Jester

I think your take on this is consistent with most of the Oregon faithful, and I hope you are correct. You can tell I'm really non-committal on the Utah game as I left the door open to flip my stance on the outcome. I know, that's cheating. Thus far DL's done nothing but install confidence but I just keeping reminding myself that he is a first year head coach, there is a new coaching staff, and add to that scheme changes that would challenge the learning curve of any team. Can the players grasp the system enough to "play fast"?

I imagine almost every school has a black uniform by now. How many have green and yellow? The only black outfit I enjoy seeing is that of the slimming mini-skirt worn by a woman who makes questionable post-dinner decisions. Sorry. Not a hint of "Get off my lawn!" here".

Kudos to the writer for generating an innovative list instead of writing the traditional, “How many wins?” piece. Here’s my takes, on his takes. Nauseating game 1 reaction – If Oregon isn’t in the game at the start of the 4th quarter, this is definitely happening. Vert. Passing game – Nice use of stats to make a case - I’m in on this one. Seven McGee 750 receiving – Very plausible. He's going to be the recipient of underneath crossing routes and quick screens, of which he'll pop a couple, to help pad the stats. Noah Sewell to 10 pick – Nope. And that’s no slight to his performance, it’s just understanding how the NFL values the position. The last 5 years’ worth of top ten picks have netted 6 LB’s, and only one in the last three draft classes. You know at least 2 of the top 10 picks in 2023 will be QB’s. Top 25 D – Silently the best prediction to ponder. I’m skeptical of this taking place but don’t think it’s out of the question either. Oregon reaches 8-1 – No. Oregon exits September with a 2-2 record. Revenge on the 19th – Presently doubting this one, but just like everyone else, my opinion could waffle a few times prior to that meeting.

As someone who was required to take years of four-hour Color Theory classes, I couldn’t concur more. During my time in the arts, black was considered by my instructors to be an unimaginative “cop-out”, and at times when used extensively on graded works, considered not worthy of a grade. From the technical aspect, there’s always the debate if black is even a color since color is the reflection of portions of the light spectrum that are analyzed by the optic nerve and translated by our gray matter as a color. Black is the reflection of nothing. I digress, as this inconsequential debate can be argued from an artistic or scientific perspective. Besides, the only fond memories I have from my artsy days are those of drinking way too much cheap beer, and the Robinson twins. I may be jaded by my past experiences, and from spending too much time in a small apartment being engulfed by the pleasing smell of a cool gray #5 marker, but I side with my old headmasters and view black as counter to how I view OBD. I consider Oregon to be the bastion of creativity regarding sports attire, and to me, a black uniform reeks of a PTO week for an entire fashion department. But…I think the players like it, and that trumps any argument made by the rest of us. Charles, you & I just may ride solo on this one.

I found the ‘Some Shade from Pittsburgh’ portion of that piece to be the most interesting. I don’t think anything written unearthed information that we didn’t already sense, but I find that Pat’s verbiage when voicing his displeasure with the portal to be creeping into the childish, and program damaging realm. Comments such as, “He’s a guy who actually went into the portal the real way, the right way. He had a lot of opportunities with name, image, and likeness, but I think he was looking for the right fit. He was looking for the right personnel. We had a lot returning on offense.” are going to be perceived as a bigger shot at Addison than as a compliment to Slovis. It’s all about timing, he’s got to use discretion when choosing language to discuss players. This is a turn-off, man. Besides, Addison’s done nothing but utilize a program that has been permitted to be set in place. I joke about USC being the potential landing spot for Addison, but I don’t suspect them of any improprieties in their attempts to obtain a top-notch receiver. I really don't. What are the rules and what are the consequences of NOT following them? Bueller…Bueller…Anyone? Narduzzi needs to save the ranting and raving for the NCAA, not student athletes. As a Duck supporter, what would your opinion of Dan Lanning be if he was acting in the same manner as Pat Narduzzi?

