Drake

The pup fans hatred of Oregon is amusing. They should be more concerned about the sinking ship that their football program has become. In their minds they want to go from a program that is in serious trouble, to immediately qualifying for the CFP. Seems to me that they need to focus on plugging some rather big holes in the rusty bucket that their football program has become. Pup fans can hate the Ducks all you want, but it is time for some of your fans to have a reality check. Oregon is just a better place to coach and play…lol

Mario tried to change the identity of Duck football. I think he wanted the offensive line to be the catalyst for the team’s success. He focused on running the ball with the idea that our offensive line would wear out the opponents defense by the end of the game. Mario’s offense scored less points. Therefore, more games came down to the last possession. The Ducks once had a sports car offense in the garage. The offensive quickly became more of a heavy duty pickup truck. Both have their place, but the sports car is much more fun to watch. Lanning will need to create an identity for both the offense and defense. I think he has a good idea about the defense. Now we need to see his vision for the offense.

Tired of watching AB at QB. He needs to sit down. Career over.

For me, it is an emotional investment following Duck football. This is a good place to rant from time to time. There are some good loyal fans that are here on a regular basis. I think frustration is part of being a fan of any team. Go Ducks

There was an illusion that we were one of the top teams in the country after beating tOSU. However, as the season progressed it became obvious that we were overrated. Primarily because the offense could not stay on the field against lesser teams. AB had an “outstanding season” based upon his abilities. He just is not an elite level QB.

If nothing else, the earlier than expected release from the Jaguars contract shows that Lanning and his staff know that this is an important time for recruiting. I will be interested to see if they can pull some unexpected signings to bolster this years efforts. MC leaving right after the PAC 12 championship put the Ducks in a bind. Lanning seems to be getting the program stabilized as far as his staff and communicating with current team members. Lanning will have a good team next year. His staff appears knowledgeable, and as long as they aren’t slapping around players on the sidelines, nobody will be longing for a return of the MC era at Oregon.

AB’s passing abilities limited him to mainly a short yardage passing attack. He just was not a big threat to hit a receiver in stride beyond 5 to 6 yards. He could never bury a lesser team. We probably got the most from him and his abilities. Oregon is not QB spoiled. To have success simply requires good QB play. Therefore, we have had good QB ‘s. We will have an NFL talented QB again. Don’t know when, but we will all know when we see him play. It’s usually obvious. Remember watching Herbert’s first start against UW at Autzen? We got pummeled, but it was obvious that we had found our starting QB.

What in your opinion does it take to win? I know my donations to the DAF doesn’t entitle me to keep players in lockdown.

Whoops, wrong thread…lol

I would prefer to see some playing time for our young QB’s, no matter whether it’s close or we are behind. Those guys stood on the sidelines way too much this year. For that, I would have to blame MC. We played rather light competition in several games and rarely had a comfortable lead. Coach the team for the win, but if AB plays the entire game I will be disappointed. Time for change.

I wonder what type of conversations happen between Coach and existing players on the team when a player is picked up from the portal. Nobody should just inherit a starting position as important as QB by default, but communication with existing players seems required.

Tinker Hatfield and Phil Knight were a great team. Nike became the largest shoe company in the world and Oregon has reaped the rewards. Nice tribute to a son that passed away in a tragic accident, and to a key individual that helped build the place.

University of Oregon Athletics Department unveiled another key element for Matthew Knight Arena designed to set the facility apart from any other arena in the country. Installation of a unique arena floor is currently underway and features symbolic references to the Pacific Northwest, as well as the two individuals most responsible for the arena becoming a reality, Phil Knight and Pat Kilkenny. “We wanted to design the most iconic television presence possible for the University of Oregon by conjuring up a highly unique and visible basketball floor design,” according to Tinker Hatfield, vice president for design and special projects for Nike. “Its inspired by our beautiful tree-covered region and the UO 1939 NCAA Championship basketball team nicknamed the 'Tall Firs.'” The court is framed by a representation of a view from beneath a forest of fir trees. Also present on the floor is the new arena logo, designed for the namesake of the building, Matthew Knight. The floor has been named for Kilkenny, a long-time supporter of the University of Oregon who recently served as the school's director of athletics (2007-09), and whose contributions were paramount in the arena's construction. The “Kilkenny Floor” text listed above the Matt Arena logo, is accompanied by three additional graphics. “We wanted to pay respect to Pat Kilkenny, and the Kilkenny family, by telling their story in a classy and subdued series of three symbolic graphics,” Hatfield said. Graphic 1 (left side) depicts Morrow County and Heppner, Ore., where Pat Kilkenny grew up. Graphic 2, which symbolizes his education at UO, is the 1970's interlocking UO logo adorned with three shamrocks representative of his very green and very Irish heritage. Graphic 3 symbolizes the beach and sunset of San Diego, where he became a highly successful entrepreneur and still resides today. As a finishing touch, the phrase “Deep in the Woods” is located below the Matt Arena logo. These words embody the intimidation the venue will pose for visiting teams, and add soul of the building.

