Mic

Well, if Blaine Fowler is right about all he says here, the game's already over, Oregon's lost. But...the NCAA still requires that the game actually gets played on the field, not on paper. It's a good look at what one informed analyst (albeit very biased) sees as each team's strengths and weaknesses. And although he didn't say it directly, between the lines he did, in fact, point out the one area that BYU can exploit to their advantage over Oregon: their experience. More Juniors and Seniors than Oregon with lots more game experience. Remember, Oregon's roster is made up of 85% Frosh & Sophs. All other things being equal, Oregon is by far the younger, lesser experienced team. BYU will try to intimidate Oregon with their physicality (which they have) and beat us with speed and quickness (which they also have). We have those things too but we are young and relatively inexperienced as compared to BYU. Our mostly younger players are gonna have to play up to BYU, not the other way around. Game on! GO DUCKS

How did UM do that?

Actually, U might B on to something. RPO's can work with the 2-back set if the backs are good receivers. Hand the ball to one, or pass the ball to the other coming out of the backfield. Or, if Bo has the arm, go over the top long and deep. Or run it wide. Or screen pass. Maybe we should give Coach Dillingham a friendly phone call...

It would be beneficial for Utah to see us win Saturday. Again, it's a conference thing guys. An Oregon win helps Conference standing. Then, when/if Utah beats us, they're likely beating a higher ranked team than a loss to BYU would put us. That's why most of us root for all in-conference teams to win (USC excepted, of course and maybe Washington too,) against all non-conference teams. Even OSU. I root for OSU in every game they play unless winning that game hurts Oregon. And, of course, the Civil War game. Then it's sc_ew the Beavers!!

He's developing fast before everyone's eyes but he might, (might!) have been able to do something like this when at Oregon if the coaches had only let him. Just my opinion. I firmly believe that JH's talent was both developed at and wasted by the University of Oregon. But, what do I know? He's doing so well now that his time at University must have been very good for him.

You're referring to the deflected catch by Ferguson. Yeah, we saw it clearly, it happened right in front of us. That should have been a pick but give Fergie credit for not taking his eyes off the ball and for muscling his way into the end zone. Bo tried to force it in there and Ferguson bailed him out.

There's certainly room for more development and improvement but I still think it's Oregon's strongest point of strength. Penalties are frustrating, but they happen to a lot of teams early in the season. Against Georgia...it was jitters and too much eagerness to get off first against a terrific D-line.

Again, it seems, I want to agree with you but can't quite get myself to sign on when it comes to Bo's deep passing skills. To me, he hasn't shown the ability to do that yet. He did throw a beautiful pass deep on Georgia, but a terrific play resulted in it's interception, because it was under-thrown. In the last game he did it again, right in front of our eyes (we sit on the 7-yard line) and the same thing happened, almost. It was under-thrown. He has a beautiful spiral but maybe his arm isn't as strong as it needs to be. I don't know.

As much as I'd like to think so, I'm not so sure about their in-ability guarding him. Their backfield practices against some real good (and fast) athletes on that team every day. That said, tho, I also think this would be a good way to use him; Oregon needs to develop the ability to throw deep to stretch the field. He wouldn't be the only option to do that with but certainly one of 'em.

First, I agree as to why we saw 5 backs, BUT it was a treat to see Haasenritter get the ball. That kid has heart and he gives the 110% effort on every play. O needs that. All our RB's need to do that. 2nd) I do see Seven as about the closest thing O has to a 'De'Anthony Thomas' and I think he should be used as such. 3rd) You're maybe correct, we might not see a 1000 yard rusher this year, but so what? I know the kids all want to be in that group but doing what's best for the team should always take precedent.

I heard on the radio this morning that Seven McGee will be able to return this weekend. His injury wasn't serious. But as much as I favor the young man I can see Lanning using him more in a special teams or gimmick-play situation to get the kid out in space where he can use his speed and agility. Sending him plunging into the line to grind out tough yards would not, imo, be the right role for him.

