AnotherOD

I used to follow recruiting a bit more closely; but, I still keep an eye on it. It appears we are seeing with NIL and the portal a lot of programs choosing to essentially step back a bit from high school recruiting in favor of focusing on the portal, and the remaining teams appear to be really benefitting. It looks like Oregon is in a great spot to finish top 5, right behind a few of only the biggest recruiters (Georgia, Alabama, OSU), ahead of the likes of Texas, Oklahoma, LSU, Florida, Notre Dame, Michigan, Penn State. There always has been a concentration of top 80 and top 300 players at the top of the recruiting rankings; but, I don't know if I've ever seen such a huge concentration at the very top, that is, essentially the top schools (who also appear to be aggressive in NIL). With high school recruiting, Oregon appears to be swimming in what appears to be a pretty small pool. Kids once choosing among 3 or 4 favorites are now essentially all looking for their best offers among there favorites and adding in NIL as a final deciding factor and, it's hard to suggest it's a bad strategy (even though collage football fans almost universally decry recruits "taking the bag"). Free school and graduating with possibly a nice chunk of change, even if the NFL doesn't happen (or is only a few years), puts a kid in a nice situation to start life. A car, money to rent or buy a home, a degree, no debt. Oregon, a program that goes back to the Bellotti years often having a hat on the table but ultimately finishing #2 or #3 for a lot of top kids, is now landing more and more of them. Despite two very good seasons, history with the program, good academics, Washington rarely gets mentioned from the top kids on the West Coast. UCLA doesn't have a top 500 kid (and it's two highest rated players are two state of Washington kids that Washington didn't appear to be too interested in). UCLA can't get a top 500 kid? Even USC fans are suggesting Riley is portal focused and NIL dollars aren't generally being focused on high school kids. What a strange college football world where a blue blood like USC appears so far to not be running aggressively with those top schools who have seen the landscape (and potential advantages for those programs best situated). With the current rules, Oregon is in a great spot; and, possibly oddly, maybe Oregon fans should be pulling for the much suggested future changes to the rules take a while to kick in.

I have found it sort of interesting lately reading the concern Oregon may eventually be chasing off high school QB recruits by bringing in transfers? Didn't Washington bring in transfers like Eason (Georgia), Penix (Indiana), and now Rodgers (MSU), and move away from high school recruits they brought in like Haener, Yankoff, Gabbers, Huard, and Morris? Didn't WSU go out and bring in Ward from Incarnate Word? At OSU, didn't Christian Gebbia come from Nebraska and Chance Nolan from Middle Tennessee State? They did briefly play their own recruit in Gulbranson but seemed to want to get away from him quickly as they could and went out and got a Clemson transfer (DJU). They brought in a HS commit who they thought they could develop (Chiles), but now he is gone and apparently they are looking in the portal so they don't have to go back to Gulbranson. Before finally turning to a freshman, didn't Cal go through Plummer from Purdue, Finley from NC State, and Jackson from TCU? Didn't USC bring in Williams and send out their HS recruit Jaxson Dart? Didn't UCLA bring in transfer QBs Gabbers from the UW and Schlee from Kent State and put them ahead of the high school recruit who had been in the program since 2019 (Griffin)? Didn't ASU bring in Drew Pine from Notre Dame and Trenton Bourguet from BYU? Didn't Arizona bring in WSU transfer de Laura (and if he doesn't get hurt is Fifita still waiting)? Isn't Utah's top QB (when healthy) a transfer from Texas, who competed and won the job from a South Carolina transfer (Bentley), a Baylor transfer (Brewer), and another Texas transfer (Jackson)? Didn't Colorado start a transfer from Jackson State (Sanders)? In Ari Patu, Ashton Daniels, and Myles Jackson, we do have one program out of 12 find a QB with their own recruits (and even then they brought in a Syracuse QB in Justin Lamson). If you were a high school QB looking at a Pac-12 for a place that isn't looking at transfers, maybe you look at Stanford and stay away from Oregon, Oregon State, Washington, WSU, Cal, USC, UCLA, ASU, Arizona, Utah, and Colorado? Maybe you try the Mountain West? Boise State developed a couple QB; but, they haven't seemed too happy there as Bachmeier left for Wake Forest and Green went to Arkansas. Fresno State? They have started a UW transfer (Haener) and replaced him with a UCF transfer (Keene). San Diego State? They tried a VT transfer (Burmeister) before moving to a Mississippi State transfer (Mayden). San Jose State? They started a Hawaii transfer (Cordeiro) who beat out an Oregon transfer (Butterfield). Wyoming? Andrew Peasley (Utah State). New Mexico? Dylan Hopkins (UAB). Nevada? Brendon Lewis (Colorado). There actually are a few home grown QB left in the Mountain West, UNLV started with a guy who had been around the program several years (Brumfield) but turned to a freshman who they had recruited (Maiava), Fowler-Nicolosi at CSU, Legas (Utah State), and Schager at Hawaii. So, Stanford, UNLV, CSU, Boise State, Hawaii might be spots left for a high school QB recruit wanting to play somewhere on the West Coast but is afraid transfers might be brought in. I'd be surprised if high school recruits see Nix and Gabriel as anything different than college football these days. The opposite is probably still more true, the more successful they are, the more the UO looks like a place QBs can excel.