I was going to post a comment regarding the long-term negative side-effects of running into the posterior of another man, but then this gem came to mind. Former Jets quarterback Erik Ainge: Mark Sanchez is ‘dumb while being dumb’ Former New York Jets quarterback Erik Ainge isn't a big fan of Mark Sanchez, telling a New York newspaper that he saved Sanchez from an embarrassing episode when he smashed the cell phone of a female partygoer who took pictures of Sanchez streaking several years ago. Ainge, who played with the Jets from 2008 to 2010, said Sanchez paid for the damages to the phone. (Shaking my head) Always have to consider the source when contemplating what people say. What say ye, Duck fans? Shall we ignore the musings of this butt-fumbling, streaker?

Given that Oregon made the jump from #12 to #4 last season after taking down the Buckeyes, and only slipped 5 spots after a very questionable loss to a not-so-sharp Stanford team three weeks later, I may have to roll the dice with a week 11 loss to the Utes. It that were to be the case, I’m banking on our friends from the Beehive state taking care of business, apart from the conference championship game. Of course by this time we're hoping the Ducks are operating on all cylinders, and that the Lanning Express is full steam ahead. This is almost daring us NOT to pick the GA game as the winner. Aren’t you just curious to hear the national buzz that would be generated by taking down an SEC Goliath?

Can Miami really do anything but ‘Jump Ahead’? Didn’t the “The U’ become part of the ACC in 2004? Since that time, I think they have the same number of conference championship titles as I have PGA Tour wins – zero. That puts them in the elite company of perennial football powerhouses Boston College, Syracuse, and Louisville. Since joining the ACC, they’ve taken the field to amass a whopping 66% winning percentage. Shall we continue. How ‘bout a paltry 5 bowl victories (2 while in the Big East, I believe) in the last 20 years. The mental image of a flexing, angry-eyed, intimidating, Sebastian the white Ibis has long been replaced by the impression of an anorexic, disturbingly homeless looking, white ghost of a bird. This train could continue, but I’ll derail it myself out of pity. Let’s just agree that recent results tell us the “U” stands for nothing more that Unimpressive. Enter Mario Cristobal. A great hire by the University of Miami. Mario’s recruiting chops, general charisma, and eloquent behind-the-podium delivery will once again grant Miami access to talented athletes that have proven elusive in recent recruiting cycles. I feel as though MC has entered the club of coaches that make a program a viable nine win plus player year in and year out. Given the salary that Miami tossed at the guy, in addition to plucking Dan Radakovich (Clemson Director of Athletics), it’s obvious those now running the show have a renewed interest in winning football games. Plus, when you speak of facilities, MC had the ultimate insider’s pass to the best in the nation, so of course he worked in UofM facilities upgrades as a MUST as part of his lucrative contract. Here's the reality. Since the golden age of Hurricane football (GHW Bush was President), the gap between UofM facilities and the training grounds of others has become a chasm. I don’t see Miami drastically outpacing gains that competing universities will also be making. Keep in mind, we’re all not sitting around going, “Well, hold on, let’s wait for Miami to catch up”. It's understood now that if you can preset the Taj Mahal of athletic facilities you just may tip the recruiting scales in your favor. And here’s the one ALL UO supporters will be curiously watching. Can MC keep his hands off the offense? Broyles, Schmoyles, I don’t care what you label the award, if MC doesn’t permit Gattis to do his thing, having an award-winning coordinator on staff isn’t worth more than bird crap on a pump handle. We (Duck backers) are 100% justified in calling MC out on this as he made plenty of comments regarding maintaining the style of football synonymous with UO, yet in actual football application, he slapped a governor on our offensive that rivals the crawling speed of a beat-up golf cart I used during last week’s 18-hole muni track debacle. Maybe someday Joe Moorehead can write a tell-all book detailing the therapy he’s undergone to alleviate his recurrent 3rd and 12 checkdown nightmares. All things considered, it’s reasonable to conclude Miami will be a much-improved football team in a couple years, but I’m just not sold yet on the return to glory. MC, much of your team’s success is going to be predicated by your willingness to travel the road you have not yet traveled.

