AnotherOD

Which teams in the Pac-12 seem to have as a (primary) goal being "tough and physical" and running the ball down opponent's throats (mostly out of multiple/more traditional sets)? UW, UO, Stanford? They ranked in rushing offense: 54. Washington 61. Oregon 93. Stanford Not saying it can't be done but it certainly doesn't look easy. Maybe a good indication why it's not seemingly too popular in the college game right now. If anyone is wondering, Arroyo and new OC Glenn Thomas finished #82.

I hear that, which is why I'm a bit surprised RB doesn't appear to have been a bigger priority this cycle finishing up. But: I would say Benson is at least a very interesting prospect and looks every bit like he could play at 6-1 and 220. I guess he broke his leg early in camp this year? I'm going off memory but I believe he played smaller ball in Mississippi. Basically a two year starter who split carries with another RB who was also an FBS level prospect. They must have been killing people as he averaged only about 9 carries a game as a junior and about 12 carries a game as a senior, but rushed for 1,783 yards as a junior and 1,833 yards as a senior with 52 total rushing TDs. Crazy something like 14 yards per carry over the two years. (They were two time State champs). He might, might, might be a guy who flew under the radar a bit? And also a guy who needs a bit longer adjustment period due to the change in levels (though RB usually can be an early impact spot). Finally, also not exactly an unknown, even as a "3 star", from GoDucks bio: "Four-star, No. 259 overall prospect and No. 6 player in Mississippi by 247Sports … Top-ranked running back in Mississippi by ESPN and 247Sports … Ninth-highest rated running back ever signed by Oregon according to 247Sports … Consensus top-12 prospect in Mississippi by ESPN, Rivals and 247Sports … Rated as a three-star by ESPN and Rivals … Finished as the No. 27 running back overall and No. 1 in Mississippi in the 247Sports composite ranking … Tabbed the No. 2 running back in Mississippi by Rivals …Named PrepStar All-Southeast Region … Earned MAIS 3A District 4 first-team all-conference honors as a junior and senior."

Perhaps an interesting question might be what might we glean from RB recruiting this recruiting cycle? Looking at the most widely quoted recruiting source, Oregon offered 13 QBs (with probably 7-8 or so with solid offers), taking one. For RB, it offered only 9 (and I'd guess only about 6 were immediately convertible offers). One went to Clemson, one to Ohio State, one to Michigan, one Florida kid stayed home to Miami, Seven picked Oregon, and Oregon's got an offer out to the only West Coast RB it recruited in Cardwell (though Seven was in Cal before NY I believe). Possible conclusions?: * The staff must have some confidence in it's existing RB room and young guys. * Maybe not a big year for RB out West. * If Seven indeed is more of a DAT like guy, of the remaining 5 offers, 4 look to be a bit bigger kids/frames. Possibly concluding?: * The staff is working towards more sturdy RBs. It only appears this year to want a RB if it was an elite kid or bust, which might indicate not an urgent recruiting priority (which again might mean there is some good faith in Dollars and Benson soon).

It certainly would seem possible AA might one day appear on Oregon's radar again if MC ever departs and AA continues to rise in the profession. I'd imagine Mario's not going anywhere, but if he continues an upward trend, there are just a handful of college jobs someone (at the top of the profession) will tend to always at least listen to. As others have mentioned, one of the advantages of a larger coaching tree is (hopefully) a good candidate base of guys who you might have an inside edge upon.

One has to wonder if Oregon might be getting negative recruited by opposing coaches in regards to the pistol (i.e. "You don't want to play in the pistol", "The pistol won't develop you for the next level", etc., etc.)? It hasn't even seemed like Oregon has been in the mix for many top RB prospects recently. I mean, it does want to run the ball. I have read the last two recruiting cycles, the West Coast has been lean on RB prospects. 2022 is supposed to be better. Maybe a combination of factors? People seem to forget, until right before Chip and his offense arrived (Stewart), even coach Campbell had a pretty dry run with high school RBs? Maybe 1996-2005? It was mostly JCs (McCullough, Droughts, Morris), transfers (Ontario), and good fortune with guys thought to be brought in for other positions and converted (Whitehead). Not remembering many impact HS kids, not even upper level HS commits. After such a great run of HS running backs, maybe it starts to be expected, when for most programs not Alabama/tOSU, it probably isn't quite such a lock. Not that I follow Wisconsin that closely, but it seemed like they didn't even have their usual dude there this year (maybe the Berger kid is next?).

