking over those big money donors are no longer reluctant to open their wallets. Oregon, fortunately, is able to compete with the big spenders. The rivalry is heating up once again and that's good for the Ducks, Trojans, and perhaps most of all the Pac-12.

Butterfield’s “football IQ is high.” How about Nix’s football IQ? And Thompson’s? I have heard no mention of their respective football IQ’s. Is football IQ something that only pertains to quarterbacks? Penei Sewell was perhaps the greatest tackle in the history of Oregon football and I never once heard him described as having a high football IQ. So, my question: What does football IQ mean?

Good post. I was with you until the last paragraph…… …….not that it wouldn’t be a wonderful thing!

Could not disagree more. That was a mugging. He was not trying to make a play. Huge windup and then the vicious strike. He was trying to intimidate and send a message, and it was delivered in a manner that has no business on a basketball court. Dillon Brooks is an excellent player, has carved out a nice role with the Grizzlies. I was a fan when he played for the Ducks and now root for him in the NBA. But that type of play goes way beyond a flagrant 2…..if there was such a thing. Draymond Green committed an egregious foul in game one and was justifiably ejected. What Brooks did was so far beyond what Green did, they don’t even have a name for it. And it knocked Payton out of the playoffs, which very well could affect the outcome.

He’ll have a lucrative offer by next week.

Players never take it as seriously as fans do.

It never hurts to have a guy like that on your team. He will be a fan favorite, just as he was at Oregon. His impact on the court remains to be seen. Regardless, a plus for the Huskies.

Where are the moderators!!!!

If I hear student-athlete again I’m going to throw up!

Agreed…….Tom Brady, the most successful quarterback in NFL history, is hardly a great athlete. Decision making, poise under pressure, and of course the ability to accurately deliver a catchable ball, are all much more important than athleticism.

I would expect Dior Johnson to start, certainly if Will doesn’t return, but regardless he’s expected to be a one and done, so if he’s that good, give him the ball.

Absolutely. Opening against Georgia is a monumental challenge, for anybody, but especially for a team with a new coach, new system…….and on the road.

I think the "neutral site" game against Georgia in Atlanta is a perfect way to start the season. If the Ducks can be competitive in that game, win or lose, it will be a great way to evaluate where they are in comparison to one of the premier college football program in the country. While I would love to see the Ducks pull off a shocking upset, I would be surprised if Georgia doesn't cover the 15 point spread. I sincerely hope I am proved wrong. Oregon's upset win in Columbus last year put Oregon on a path to the playoff, only to see the Ducks squander it away with one boring, lackluster performance after the other, and a complete meltdown at the end of the season. With a new coaching regime, new energy and renewed passion, I think this season we will see a more entertaining, exciting brand of football that will hopefully result in a New Year's Six bowl.......at the very least.

No

I know Chad Cota casts a big shadow….but we’re talking about his son, Chase!

Spot on analysis Charles. I liked Cota’s ability to free himself up, but he can also catch the ball in a crowd. He is not a burner but if the Ducks are facing third and long he appears to be a reliable option. And D.J. ….. he has the quickest, lightest feet, and his initial burst is going to be tough for any tackle to contend with. Seven had his moments, too. I thought the quarterback play was mediocre and frankly I was disappointed. I guess Bo is number one, but if so his spot is not secure. And, until you pointed it out, I wasn’t aware that the running game struggled as much as the stats indicate. Lanning and his staff have work to do, and identifying what needs to be addressed may be the biggest positive coming out of yesterday’s “scrimmage.”

I thought DJ Johnson was the most impactful player on the field. McGee and Cota were also impressive. While Nix may have emerged as the No. 1 quarterback, I wasn’t overly impressed . Throwing to a receiver with three defenders around him is inexcusable for a player with his experience. Makes me concerned about his decision making.

College softball regularly draws more TV viewers than college baseball….

Keep in mind Herbert was a 3-star. Many 4-star QB’s turn out to be better than 5-stars. I don’t care how many stars Thompson has…..can the kid play? Can Butterfield play? We now hear from Auburn that Ashford, our apparent 4th stringer last year CAN play. We know Nix can play, but we also know he can be inconsistent. Let’s see what happens on the field…..where it matters.

Thanks Charles….that was one helluva comeback!

Agreed. If Oregon covers, that would be very impressive.