Don’t think KT is breaking some type of unwritten code by answering the way he did. Credit to KT and others (assuming others felt this way as well) for keeping this under wraps! An easy avenue to take when being questioned about losses and poor play would be to point a finger at a not fully committed leader. In not saying anything, KT & Co. demonstrated a high level of respect for their coach, and something KT is accused of not having - maturity. He also was able to be complimentary of MC and came across as sincere in wishing him the best. It’s apparent our guy is going to be a controversial lightning rod at the next level.

Perhaps a little bit of both, and lets' be honest, the combination of those two elements can make a fella pretty happy.

I get the feeling Troy's brother's transfer was in no small part due to him succumbing to the aphorism "Happy wife (at the time future), happy life."

The oft-questioned Jerry Jones had OUR guy as his TOP guy. Jerry Jones reveals Cowboys secret draft board, which had Ducks' Kayvon Thibodeaux as No. 1 player WWW.OREGONLIVE.COM Thibodeaux ended up going No. 5 to the New York Giants.

You are correct on the Oregon bye week. I suspect many of the Oregon faithful will show a vested interest in this game. I know I’ll be looking for red and white pom-poms. BTW, if anyone hasn’t seen the NFL Network 360 program centered on Devin Lloyd, please do so. The show discusses on the tragic deaths of Ty Jordan and Aaron Lowe and how a galvanized team led by Devin Lloyd came together for their fallen teammates. I love Devin’s abilities as a player, but following the 360 program, I think his stellar on the field performance pales in comparison to the true leader he is. I think a big part of Utah’s strength is just how tight knit they are not only as a team, but as a community. I hated seeing my team get boat-raced in the Championship game last year, but if we had to take that spankin’ from anyone, it's easier to accept that it was from the Utes. Nothing but respect. According to Evan, Pro Football Focus. I didn’t fact check our fanatical blogger - just copied his comment.

Thank you, young Evan, for piecing together another hubristically written piece of subjective Trojan digital a** paper. BTW, congrats on the ASU online degree. Glad to see it’s serving you well. The new norm is for me to wake up in the morning, fire-up the coffee maker, pet the pup, and read the latest mindless drivel created by some pom-pom waving goofball donned in cardinal and gold. And now, this morning just became extra-special! USC graduate, Petros Papadakis, and his functional dysphonia are on Fox radio (Really…it’s happening right now) touting USC as “The Land of Milk and Honey.” You know what guys, I guess we should just gear-up for next year. Season’s over, the hey is in the barn as the “SoCal Sensation”, Lincoln Riley, has done the impossible! The men of Troy once again reign as rulers of college football. Wait. What do mean it’s not over? It must be, because Evan stated: “Lincoln Riley's spread is considered the best offense in college football” “SC's returning four starters from an O-line that was rated No. 1 in the country last year” “Caleb Williams is a top three QB in the country” “If SC secures Addison, however, it's going to be hard for ANY defense to contain the Trojans. The offense as it is right now is already expected to be prolific.” Prolific? I’ll give you very good, but…prolific? Here’s my favorite part: “What it would do, however, is put SC in position to beat down on EVERYONE in the conference.” You guys in Salt Lake get that? Message received loud and clear in Eugene. In all fairness to the author, he’s writing this piece for a rah-rah site, and there may be the tiniest hint of objectivity sprinkled in the article, but if you’re going to post something like that – I’m gonna poke at it. Content aside, I must say this was not well written. Hell, I can barely take a p*ss without wetting the front of my pants, and I believe that I could produce a more solidly written article after taking a semester of professional writing at the local community college. Reading crap like this makes me really appreciate OBD. We beat our chests a little and root like hell a lot, but we are also intelligent enough to recognize that our our beloved ducks are not without fault. I'm starting to wonder if our friends south of us are capable of doing so.

