WiseKwacker

Perfect description of what we've seen through numerous coaches at USC over the years. Love it. And, sadly, I have to agree that it became the Ducks' model over the past few years. But, as others have said above, it seems like Lanning will be more aggressive in approach, and, while we can expect the Ducks to get burned on occasion through that approach, it'll also likely result in an increase in takeaways and TFLs. Those are real momentum builders.

Whoa! How can you leave out "No Problem" Norv Turner? Well, I guess we're talking about ex-Duck quarterbacks who've been successful in the NFL as quarterbacks...

Another good one DNC. Food for thought. I like the idea of getting a second QB some consistent game action weekly, but not necessarily to the point of calling it a "two-quarterback rotation." The system I can recall that made sense to me was run for several years by that quarterback factory in Pullman. It's been a while, but I think it was back in the Mike Price era when the Cougs would routinely run a couple of series in the 2nd quarter of games with their younger back-up quarterback. Some games, this unit really clicked and left the fans wanting more. Other games, things didn't click for this unit, and it was a relief to get back to the first team QB. Regardless, the back-up got meaningful game action every game, and this process definitely aided in the player's development while allowing the coaching staff to determine whether or not they saw real potential in the younger QB. I much prefer this kind of game action for the back-up QB over mop-up duty in lop-sided wins or losses. I'm sure more head coaches prefer the latter because it represents a much smaller risk. No doubt most head coaches never want to face a situation where they lose a close game that includes two disastrous series in the second quarter with a back-up quarterback.

So, Kayvon moves on the the NFL, and we have this situation? Who'da thunk it? I've gotta say that while I was all over the Taimani transfer from Fuskieland, the two Nebraska transfers slipped by me at the time. When you stack up these guys with the holdovers and the incoming freshmen, it's a pretty impressive interior DL. We know the linebackers will be fabulous if they can stay healthy. So, my only real question about your prophecy, Charles, is with the edge guys. I hope DJ delivers on his promise while playing big minutes on defense for the first time. And, while we know that Funa is solid, I hope Swinson takes the next step this year. Thanks for the good read, Charles. There's excitement in the air! Excitement in the air, I tell ya.

That--in my view--was a great piece of writing, DNC. Very entertaining. I'm not an MC hater, but I certainly was frustrated watching his coaching style play out year after year. For me, the Pittman departure was really telling. Thus, while I appreciate the kind of guy MC is, I breathed a sigh of relief when he moved on to Miami. Although I was not upset that he left us, I was certainly worried as the search for his successor slowly unfolded. Initially worried that Lanning was a "reach" by Mullins, I'm now nearly convinced that we've got a bona fide "steal" in our bright-eyed young coach. All I need to confirm that thought is to see how he coaches up "the kids" (sorry, I lived through the Don Read years) on Saturdays. So, I appreciate your spin on the MC situation at The U, Confucius. The Mopes--not to be confused with The Moops--and the Slurps are hilarious nicknames. And, I've now added "Corch" to my football vernacular. Keep 'em coming.

Another great article from the Ball of Confusion. I'm so grateful that you're putting in so much work to provide us "readers" with stimulating material to ponder and discuss. Keep it up. One of the things we never want to talk about is the daunting certainty of the injury bug. For most of us, there's likely an element of superstition involved; nobody wants to be guilty of "jinxing" somebody on the team. Aside from that, though, we KNOW injuries are going to occur during the season (and likely even in the pre-season). Thus, one of the things that gives me a great deal of optimism about this year's Duck squad is the depth. Personally, I can't think of a Duck team with more depth--and, I've been watching Duck football since the 60s. Yes, there's inexperience at QB, DB and RB, but there's also depth there with talented athletes just waiting to get their chance to perform on the field. Things are heating up as the first kickoff draws near; we're less than a month away. Go Ducks!

Wow, that was a fun read. Good stuff. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for asking, Charles. I don't really mind one way or the other. I consider myself a sports snob. While there is NOTHING like watching live game action from the stands, I've grown to prefer watching games on my 65" TV screen at home for numerous reasons beyond the ease of bathroom access and cheaper, colder beer. Among them is the increasing efforts at the stadium/arena to get me to stand up and cheer when somebody else deems it appropriate. I'm a pretty independent cuss, and I want to decide myself--following the action of the play on the field/court--when I want to stand and cheer or do something else. (The one notable exception to this is the "Shout" tradition between the 3rd and 4th quarters.) I don't like sitting by the guy who's constantly yelling at the refs for "bad calls" all game long. I don't like sitting by the chatterbox who's talking about everything EXCEPT the game. I don't like doing "the wave" or participating in "Everybody clap your hands..." AND, I don't like having cheerleaders try to tell me when to stand up and cheer. (I have to admit, though, that I DO enjoy seeing that old guy who brings binoculars to the game and only using them during timeouts to watch the cheerleaders.) And, don't even think about talking to me when the Ducks are performing badly unless you want to get your head bit off. Okay, enough about my idiosyncrasies. This anecdote probably best sums up my attitude about cheerleaders. Back in the Kamikaze Kids era, I attended every basketball game at Mac Court. My usual perch was in the front row of the 3rd balcony, giving me a perfect bird's-eye view of the action on the court. (And, of course, the thrill of feeling the balcony swaying back and forth when the crowd really got going.) Well, one day I decided I'd make the commitment to sit courtside in the student section, which was mid-court in those days. So, I got up at the crack of dawn and joined the two guys who'd apparently spent the night there. As the doors opened, I sprinted for the stands and got a seat a mid-court in the front row. Watching warm-ups was great as I could even hear conversations between players and coaches. Then, about two minutes before the national anthem, the cheerleaders trotted out and plopped down right in front of me. As a college student, I loved looking at beautiful women just as much as the next guy, but I spent that entire game absolutely despising those blameless cheerleaders. STOP BLOCKING MY VIEW OF THE GAME ACTION, and STOP FORCING ME TO STAND UP ALL THE TIME! After that, I ALWAYS relished my sprint up the numerous flights of stairs to the 3rd balcony for my unobstructed view of the game action. (And I NEVER brought binoculars along with me, either.)

