AnotherOD

Not to jump into the "hot take" category, I'd pick Oregon too, but, I could see an argument. Regardless of future trajectory, Washington should be decent next year, solid on defense, safe on offense. As for Oregon, I could see the argument, "until you have a QB, you don't have a QB". A QB at least that's going to lead the team through a 12 game schedule. From the outside, I could see the argument depending on a freshman QB is a lower percentage choice, and on paper it is set up for another Brown/Shough dance. Also, at least according to FBSchedules, Washington has a more favorable 5 game home schedule, with a number of their tougher games at home (Oregon, ASU, UCLA, Cal who they recently have struggled with). They also miss USC and Utah. Oregon has the 4 home game schedule and appears to have more difficult road games (at Utah, at UW, at Stanford, at UCLA). They do miss USC and ASU though.

I don't know. 247 at the bottom of the year-by-year commit page, has a top 25 all-time recruiting rating (since 1999): Everyone has their busts, but Oregon has done pretty well by their best commits. For comparison, USC has done pretty well, but some major flops, UW/UCLA top 25 is pretty hit-or-miss. Stanford, pretty well. Very recently, Oregon has done right by KT and Sewell (both look to be in place for a wonderful career and about $100 million dollars). Among the 25 highest rated commits since 1999, based on careers versus expectations, excluding guys who it is too early to evaluate, an eyeball look at it shows "success versus bust" rates of (roughly): Stanford: 71% Oregon: 67% USC: 58% UCLA: 36% UW: 32% Its subjective but applying a pretty loose standard: expectations based on rankings versus career.

Everyone looks good in a highlight tape but boy do TooToo's look good as both a true freshman and sophomore (against good competition). Just a play diagnosing, in the box, QB pressuring, space eating, run stuffing machine. Dye has great highlights too, some in the box but a lot of moving and play making in space. A Duck great. HTT is just a killer, vacuum cleaner, and impact guy in and around the LOS. Thinking back over the last 25 years as a Duck fan, not a lot to compare him to? Maybe a bit of Alonso, a bit of Simon, a bit of Mitchell, a bit of Ernest Jones? When he hit the portal, everyone at the top of college wanted him and it makes sense. One of the announcers suggests, "Shot out of a cannon". Linked his true freshman year highlights earlier, here is 2020.

I would agree that there probably isn't a ton of difference between maybe 3-8 in the final rankings. I tend to look at recruiting a bit less on absolute numbers and a bit more just on the general perception of what the staff's top targets appear to have been, and what percentage were landed. I don't really have a way to rate that, so depend upon a service like 247 or Rivals, to determine that for me. A secondary goal would be filling gaps, meeting needs, and managing the roster; but, to this point, the staff seems to be doing that pretty well (for example, it doesn't have 40 WR/DB types and no OL). Getting a high percentage of the top guys - who appears there was a good shot with - is IMO success. First one to throw out crazy, random grades? I probably don't follow it closely enough to do this, but just for fun: QB: A It appears TT was the top choice and the goal was one QB this cycle. RB: A Not a lot of RB offers this year by the Ducks. Offers are generally reported by kids - and its sometimes debatable which ones are immediately convertable and which ones conditional. I'd guess only about 6 offers were the former, and 3 were top national flyer offers (Shipley, Pryor, Edwards) that would have been automatic takes (regardless of the depth chart). After those, the Ducks got 2 of 3. It looks like RB wasn't a heavy priority, and will be next cycle (when the West region appears more loaded). WR: A- It was always likely going to be Franklin or Egbuka at the top. The Hudson-Ware decommit is notable (but its maybe interesting it doesn't appear the staff used that spot to go after another WR). Xavier Worthy sticking with Michigan probably goes as a notable "miss". TE: A Mataveo and Ferguson were top targets and 2-2. OL: A Foster at OG might go as a "miss". I'm not sure if Miller and Simmons were an "either/or", but landed one. Suamataiai, Walden, and Light appear to be 3 very top targets and the four together represent an elite group. DL/Edge: C Any season where you have 2 of the top 5 players nationally as west coast edge prospects considering Oregon, its hard to consider it a high grade if you go 0-2 (if JTT goes elsewhere, with him its a re-grade). Burkhalter decommitted, but there is an indication that was mutual. A spot were the staff probably had 30+ convertable offers out. One wonders a bit, with a new possible emphasis on a NT, if CA prospects like Toia or Vaka might have been more emphasized? Not sure where Armitage (Stanford) fell, Tilmon is an interesting athletic profile for sure, as well as Keanu Williams. LB: B The local kid Brown appears to be the big fish. It will be interesting to see where guys like Flowe, McNeill, and Buckner eventually fit in (all very highly rated kids by Oregon historical standards). I am not sure there were going to be more than about 3-4 LB taken, after the group last year. Guys like Davis, Calvert, and Simon were all offered early but there never seemed to be much momentum. DB: B- A bit thin at CB currently. I still see Dickerson as still petty big (and a re-grade with him). Personally, not quite as jazzed about filling up with nickel S types (an Avalos preference?). Amongst Davies, Barkins, and (hopefully) Dickerson, it will be pretty important a couple turn into quality Pac-12 corners (and soon). I've seen some different opinions on JC Perkins, but he sure seemed to blow up as a recruit, and probably goes as a "miss". There appear to have been 20+ legit CB offers out. CA kids Wright and Brown appear to have been top targets but never appeared close. Two S appeared the goal (and added two). Beavers was an early target and decommit, so that might qualify as a "miss".