You're right Jon, the author who earned his Bachelor's in journalism from OU (2013-17), was a sports reporter for Okie football for a year and a half, and was a sports editor in the wonderful football mecca of Norman, OK, actually makes a few decent remarks. While we nod in agreement with Derek's musings, keep in mind this guy put out a piece a few months back ranking the PAC-12 coaches. Who do you think he ranked first, and how much do you think he gushed over his boy, LR? Would you be surprised to know that he listed the following coaches ahead of Dan Lanning (Ranked #6): #2 - Kyle Whittingham #3 - David Shaw #4 - Chip Kelly #5 - Kalen DeBoer (You f'ing kidding me!) One could even assume he (Derek) has artwork hanging over his bed that looks something like this: It almost feels as if Derek is being...paid (not directly though) by USC. Nah...that doesn't happen in the world of journalism, does it?

Great discussion as usual by all who have posted. The thread originated quite frankly from a very self-centered point-of-view. The “innocence lost” was my own. I can’t speak for anyone else here. I easily could have labeled this thing “Ignorance Recognized”. I guess if there was an intent, it was to get folks who are so against NIL & bristle at the idea of players entering the transfer portal to become more introspective and answer the question, “Why am I so pissed at this?” My brief journey was detailed in my original post. Ultimately, it wasn’t the new playing field it was change and this was a “me” problem. You guys are awesome. Take care y’all.

I had an epiphany a couple of nights ago while takin’ the pup for a walk. I finally know why NIL, the transfer portal, and other recent goings-on have really gotten under my skin. I thought it was that my moral compass wouldn’t permit me to accept the bidding war$ that are taking place for student athletes, and I far too often would feel almost "offended" that athletes would entertain such a thing as a “transfer portal” instead of honoring a commitment they made to a university. News of a 5* player being plucked from the portal and of perspective signees being offered handsome sums of cash would just make my stomach churn. This was the “old-head” in me basically saying, “What’s happening, am I the only one that thinks this whole thing is going to hell in a handbasket!?” I think worldwide the past few years have been quite tumultuous, and I feared a similar turmoil was creeping into the sanctity of my sports world. Yes, I know, I’m admittedly being a bit of a drama queen, but regardless of what’s happening around us I felt I could always count on sports. And now it’s changing. So, back to my epiphany. I realized my downward spiraling view of college athletics was essentially me experiencing the loss of my sports innocence. Please, feel free to laugh and to reach-out to Charles and ask for a rule preventing those with mental instabilities (I haven’t been clinically diagnosed…yet) from posting. Just here me out. When we had snow on the ground at Christmas, my dad used to fake hoof prints in the snow, chew up carrots and spit them on the ground, and place rabbit droppings around the hoof prints to simulate deer droppings. It was quite an elaborate scene created by a father that undoubtedly loved his children. As most of these stories go, I eventually caught on to dear old Dad and worked-up the nerve to confront my larger-than-life hero. The jig was up. Dad spilled the beans on more than just his Christmas ruse. I had an easier time coming to grips with knowing there was no Santa Claus (Didn’t ruin that for anyone, did I?) than understanding lies that are told out of love. Moving on from these childish beliefs was my earliest recognition of innocence lost. This parallels the views I wanted to hold onto in terms of college sports. I would prefer to think that when players aligned themselves with an institute of higher learning they would essentially bleed school colors until they graduate (and beyond) or move on to a professional league. I wanted to believe they play strictly for the love of a game totally void of monetary incentives. I used to accept that behind the curtain money would occasionally change hands but figured that was the exception, not the rule. Now the curtain has not only been pulled back, but it has been shredded by a brigade of ferrule cats and the image of today’s college landscape doesn’t resemble the one that I hold so dearly. Hence…the loss of my sports innocence. Here's the next logical step. Just as I moved-on from my own personal Christmas story, it’s time accept the evolution of college athletics because like it or not, it’s inevitable. Charles has preached this on multiple occasions and now I sense where he’s coming from. Jon Joseph has taken the opportunity to put his big ol’ brain to work and generate comprehensive posts on “where” this whole thing may lead us. Many others have also offered their insightful takes on what the future of college sports may look like. Congrats to those of you who have rolled with the punches and remember the past with reverence but also look forward to future. Hey, today’s game (pick the sport, doesn’t matter) is not perfect and isn’t what it used to be, but it’s still the game we love and just can’t wait to watch! To those of you who hung in there to the end of my own therapy session (that I just made public), I’ll buy you a beer if you’re brave enough to hook-up with me at a game.

