Washington Waddler

I think you can give some statistical credence to the seven or less point spread in losses following the Georgia game. Seems like there’s a learning curve going on in there.

Blue? Our color is Green, as in the color envious USC fans see every time they look at how the recruiting is going.

To paraphrase a classic definition, when you start talking politics, it often leads to, “ . . . looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly and applying the wrong remedies.” Good enough reasons for me to steer clear.

Money better spent supporting CFB athletes. Sorry, what am I thinking? This is the NFL.

Wondering is always an excellent pursuit. In my experience, as soon as I begin to think it’s all been done, guess what happens?

Pretty cool, but moving away from innovation towards consolidating signature looks from the past. Nothing here not to like, but is Nike getting conservative?

Nice read Darren on the old school emotional ties that so many of us still feel. Having now watched water pass beneath the bridge for a while, I have to admit I’m now somewhere in between your stance and where Charles seems to find himself. I’ve had to unclutch from my unending fielty to proud, past memories of the PAC12, and accept the suicide its leaders inflicted on us as sad, but justly deserved. That said, I don’t confuse the human constructs of ‘conference’ and ‘league’ with regionalism. Conference is more closely aligned with power, political collaboration and $$, where as regionalism is something we just deeply feel. Like you, I cannot - with any integrity - embrace BIG10 teams as brothers. As political allies? Perhaps. But neither can I wrap myself in the shredded remains of a banner so dishonored and abandoned by those who should have treated it with respect. They killed it. It’s gone. Where does that leave me? For the time being, feeling like a wandering Duck caught in some modern day sports diaspora, forced into self-reliance and belonging nowhere. So that I don’t cave into that school yard yearning to belong, I remind myself that the founding BIG10 members will never see us as equals, even if we win their championship for the next 10 years in a row. Just ask Nebraska fans. But I don’t fret. It’s a process; just another step along the way. Just have to remind myself, from time to time, how much more compelling regionalism is than the politics of conference survival.

Don’t forget fantasy sports leagues.

Not sure the concept of a basketball court as a blank canvas for creative minds was such a good idea in the first place. Tendency seems to be to over think it, and crowd as many symbols and icons onto it as it’ll take. That said, I’d agree celebrating the 1st NCAA Championship is a given. Only one gets that honor.

Maybe, but how does moving down in the quality of competition advance the development of players or help in recruiting?

Recruiting chemistry is always going to be a wait and see mystery; about as predictable as quantum mechanics. Kelly caught lightening in a bottle once. There’s a reason that turn of phrase also means one-hit wonder.

Anticipation has always been college football’s middle name. The Ducks probably get more of that on a national level than most because, well, we’re the Ducks. Now we have to go out and prove it. Culture change.

Ducks all the way to their 1st Natty. And just like my Bball bracket, it’s a guarantee!

Is that a sticker or a band aide?

Has to be the leading contender, but he has also made visits to Alabama and Florida State. Pundits all over the place for months have been suggesting the USC commit was nothing more than a youthful indiscretion, and that his southeast roots would eventually win out - someplace.

Pure speculation on my part, but following a head coaching experience that had little to no support at DePaul, wondering if what brought TS back into the fold was the incentive from Altman to endorse him as his replacement upon retirement?

IMO, what they require is a complete reimagining that accurately describes what their program has become: directionless, dead in the water, beached derelicts. They should now be the Oregon State Jellyfish.

Agree. To the fans, Dan said Push Back, not fall over. You really think one game, two games are going to define Waz? He’s just starting to Push.

I can understand being upset over our history with Mike White and the lingering frustration with how he left. I just don’t get the hate. He didn’t pull a fast one; no slick Willie, or moral Mario move. He was up front with what he felt he was worth, and why he wanted it. Mullens had his chance to pony up, and decided not to. End of story. Personally, I felt Mullens should have simply owned his decision by saying his budget for a non-revenue program can’t justify the bump in salary, rather than tossing it back at White with the excuse that he’d not won the ultimate prize - yet. If you don’t want to take a risk on potential, just say so. I still wish the guy well.

I’d agree. It’s the Deion Sanders of the coaching world that make you wonder what sort of teams they’ll have further down the road.

Robert B. Parker’s sleuth Spencer always seems to down three beers BEFORE lunch while eating at the Bristol Lounge or some other favorite, so I guess you’re right!

Is the time coming to consider moving the Softball World Series out of the Sooner’s backyard and into a neighborhood that’s a tad more neutral?

The effect of over reliance on portal talent reminds me of previous Seattle Mariner management that would put their $$ and effort into trading for aging, over price veterans rather than developing young talent. All it did was extend their dry spell from any appearance in The World Series.

Was on the south-side’s east shoulder ramp (when it was same as the north), so I was looking right across to where Wheaton intercepted. Saw the pick, and that was it because it was nothing but jumping bodies and waving arms after that. But, I sure heard it!

If I understand correctly, you should be okay to go since it’s scheduled for 2025.