AnotherOD

With the transfer portal these days, one never knows who (and when) guys might jump in; but, the three biggest names so far mentioned this spring (McClain, Williams, and Mathews) are all probably players (at least right now), who would be expected to probably spend at least two more seasons in college (with McClain being a case of not being draft eligible for two seasons). My first thoughts on these possible portal additions are for the 2024 season; but, not really too soon to be looking at spots that likely will graduate a lot of guys (cornerback seniors Muhammad, Manning, Alexander, safety seniors Savage, Tysheem Johnson, Brandon Johnson, Reed, DL seniors Branch, Caldwell, Ware-Hudson).

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.

In 6 seasons (four at Oregon and two at Miami) how many coordinators has Mario ran through? Leavitt, Avalos, De Ruyter, Arroyo, Morehead, Gattis, Steele, Dawson, Guidry? So, not a single coordinator that has lasted longer than two seasons? So, I went back to Florida International and looked at there coordinators while MC was there (2007-2012) and I found: 2007 OC: James Coley DC: Phil Galiano 2008 OC: Bill Legg DC: Phil Galiano 2009 OC: Bill Legg DC: Phil Galiano 2010 OC: Scott Satterfield DC: Geoff Collins 2011 OC: Scott Satterfield DC: Todd Orlando 2012 OC: Tim Cramsey DC: Todd Orlando So, 12 seasons as HC, I'm detecting a pattern. Three thoughts. 1. Only one coordinator who survived over two seasons with Mario. 2. How long will it be in MC's coaching career will it be before he has another coordinator that lasts three years? Anyone betting on Dawson or Guidry right now? 3. Who is this Phil Galiano and how did he survive three seasons with Mario? I guess he was a grad assistant at Rutgers in 2003 when Mario was there coaching OL. Apparently FIU wasn't too great on D in 2007, made significant improvements in 2008, and fell back in 2009 and his contract wasn't renewed. In 23 years coaching he has had 14 stops, and currently is special team consultant to the New Orleans Saints special teams coach Darren Rizzi. Looking at his bio, surviving three years as a coordinator with Mario possibly is a bullet point. It would be interesting to get Coley, Legg, Galiano, Satterfield, Collins, Orlando, Cramsey, Arroyo, Moorhead, Avalos, De Ruyter, Gattis, Steele (and probably eventually Dawson and Guidry) all in a room and see how many might agree with Leavitt? It's certainly fair if one is uncomfortable with how things turned out at USF for Leavitt (as well possibly fair to mention USF paid him a $2.75 million dollar settlement and he went on to be hired 6 more times in his coaching career, I don't really know). Also, 95-57 career record and 3-2 in bowls as a head coach (Mario is 74-73 and 3-4 in bowls). Leavitt is said to have started the USF program from the back of a van and went 95-57 (and was reportedly offered jobs at Alabama and Kansas State). I've read when Mario arrived at FIU, it was a program a lot like operating out of the back of a van, and he went 27-47 and was fired (and took five years to be hired as HC again).

(Peyton Bowen) who I believe went on to play in every game for Oklahoma and ended up second team freshman All-American on many lists (33 tackles, one sack, five pass breakups, one forced fumble, one QB hurry, and two blocked punts). Win-some-lose-some I suppose.

The last time Oregon went to Hawaii was 1994 and while that ended up being a memorable season the Hawaii game was pretty much a disaster. (Going off memory) the game was televised on one of the oddball cable networks of the time; and, as the "last game of the night" sort of thing, kicked off at 8pm in Hawaii and 10pm on the West Coast (back then, any TV game was a good TV for the Ducks). The eventual Pac-10 champion Ducks lost 36-16 to a Hawaii team with a QB starting his first career game (Glenn Freitas). Oregon would go on to the Rose Bowl and Hawaii would go on to only win two more games the rest of the year (finishing 3-8-1). I remember the game not only for being miserable for Duck fans; but, also because it drug on for over four hours to about 2:00 am (as the Ducks had I believe two separate players carted off the field -- and I think lost for the season). Just a long ugly game, and, along with the loss the next week at home (34-16) to a Utah team (who of all things, ran a fake FG in for a TD) left most Oregon fans feeling like a season that started with a lot of optimism, was close to possible collapse. With the expanded playoffs and opening B10 season, I agree I don't see a bunch of benefit to playing an extra game. Beating Hawaii won't really move the needle anyway I can see and I believe Oregon would still have Idaho to open up with. It seems like a sort of "no win" game (as well as extra travel for a season that is going to rack up a lot of miles). Found this little 1994 Oregon/Hawaii gem on YouTube:

