NJDuck Moderator No. 1 Share Posted October 29 The Ducks are plowing through most of their Big Ten opponents and look like the clear-cut best team in the league There are hallmarks of great teams that aren't difficult to notice. First of all, if you ever stand next to them on the field, it's hard not to notice how different the elite teams look physically. I remember being on the field before the College Football Playoff National Championship between Alabama and Georgia at Lucas Oil Stadium and being amazed by the players I saw on both teams. Compared to what I had seen at other games, everybody in uniform on that field (OK, everybody aside from Bryce Young) looked like they were from a different planet. But while body types, speed, athleticism and strength are all key components of great teams, there's another intangible aspect that I think sometimes separates certain teams when they reach the top. There's a ruthlessness that's evident. There are no games off, quarters off or even plays. Some teams show up determined to grind you into dust from the opening kick to the final whistle. It's a ruthlessness I see in Oregon right now. B1G Time: Oregon riding ruthlessness to top of conference, questions abound in Ohio State-Penn State showdown - CBSSports.com WWW.CBSSPORTS.COM The Ducks are plowing through most of their Big Ten opponents and look like the clear-cut best team in the league Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
NYDuck No. 2 Share Posted October 29 Exactly. Elite teams boat race teams. Sure, you'll have to squeak out some ugly ones, but elite teams look the part and it shows on the scoreboard. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sandy Rocks No. 3 Share Posted October 29 It's amazing how much this team has changed since the first two games. They do appear to be driven and focused like you see in so many teams that are playing at the highest level. I have watched the ducks for many years and this defense by far is the best they have ever had. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jon Joseph Moderator No. 4 Share Posted October 29 Beware of HUey BRIS. 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
30Duck Moderator No. 5 Share Posted October 29 I hate to give even the slightest amount of credit to the Oregon detractors during the "Blur" era. But, as exciting and close to winning a Natty. They weren't plowing through their opponents and dominating with their physicality. Mariota's teams were a speed boat that left the other teams in its wake. This Oregon team is a 16 wheeler playing chicken with Honda Civic's 1 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
criticalduck No. 6 Share Posted October 29 And yet, everywhere you read or on every podcast: Oregon is finesse, they don't have the boys in the trenches to go through the big boys. Saturday will show us if the "big boys" and OBD finesse game can compete...but the excuses will fly when OBD win by more than 14.5. It will be that its a down year for "big blue." Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
Charles Fischer Administrator No. 7 Share Posted October 29 That is a good article pointing out the mental aspect being as important, as talent is. So far....Dan has had them mentally ready. Can it continue? 2 Mr. FishDuck Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
OhQuack No. 8 Share Posted October 29 It seems like preseason most experts were saying that Oregon would be faster than almost any team in the Big10, but might not match up physically. I think it's fair to say Oregon has shown they are more than able to handle themselves in the trenches. It's been fun to watch! On a slightly separate note, after seeing Ohio State struggle this past week, what does the Big10 championship race look like now for Oregon? Does the new playoff setup favor playing a weaker opponent in the conference championship to secure the win and a first-round bye? Or do we still hope to get the toughest competitor to improve our perceived strength of schedule? How would you rank the next best teams in the Big10? Penn State, then Indiana, then Ohio State? Ohio State, Penn State, Indiana? Some other combination or even some other team? Just curious what to be rooting for. Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
QuackyQuack No. 9 Share Posted October 29 On 10/29/2024 at 2:58 PM, OhQuack said: Does the new playoff setup favor playing a weaker opponent in the conference championship to secure the win and a first-round bye? Or do we still hope to get the toughest competitor to improve our perceived strength of schedule? 100% strength of schedule will not matter at that point. All that matters if you make the B1G Championship game is to win so you have a first round bye. If you make it to the conference championship and you end up losing that is just one extra game you will be forced to play during a very long season. I for one am going to be rooting for Indiana and then Penn State. 1 Link to post Share on other sites More sharing options...
