AnotherOD

Agree I don't really mean playbook. Right now I'm sure tOSU has a group of coaches, analysts, and staff pouring over every offensive and defensive snap Oregon has ran for at least the last two seasons. They will have viewed and recorded essentially Oregon's offensive playbook and probably will have every play available to be viewed and reviewed at the push of a button. I'd say it's more about understanding what offensively Oregon likes to do down and distance, how it scripts it's plays, what it likes to go to in certain field positions and with certain time on the clock. Obviously personal on both sides of the ball (where the coaching staff feels good, and where it might be concerned -- strengths and weaknesses), audible design and philosophy. Prior to this year obviously signals (and I'm sure there are a series of line of scrimmage signals/calls planned to be used once the helmet communication cuts out, that will require extra attention now). Anything extra you can show or do that requires a team to used it's prep time up, should add up to an advantage. I would say it's one thing to study and try to understand and prepare for a philosophy; and, quite another to have someone who knows it to absolutely confirm things. Not to say it is an insurmountable obstacle, only that it will require work. Was it Ryan Day's primary motivation? I'd agree likely not. However, with much chatter last year his seat might be getting warm, I'm sure having special insight into what has to be considered tOSU's statistically most difficult opponent, can't hurt. Obviously adding Chip who studied and prepared to play Oregon in 2022 is similarly a resource.

My thought is that there is a "structure" to any program's coaching staff; and, Oregon didn't feel the need to blow up that structure to keep the RB coach. I'm certainly not at all affiliated with the Eleven Warriors web site; but, I found it when Oregon was heading to play tOSU it was a decent site. There are at least 2, if not 3 long threads about tOSU's RB coach dating back some time and it is pretty clear Locklyn was not a primarily target in the search. Doesn't really matter except possibly to the point grabbing Locklyn isn't exactly some huge grand slam kind of move. Other coaches pretty much obviously targeted ahead of CL. The real advantage IMO is forcing Oregon to work to scrub anything CL might know from its playbook before the teams face. And I believed Oregon will do that. Some familiarity with the playbook and players won't kill Oregon but it is something for a guy up against it; and, Day might be coming close to that point (others probably will have an opinion there). Just like at DBs, if Oregon grabs a young hotshot recruiter to fill the void and grow into the spot? It very well may not the home run tOSU fans think and Oregon very well may improve in that spot. Not bag on CL as I do think he a good eye for the position; but, is that quite such an asset for a program that doesn't exactly recruit a lot of diamonds into the rough? I read a few of Lanning's comments following the move - and despite everything - I feel pretty good Lanning is playing chess with a bunch of guys playing checkers. If Oregon felt going to bat for it's RB coach was the line, I tend to believe the response might have changed. The fact it didn't? To me suggests Oregon is fairly comforting pivoting.

Interesting. I have caught the names Robert Gillespie (RB coach Alabama), Marquel Blackwell (RB coach South Carolina), Stan Drayton (former Texas run game coordinator and current Temple HC), Tashard Choice (Texas RB coach and former RB under Chip in Philadelphia), Deland McCullough (RB coach ND), Curtis Luper (RB coach Missouri), being mention (after Demarco Murray apparently was interviewed and decided to stay at Oklahoma). Seem to be a lot of names floating around this one.

Team just ran out of gas. Maybe a wild statement (given he wasn't having a big offensive game); but, I think Oregon closes in regulation without the (unfortunate and somewhat freaky) injury to Shelstad. I'm sure to a Creighton fan that very well might sound like sour grapes but I think there are several things Shelstad provides, even in an off shooting night, that closes out that kind of game that weren't easily replaced. Hats off to the guys for playing their hearts out in a very entertaining game.

Really hurts not having your PG out there to go get the ball with 27 seconds left Also an 86 percent FT shooter. Again, ugh!

Announcers just said 12 points on 6 offensive rebounds. Ok, now 14 points on 7 offensive rebounds. There have been a lot of long rebounds on their like 15 three points attempts but still ugh!

I guess we have Spring and another portal to get through; and, I haven't dug into either schedule as of yet; but, it's sort of hard to see UCLA much beyond 3-4 wins and the UW much beyond 5-6. I think a lot of Pac-12 people look at the Northwesterns, Rutgers, Illinois, Indianas, Marylands, and Nebraskas, of the world and think UCLA and the UW are at least enough of a bump ahead of those programs to pencil in a winning record against whatever combination of those B12 teams they end up playing; but, looking at the current state of those programs, recruiting, and guys that are now or are likely to remain on the rosters, I'm now starting to wonder quite a bit?