I guess it came across as attacking Bo Nix, but when there were a lot of doubters I absolutely was a guy who felt good about Nix and I think he exceeded expectations. As rough as it sounds, Oregon might be two season at 5-6 without him. Of course there is more to games than QB play. The point however goes to guys in big spots are able to make big plays -- and often those plays tend to be plays beyond 9 yards. If in all places, Reddit had a stat looking at Nix and something like (this is going off memory), 33% of his passes were at or behind the LOS, and 34% of his passes were 0-9 yards. 33% of his passes were over 9 yards. Now, being a college football fan, a 10 yard pass if far from a bomb; but, the weird thing was Nix actually graded very well throwing over 9 yards; but, he was pretty selective when he made those throws. When the situation really demanded it, did we regularly see those throws? Will it be different with a different guy at QB? Akili? Joey? Vernon Adams? Guys who were not afraid to make those plays. Another one? Michael Penix. I'm very happy with Nix and would absolutely take another season and roll the dice he continues his developmental path; but, it the Ducks must move on, I'm interested in seeing DG in that spot. I guess if somebody wants to take that as a Bo Nix shot? I can't really do anything about. Not liking the shot the team ends up taking doesn't mean it's all on the QB. Guys in those spots roll with what makes them comfortable IMO. Where that goes from here? That's a different question. Does it depend on the QB? I'm not totally sure. I think the next step is QBs who see a defense taking things away, and don't look for a 4 yard check down at 3rd and 8 because that's not in Pennix DNA. I absolutely hate propping up a Husky but you got to credit when it is due; and, at time Penix threw to guys who weren't even completely open, he just trusted his arm and the WR. There isn't anything preventing Oregon from throwing down field in situations where opponents don't respect it, and you need 7 yards and your pass, if completed, if about 4 yards and you are hoping for YAC for the play to succeed. There are other plays and I think prior Oregon OC and coaches would tend to agree. When Oregon was 3rd and 8? Mike Bellotti wasn't (regularly); throwing a 3 yard out hoping for YAC. He as looking down field for Tony Harley, Damon Griffin, or Keenan Howry. Especially if the opponent chose to crowd the line. You going to lose? At least lose throwing past the sticks. I'd be happy to see a QB who will make you pay. If you fail? At least you were throwing to the sticks. If you end up 10-2 either way? At least you took a shot. I'm happy to hear other views.

Thank you. I'm really not trying if it seems so to point out Bo Nix failures. Heading into both UO/UW games, I felt both would be close but I felt overall Oregon was slightly more talented (in the first game the the home field advantage being the great unknown). Even now, I'm not sure I can give that to the UW. However, at the very top end, guys like Penix, Odunze, Trice, Lutuligasenoa, Muhammed outplayed Oregon and made more big plays when it counted. Why does all this matter in the context of the original thread? I'm interested in Gabriel and his experience if he is the kind of guy who at these times maybe makes the plays. I like what I saw in the Texas game and I'll argue that one was as big a stage as the first Oregon/Washington game. Goes I guess to the original post about why some Oregon fans are excited about their new QB?