No way that hypothetical Duck team is trailing the Huskies!

Its in the linked CFN article. I am sure it must be a sign of getting old and complaining about the "old days", but can't CollegeFootballNews give us one proof read through? Just one? (If not for grammar's sake just knowing what spell check can do).

Early, early, early thoughts, but, I could see USC struggle early and Clay strain to keep the wheels on (as calls for a new coach just get louder and louder). Slovis is a solid system guy, but they will need to rebuild 2/3 of the WR group and they really don't run the ball much (or show much desire to do so - last in the Pac-12 in ypg and ypc). They return most of the OL besides Vera-Tucker, but it was a group it seems many Trojans fans openly wonder if it will ever be especially good. The defense loses some key guys on the DL and in the secondary. Some young talent there, but I think Duck fans saw, even young talent often needs some time (even under even the best of circumstances let alone struggles). I haven't been one to jump on the Herm thing at ASU, but I think this has a chance to be a possible breakthrough year there. Probably tough to read too much into stats from this short season, but ASU managed to lead the conference in both scoring offense and fewest points allowed. Their season was probably also especially oddball, where they started the year almost beating USC, then had to take 3 weeks off, then came back and almost beat UCLA, then scored 116 points in their two wins. Only one home game. They ran the ball well, led the conference in rushing, and return all of a veteran defense, including on paper (dare I say) possibly one of the nation's better secondaries. I'd still probably give Utah the edge. Need to settle on a QB (and the unfortunate tragedy at RB) but look solid about everywhere else, including typical solid Utah OLs and front 7s, which has been a working recipe in the South in previous years. They also had a tough season, where they didn't get to kick their season off until nearly Thanksgiving (11/21), didn't have a great opener, then almost beat UW in Washington the next week, then finished with 3 wins. UCLA also showed signs of life at 3-4, and they really were right in all four losses (by 5 at Colorado, by 3 at UO, by 5 to USC, and by 1 in 2OT to Stanford). They lose a couple important guys, but I could see them similarly improved and in the mix again. Even Colorado has a shot to steal a game or two. I see the South beating each other up, and see something like: Utah, ASU, UCLA, USC, Colorado, Arizona. In the North, as was mentioned, UW still should be a decent defensive team, and is gonna play a style that keeps them in games. The wheels probably don't come all the way off unless the offense really implodes (which it is sort of designed to not to). Stanford maybe somewhat surprisingly finished with 4 wins after a slow start (they do lose a bit though). I'm not sure I'm ready to really see a huge breakout at OSU, probably a similar season to 2020, some signs of life, but not over the top yet. Do they wow anyone on either side of the ball yet? In the Pac, I believe they have the five road game season, and a pretty tough home slate (ASU, Stanford, Utah, UW), with trips to UO and USC as well. Oregon needs to find a QB, and overall be more interesting on offense. Not a great schedule either (at UW, at Stan, at Utah, at UCLA, at Colorado). Sounds more familiar but maybe: UO, UW, Stanford, OSU, Cal, WSU. Could be another season of the Pac-12 beating each other up, and the nation tuning the league out early. Optimistically, on paper, it still should be a good chance for Oregon to three-peat - and set up a possible window opening - to possibly do something interesting in 2022/2023. And, not to pile on, I must be getting old, and I understand spell check, but if you are going to publish something attempting to be at least semi-professional online, not at least one read through? "With the return of LB Ryan Bowman for another year, none defensive starters are projected to be back, too" "None starters"? Nine starters? "Tennessee transfer JT Shrout is coming in to battle with better Sam Noyer to do more to take the head off of Broussard." I had to read this like 3 times. "Better Sam Noyer"? Starter Sam Noyer? "Head off"? Heat off?