I can also report, according to two nephews of mine in Minnesota, there are a lot of O fans there as well.

Don't forget an experienced O-line - it's the under-lying strength of this team, imo.

I heartily agree. The opening game loss to Ohio St must have been devastating to the players and the coaches were either unable to rally them (like Lanning & staff did for Oregon) OR the coaching there is questionable. Notre Dame has, for a number of years now, been one of those teams that has consistently under-performed, given the amazing amount of talent they are able to recruit, imo. (which is fine with me!)

The last game with EWU was a perfect opportunity to try out 3 QB's and 5 RB's. But with the season moving on and the competition getting much stronger, this isn't a luxury the coaches can afford. I think 2 RB's is the likely scenario and that's one that's worked well for Oregon in the past. It will be a tough decision to decide who gets the ball but it's one the coaches have to make going forward. I wouldn't even hazard a guess who that will be but one thing we do know, injuries can play a big part, too.

If the sun is out there's another reason to avoid the black shirts & caps! I'm wearing white.

Not any longer Annie. We had to pay $5/ea. Fortunately, my friend had a smart phone or we would have been forced to resort to a taxi. Can you imagine what a cabbie wants to drive by Autzen on game day?!!

That was So. Florida, tho, right? Oregon should offer stiffer resistance. Still, a win in Florida this time of the year is impressive. We'll see...

I'm gonna bookmark this ('cause you said "book it" for future references! I share your sentiments, just not your optimism, tho I certainly think MSU could beat Washington. Not so sure on the Fresno St. thing, nor Cal.

$$$$

3 points is (generally) the 'edge' a home venue gives a team. ie: even-steven, other things being considered. And I think that's just about right, or hope it is because BYU is the real deal having had their way in our conference last year and coming off a big win against a good Baylor team. Oregon will have to play at their best to win this one - our young secondary will be seriously tested. And we still need a pass rush!

I concur. The first two were just about mirror-opposites of each other; very misleading. This Saturday's game against the Cougars will be the real litmus test of how this season is likely to go for the Ducks. Oregon is very fortunate to have this one at home and not in Provo. They needs the fans to show up for this one - not 47,000 fans but a total sellout - with all the noise they can muster. BYU, Lanning and his staff should experience the full Autzen deal. Our Ducks will need it.

I really think that, with perhaps a transfer or two, these upcoming underclassmen could be really good in 2024. By then, they will have been practicing together for 4+ years and playing together for 2-3. There's a lot of talent in that 85% of the roster and they are going to be very experienced veterans by then. Under Lanning, if Oregon has anyone in Steve Greatwood's class, Thompson at QB as a Junior with a year of playing time at starter...wow!

After the big win yesterday and with both teams being ranked - yeah, this game will likely sellout. Meaning a traffic mess if you have to drive anywhere around the stadium. My advice to you is to use one of the available Park-n-Locks and ride the shuttle bus to and from the game. The P-n-L at the Pacific Source building north of town will be the easiest for you to reach coming from Salem. Take exit 195 to the Gateway Blvd area and follow your navigator to 555 International Way, Springfield. Easy-peazy, avoids all the traffic and near impossibility of finding a place to park within a couple miles of the stadium. There is a security guard on-duty there and it's well outside of any densely populated area. It's a safe place to park and a very short walk to the shuttles busses. Oh, and be prepared to pay the $5 shuttle fee/person with your smart phone, if you have one. If you don't - I don't know what to tell you, they can't accept cash. Or, go to Sam's Place off 11th Ave., on Conger, have a beer and ride the free shuttle from there to and from the game. But check it out early first, to make sure the place still runs their shuttle. It's a great little sports bar in West Eugene. Owner's name is Jim.

A bit too old (2006 being the last time these two faced off together) to be of any real value for next week's game. However, BYU is always tough. Of course, Oregon might have the time zone change and low altitude factor in their favor.