I was chuckling while reading these posts. My kid was walking past and he nodded and said, “What’s up?” I just handed him the phone and saw him scrolling through the replies. Without cracking a smile, he hands the phone back to me and says, “ They’re just simulating game day situations.” I start laughing as he begins to head upstairs. Before he reaches the landing, he turns in my direction and says, “Jake Browning can still kiss my ass.” He just might be my son after all.

Roll Tide!

Pennsylvania Duck, items 1-5 that you posted, in addition to a myriad of other reasons may have come into play. I know on occasion family financial hardships have forced young men to make moves that physically, mentally, and emotionally they’re just not ready to make. In the end, some of these players are made to face the cold hard truth that they’re just not good enough to see their dream through to the end, and they self-impose the burden of letting-down loved ones and disappointing peers. Not saying that's the case with any of our Ducks, but it happens. Unfortunately, I’m sure these players are being fed a ton of misinformation by sources that have their own interest at heart instead of having a genuine concern for the player. I’m not sure what kind of tools or programs are set in place to educate players on, “What happens when you’re not drafted?” Players should know the financial implications. What would my salary be if I was a more polished 3rd or 4th round selection? Is the average NFL player lifespan greater for a drafted player vs. and undrafted free agent? I would have many more questions, and the day-to-day in the NFL is so unpredictable it very difficult to compartmentalize this as I’m trying to do. I know if I was considering this exceptionally life-altering move, I would appreciate honest feedback on what my value and trajectory may look like at the next level. Nothing promised, but please give me something to ponder. This really makes me think of Devon Williams and how I hoped he would be here this fall. I thought he was a rising player with a superb catch radius and an improving knack of high-pointing the ball. He has room to grow physically (Is there a better place to do that than here?), his game tape would be significantly better, and with this coaching staff I find it hard to believe his repertoire wouldn’t have grown dramatically. I think he really missed an opportunity here, but I wish him the best in the NFL. DuckPhan has another solid point. The NFL is not only about your college numbers and game tape, it's about measurables and trajectory. You got the speed, you got a chance.

Lest we forget. Log Haulin - I know this is specifically a "favorite photograph" thread, but I can't help but attach this vid. based on your previous comment. I guess misery really does love company. Oregon athletics in general are going to give us plenty photo opps. in the 2022/23 season. I looking forward to viewing those!

Oregon native, Raza, drains a putt on 3rd extra hole to win the National Championship over Texas. Never forget that celebration.

We did an exercise similar to this in Feb. (Yahoo Sports article maybe?) based on game-by-game predictions for the Ducks 2022 season. Pretty sure my post was one of the least popular ones as I came away with a regular season record of 8-4. I’ll hold firm with that with Oregon losing to GA, BYU, Utah, and some other team they have no business losing to. All records aside, I also believe that at the conclusion of the season we’ll evaluate the overall team performance and feel more encouraged about this unit moving forward than we did with our thoughts on last season’s ending. Let’s face it, last year at times we held it together with spit and glue, and a few of the wins were just not that satisfying. I think that part starts to change this year. Sorry, I may be Debbie Downer on the record, but all-in-all we’re going to like where we’re heading.

The player is going to have to take stroke-and-distance relief by adding one penalty stroke. If the shot was from the t-box, the player will be playing the third shot from the tee. If the shot was from the fairway, the player will get a one club length drop (no closer to the hole) from where the errant shot was played. Again, stoke-and-distance penalty rules apply. The offending player will probably down another beer at the conclusion of the hole, and begin preparation for another lost ball on the ensuing hole.