Drake

I agree with the reasons to be optimistic. His reasoning makes sense. I believe that we have both players and coaches that are capable. The biggest factor that will decide whether this team will have a “monster” season is also our biggest unknown. Who plays QB?...and ultimately, how well they play, will determine how far this team will go. I really think this team will see a lot of improvement on offense and defense. Realistically, I am thinking we are still probably a year away from a monster season.

Always an inspiration...I want to go on a run, and I am not a runner...and yes, Nike now has a couple of statues on its campus in Beaverton.

“Fixing” the PAC 12 will require time. Whomever had oversight of Larry Scott is also largely responsible for the problems that are being faced by the conference. Long term contracts, poorly managed expenditures, and ownership of a network that has not delivered the type of revenue projected, are signs that bad business decisions were made by more than one person. The conference needs capable leadership and oversight. The conference will be preparing to renegotiate network contracts in a few years. Therefore, it will see an increase in revenue from that source. However, while money can help eliminate red ink, it doesn’t solve all the issues faced by the conference. If money solved all issues in sports, Paul Allen’s Portland TrailBlazers would have won a championship. There are underlying issues that need to be managed beyond money. Whomever is hired will have their hands full.

Good article. The timing of Tyler Shough’s transfer surprised many of us. His date with stardom at Oregon was short lived. I thought both our offense and defense started to unravel during the UCLA game. So many variables led to the Ducks sporadic play during the shortened season. I am optimistic that 2021 is a better year in so many ways.

Pritchard can come off the bench and provide offense with his outside shooting. He is the type of player that can help spread the floor because teams need to respect his jump shot. It’s looking like he was a great pick for the Celtics.

With Ashford, Butterfield, and Thompson vying for playing time we are loaded with potential. Brown provides experience, and he is probably the guy to beat for the starting job. If Brown starts and struggles with passing, or his decision making, I think we see one of the young guns taking over quickly. Ashford is intriguing to me as a two sport athlete and competitor. The obvious problem is going to be some growing pains on offense, and our toughest opponent will be tOSU early. However, the team should get better as the season unfolds barring injuries to key personnel.

Oregon track and field just continues to add more names to the long list world class athletes we have seen over the years. Attending an Oregon track meet at the “new” Hayward Field is definitely high on my to-do list.

Timing for Shough starting was less than ideal, he was either going to sink or swim. He had to follow one of our very best QB’s, had an inexperienced offensive line, and new play book to deal with. Expectations were for the Ducks to dominate the PAC 12...no pressure at all. Tough decision, wish you luck in the future TS. With him exiting the program, an opportunity is presented to someone else. May the best man for the job win. Watching talented young people get beaten down is the hardest part of being a college football fan. But, that is the reality of a program striving to be the best....sigh.

QB1 for the Ducks needs to have a firm grasp on reading the key defensive players in the RPO offense. He should not feel the need to win games by himself, but could certainly lose games with bad reads and poor passing decisions. I think Shough made those mistakes in the games that the Ducks should have won. I try to always be optimistic, but until I see better play at QB and RB, I won’t be expecting the Ducks to “run the table” in the PAC 12. The exciting thing is I believe we have the players to be a dominating force, they just lack experience. Young QB’s and DB’s are prone to mistakes. It will take an amazing effort by everyone to overcome that fact.

“I always get to where I am going by walking away from where I have been.” Winnie the Pooh

A coach that doesn’t recruit well, but has a good offensive scheme, is still doomed. Helfrich, arguably one of our best OC’s, proved that. I think it is safe to say that an offensive scheme by itself doesn’t score the points. We still need capable players to execute. Remember our melt down at the Alamo Bowl? I do agree that a predictable offense can be easier to stop, and we certainly have seen that happen. However, recruiting has helped to get us back into the CFP conversation. I think when Moorehead gets a capable QB, and RB duo, that his offense will score points. Combine that with a potentially strong DeRuyter defense and you start something cooking. Go Ducks

Read an article that stated Jeff Choate’s base salary at Montana State was $206,000, with added incentive clauses. Choate left Montana State to become a “Co DC” at Texas. If Ken Wilson is looking for a better opportunity, then leaving the Ducks for Montana State is probably not a great career move. If our defense plays to it’s potential, Ken Wilson will get national exposure as a Co-DC at Oregon, and will probably get more opportunities offered.

