tee duke

Mostly I feel bad for the Duck players. Losing is part of competition just as winning is. But, even while shorthanded at several key positions, the team just didn't make it as competitive a game as it could have. I hope the players who return use that loss, that miserable feeling in the pit of their stomach, that silence in the locker room after the game, as a motivator. That can be powerful driver for them in their next game, their next season, and in their future lives.

I'm sure you've noticed that Cignetti does the weirdest thing with his eyes. They are all over the place. And the facial expressions are pretty unique, too.

Great article and lots of good information from so many knowledgeable contributors. The real value of this forum is how much good information one can get from it. I can only add two thoughts about Ducks vs Indiana, Round 2: I'd like to see a better performance from the offensive line this time round in keeping Dante from getting sacked and having to scramble. And I'd like to see the ball get out faster. Oh, and based what I've noticed in the last few games, I'll add a third: Please minimize those passes behind the line. They haven't seemed to work on good, quick defenses.

Despite the many eyes on a play and the frequent review of videos. It's anyone's guess how game officials will call any contested pass play.

The Hoosiers' Defense is stout and may well be the determining factor in Round 2. I suspect the Duck Offensive Line is motivated to rewrite the outcome this time.

Indiana sacked Dante six times, I believe. That should not be allowed to happen this time around.

64 yards rushing. Yes, TT has a top defense, which they proved. Mostly against the run. So why did we send our backs into the middle of their line over and over with so little to show for it? And did any of our passes behind the line of scrimmage ever pay off. Or did most lose yardage? We can also be thankful Tech's QB couldn't hit the broad side of a barn. Their offense was highly overrated. But our play calling needs to be better. Indiana has a top defense, too. But they also come with an offense that can run and pass very effectively. This will be the Ducks' supreme test. I'm just glad we get a 2nd shot at Indiana. Because the winner will take it all.

Our Defense got a lot of help by their QB's incompletions. And I can't fathom why we would continue running into the middle of their defense and also risking Dante with runs, most or all of which did not get a first down. He was limping at one point in the 2nd half. Shaking my head.

Looking forward to that as long as we never see those officials again.

You bring up a good point about the dark uniforms. I know the changing uniforms is part of Oregon's DNA and appeals to the players and I'm all in favor of that. But with all the technology that goes into developing athletic apparel today you would think the role of color, as Grandpa Duck pointed out, might be turned into a competitive advantage, rather than just treated as a fashion statement.

Nine games into the season and I'm wondering where the Ducks scoring offense has gone. Iowa played tough and had more passing yards. That's right, run first Iowa had more passing yards. Our Offense is struggling to put points on the board. Hats off to Atticus who made the difference with three good kicks, especially that last one. Our Defense on Iowa's last drive was especially concerning, with a wide open receiver prancing right down the middle of the field for a big gainer and a touchdown play that screamed "Watch out for the QB!" who walked in for an easy score. With the exception of some flashes that belong on a highlights reel, the Ducks just don't look like they are playing up to the level of their talent. Something is not working.

The Defense shouldn't be expected to carry this team. Our Offensive firepower has simply failed to live up to expectations. This is not a formula for success. Something needs to change.

Let's toss out the lopsided wins and look at the numbers from the Penn State, Indiana, and Wisconsin games. 4.5, 2.7, and 4.6 yards per rush. Last time I looked we don't have Rutgers next up on our schedule.

It's not the uniforms. The Ducks can wear whatever they want. The problem for me has been disappointing performance. They can play in their PJs for all I care. As long as they perform, it matters not what they're wearing. When the uniforms become the story you know performance is a problem.

No panic here, just concern. Sacks are a red flag for me. Indiana penetrated at will and very effectively. O-Line play has been my biggest disappointment. They seem unable to open holes for our backs, who can be explosive. It's just not happening like it should. And I really don't want to see more behind the line passes, none, no more. Lastly, Dante needs to get the ball out faster, at least some of the time. Indiana's Mendoza and the freshman from tOSU fire passes like lightning. We need more of that. If we get it, we will be fine.

Nice to see Vandy take it to LSU, Georgia play tough right through to the end against Ole Miss, enjoy the total dogfight between Utah and BYU, and see Arizona State beat Texas Tech. Good going Dilly! TOSU looks like the most capable scoring machine on the field this year and with a freshman QB who is shockingly good.

Biggest surprise was how lame the Scarlet Knights offense looked against the Ducks. They seemed more capable the few times I've seen them play this year. Second biggest was the absence of Novostad. What's that all about?

Mendoza got the ball out quickly. So did Penix, I recall. Indiana took advantage of being able to pressure Dante. Six sacks is a killer. I don't imagine Rutgers will be able to match Indiana's pressure. But if I were calling the Ducks' game I would run a lot.

8 sacks and a lot of hurries by Dante. That speaks volumes. Lots of reasons for that stat, as many have pointed out, but that's a helluva tough hill to climb for any team.

Indiana wiped the floor with Illinois. They also played with great intensity. All those sacks! That's the kind of fire we need to see from the Ducks. So far they haven't played with that kind of intensity against a strong opponent, since they haven't faced one yet this season.

We are not performing well against genuinely weak teams. The Beavs? Montana State? Northwestern? And a somewhat crippled Oklahoma State? There's a real test ahead at Happy Valley. And Indiana is no slouch either, based on how they handled Illinois. Unless our defense can stop the run and our offense can run the ball against strong defensive teams, this is not going to be an easy schedule to navigate successfully.

Oregon's lackluster effort is disappointing, despite some great receptions. I expect to see more effort in the 2nd half. The Ducks had better get things worked out for the Penn State game.

I was disappointed in the Ducks line play. Northwestern's D line, hardly up to the level of Penn State, made things rough for our run game, particularly up the middle.

I compliment Coach Lanning on the way he handled the Gundy comment. Class with sass.

I remember when Roger Bannister broke the 4-minute mile and turned me into a track fan. Then Pre rekindled that original fire. They both live on.