OregonDucks

It sounds like the SEC hoped to build a wall around the State of Texas with the addition of the Longhorns. Hasn’t happened as expected…

It would be great to keep Dante just under the threshold for a redshirt so that he can get some snaps to work on his game. Hopefully, Oregon can get a huge lead and Dante can play most of the second half in some of the earlier games so that he is ready, if needed. Shouldn’t be a problem against the cupcakes on our schedule like Oregon State…

Surprised that the B1G didn’t meet the 4 joining team’s demands that all Midwest and Northeast road games be played early in the season or in domes… 😉

And this is why recruiting at a high level and player retention is so important - it results in depth. Dan Lanning wants to play aggressive, physical football. That is inevitably going to lead to dings and injuries, especially with a lengthened season (and playing 8 straight weeks this season). We need depth and a minimal drop off from the starters to manage through the long season to achieve the team’s goal. The Alabama’s and Georgia’s have been able to get to that level and it’s paid off with multiple national championships. Hopefully, Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks are on the same trajectory.

Having the highest NIL (payroll) does not guarantee success (see Texas A&M). You also want the right players, who fit the system, want to be in your program, will work hard, and be good teammates and representatives of your university.

LOL. You could also ask them when A&M’s last football CONFERENCE championship was…

In general, in college sports annoying = passionate. I’ll take that everyday over arrogance.

Alabama has a lower average star rating than Oregon’s. They are only ranked higher, at this point, because they have more commitments. Let that sink in. Maybe Alabama’s NIL donors stepped up or Alabama just sells itself? It’s in a hotbed of talent, which can’t be said of the PNW. Still don’t think DeBour is a good recruiter but I’ll never oppose a dig at the mutts up North.

As they say, “the cream will rise to the top.” I wouldn’t bet against Dante Moore and obviously our coaches felt the same way since they recruited him a second time, as a transfer. Dante throws a beautiful, accurate ball. Hopefully he is able to learn how to play the position at this level this year (e.g., game prep). How many QBs have been written off early in their careers only to be “late bloomers”?

I initially thought the same thing but Dan Lanning does not let up and I’d much rather have a commitment than trying to flip someone late. Dan Lanning is like prime Tiger Woods with a lead on Sunday. Dakorien’s highlights are ridiculous. He makes acrobatic, contested catches. Makes defenders look silly in space (like DAT). He deserves every bit of his 5 star rating.

Reportedly the B1G originally wanted Oregon and USC. Fox is the one who wanted to grab both LA schools.

Same with UCLA. I don’t see them being competitive in the B1G but they are desperate for the pay.

Correction: Oregon ENTERS the B1G with the second most talented roster in the conference (behind only Ohio State).

I really like Josh Pate. He is knowledgeable, well spoken and likes Dan Lanning and the Oregon Ducks.

“As Oregon prepares to make its move to the Big Ten, its obvious recruiting prowess should be alarming to all of its new conference rivals.” USC to B1G schools: “That’s what we’ve been trying to tell you!!!”

Like J Stew, sounds like he should be able to play right away. Man amongst boys.

Not the same game but this spectacular catch vs. USC happened right in front of us.

Realignment was all about the money so I’ll be rooting for as many B1G teams to make and go far in the playoffs as possible. Of course, I’ll be rooting for some of our former conference mates, especially Utah, Cal, Stanford and the Arizona schools.

Glad to see DAT back in Eugene. He’s one of the most electric players to ever wear the Oregon uniform. I’d have nightmares about seeing DAT break through to the second level, if I were an opposing safety. Does anyone know what he’s been up to since retiring from the NFL?

With NIL, a school could have a huge roster of “non-scholarship” players. Something needs to be done to try to maintain a “level playing field” among the top college football conferences teams. My belief is that players earning NIL and paying their own tuition should be classified the same as scholarship players. It doesn’t matter if the school or a NIL collective is paying tuition, room and board. College football should maintain the true walk-on tradition for those players who might have been overlooked during the recruiting process. If they receive and accept an NIL, then they should be counted against the scholarship limit. This will require coordination between the school and their NIL collectives but that probably isn’t a bad thing.

And then Oregon is kicked out of the B1G?!!!

That’s a good point. Midwesterners travel very well for away football games. I just wonder if they would travel south, in numbers, for 2-3 weeks in a row. Seems like there should be more balance and maybe the championship game or semi finals is in the south but not all the playoff rounds.

Unfortunately, it appears that MM was one of those players who was wonderful in college but, for whatever reason, was not able to translate that success in the NFL. There is no shame in that. He has lasted longer than most players at the highest level. MM should have many opportunities to choose from when he decides to hang up the cleats and I’m sure that he will be successful in anything he does. He will always be one of my favorite Ducks of all time and I was so proud when he won and accepted the Heisman trophy.

From what I’ve seen, Akili Smith, Jr. has a good arm, throws a nice deep ball and is mobile. If he has the maturity and patience then Oregon is definitely the right place for him to develop as he’ll be able to sit behind Dante Moore for a couple of years.