ANOTHER great article, DNC. I appreciate the fact that you don't just take a position that will please most of us diehard Duck fans. Your positions thus far have always been well-supported by extensive research. Clearly, from the number of comments, you're giving all of us something to think about and debate. Well done! Looking forward to your future articles. By the way, DNC, did you ever live in the Watergate Apartments in the early 70s?

Interesting take. I don't find it as offensive as some of the others who've weighed in here. Like it or not, the Huskies are our allies at this point as we both angle for the best possible situation for our respective teams.

Really enjoyed reading the article, Dazed. Lots of interesting connections in his young career. Thanks for doing the research to present it to us. I also enjoyed watching Coach Dilly in action; lots of positivity in his approach with his players. With each passing day, I keep feeling better and better about this coaching staff.

Absolutely right, Charles. If we're going to root on Gov. Newsom in California for questioning whether or not UCLA can leave the Pac12 for that midwest conference with a losing Rose Bowl record, then we've gotta accept the same kind of meddling by the Oregon legislature and governor. Frankly, I think that ship sailed a long time ago when the state stopped paying for virtually ANY of the costs associated with the Duck and Beaver college football programs. While we may often be frustrated by the way college football "regulates" itself, I don't think it will help to get politicians involved in it. To me, it's akin to that dispute between two parties who can't come to a compromise. They ultimately go to court to settle matters, and often both parties are subsequently frustrated when the judge makes a decision on the matter. (Hope this comment was generic enough to qualify as "non-political.")

Charles, your GIF says it all.

Ahhhh, Air Coryell. Those were some fun years to follow the Chargers. And, that '82 playoff game versus the Dolphins is still my all-time favorite.

For me, it goes like this: If the Ducks win against Georgia, that's their biggest game of the season. If the Ducks lose against Georgia, then it's the game against BYU, a team that "owned" the PAC12 last season.

Welllllll, maybe not Jody Allen. But, that is a different matter...

So saddened today to realize--ONCE AGAIN--that greed has won out over loyalty and honor. I'm now assuming the Ducks and Huskies (wonderful to have such a fabulous bedfellow, eh?) will be the next to bolt to "greener pastures." I guess we won't have to worry about re-naming the Civil War Game for "rivalry week." Maybe we can play the Beavers in a non-conference game during week 1 or 2. Fun, eh?

Patience...patience. Have faith in Dan-Lan.

I have a lot of confidence in Coach Graves. I think he's making the necessary adjustments in light of the changing landscape in college sports.

Okay, Charles, this posting has me really fired up! I have only ONE THING to say to you, mister: "Go Ducks!!"

Reading blurbs like this one makes me hopeful, optimistic. Yet, I think patience is the key to my personal mental health. Looking forward to seeing how this all works out for OBD.

Good article. Thanks for sharing, Charles. When I think back to Elijah Molden's decision to play for the Huskies, and Duck fans' disappointment at his "betrayal," it reminds me of the similar sentiments when Kevin Love headed to our dreaded basketball rival in L.A. (Same with Chase Cota, kinda.) Anyway, looking back now, it seems those betrayals were indicative of having the wrong coach running the respective programs. I think we've got the right guys in place now, though.

The inside linebacker group...the tight end group...the running back group...the wide receiver group... Man, I'm getting excited to see what each of these groups of players--with lots of young, relatively untested guys--will bring this fall. Where's my "fast forward" button?

Fun article, Darren. While only time will tell, I took the liberty of checking with my Magic 8 Ball. The answer was: "Outlook Not So Good."

Wow! I think that's a pretty surprising list. I would've guessed Utah, Washington State, Cal and Oregon State would be at the top. Maybe the key is that the rating was based on the number of 3-star players that are drafted by the NFL. I'm not sure there's any other way to actually quantify "player development," but I think the 4 schools I mentioned above typically do more with "less" than the rest of the conference. Thanks for sharing.