OregonDucks

It would have been better if Oregon had not played in the conference championship game or lost. Then you get a first round “warm up” game at home before facing the next team on a neutral field, coming off a 3+ week bye. Makes no sense. Luckily Georgia lost too so changes are more likely sooner rather than later.

The game was 20-3 with less than 2 minutes to go in the first half. Oregon was not going to win that game with UW’s offense.

Or an extra game (vs. a 10-2 SEC or B1G team watching the conference championship game).

I would also eliminate conference championship games but that is not up to the playoff committee. However, the committee could say that they will consider the result of the conference championship games in their playoff ranking and selection criteria. That might make conferences reconsider.

I think the playoff committee needs to look at a couple of things: 1. Seeding should be based on the committee’s rankings, not based on conference champions (like the NCAA basketball tournament) 2. The playoffs should start the week after the last conference games 3. The first 2-3 rounds should be at the home stadium of the higher seeded teams (a real advantage) 4. The college football playoffs should conclude around January 1st, preferably at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena

…after the 24+ day layoff, including the B1G and SEC champions.

Actually, it’s 3 out of 6: • Georgia “neutral site” game • Washington in Pac-12 Championship Game • Ohio State in Rose Bowl I certainly don’t hold the Georgia loss against him given it was his first game as the Oregon coach and he was going up against one of the great teams of the modern college football era. The other two games his teams were not prepared. Last year’s conference championship game was not as close as the score indicated. UW jumped all over Oregon (like Alabama did to Georgia this year) and the game was really over in the first half.

We could have blitzed the linebackers. You can’t let a QB sit back in the pocket and pick you apart, especially if the safeties aren’t in the right place and are giving up big plays anyway. Might as well be aggressive and try to get pressure on Howard. He has made mistakes when under pressure. Unfortunately, Oregon’s defensive line was not able to get pressure only rushing 4. Oregon’s defense got gashed in the ground (7 yards per carry) and beat deep through the air. What exactly were they trying to do? Usually you aim to take something away from the offense.

With all due respect, what have the coaches been doing the past 24 days? Not enough time to add new wrinkles and make adjustments on offense or defense?

I turned off the Rose Bowl midway through the first half but saw more of a bend but don’t break defense this season. Where were all of the zone blitzes / simulated pressures that we saw at Georgia? This is year 3 under Coach Lanning and Coach Lupoi. Shouldn’t we have a defense that isn’t confused and out of position? At least Boise State’s defense was aggressive and blitzed Texas like crazy. That’s better than sitting back, getting no QB pressure, and still getting burned.

Look at our running stats the past 2 games (OSU’s top 2 RBs averaged 7.2 yards per carry) and then watch the tape. The LBers are out of position and then take bad angles. They are also not fast / athletic enough to cover RBs or TEs. Oregon has had better LB units when we were recruiting in the 10-20 range.

Good post. My only contention is that Oregon came out flat / unprepared in the PAC-12 Championship Game last year. That is what this game reminded me of and it also ended our playoff aspirations. Coach Lanning doesn’t lose often but when he does, half the time it’s a blowout…go big or go home?!

As I mentioned in another thread, I like Coach Lupoi as a person, and think he is a really good recruiter and defensive line coach but I’m not sure he is an elite DC. IIRC, Coach Saban “demoted” Coach Lupoi at Alabama (took away his playcalling duties?). After 3 years, players should understand the basics of the defense and at least be in the right position. What we saw the last two games was an embarrassment - players were regularly confused and completely out of position both in run fits and in coverage. That should not happen at this level (other than the occasional play). We’ve seen teams with less talent put better defenses on the field (Oregon State, Boise State). Also, where is the player development? Other than one defensive end and the linebackers (who are a major part of the problem), Oregon has completely relied on transfer players. I would expect to see more contributions from sophomores/ juniors by now. IMHO, Coach Lanning needs to be either more involved with the defense (game planning, coaching, calling plays) or find someone who can elevate Oregon’s defense to be championship caliber. I believe that we have a former DC on staff (secondary coach) who managed to beat USC and Caleb Williams in a bowl game? I’d also look for other proven DCs - I personally think Andy Avalos did a heck of a job before he left Oregon to become the HC of his ala mater (he’s currently the DC at TCU). Give him a call!

Stewart did not have the production that many expected, outside of the first Ohio State game. Not sure what his plans are but he needs to become more consistent (improve his route running?). If you are going to be a top receiver, you cannot have one big game and then disappear for the next several games.

The Ohio State game reminds me of last year's Pac-12 Championship game. Oregon just didn't show up, until it was too late.

The playoff format is a joke and Oregon got completely hosed. Can someone name another example of the #1 overall seed being an underdog in the first playoff game they play?

With a playoffs, you only need to be consistent enough to get into the field and then peak at the right time.

It was a pleasure watching you play football this year and over the past several, and grow as young men. We appreciate everything that you gave to the University of Oregon. You were terrific ambassadors for the program and the University, and will succeed wherever life takes you. To seniors and juniors entering the NFL draft: "Once a Duck, always a Duck!"

+1,000,000 Coach Lanning needs to be more involved in the defense or find a new defensive coordinator. I like Coach Tosh and think he's a heck of a recruiter and defensive line coach. However, in year #3, there is no excuse for being this bad on that side of the ball (unless you really can't recruit and develop elite defensive talent in Eugene). Maybe give Andy Avalos a call and see if he would be interested in returning to Eugene?

Ohio State is the better team and are pissed off.

I'm done. TV is off. Will check on the score in a couple of hours...

I've muted the TV. LOL. It was like listening to fingernails on a chalkboard.

Great effort by an overmatched ASU team. I was hoping that they would knock off Texas and they had some chances. Great season by Coach Dilligham and that program. Exceeded all expectations. Hopefully this game and season will help them land some recruits to narrow the gap with the "blue bloods."

Great idea. Have we attempted more than one pass to the TEs?

The linebackers are the weak spot of the defense, IMO, and the safeties aren't good enough to make up for it. We need to recruit and develop those SEC linebackers that were the cornerstone of Alabama and Georgia's championship defenses.