I don't wanna get in any trouble and I will look forward to the article. Football at the highest level just often comes down to QB play. There is an ebb and flow the whole game, with I'm sure each side hoping something that might have changed the game did happen, or something that did change the game didn't happen. A couple links: Start about the 13:10 mark. And about 14:15-14:45 (arguably two UW throws where the coverage isn't even that poor). QBs and WR making plays with everything on the line. That isn't meant as a criticism of one QB not making a play; but, rather of the other guys getting it done. Is this bad to point out? I totally agree the UO side is trying. The UO 4th down play to seal the game is "Ugh". The UW drive to won the game is "Wow". Guys making (or not making plays). If the further analysis changes my mind, I am sure I'll feel better.

I knew I was going to get myself in trouble. I'm really not trying to get in trouble here but I must say 49-3? Same season Kent State played Georgia to 39-22, Missouri 26-22, Kentucky 16-6, and Georgia Tech managed 37-14. Even 6-7 Florida managed 42-20. Where was Oregon? 10-3? I'm absolutely a Bo Nix fan but leaving all the stats behind, I'm gonna say sometimes a guy needs to make a play. People down on Gabriel might wanna check out the drive he made to beat Texas. Duck football could have used that a few times in 2022 and 2023 (and not the D making a huge play against Texas Tech or WSU). Not a knock on Nix, I'm sure it seems so, but it's not. Guy was good. I'm not sure how one watches both Oregon losses to the UW, Oregon leading both games second half, and sees Penix and the UW late make the plays behind their team, and suggest a QB making those plays might not be (at least in part) the next step for Oregon. Is it Gabriel? I don't know but I'm interested to see. That's all.

This may get me blasted; but, I was one of those guys who felt really good when DL and KD brought in Bo Nix. And I think he responded by being a very good college QB. Heck, if he could come back I'd be ok with another year. HOWEVER, it could be argued he faced 4 HUGE games as a Duck (Georgia obviously, OSU to get a spot in the Conference Championship game in 2022, and Washington twice this year - not going to hold 2022 Huskies game against him as he got hit). And in those games he was 0-4. Absolutely doesn't take away from Bo as he isn't by himself; but, I'm ok moving to DG. A lot like Nix he is a guy who has seen a lot of college football. When Oregon took the lead in both games in 2023 and the UW was crowding the line begging the UO to take a shot? It just didn't happen. Sometimes college football comes down to making a play. Am I not a UO or Bo Nix fan because it didn't happen? No. But will I roll the dice with a guy like Gabrial. Sure. Penix at the UW, despite all the rumors (and injury conjecture heading into the game)? Made the plays. Will DG be better in those 1-2 massive games a Duck season in 2024 might turn up? I don't know but I can roll with it. He certainly is a guy who has put himself in the spot -- to be in that spot (much like Penix - who before coming to the UW, wasn't such a lock). The Texas game this season for OU was absolutely huge in the moment and he looked solid.

High school QB recruits since Marcus (11 classes) Jake Rodriguez Jeff Lockie Damion Hobbs Morgan Mahalak Travis Jonsen Kristen Wallace Terry Wilson Justin Herbert Braxton Burmeister Tyler Shough Cale Millen Jay Butterfield Robby Ashford Ty Thompson With the exception of Herbert, "finding and developing" high school QBs hasn't really been too successful in quite some time (and the Herbert story generally has him pretty much coming to the UO ready to play at a high level). If the coaches and staff are able to hit on 2/3 or 3/4 portal or graduate transfer QBs, the numbers/history (since 2011) sort of suggests it's a no brainer.

Tucker returned close to home to San Diego State and is listed as a WR. Caught 21 passes for 296 yards and 4 TDs as a high school senior (though doesn't look like he got on the field for SDS this season).