Illinois returning to Autzen? Ah, memories. (Ok, maybe don't watch the extra point)

College basketball? If I had to guess: It just really isn't the game it used to be; and, I think a lot of those who remember the better product and used to be more hardcore fans, have gradually lost a lot of interest over time, bit by bit. I think it started with the one-and-done guys and has gotten worse with the growth and acceptance of the G league as a viable (and paying) path to the NBA. With the transfer portal opening up things even wider, from what I can tell, it isn't just Oregon that seems to be turning over half its roster each year. Mostly the last several seasons I'm happy if I catch an early game and can recognize 3 or 4 players from the previous year. The teams the Ducks play? Forget about it, I'm surprised to know any of their players, let alone who on their teams are supposed to be good and ones to watch. Recruiting successes like Bol Bol, Kel'el Ware, and Louis King once were a real reason for excitement. In the not entirely distant past, possibly 2-3 seasons with an elite talent that might develop into a star. What did Oregon get from Bol? 9 games and out? Louis King? Came on during the second half of his freshman year and ended up averaging 13.5 ppg, a real reason for excitement the next season, except he was out the door to be undrafted and I think entering season 5 in the G league (ok, to be fair, while being signed and waved by 3 NBA teams, he has played in 27 NBA games). Kel'el Ware even more of a mystery (second highest rated Duck basketball recruit in the "recruiting ranking" period). I picked up a mock NBA draft before the season to see if I recognized anyone listed in the first round, and who do I see, listed around number 20? Former Duck and to be Indiana Hoosier Kel'el Ware. Now, I know how this works, he has interesting size and was highly rated in high school; but, did no one watch his what appeared to be often disinterested 15.8 minutes and 6.6 points per game at Oregon? I mean, if on paper he is one of the top prospects in the college game, where is the college game at? (And not really to bag on the kid too much, I guess he has been better this year at Indiana so far, around 14 ppg and 9 rpg). With conference tournament automatic bids, I think the regular season continues to lose a bit of luster as the quality of play doesn't stand out, and fan can pick it up late in the season. With seemingly fewer and fewer every season power programs and generally arguably more parity, a 15-13 regular season team can go on a run and win a bid over the weekend. As others have mentioned, pick it up towards the end of the season if your team has a shot, if they don't, not a lot was invested in what ends up being a not-so-interesting year (and get ready for a new batch of players next season).

I don't necessarily love the observation; but, it's not holding unless there is a flag. If there isn't a flag, shake the DBs hand and move to the next down. I've always liked Dontae Manning but he is like the opposite of JM, he gets flags for breathing on a guy wrong. An unexpected benefit of JM might be the Jedi training playing along side a guy like JM might help DM. It's not exactly rocket science but when Rodrick Pleasant (a very elite high school sprinter) was asked about fast guys on the Duck team, I believe DM was the first guy he mentioned (along with Tez and Devon J). Maybe a bit interesting.

Yes.

I gotcha. It's just so hard not to be intrigued by 6-6.

What does the DL look like, especially the interior? Ware-Hudson has played a fair amount over the years and the veteran log jam up front seems to have cleared up a bit for him. Do Ben Roberts and/or A'Mauri Washington flash? Where does Blake Purchase fit in? Really all the young DL. I saw Breland, Rushing, Sims, Grey, and Jones all listed as early enrollees (didn't see JJ listed). What's happening at FS? I think Savage looks more like a BS candidate (though that could be in error). Right now I believe on paper DeCambra and Gill are currently the top two listed FS (and neither has really played). Does somebody get moved or tried out there in the spring? In Florence, Manning, Reed, Laulu, Pleasant, Austin, Davis, plus the two incoming freshman Fields and Obidegwu all of a sudden there seem to be a number of good young CBs. Aaron Flowers also will be an early enrollee. His film sort of shows him playing all over the secondary, does he start at FS? Not as much jumps out on offense. I guess maybe the open guard spot. Does Bedford show up and claim the spot right away? Does Strother (and his 30 career starts prior to UO) push for a role? Hopeful Kasper has a good spring and maybe gets on the field a bit more next fall.

Really a bit wild and unexpected. It will be an interesting follow to see how things turn out. On paper, unless the spring portal brings in some high profile guys, a guy leaving a lot of rFR snaps as a Duck -- possibly starting reps -- on the table. I wonder if there is a missing piece that fans, as of now, are unaware? No clue what that would be though.

Pulling for Alabama and Texas. What a strange day indeed.