When it looked like MC was leaving, I'll admit, I was pretty happy. Though eventually I read enough opinions suggesting, "He's an ace recruiter and if at some points he hires the right OC and DC and leaves them alone, it's going to be gold." And yeah, reluctantly I felt I must change view. What if Mario leaves and the Ducks hire a Wilcox or a Taggart? It can get worse. The pool of available coaches isn't so great to not stay the course; and, I'll admit, I (somewhat reluctantly) I got a bit on board. Couldn't be more happy to have my first opinion be correct and be a Duck fan outside MC's shadow. I do wonder how long he has at Miami? I tend to doubt the "waiters and believe" will outweigh the others for very long. It's not such a bad gig being a good recruiter and a solid position coach. Beats a lot of occupational career path for sure. And Mario if he is smart will have the $ to tell those coaches who might want him on the "OL"? No thanks, I'm good.

I wonder sometimes if Helfrich gets at least a bit of a bad rap with recruiting. I believe he is generally associated with four classes: 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. They finished ranked a not totally unreasonable: #19, #21, #16, and #28. Those classes brought in a number of Ducks who had successful careers at Oregon, including guys like: Cameron Hunt, Carrington, Mundt, Joe Walker, Vernon Adams, Royce Freeman, Devon Allen, Charles Nelson, Jelks, Crosby, Brooks-James, Mondeaux, Hollins, Lemieux, Throckmorton, Hanson, Amadi, Breeland, Mitchell, Dye, Herbert, Breeze. What kind of stands out about this set of classes is the amount of high profile, highly rated busts, including: Canton Kaumatule, Taj Griffin, Malik Lovette, Alex Ofodile, Morgan Mahalak, Travis Jonsen, Thomas Tyner. (I debate a bit about Tyner but generally he ends up on these lists). Also what kind of stands out to me is the number of guys in these classes that ended up in trouble (off the top of my head): Tyrell Robinson, Oshay Dunmore, Torrodney Prevot (didn't he end up murdering someone?), Austin Maloata, Kirk Merritt. This I tend to wonder about a bit more? Having to take the good with the bad, I recall also reading that many of the veteran coaches on Helfrich's staffs, at that point in their careers, didn't really like to or travel much to recruit. Couple that with a couple of the younger coaches at the time that didn't exactly have a reputation as strong recruiters, and it appears there may have been some (mostly) unobserved obstacles. Greatwood always seemed to get his guys but I remember reading one of those years that Chinander and Helfrich himself did a huge amount of the travel legwork recruiting. I don't personally know to what degree this is accurate but, I think if at least to a degree, I think Helfrich maybe deserves a degree of credit for the hustle?

