Jester

Pretty good take on Justius here.

I’m gassed. I have to check-out from this, or any forum, for just a little bit. I’ve read way too much news pertaining to transfers, NIL, and TV deals in the past few weeks. My opinion of college football is unfairly starting to sour. Years ago, I made college football my safe haven away from free agency, the “it’s all about me” attitudes of NFL players, and the greed of NFL ownership. Sadly, I feel as if college football is now running laps around the NFL in terms of gluttonous behavior with a wanton disregard for the character development of the (student) athlete. I just view the current environment as robbing the student athlete of commitment and perseverance, among other valuable characteristics. Let’s face it, most of these transfers are not centered around being homesick or for unforeseen family related issues. All that’s really taking place is that we’ve given young people an avenue to bow out when things get too difficult, to seek monetary gain elsewhere for services not yet rendered, or to just plain quit due to not feeling the love in their current setting. Regardless, we’re coddling…not cultivating an environment for human growth. I’ll be back when I grow up and feel as if I can begin to accept the way things are. Kudos to those of you who can roll with the punches of the game outside of the game of college football. I personally want to give credit to Jon Joseph & Haywarduck. Agree with Jon or not, his postings in regard to everything I just complained about (transfer, NIL…etc.) are typically insightful and very discussion worthy. If a chat board had to vote a party whip – it would be Jon. As for Haywarduck, I look forward to reading his takes based on his ability to remove emotion (as I’m presently NOT doing) and write with clarity, purpose, and just plain common sense. He’s always a good read. I’m going to the gym. Be back when I’m done being a bull-headed whiner.

I apologize to all of you if this pic. has already been posted, particularly since it may rip open a few scabs from from the 2011 BCS game. To those that haven't seen this, that youngster at the bottom left of the photo is supposedly Bo Nix. I just find it interesting that a kid can attend a championship game as a fan of Auburn (vs. Oregon), grow up to QB his first start against Oregon, and then for his closing act, transfer to the University of Oregon in the hopes of playing QB. Just makes the world seem a little smaller that two universities separated by over two thousand miles will play such a big part of this young man's life. Bo, I hate to say it, but thus far when Oregon, Bo Nix, and Auburn have collided we've been on the short end of the stick. I think you owe us one...maybe two.

I'm going to take consolation (for now) in knowing that Oregon seems to be "in-the-running" to obtain top-tier recruits. A few of the guys (that didn't commit to UO) are at least stating that UO made it to their final 5 or 6. Eventually, those dominos will start to fall. To set that in motion Oregon will have to win, and win with style points. Winning ugly while sporting a different uniform each week may not cut it. This isn't Bama, style points and attitude matter here. Let's hope the new staff can build momentum and get this thing moving.

I'm fine with however this one plays out. I felt that Travis was one of the two guys (Noah the other) who consistently showed-up and gave 100% week after week. Thanks for your efforts and best of luck moving forward. We'll miss the ease at which he could turn a 3 yard run into a 5-10 yard run complete with spin move and a lunge for a first down. He was tough to catch in a phone booth, and had enough strength to break PAC-12 arm tackles. But... If he goes, I'm looking forward to a homerun hitter. Don't get me wrong, I appreciate the ability to move the sticks but I miss seeing a Duck back turn the corner and win a foot race to the pylon. Looking forward to seeing the next group of backs get their chance.

Really...calm down there 7th round draft pick, all crimson & white, Greggy Mc. Who hasn't made a statement, at lest in jest, regarding an educational institute of the south? I have, so I'll guess I'll be taking the test with KT and Snowflake. Boo-hoo, he picked your school. LOL! Apologies if I seem completely insensitive to this whole thing, but I grew-up in a house that carried the motto of: If you want sympathy look between sh*t and syphilis. I'd stick around and continue making an ass of myself on this topic, but I gotta find my Hurt Feelings Report and get it out to an emotionally distraught Gregory Vincent McElroy A.S.A.P.

Throughout the years we've all heard players voice their versions of the "Win one for the Gipper" speech, and recount how a group of players would in no way let down their beloved coach. I think a team can clearly rally around a player in a very similar manner. Bennett's teammates know his story, see how hard he's had to grind to be football relevant, and I'm pretty sure this kid put his badge of courage on display on the daily to earn his position as starting QB. I recall thinking the embraces Stetson received following the Natty seemed more sincere than the typical "we did it, bro" hug. Teammates and coaches actually seemed to smile a little more and squeeze him a little tighter. Perhaps it was Stetson who wouldn't let go, maybe it was that his frame looked so diminutive in the arms of GA's over-sized lineman, or just perhaps an extended embrace was Stetson's peers way of saying, "You did it. You scrawny, no-business-being-here, cup runneth over with moxy and determination son-of-a-gun. You did it". Bottom line is that those who can overcome the odds albeit physical, logistical, financial...whatever, have a tendency to lift those in their immediate peer group. Stetson's will-power was definitely a solid, integral link in the chain of the Bulldogs season. Raise your glass - Here's to hoping we have few players on our team that have the same resolve as Stetson Bennett. .

