Drake

Every time I see slick Willy I get somewhat nauseated. He chased the golden ring and subsequently ended up being discarded to the coaching trash heap. It sure would be interesting to hear players speak candidly that played under both Cristobal and Lanning. There are obvious differences to the fans that have watched the style of play, but I would love to hear their perspective on the differences. To me it is obvious that Lanning has a much higher football IQ for today’s college game and uses his key players so much better.

From the view of an agent, Dan Lanning is a hot commodity. This is a dream client and his agent knows that Oregon will get a bump in media revenue when they go to the BIG. Dan will get his money no matter whether he stays, or goes elsewhere. It really comes down to DL’s personal goals and family interests. In the college football world I think that you should never take for granted that one of your top employee’s is a happy employee. However, an employer can’t have a gun held to their head every time another opportunity arises. Dan has a great opportunity to win a National title at Oregon. Oregon will be competitive with contract negotiations, NIL money and other resources. If that isn’t enough, then what is enough?

Perfect article. It would have been dramatic to watch the Ducks beat an unbeaten USC on Saturday. But, I have to agree that watching their team and their fan support implode this season has been quite satisfying.

I would walk around campus. Many changes over the years. Hayward field might be open. Just ask a few students what they would suggest as far as any bars are concerned. They will know…lol

The unrealistic trojan boy fans have been brought back to reality. They payed big bucks to bring in LR and one of his QBs. LR made enough to buy himself a mini-mansion and settled into the LA lifestyle for a run at National prominence. The media loved it, the fans loved it. The fans had dreams… Those dreams vanished once their 2023 defense stepped onto the field.

The game will be won at the line of scrimmage. Anyone see our depth on both sides of the line giving Cal a chance? Turnovers by the Ducks will be the only thing that would keep this game close. There is a reason that the Ducks are favored and the people who create the betting lines are not in the habit of losing their clients huge sums of money by creating unrealistic spreads.

Oregon was in a very vulnerable position after losing our No O coach. (Btw…thank you once again Miami) Justin Wilcox is a solid DC, and it would have been 100% an emotional decision to hire him away from Cal as our HC. The braintrust at Oregon decided to go with the potential of a young man on the rise, and he hit the ground running. Because of the attention DL is garnering already there will definitely be significant job offers from other institutions. Isn’t that what agents dream about? Oregon will need to be competitive with future contract negotiations to keep DL as our HC. However, I also would like to think that there is no reason for him to leave Oregon. Of course there is always…

The pass and fingertip catch by TFerg squashed any potential for Utah to gain momentum. One of the plays of the game in my opinion. After that they had nothing.

This series of videos is always worthwhile.

I always want all of our recruits to be successful, or at least obtain their degree. If he is choosing to enter the transfer portal then good luck. Many of our backup players could start on other teams, but the percentage of players who enter the portal versus those that get picked up by another team seems rather low. If he transfers the positive side is that additional space is created for the coaches to recruit, or tap into the portal if necessary.

Utah…The land that time forgot. Some drop dead gorgeous scenery in Utah, but it is one of those “nice place to visit, but I wouldn’t want to live there” states for me. For those that have off-road toys, it has some outstanding places to use and abuse that type of machinery. As far as their fans, always fun to watch the stands empty out because they know that they have zero percent chance to even make it close.

Solid analysis. Those were the type of plays that gave our defense fits last year when trying to get off the field. It is very satisfying to watch Nix exploit an aggressive defense.

The defense has 27 sacks so far this year. The leader in sacks is Brandon Dorlus with 4. The DB leaders are Evan Williams with 3.5, and Khyree Jackson with 2. When you include QB pressures, and TFL ‘s by this defense it all adds up to our opponents scoring average of 15.6 points per game. Without charting plays, it is tough to have a definitive answer as to whether there is a significant increase in blitz packages that include our DB’s. However, whatever they are doing, just keep doing it.

Our uniforms are looking better already.

Game days at Autzen always takes me back. So many good memories. I belonged to a fraternity and every game day we would take a keg and a big rack of red cups to the Autzen parking lot 3 to 4 hours before the game. For the rivalry games someone always seemed to be shaking a batch of yucca juice, usually in those big commercial size mayonnaise containers. Food was definitely not in our wheelhouse. Had a small generator, and brought a sound system loud enough to be asked to turn it down from time to time. Still tailgate with friends from my college days every once in a while. More food, much less drink.

Stealing signs definitely provides an advantage. Video taping future opponents sidelines during games apparently is frowned upon. Getting caught red handed by your rivals. Priceless.

After hiring Riley for absurd amounts of money, then announcing to everyone that they are back in the hunt for a title. There seems to be some buyer’s remorse with the money that has been spent on their coach, and QB. It would be even more entertaining if Riley did go to the NFL mid-season. Would love to watch that meltdown.

When I read about Alique Terry’s background I was surprised he was chosen to replace Adrian Klemm. Very young, and with little time to have established a recruiting pipeline. Then they went out and hired veteran OL coach Mike Cavanaugh to assist. I then thought that DL and his advisors are pretty savvy about replacing key members of the football coaching staff. Players want to go where they can win, and be groomed for a potential run at the NFL. Looks like A’lique, and Mike are off to a good start.

Our depth on defense will be key in this game. It is easy to get winded playing at the altitude of their stadium. If the Ducks can get their yards with the running game, then I expect Nix to outshine the Utes QB with the passing game. The weather doesn’t appear to be a factor in this game. I take the Ducks to cover.

The stakes get higher as the season rolls on. I think the media has a lot to do with any coaches demeanor. A hero when a fake punt goes well deep in your own territory with an overmatched opponent, and lambasted if you go for it on 4th down and fail with a big game on the line. His “wings” aren’t clipped. But, perhaps they got ruffled after the pup game. It is easy to coach from the couch. Much more intense when a microphone is put in front of you and then you get asked about decisions made that may have cost your team the game. We just happen to have a front row seat watching our head coach as he grows into that position.

Not surprised by their losses. More surprised about the unrealistic expectations that the media and their fans had before the season started. Any team with a good QB can pull off some upsets if the ball bounces their way. However, to win at the highest levels you need a defense that can carry the QB when they are having an off day. Trojan boys don’t have that, and obviously the media and now their fans are blaming the coach. It is enjoyable to watch the meltdown in smog town.

A lot of football knowledge that can be tapped into for any of our current coaches. Rich Brooks looks pretty good for someone who started coaching the Ducks in 1977.

Cool photos. I love the photo of the guy getting blown up by Herbert. He was literally lost on that play. He actually looked like he was admiring our cheerleaders just as the truck ran over him.

The annoying “fight on” fans in meltdown mode are entertaining. However, they should be used to watching an average football team in the Coliseum. Bringing in a top QB was never going to solve all of their weaknesses. They have improved, but did they really think they were one of the top teams in the nation? Btw fight on fans, all the blue bled out of your program years ago.