I would have to imagine there is specific language in the contract for just about any circumstance. Beyond optics, there is a pretty significant financial impact to the AD for carrying out one side of the contract without getting the return. I suppose a number of outcomes are possible, but I would imagine if game one happens, game two will as well, just possibly not until something like 2029 or 2030?

In defense of Shough, he worked behind arguably the weakest OL in the last four years. PFF had the following ratings among Pac-12 OL: OT: Jones #10, Aumavae-Laulu #12, Moore #20 OG: Walk #5, Bass #9 Center: Forsyth #2 In their December 3, 2020 rankings 1 to 127: 32. OREGON The fact that Oregon’s offensive line ranks this high is quite a surprise considering they lost all five starters from last year’s unit to the NFL, graduation and, in Penei Sewell’s case, an opt-out. Left tackle Steven Jones has yet to start a game this year but has proven he deserves to do so with his performance so far. Jones has logged 172 snaps despite not receiving a start, recording the fourth-best PFF grade among Pac-12 tackles (79.1). I believe they ended up ranking the 2019 OL #1 in their final rankings (Oregon-Georgia-Alabama-tOSU). Overall in 2020, maybe about what the consensus was? Solid, with room to grow. Not as successful as 2019, but, losing the top 6, pretty tough to duplicate .

In these new speculations, is ISM thought to be moving back inside? Seems like a guy who would be comfortable playing both near the LOS and dropping into a zone?

PFF had the following ratings among Pac-12 OL: OT: Jones #10, Aumavae-Laulu #12, Moore #20 OG: Walk #5, Bass #9 Center: Forsyth #2 Seems roughly consistent with what we saw this season from the OL? Solid, but room to improve. With a mostly 6 person rotation, Moore allows for a lot of flexibility. His return indeed is good news. Having a 7th OL emerge would seem a priority.

Sophomore year highlights? Recruiting is going to be pretty tricky if the summer camp and fall season are significantly interrupted.

Pass efficiency rating generally is high with a high yards per attempt number (every QB that averaged over 9 yards per attempt ended up with a pass efficiency rating over 160, and every QB over 160 was in the top 15 in the final NCAA pass efficiency list, everyone over 10 y/a at the top). TS was 9.3. I'm not a huge PFF guy, but they do appear to dig a bit deeper (and often better catch the complete picture). Their rating of QBs tracks (and rates) things such as: throws completed into tight windows, completion percentage under pressure, completion percentage from a clean pocket, big time throw percentage, creating outside structure, accuracy, turnover worthy play rate, completion percentage outside the pocket, QB fault/uncatchable throw rate, completions on throws of 10+ yards, decision making, accuracy, etc., etc. For 2020, they rated Shough 11th out of 12 starting QBs in the Pac-12, ahead of only Utah's Bentley. His overall just passing grade was 9th out of 12. This in a season where the Pac-12 didn't really seem overwhelmed with top QB play (Mills, Slovis, Morris at the top).

The Register Guard (Jan. 22) reported DeRuyter earned $825,000 at Cal in 2020. Initial articles just reported the contract's base of $400,000. Incentives brought that up (including $300,000 for retention).

The recruiting bo-bo at Notre Dame didn't seem too bad, anyone know what Todd Lyght's plans are?

As well, things appear to be heating up for another top four star (at a position of need), Avante Dickerson (national #121, CB #8). Snow College JC OL Jordan Moko (#6 JC, #1 OT) also I believe is a guy with a spot if he chooses. JTT of course (national #3, #2 SDE). Uncommitted four star S/WR from Hawaii Titus Mokiao-Atimalala (national #302, ATH #19) is another name that still seems in play.