It looks like the defense played 8 DBs regularly in 2020 and at least 2 in Pickett and Lenoir won't be back. I'd imagine the shopping would be to have somebody to compete in the Pickett spot? I've read CB is an area that is getting a portal look as well, just so far not a bunch of options/fits. There are a few options on roster, but are either young, have been hurt, or just haven't played much. A portal player might very well be a much more experienced option, just new.

The "out tough/SEC style/smash mouth" thing has been a decent and focused UO/Mario narrative; but, I'm starting to wonder what exactly it really means in 2021 anymore? Playing a simple brand of football and just trying to out-tough and out-recruiting everyone is probably is an approach from a different era (now). As others have mentioned, an era even the biggies have moved on from. Alabama totally reinvented its offense and is now scoring 50 a game, LSU fired Les Myles and Ed O. brought in Brady/Ensminger and scored a zillion points, Clemson went to Iowa State to find a more modern defense, tOSU hired an Urban Meyer/Chip Kelly protege... I don't think the next step is quite so simple anymore.

Interesting the many different thoughts. The only real "surprise" in this short season IMO was Ryan Walk. Given that the OL remarkably appeared to manage on a 6 man rotation, especially beneficial (if not a bit scary overall). From my perspective, the others weren't so much "surprises" as getting confirmation some guys who hadn't played much, looked very much like they belong at this level, and will likely be successful starters (maybe even more): Devon Williams, the JC OL (Bass, MAL, Moore), Dorlus, Johnson at TE, Kattleman, maybe Sewell (cause you never really know, until you know), probably Hill. Some guys as well, who flashed, and probably would be on the list if the season were longer: Kris Hutson, Kristian Williams, Ware-Hudson, maybe DJ James. It would be awesome to have Dollars on there, it just is hard to do on an 8 carry season. Some guys maybe we would have loved to see more from OR more solid confirmation from (this year) - but will have to wait and see: Tyler Shough, Webb (hurt), Addison, Benson (hurt), Flowe (hurt), Adrian Jackson (hurt), Manning (hurt), Stephens, Tauanu'u.

I see the article saying Oregon opens at Ohio State next year. FBSchedules.com has Oregon opening with Fresno State on Sept. 4th and Ohio State as game two on September 11th. Did something change? The tOSU site has the Oregon game listed as still on the 11th, and the Fresno State has their Oregon game still listed as on the 4th. Did something change and those sites just haven't updated, or is Oregon opening up with Fresno State? Ohio State has an early opener listed on the 2nd (Thursday) versus Minnesota, instead of most everyone else on the 4th. If the old rules apply about when you can start fall camp, Oregon opening against tOSU (no Fresno State) on the 11th would mean I believe Oregon starting 9 days later, which would be bad.

It was the first time in this short year I'd noticed it, but sideline shots showed Mario and Joe talking a lot (in a somewhat animated manner) during the game. It seemed odd, especially in a program where the HC isn't thought to be directly calling plays, etc. I like what I've seen so far from Joe but one can't help but wonder if Mario is letting him do his own thing. If not, really why bring him in at nearly $1 million a year? It also would seem likely he's gonna jump somewhere else if it gets too frustrating (and then you are starting over at OC again).

Not good but it was a season of ups and downs. The hope was USC was the team putting some things together - but no. Fans fools gold. Far from so bad I'd expect any significant guys to pull the plug and transfer. Maybe it effects a few seniors on the fence about returning. As I understand it, kids who signed LOIs don't have the option to decommit (nor should they want to based on a bowl game loss as an underdog). Things still look up for 2021. Just no play-off talk please until AT LEAST the team hits about 10-0 (which would seem pretty unlikely).