Don't forget the statewide brain-fart of 2016.

There is a “catchable” element that’s part of calling PI. However, it’s somewhat like tagging 2nd when turning-two in baseball. As long as that ball is in the general vicinity, they’ll toss the hanky. Zay Jones sold it as well. Acted as if some Oswald wannabe shot him from behind the hotdog vendor.

Justin’s numbers have been great and his trajectory continues to point upward, but what really impressed me was his performance down the stretch, converting 4th and long after 4th and long. LA did a lot to hot potato that game into a loss. Turned it over twice (once on downs) deep in their own end, giving-up a 3rd and 23 on a run up the middle to extend a Raider drive, and the receivers really didn’t make plays to help their QB yet Herbie gave them chances to steal that game. I wish LA would have won, if for nothing else to hear Justin’s gutsy performance being recognized nationally. Accurate throws into tight windows on 4th downs is nothing to sneeze at. I thought it was extra-special considering Max Crosby’s continual physical assault of Storm Norton on his path to decapitate of our beloved Duck. Our young gun showed leadership, guts, his physical skills, and that he’s a straight-up baller. Very proud to call him a Duck.

Yeah...you're right.

I would like to extend a sincere “Thank you” to those who take the time to write about Oregon coaches and players from years past. I apologize for not attempting to generate a thought-provoking thread, or post info. regarding a potential new member of the incoming class. I know we’re all looking to the future, but I felt I needed to get this out there based on a few members referencing a name from the past - Len Casanova. Len was before my time, so naturally I had to look him up. I figured Wikipedia was as good a place to start as any, so I made it my first stop. Wow! Wiki led me down a seemingly endless rabbit hole keeping my attention well into the wee hours of the morning. After all the clicking and reading, I’m sure my opinion is in line with what many of you already know. Len Casanova lived a very full, remarkable life. Cas (I did the research. I can call him that now.) actually posted in the Senior Horoscope section of his high school yearbook that his future career was to be that of a “football coach”. Along the way he recorded a 97 yard punt against St. Mary’s, was a two sport athlete at Santa Clara while earning a bachelor’s in philosophy and a minor in history, obtained his teaching credential in ’32, and so on and so forth. My intent isn’t to list ALL of Cas’ credentials as those few items I mentioned are just the very tip of a very sizable iceberg. His life accomplishments in and out of the sports world rival that of Winston Groom’s fictitious character, Forrest Gump. To those that don’t know much, or anything at all for that matter, about Len Casanova, take some time to review the depth of this man’s accomplishments. It’s intriguing how football legends such as John McKay, John Robinson, and Bear Bryant have ties to Cas. It’s amazing that titles such as Commander, Head Coach, Athletic Director, American Football Coaches Association President, and National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame member all travel with one man – Len Casanova. Dallas Cowboys great, Mel Renfro, once stated, "If I didn't have a Dad, Cas could be my Dad. He was always fair with all of his players and cared for them, even the lowest guy on the roster. Cas wanted us to be good people, on and off the fleld." That comment epitomizes the kind of man we want to lead Oregon moving forward. We’re hopeful Dan Lanning is cut from a similar cloth. So, to those of you who are leery of posting material that focuses on days gone by…Stop. Please, continue to regale us with memories of the past. Many of us may be younger in years but it’s clear this board is full of old football souls that enjoy stories of those who helped shape of the University of Oregon. “To know your future you must know your past” ― George Santayana

So apparently we all agree with Coach Beamer when it comes to a DD take.

A million dollars...for Caleb Williams? That's just laughable. The guy only played against four defensives (I'm excluding the Oregon game since we were running 3+ deep at some positions) ranked in the top 85 in terms of yardage given-up. How did he make out in those games? Completed a whopping 38 of 76 (Hey I can do this math - 50%) Then there is the stellar td to turnover ratio - 4/3. Wow, that's not too good either. The average ranking of the remaining defenses he played against is just north of 106. That's not including the mighty Catamounts of Western Carolina. He tore them up with a 50% completion percentage in that game. You can look up numbers specific to just passing yardage allow by the opponents he played against. You'll see very, very, similar numbers. As a whole, perhaps even worse. Bottom line is the kid made hay against Mary Sister's of the Poor type defensives. But, I get it. He is exciting (exciting does not always equate to positive play) and obviously is a magnetic draw with presumably tremendous upside. His biggest asset to any program right now is essentially that him being on your roster is like having a built-in top 10 scout on staff. Heck, even with his crap numbers against above average defenses, I would want him. However, I still can't fathom a million dollars strictly based on his performance.

