TexasDuck

I have a great deal of admiration for Jonathan Smith, the way he has built his team, and how they play. It’s really the perfect approach to build and maintain a strong program in Corvallis.

It sure sounds like this is a good and timely move for you. All platforms have struggled with how to deal with the inherent challenges, some better than others. OBD has been the best by far, due to your incredible commitment. It’s wise on your part to know that you simply cannot shoulder this alone. Be very proud of what you have created. You have a grateful community here.

Watching lots of UTSA in these parts. Great offense. This seems to be a good hire.

Some of the high-risk calls in the last two games were head-scratchers for sure. Attempting a two yard keeper with a hobbled Bo Nix, for example. Perhaps this is due to the relative inexperience of the HC/OC duo. If so, that would point toward choosing an OC with more years and reps, who could balance the HC a bit. While people are quite taken with the early thirties wunderkinds we are seeing these days, there is something to be said for some veteran perspective.

Lanning can get another good OC. The bigger issue is Tosh. It will be interesting to see how Lanning handles that.

I knew Norv in his later years. He showed me the original plans and pictures of Autzen, and he shared many great stories. I’m grateful our paths crossed.

Living in Texas I watch a lot of Big 12 football. I think their officiating is good, for the most part. It’s the sweet spot between the SEC and the PAC 12 that the OP mentioned. The PAC 12 refs have been ridiculous and embarrassing for most the this century. I believe it has had a big effect on the quality of play when PAC 12 teams take the national stage. People point to the PAC 12 Network as the biggest failure but I believe it’s the officiating, hands down.

These officials are terrible.

There it is, #26. Thanks for clarifying. I forgot to mention in my post response that I also remember being overjoyed, at age 12, at hearing the student section version of the OSU fight song lyrics. Just filthy, not to be repeated, and a complete delight at the time. Thanks again for a most enjoyable and unique fan board.

Is this a case of whose ox is being gored? I read several posts about “U$C” and “University of Spoiled Children” (the latter of which was funny the 1500 or so times I heard it when I was in Junior High going to games at Autzen). How about “Fuskies?” That’s a crude contraction, actually. Do we only insist on decorum in reference to our own? Just asking. You don’t have an easy job, Mr. FishDuck. Keep fighting the good fight.

In a world of “Coach Platitude” speak, I like Mike Leach. For the most part at least. The bit about elopement is classic Leach. It can’t be overlooked that his teams are always better than when he arrived. I dreaded when we played him. He can often find ways, with inferior talent, to beat his opponents.

It has been said by others that “Oregon doesn’t wear uniforms, they wear costumes.” Sadly, there is a part of me that resonates with that. Just my opinion.

When you listen to the USC folks talk about the move to the B1G, finally being shed of the PAC 12 officiating is at or near the top of the list. Plenty of that on display last night. This must be dealt with for those remaining in the PAC.

He will get a clear message from the coaching staff. If they are ready to move on he will be informed - formally or informally. More than ever, it’s a business.

Pac 12 refs rarely cover themselves in glory.

The “Mike” linebacker is watching and would call it out.

It will be interesting to see who Nebraska gets. Any thoughts, group?

Two thought: One, he is correct. Georgia has better players than anyone else except Alabama. And they may now be on the same level. Two, he was providing cover for his former assistant, i.e. "Dan Lanning wasn't outcoached as much as we have better players." I'm not too concerned about Kirby's comments.

Bo Nix is like the legacy that gets pledged to your fraternity. Everyone loved his dad (Patrick Nix) at Auburn, so Bo was going to be the second coming. Alas, that fraternity got tired of their legacy, and moved on. Now he's in our fraternity, but he's the guy no one really wants to hang with. Something like that, anyway.

It’s entirely possible that UGA is really, really good and even better than the team that won the natty last year. Not time to panic yet.

I amend my selection of Minnesota State and Coach Hayden Fox. I can’t believe I didn’t cite WossamottaU as my clear favorite.

Minnesota State. Great coaching staff.

A great number in the college football world are convinced that our own "Uncle Phil," as they call him, is one of the prime offenders. Why else would an athlete go to a place like Eugene if that weren't the case, they ask (having never considered that a young person might actually like the beauty of our area and the excellent resources here). Get ready for a lot of fingers to be pointed and a lot of "anonymous tips" to be lodged in our direction. None of this is good.

I'm grateful that Rich Brooks played a big part in turning the program around. I also remember that he applied for numerous other jobs during his years at Oregon. I also remember that he parlayed the Rose Bowl into his gig with the Rams. I'm just offering a contrarian opinion here.

The Junction Boys is worth reading. Most of us saw it on ESPN, but reading the book is an eye-opener. Bear Bryant nearly killed a few of those kids. Scott Frost really shouldn’t revisit that mentality.