I'd just go with UW best 7-8 players outplaying Oregon's 7-8 best players? The other 14-15 guys? Balanced enough. Penix, when it mattered, outplayed Nix. Johnson outdueled Bucky, and Odunze made more plays than Franklin. Fautanu, Rosengarten, Brailsford were a bit better than Cornelius, Conerly, and Powers-Johnson. Trice, Letuligaseno, Olofoshio, and Muhammad were a bit better than Dorlus, Popo, Bassa, and Jackson. On the coaching end, the UW appeared regularly ready to know where and when to press their advantages; and, on defense really remarkably seemed ready for the Duck's offensive tendencies. I don't hate (but don't absolutely love) the Duck's current "dink and dunk" offense but, as long as it's running the ball successfully, it's money. But, it seems somewhere after the USC game, it lost its magic (was Bucky hurt and the staff rolled with it?, something else?). They finished after USC with 140 yards, 113 yards, and 124 yards rushing (an offense I believe was about 200 yards a game). And, with the running game under control, the UW was able to crowd the box and dare Oregon to throw the ball at least 8-9 yards down field and it just didn't happen sufficiently. I posed some thoughts on a Gabriel thread suggesting a slight amount of optimism moving from Nix to Gabriel might bring a bit more of a gunslinger mentality to those spots but it didn't play too well. Despite trying to suggest I wasn't getting on Nix, it just came across like Nix bashing which wasn't the intent. In that regard, Marcus was a lot like Nix, both guys to the end just didn't like the dangerous throw or to drop balls into tight windows (and when there was a game in the balance other Oregon QBs were maybe more comfortable in that moment). Oregon finished #2 in total offense (527 ypg) and #2 in scoring offense (44 ppg). Washington finished #91 in total defense (397 ypg) and #49 in scoring defense (24 ppg). Oregon's offense was #2 in the nation in fricken+ (if this autocorrects to "fricking" I can't help it) while the UW's "D" was a bit better #38 (probably in large part due to it's success in two Oregon games). On paper Oregon should have put up close to it's average of 44 ppg against UW, yet scored 33 and 31. Scoring near their average against a middle level ranked defense -- wins both games. The UW had more guys make more plays and looked to regularly be in better spots to succeed schematically more often. All things that can flip easily in a season; and, even if they don't flip, if the UW can't match its talent level in Penix, Odunze, Trice, etc.? It won't matter as a repeat of the same level of Duck execution will be sufficient (let alone Oregon improving upon the 2023 games).

In two classes, this is pretty crazy: DT: Ayden Breland (#16) ***** Jericho Johnson (#108) **** A'Mauri Washington (#246) **** Tionne Grey (#394) *** My'Keil Gardner (#494) *** Tevita Pome'e (#717) *** DE Elijah Rushing (#17) **** Blake Purchase (#129) **** Johnny Bowens III (#186) **** Terrence Green (#211) **** Xadavien Sims (#211) **** Aston Porter (#240) **** EDGE Matayo Uiagalelei (#47) **** Teitum Tuioti (#213) **** Jaxson Jones (#365) *** Jaeden Moore (#724) *** I can't really recall any season in the recruiting rankings era where Oregon ever had more than about 5 top 250 recruits in their whole DT/DE/EDGE group of players. DL has brought in 11 in just two classes. I've read some posts expressing a lack of enthusiasm for "recruiting rankings" (and I get what they are expressing); but, the way I look at this is there is almost no chance about 6 really, really good players don't emerge from this group (whichever combination of players it ends up being). I think 2024 is still a lot of these guys still end up mostly getting their feet wet (no Duck pun intended); but, 2025-2028 is something to be a bit excited about IMO.

He chucked that UW sweatshirt too. I think he is going to be a fan favorite.

I'm not going to suggest it isn't about "scoreboard"; but, 3 wins by 3 points over two seasons can change in a heartbeat. Give me either a slight coaching advantage going forward, or give me a mess of kids that Washington would (very) happily have accepted commits from, where instead the UW has to fill from "developing" consistently lower rated kids that themselves felt were lower on their "board" and a high % of portal successes? I'll take the bringing in the kids. I respect the DeBoer "love"; but, give me the players and odds -- absolutely statistically favoring those having the better players -- will reduce significantly those standard deviations from the norm that do happen. Doing "more" with "less" just isn't supported by the data over time. Suggesting having a mass of highly rated kids over a smart and (slightly) ahead coaching staff tend to yield results over time isn't especially supported by the data (and Oregon is a place where doing "more" with "less" should be understood). Roll with the better players with a slight coaching disadvantage over time IMO is a safe bet. Oregon made a living at it for a number of years but what has been the solution when it hasn't happened? Largely get more dudes (and who is to say the coaching "advantage" won't get figured out?, it usually is). It isn't a lock but it is a solid play. And yeah, who is to say over time the "DeBoer Magic" might look a bit more ordinary and the coaching not entirely the same when the pieces just don't come together quite the same. I guess we will see. I'm not recruiting expert; but, I would imagine the UW coaching staff would be much more happy looking forward with commits like Ayden Breland and Elijah Rushing I stead of Ratumana Bulabalava and Keona Wilhite? Obviously I guess we will see. Who knows, maybe 3 years from now Bulabalava or Wilhite might be top NFL picks picks but I can say I will roll with the odds?