I've read too it was just a preemptive move to try to keep Sirmon from leaving. Very similar to what the UW did with Kwaitkowski and Lake. Between Wilcox, DeRuyter, Sirmon, and DB coach Marcel Yates, Cal had 4 guys with recent DC experience, it was unlikely Cal could keep them all. I'd imagine TDR has no no more forgotten how to call defenses than Kwaitkowski did.

Haven't seen this one linked here, some nice background on coach TD: https://www.dailycal.org/2017/11/04/change-coming-defensive-coordinator-tim-deruyter-bears-walking/

Coach just dropped his article and I hadn't even thought of a pass rush heavy "2-4-5" with something like a K.Williams-Dorlus front, Funa and KT as walked up OLBs, ISM (or Flowe) and Sewell inside LBs, and whichever 5 DBs. That's putting together a lot of 4 (or 5) player pass rushing ability on the field together while still allowing for 7 (or 6) player coverages.

Always seemed like a good kid and teammate; but, they tried to run him a little against USC and it was: 8 carries for 13 yards (with a long of 3 yards) His only carry of the 1st half was 3 yards for a 1st down. Second half rushes: 1, -1, 2, 3, 2, 1, and 2 One carry in the bowl game, start of the 4th quarter, 3rd and 1 for no gain forcing a punt. He did have a nice 26 yard catch and run from AB in the 2nd. Might be a good fit reuniting with Arroyo, pairing with RB Charles Williams at UNLV.

"4-3"/"3-4" likely makes for a good topic for off-season discussion. I'd still be surprised to see a base "4-3" and I'm not sure exactly how it appears to be a better fit for returning defensive personal? Popo should be able to step into the nose backed up by Jayson Jones. The following several seasons Jones is about as nose tackle as you are gonna find. I'm not sure about turning Funa in an every down DE either. KT-Popo-Williams-Funa would be a pretty smallish "4-3" front. The OLBs on both sides of the DeRutyer "3-4" are considered to be a rush LBs anyway, one side especially so, often manned by a converted DE. You could put ISM at the more traditional OLB spot and then pair Sewell and Flowe inside. If you end up on obvious passing downs (or whenever desired) you can sub in a nickle and walk Funa up in a "4-2-5". With Pickett gone, instead of replacing him, Hill could move into the other S position. Isn't the greater preference in today's college football towards "3-4s" and variations with a (full time) base nickle defense about getting more guys who can play in space on the field against different types of spread offenses? Returning to a base "4-3" seems to be counter to that approach? One thing for sure (Total PLAYS last 5 games): UO 64 UCLA 82 UO 66 OSU 82 UO 60 Cal 79 UO 60 USC 80 UO 46 Iowa State 85 (Drives of 10+ plays and result) OPPONENT'S 10+ play drives (17) 19 plays (td) - Cal 16 plays (td) - OSU 15 plays (td) - Iowa State 14 plays (td) - Iowa State 13 plays (td) - UCLA 13 plays (td) - Cal 13 plays (downs) - OSU 13 plays (fg) - Iowa St. 12 plays (td) - USC 12 plays (fg) - USC 12 plays (td) - USC 12 plays (td) - UCLA 11 plays (fg) - OSU 10 plays (td) - OSU 10 plays (fg) - OSU 10 plays (td) - UCLA 10 plays (fumble) - Iowa State OREGON'S 10+ play drives (6) 14 plays (td) - USC 13 plays (fg) - UCLA 11 plays (fg) - USC 11 plays (td) - OSU 10 plays (td) - OSU 10 plays (fg) - Cal something a little more aggressive will be welcomed. "Bend but don't break" still needed to get off the field at some point - and didn't do so very well in 2020. The big total play discrepancy and long drives allowed these last 5 games are trends that needs to go away in 2021.

Well past time to move on for sure. When people suggest the Pac-12 has had little conception of "urgency", to it's detriment, this appears an excellent example.

Doing some reading around different programs, the message board fan opinion tends to lean toward OC and DC becoming less and less a primary recruiting positions? I don't know if it is now a even stronger emphasis/responsibility put upon position coaches, or an expansion of the role of support staff? Don't really have any conclusions on the matter, but it seems to be out there?