Gizmoduck

Great question Charles, I don’t think that whatever I say will stand up to the standard coach Lanning has. I have to remember that the starters have yet to surrender a touchdown. I would love it if the younger subs could play up to the starter standard but that’s just my druthers. If anything I would like to see the O-line play to the normal Oregon standard which they haven’t to this point in the season (and they still haven’t given up a sack). The level of play that this team has show. Has blown the roof off of any expectations that I had preseason, so it’s hard to adjust realistically as to who or what this team is. Beat the Beavs, cover the spread, no injuries is about as good as I can ask. Go Ducks!!!

With all due respect to each poster on this thread, and the one about Dakorian Moore, I humbly think we are all asking the wrong question. I think we should be asking “Did we underestimate Dan Lanning?” And “Expectations of Will Stein.” Coach Lanning has shown an obvious talent for learning from his mistakes, and coach Stein is one of the most innovative and dynamic coordinators in college football. Finally in year 4 Lanning has a full roster of “his guys”, who are familiar with his defensive scheme. On offense, he and coach Stein have a returning QB who is familiar with the system. With a dynamic WR who was here in the spring. All of these things are a 1st this year, which is why I believe we are seeing such great things so early. As a greybeard myself(52 and born and raised in Eugene) trusting a staff to have the best roster, have them prepared, and have them play to their dynamic potential is something I’ve never had the opportunity to do. The Kelly years were great, but we knew if we came up against the big boys, it was usually not gonna go our way. I’m trying not to care about the results and “trust the process” as coach says. I remember at his introductory press conference he said something like “Don’t judge us on what we say, but judge us on what we do. He’s done a whole lot from recruiting, to being a great spokesman for the university, to turning down Ala-freaking-bama!!! My friends the sky’s the limit and yes, I think even we have underestimated Coach Lanning!!! God bless you all, even if we disagree I know we agree on our beloved Ducks!!! Saturday can’t get here fast enough.

Alex, great article as usual. Managing expectations this early in the season with a team that still has so many questions surrounding it isn’t something we’ve had to worry about for awhile. I just have to remember to breathe, and that we are just watching, while these young men are actually living this in real time. What a time to be a duck.

I like what I see, this team has a great foundation to build a season on. Rooted in substance for sure. That substance being length, and speed.

I’m hoping Dante gets to start the 3rd, but I’d like to see some backups around the middle of the 3rd

That was a great opening drive!!!

45-9 is what I want it to be, but I’ll go 34-10

Alex, great article as usual. I think the only way the Ducks floor is lower than 10-2 is if they are snake-bit by injuries. If Dante is comfortable running the offense by the time they head to Penn State, I think the game will be electric. We all have to remember that this is only the 2nd time that this staff has had a QB that has been in the system for more than a year. The last time that happened Bo Nix was a Heisman finalist. If he stays healthy, this season will be special. GO DUCKS!!!

I’m not worried about it. If there is a battle I think it’s a battle of true qb1’s. I think coach Lanning isn’t worried what anybody thinks, I’d even go so far as saying I think he wouldn’t announce it just to start rumors. He’s always preaching about ignoring the outside noise and rumors would help to unify this team against the hype. If we don’t find out who the starter is until the game starts I won’t be upset. If whoever is under center can’t move the ball or the defense can’t stop them from moving the ball, then I’ll get worried. So far this staff has given me reason to trust the process, and understand there is method to the madness. Gameday can’t come soon enough though.

I don’t think this was an outlier season either. I believe the nation is going to come to an understanding of how challenging the Pac-12 really was, and the story of its complete mismanagement will be one of the most tragic cautionary tales in sports history.

The season cannot get here fast enough!

Charles I love how you never miss an opportunity to take a playful jab at Mari-no-O. This is what makes college football the best.

Just my two cents after watching maybe 5 mins of tape on this kid. DO! NOT! SIGN! HIM! Arm talent did not impress. Carson Beck 2.0 in my eyes but hey I’m not paid to make these decisions.

Agreed Charles.

This will be his 3rd year I think. And if Moore or Novasad win the starting position, then it will be his first coaching a starter for more than a single season.