If both teams show up motivated, there are no major Covid-related casualties on either side, and the turnover battle isn't crazy in one direction... ...if Oregon's QBs play a "near average or anything better" game 30-24 Oregon... ...if not, 31-20 Iowa State...

I was looking at my list and probably need 200. Some guys who I forgot who probably need to be in there somewhere: LaGarrette Blount, TJ Ward, Troy Bailey, Bo Than, Terry Miller, Ugo Amadi, Mathew Harper, Zac Freiter, Bryant Jackson, Aaron Gipson, Derrick Barnes, David Weber, Troy Hill, Leie Sualua, Robin Knebel, Hamani Stevens, Wade Keliikipi, and a bunch more.

I think everyone is pulling for TS. It's probably an extra, extra big task following a successful 4 year starter like Herbert. I hope to be wrong, but the problems seem to be of the difficult sort: handling pressure, seeing the field, and making quick yet correct decisions. The third I think can be repaired. The first two? Time will tell. For success tomorrow, I think the game really needs to slow down for TS, and a major bowl against a good team playing well on defense is probably not a high % place to expect this to start. Optimism suggests JM can put together a game plan to get TS some early confidence. Would do wonders. One would expect Iowa State, with their somewhat unique defensive scheme, will attempt to put the game in TS's hands (confuse, pressure). Reading some bowl game discussions, it unfortunately doesn't seem like Iowa State's vulnerabilities on defense are areas Oregon's offense has been hitting on lately. Shots deep, a heavy dose of properly executed RPOs, and a strong game from the OL seem like a strong recipe.

Looks like the word got out. Kudos to all involved. AJ switched to #12. Doesn't sound like the announcers read OBD (they suggested AJ changed his numbers due to shooting woes).

I've felt pretty good about the Ducks since the matchup was announced (and not to slight ISU in the slightest). If both teams are roughly healthy, if Oregon shows up motivated to play, doesn't have a terrible TO margin, and gets an at least "slightly below average" (or anything better) performance from its QB spot, I like the odds. Not to oversimplify, but in a neutral site game, if both teams show up motivated, there isn't a significant difference in TOs, and the higher rated team gets performance at its most vulnerable spot, I'd suggest teams rated 10-15 in FBS recruiting have a very, very solid record against teams 50-55 in FBS recruiting both regular season and bowls. "Talent gap" isn't a 100% predictor, but the numbers are consistent. Mario so far being a pretty good "big game" type coach to this point at Oregon gives me a notch more confidence. Oregon fails in any one of those spots, ISU is absolutely capable of winning, maybe even going away. I'm thinking 2000 Sun Bowl kind of deal. Lots of shocked Texas fans that day. Ducks don't wanna go there.