Rumor from the Oklahoma side of things is he is being "Darron Thomas-ed". That is, OU has a former five star, 2022 Elite 11 MVP (Jackson Arnold), who sat this year; and, would be a portal candidate if facing another year on the bench. Oklahoma fans saying this was no surprise and has been in the works for weeks. Interesting because OU fans seem to have nothing but positives to say about DG. A little bit of a dangerous game for OU maybe; but, I guess it worked out for the UO staff (handing the keys to Marcus).

I am still attempting to come to terms with the idea the Huskies actually have a very respectable chance at winning the National Championship this year.

If it is ok to link to YouTube, some extended highlights

Not kicking deep for a <5% chance for an inside kick with the time left is definitely open to be questioned. Midfield changes the dynamic.

Too easy.

No. Kick it deep.

Muhammad has been grabby all season. I really don't understand how two very experienced announcers (and one "rules expert") struggle to see a DB with both hands grabbing and holding the WR's jersey for several seconds 15 yards down field being called a penalty.

Muhammad has been good all year. Absolutely very grabby.

Didn't work the first game. Looked exactly like the first game tonight. Only 1/3 of the field for the Huskies to defend, 3 WRs all appearing to run to the same spot. Ugh.

Might qualify as a "hot take" but: I'd probably look elsewhere than DJ; but, he has about 1,175 career passes attempts, of which maybe 700 have been "meaningful" snaps. TT has 66 career snaps of which maybe about 10 have been meaningful (depending on how you feel about 9 attempts in the second half in the Sony Brook game). I'd be hard pressed to put DJ at the top of my portal list; but, if nothing else comes together, I'd definitely let DJ compete against TT (nothing against TT, I'm still pulling for him about as much as most Duck fans -- but realistic).

What an absolutely poor call on the 4th down PI. So poor, it shouldn't happen.

Coach Petersen on the FOX Post game just said of the Michigan/Penn State game: "I don't get it, if this game wasn't in color tv, I would have thought it was 1950s football. It's all about winning the game and they did a great job with that with all the controversy surrounding that but I don't get it ... JJ McCarthy, is he hurt? He is supposed to be a Heisman candidate and threw for 60 yards... I didn't get it..."

I can't root for Washington. I want them to lose to Utah, lose to Oregon State, and lose to WSU. I don't expect it; but, I can pull for it. I find it easiest to root against UW and root for chaos. I can't see Old Miss beating Georgia, need Georgia to beat Alabama in the SEC Championship game, Texas to drop a game, maybe somehow Florida State drop a game (and Michigan and tOSU can drop as many as possible as well).

Some possible transfer portal names for 2024 I've seen listed (most reported from 247 Network): Michael Pratt (Tulane) Grayson McCall (Coastal Carolina) Max Brosmer (New Hampshire) Brock Vandergriff (Georgia) Gunner Stockton (Georgia) Maalik Murphy (Texas) Cade Klubnik (Clemson) Ty Simpson (Alabama) Tyler Van Dyke (Miami) Jacurri Brown (Miami) Chandler Morris (TCU) Jayden de Laura (Arizona) Brayden Dorman (Arizona) Devin Brown (Ohio State) Sam Horn (Missouri) Ethan Gabbers (UCLA) Max Johnson (Texas A&M) Michael Pratt would be a big name; but, if he decides to move from the AAC to the P5, I imagine every major program in need of a QB will be in the mix. Miami fans do appear to be ready to run Van Dyke out of town, what a wild storyline TVD to Oregon would be.

What happened to punting and pinning someone back? 53 yards, maybe 10 yards beyond our kickers realistic range, with a wet ball, just doesn't make any sense. I mean no sense.

One of the things I have been happy to see is the emergence and strong play of "big package" in third and fourth situations, with the Ducks playing both their NT together. I'm the goal line stand against UW, the defense had both Aumavae and Tamaini out there with Dorlus, with both their bigger OLB/Ends in Funa and Shipley. Early in Utah game on 4th and short on the Oregon 25, it was Funa-Dorlus-Aumavae-Tamaini-Tuioti with the addition of their biggest LB in Jacobs. Great to see the Duck's rush defense sitting #12 in the nation in rush defense at 95.6 ypg and 3.19 ypc. Another Lanning hire (Tony Tuioti) looking good.