Ah, great research on your part! Your seething toward the G5 and the Committee is validated by this game. The "Cinderella" doesn't work in football. But the Committee didn't care, they let Cincy crash the party. So, if Bama had a top five rushing attack like Air Force, Army, Kent State, Nothern Ill., or North Texas this game would have been completely out-of-hand? The Tide is 4th in pts./game, top ten in passing yards, and pretty sure they have a QB that collected some nice hardware this year. For them the running game is slightly more than window dressing. Bama ran more in this game cuz Tressel uses a lot of 3-3-5 sets, Metchie is done, like it or not a G5 DB (Coby Bryant) was dubbed the best DB (Jim Thorpe Award) in college football, and yes, Bama had a size advantage (nothing new here). Just like Dean Smith was the only person to hold MJ to under 20 per game, Bill O’Brien is the reason Bama doesn’t run the ball. The only time in the first half Bama got behind the sticks was when Billy O. got pass happy. Cincinnati’s staff was actually counting on that. Big question is, if not Cincy then who? Next in line was ND who was soundly defeated by Cincy on their home field. I’m not a perennial believer in G5 teams, but Cincy did have a bunch of 5th and 6th year players, guys who will be drafted, and a QB that many feel is a day one draft pick (I personally don’t, but I’m not a scout). Any alternative would have been dealt the same fate. This is all speculative, coffee shop, garbage talk anyway. Bigger concern is how the heck can Oregon close the gap between the product they put on the field and what we saw in two games yesterday?

Charles, you got my attention by calling-out Butterfield in your comment. Of the young guys who were parked on the bench all night, would Butters be your first go-to or were just mentioning Jay in an "even Jay could carve these guys up" kind of way? Asking cuz most peeps would opt for TT as a first option, and I obviously don't know your stance on the pecking order of the QB room.

I was obviously going to watch this game as an avid Duck fan, but I posted yesterday morning that I was curious to see if we would be privy to a "Where was this play calling all year?" moment. Guess that was answered. If the offense was truly throttled by MC I offer my sincere condolences to AB. For all the crap we give him, he displayed a very nice deep ball last night. Receivers with a little more experience would have netted him an even better result. With either being hard-headed with his offensive philosophy, or by believing he was protecting AB's inability to throw the ball, he my have stunted what this QB could have produced. Now, when I think of the MC all I can imagine is Gandalf saying:

I was able to find positives in last night’s game, but can certainly say I’m not “stoked” after that performance. I’ve seen words like embarrassing and abysmal describing Oregon’s play in the first half of that game. Hypothetically – Do you think at half-time, if the dollar amount of 10K was offered to each Okie player if the team was to score 60 while holding the Ducks to under 27 they could have done so? I wouldn’t have wagered against that. There’s a tendency to take your foot off the throttle when you have basically in insurmountable lead against a non-threatening foe. Pretty sure Boomer felt they were in that position. Those kids were enjoying themselves on the sideline and perhaps focus was waning on the field with the anticipation of the final gun. If you recall, they did shoot themselves in the foot a few times in the 2nd half. Besides, Big12 defenses aren’t really known to overwhelm anyone for 60 mins. That being said, Oregon is to be commended for not burying their heads in the sand and quitting when it would have been the easy thing to do. I appreciate those who played this game given the high number key players who either physically couldn’t go or opted to forgo this game. Thanks guys. It was fun to watch our young receivers getting their footing in the 2nd half. I particularly liked the efforts of Chris Hutson. I felt that by the end of the game he was stating his case to be “The Man” next season. As a group, the WR’s need to beef-up a little and hit the weight room. CH may have been able to draw a PI on that deep ball (BTW – great stinkin’ catch) if he was able to physically fight for positioning instead of being easily directed OB. Note on the line of scrimmage: I look forward to see what the O-line can do next season with an expected “new” blocking scheme, and I’m very curious to see what our D-Line looks like when we line-up against GA next year. This year the LB position group was gutted from the get-go. I just want to see what this corps looks like if the intended starters can get on the field at the same time! I’m expecting this position group to be the most improved unit next year. Let the competition begin at QB! I’ll trust that the new regime will view all who wish to play this position as equal at this point. May the player who gives us the best chance for dubs, win! Circling back to the topic of being stoked. I am most definitely excited to see what next season brings, but not so sure last nights effort if the driver in me feeling that way.

...and with 8:45 left in the game it's AB once again!

Is it finally Ty time?

So is the offense doing just enough to keep Ty on the sideline?

Front 7 on "D" is clearly out-manned and over-matched. Kind of wonder why our "O" was running hurry-up. Game like this I would want to shorten, not give the ball to the other team as quickly as possible. This is tough to watch, but I'm gonna hang-in to see if anyone can make a positive impact play.

Boomer 41-26, 2, 2, 241. LOL! I don't even think this was meant to be humorous.

You're absolutely right, Mudslide, and I ought to know better! Do you Bitcoin, PayPal, or straight-up cash as payment?

I will be watching and waiting for the "Where was this guy all year?" and/or "Where was this play calling all year?" moment. That, coupled with team effort and a legit attempt at demonstrating enthusiasm would be great. My takeaway from this game will not be predicated by the final outcome, which will NOT be in our favor, but more so by the manner in which the guys carry themselves and represent Oregon football for sixty mins. Just looking for something positive to carry-over to next year. Final note on MC. Unlike you guys, I'm not over the MC era. Well, maybe the era I can expunge but I still harbor a fair amount of disdain for that clown that I'm sure will occupy a place in my left ventricle for some time to come. We have at least one therapist on this board, right?