Pick one? Too hard to do. Since 1994, I could probably limit to a favorite 150? 150. Nathan Villegas - K 149. Justin Phinisee - CB 148. Eric Edwards - CB 149. Darrell Wright - DE 148. Michael Fletcher - S 147. Josh Bidwell - K 146. Rasuli Webster - S 145. AJ Tuitele - LB 144. Eddie Pleasant - S 143. Jaiya Figueras - S 142. Tyler Johnson - OL 141. Brandon Bair - DL 140. Tasi Malepeai - OL 139. Aiden Schneider - K 138. Boseko Lokombo - LB 137. Avery Patterson - S 136. RaShon Harris - DL 135. Charles Nelson - WR 134. Hornus Grasu - OL 133. Eric Dargan - S 132. Stevie Moore - CB 131. Mike Schmidt - DL 130. Henry Mondeaux - DL 129. Terrence Whitehead - RB 128. Alex Balducci - DL 127. JD Nelson - S 126. Justin Hollins - DL 125. Chris Solomona - DL 124. Nick Steitz - OL 123. Darren Carrington - WR 122. Reggie Jordan - LB 121. Carson York - OL 120. Braylon Addison - WR 119. Matt Toeaina - DL 118. Cameron Hunt - OL 117. Lee Gundy - OL 116. Dontae Rosario - TE 115. Dietrich Moore - LB 114. Jordan Holmes - OL 113. Marc Gregg - OL 112. Muhammad Oliver - S 111. Jake Hansen - OL 110. Ricky Whittle - RB 109. Josh Kaddu - LB 108. Pharaoh Brown - TE 107. CE Kaiser - OL 106. Marc Asper - OL 105. Byron Marshall - WR 104. Saladin McCullough - RB 103. Marshaun Tucker - WR 102. Deke Moen - OL 101. Tony Graziani - QB 100. David Paulson - TE 99. Jalen Jelks - DL 98. Derrick Barnes - LB 97. Keith Lewis - S 96. Enoka Lucas - OL 95. Anthony Trucks - LB 94. Demmodore Lenoir - CB 93. Kelen Clemens - QB 92. Darrion Weems - OL 91. Taylor Hart -DL 90. Jaison Williams - WR 89. Casey Matthews - LB 88. Josh Huff - WR 87. Vernon Adams -QB 86. Will Tukuafu - DL 85. Tim Day - TE 84. Rich Ruhl - LB 83. Blake Spence - TE 82. Junior Siavii - DL 81. Christian McLemore - WR 80. Akili Smith - QB 79. Talmadge Jackson - CB 78. Jeremiah Johnson - RB 77. Jerome Boyd - TE 76. Josh Wilcox - TE 75. Dennis Dixon - QB 74. Spencer Paysinger - LB 73. Herman O'Berry - CB 72. Geoff Schwartz - OL 71. Kenny Rowe - DL 70. Calvin Throckmorton - OL 69. Shane Lemeaux - OL 68. Kenjon Barner - RB 67. Wes Mallard - LB 66. Terrence Mitchell - CB 65. Jeremiah Masoli - QB 64. Jake Fisher - OL 63. Damon Griffin - WR 62. Jed Weaver - TE 61. Romeo Bandison - DL 60. Devan Long - DL 59. Dan Weaver - OL 58. Blair Phillips - LB 57. Jeff Maehl - WR 56. Jim Adams - OL 55. Demetrius Williams - WR 54. Thomas Graham - CB 53. Michael Clay - LB 52. Paul Wiggins - OL 51. Steve Smith - CB 50. Ontario Smith - RB 49. Fenuki Tupoa - OL 48. Sammie Parker - WR 47. George Wrighster - TE 46. Nick Reed - DL 45. Kyle Long - OL 44. Pat Johnson - WR 43. Eric Castle - S 42. Cliff Harris - CB 41. Darron Thomas - QB 40. Jeremy Asher - LB 39. Kevin Mitchell - LB 38. Tyrell Crosby - OL 37. Ed Dickson - TE 36. Jarius Byrd - S 35. Matt Smith - LB 34. Tony Hartley - WR 33. Peter Simon - LB 32. John Boyette - S 31. Maurice Morris - RB 30. Sal Patu - DL 29. DeAnthony Thomas - WR 28. Keenan Howry - WR 27. Ifo Ekpre-Olomo - CB 26. Walter Thurmond III - CB 25. Chad Cota - S 24. Arik Armstead - DL 23. Jevon Holland - S 22. Royce Freeman - RB 21. Ernest Jones - LB 20. Dion Jordan - DL 19. Rueben Drougns - RB 18. Kayvon Thibodeaux - DL 17. Alex Molden - CB 16. Adam Snyder - OL 15. Kiko Alonso - LB 14. Joey Harrington - QB 13. Patrick Chung - S 12. Troy Dye - LB 11. Igor Olshanski - DL 10. Kenny Wheaton - CB 9. Justin Herbert - QB 8. Rashad Bauman - CB 7. Max Unger - OL 6. Penei Sewell - OL 5. Jonathan Stewart - RB 4. DeForest Buckner - DL 3. Marcus Mariota - QB 2. Haloti Ngata - DL 1. LaMichael James - RB