Better talk to Phil Knight, Tinker Hatfield, and Pat Kilkenny.

Might need some coaching on technique.

Oregon has proven that a well coached program can beat teams with higher ranked players. It’s ironic that the Ducks became the team with better talent getting out coached. Who knows what will happen with recruiting. I do know that the team needs to play well together to be successful. One or two five star players are trumped by a team that is well coached all the time. Defensively I think we will be good. On offense, get a good QB, surround him with solid talent, and get them to play as a team. Coaching does make a difference. Btw…we have the components, let’s get this party started.

Good points in the article. I also think Moorehead’s offense was shackled by the QB. If it wasn’t for Travis Dye’s abilities to get YAC, AB average yds per pass would probably be less than 5. Not the most accurate QB we have seen…lol

Career wise it probably makes sense. If he follows Mario and Miami improves, other opportunities present themselves more quickly. If they just get into the top 25, the staff will start to get poached. If he stays at Oregon and we don’t improve he may be stuck in neutral for awhile career wise.

I kind of view college football coaches as “hired guns”. University’s with the resources are chasing the top three or four football programs in the nation. If my football program is currently outgunned, then the football coach will usually be the first casualty. Now that NIL agreements are part of the landscape, boosters can throw around millions of dollars supporting the coach of their choice by trying to entice teenagers to play football. What could go wrong?

Dabo has a front row seat to watch the various scenarios that occur. Add NIL agreements and then you will have individuals with questionable morals from the “win at all costs” crowd appear. I know there are legit reasons for a player to enter the transfer portal. However, it would be naive to think that every player that transfers has never been contacted by another coach, or representative, regarding playing time and monetary “opportunities”. In many cases these are still teenagers, and being exposed to moral corruption/tampering, especially if money is involved is shameful.

LaMichael was the real deal as a running back. Based upon Dan Lanning’s background, and the way he got into college football, I would recommend to LaMichael that he meet face to face with our new coach if he is really serious. I would expect the Coach to at least listen. From there it’s all on LaMichael as to whether he wants to start as low man on the totem pole and work his way up.

Good article. QB’s play a major role determining whether a team is a legit contender. If one of the nations best college QB’s is having a “good” day it can be a thing of beauty to watch. We watched what happens when an offense (QB) has limited ability to attack defenses. The Ducks rarely had comfortable leads in the second half. Top 10 teams demolish lower competition. Miami may be paying a lot of $$$ to find out the real reason that we weren’t really that good. A new chapter is starting at Oregon. Can’t wait to “read it”.

Interesting take on the current landscape of college football and NIL agreements. Business savvy adults know promises mean nothing in the business world. Top college players will now have fist fulls of cash being waved around as if it were Monopoly money. What could go wrong?

These guys are young and hungry. Enthusiasm for the long hours and work ahead is not going to be an issue. Time will tell whether there is coaching substance and acumen behind their youth and enthusiasm. If nothing else I would expect these guys to outwork a lot of other PAC 12 staffs. I like the way this is shaping up. Many wanted change, and we now have a major youth movement on our hands at HC, OC, and DC.(assuming these reports are correct) Good luck gentlemen and I hope you surprise the heck out of us with the way you coach and teach our players.

If Wilcox did turn down Oregon’s offer, then the expectations behind this job were not to his liking. I can understand that as a reason to turn down an offer. Getting pounded in the media if things go south is not my idea of a good career move. Money isn’t everything. Oregon needs a coach that knows the expectations and embraces them. Lanning wanted the job and the expectations that com with it. I am excited to see the coordinator positions filled, and ultimately the style of play on both sides of the ball. I fully support this hire and am optimistic that this is a big upgrade for the Ducks.