The problem with trying to be “competitive” with other Universities, and the upgrades made to athletic facilities, is that $50 million isn’t that much. Didn’t we just spend $12m on a new video board and sound system? Kind of a crazy amount of $$$ to spend to be able to watch TV a few weekends per year....lol

DeRuyter’s blitz scheme certainly looks nasty. KT, Sewell, Flowe, etc...Looks like these guys will have a coach that can help to maximize their abilities. If they can stay healthy these guys will dominate. There will be some big hits laid on some opposing QB’s.

My “journey” with Ducks Football started in the seventies. For years, if we happened to have a decent team, we would be considered “overachievers” . The Mike Bellotti era completely changed that perception, and he helped put the Ducks into the National Championship conversation. Since that time, have the Ducks thrived? We all know that the Trophy case is missing one major piece of hardware, but I have to say that we have thrived, and so have some of our coaches.

Herbert really didn’t have the luxury of a lot of highly talented receivers while he was at Oregon. Our receivers often struggled to get open, and at times, had problems with catching a well placed ball. I think being drafted by the Chargers has worked out pretty well for him. While being a number one draft pick would mean more initial money, Herbert won’t be worrying about paying his bills anytime soon. Herbert is a class act, and it is exciting to see him excel in the NFL.

DeRuyter will be able to recruit. I think Cristobal is passionate and has a vision that connects with young athletes. If nothing else that passion and vision rubs off on the players and the coaches connected to the program. We have hired a proven coordinator, and with the players he has available, the defense will be formidable. That will definitely catch the attention of prospects that are looking to land in a top program. While recruiting may not be DeRuyter’s strength now, it will be easier to recruit to an Oregon program which is on the rise, vs. Cal.

KT is in a class by himself. Sounds like DeRuyter will move him around depending on down and distance. Opposing QB’s will certainly be looking for where he is lined up on passing downs. I really want to see KT, Sewell, and Flowe on the field at the same time...all potential first rounders...they should be fun to watch.

When Wilner wants to lay money on the Pups I will gladly take his bet. The puppy fans are hopeful, but they will be paddling against the tide trying to win the north.

Thanks for the video. His ability to react to the ball is impressive. A player either has that, or doesn’t at the college level. While our defense may not need to be “saved”, an addition like this would certainly make DeRuyter smile. Adding a player with speed, proven talent, and experience to a group that already has huge potential would be like finding a forgotten $100 bill in your favorite jeans.

Just for fun... Wearing Duck colors and can jump over my head. I wonder if he can catch a football?

I would like to see someone beat Brown for the QB1 spot. We have a QB room full of potential. While Thompson may be the future, an intriguing candidate for me is Ashford. A true multi-sport athlete that can throw the ball and has the speed to be a true running threat. Seems like Moorehead’s offense is made for that type of guy. May the best man win.

One of my favorite tee shirts. Have had two people offer to buy it from me....Grew up in the Coos Bay Area and remember watching Pre when he was at Marshfield. GO PRE

The PAC 12 network is currently ineffective in it’s ability to generate revenue for the PAC 12. I would want to hire someone that demonstrates a knowledge, or plan, on how to improve the revenues that the network currently generates. Cost cutting measures will also help, but can only go so far...the PAC 12 is in dire need of increased revenue. The job description should include...Conference Commissioner needed that has the ability to do more with less.

Was looking at Cal’s defensive stats: 2017 defense allowed 28.4 pts/gm, ranked 79th (out of 130) 2018 defense allowed 20.4 pts/gm, ranked 22nd 2019 defense allowed 21.9 pts/gm, ranked 33rd For comparison, Oregon’s defensive stats: 2017 defense allowed 29.0 pts/gm, ranked 81st 2018 defense allowed 25.4 pts/gm, ranked 48th 2019 defense allowed 16.5 pts/gm, ranked 9th DeRuyter has available some of the best defensive talent in the PAC 12. His 3-4 alignment should excel with outstanding linebackers, DE’s that can pressure the QB, and DB’s that are capable to cover man to man...I think our defensive personnel will fit his defensive style of play : ) If we get improved play at DT, we will be formidable on defense...if we get our QB back on track, we should be fun to watch.