Official Oregon Anxiety Period Begins...

[Charles Fischer]

The endless string of analyses, the tons of articles stating the same things, my trepidation about the massive implications of this upcoming game....and nearly another week to wait?

 

I am going to be a muttering-mass-of-protoplasm by the time the game gets here. 

 

I will be so nervous about winning, that I won't even be able to actually "see" what action is going on from an analysis standpoint.  This is one of the worst build-ups for me in a long time, if not ever.  If it were not Ohio State again, and if they did not look so darn impressive in their pasting of Tennessee--I would not be as wacko.

 

Anybody got a tranquilizer?

 

 

[mikethehiker]

It is agonizing, although I do think the 37 day lead up to the 2010-11 title game against Auburn was much more agonizing.

 

I'm very confident in what Oregon has shown this season.  Both teams have counter schemes for every scheme.  It will come down to players making extraordinary plays in crucial moments and Oregon has demonstrated that multiple times already this season.

[criticalduck]

On 12/26/2024 at 11:19 AM, mikethehiker said:

It will come down to players making extraordinary plays in crucial moments

With all three phases equal, player make-up, it comes down to coaches. Which team, of the last 8 teams, has the best coaches/staff (most prepared)?

 

Answer: OBD! SCO Ducks!!

[jrw]

Totally agree, Charles, this wait is crazy-making, the worst ever. I can't read another article analyzing, predicting, or whatever-ing about the coming game; everything has been said a hundred times, ad nauseum. Just play the freakin' game and put us out of the misery of waiting!

[Jon Joseph]

I'm so ticked off about tOSU being the 8-seed that I'm too Playoff PO'd to be anxious!

 

I know Boise drives OBD bat spit, but out of tOSU, ASU, Notre Dame, and Boise, which team would you least want to play in the quarter-finals?

 

BASH THE BUCKEYES!

 

[Over/Under: 16? How often during the Rose Bowl does Herbie whine over too few eSECpn teams in the tourney? At least once for each team?]

[Chuck Duck]

I no longer let the anxiety sink in as much as I used to. If Oregon is the better team, they will win. If they are not the better team they will lose. I just can’t worry about things I can’t control. However, I really want Oregon to win so I can rub it in to my neighbors who are huge tOSU fans.

Edited Thursday at 08:05 PM by Chuck Duck

[woundedknees]

Leave.NO.Doubt.

Crush the BukNutz!

 

[Jon Joseph]

On 12/26/2024 at 3:04 PM, Chuck Duck said:

I no longer let the anxiety sink in as much as I used to. If Oregon is the better team, they will win. If they are not the better team they will lose. I just can’t worry about things I can’t control. However, I really want Oregon to win so I can rub it in to my neighbors who are huge tOSU fans.

And you call yourself a FANATIC! If I could only Grow Up and be this mature. Great comment, thanks.

[OregonDucks]

On 12/26/2024 at 3:04 PM, Chuck Duck said:

If Oregon is the better team, they will win.

I would amend your statement, as follows:

 

“If Oregon is the better team [on January 1st], they will win.”
 

The tough thing about sudden death is that the “best” team doesn’t always win. Just the team who plays the best / makes the fewest mistakes, on that particular day. I believe that Oregon and Ohio State are pretty evenly matched. That is what makes me nervous.  

Edited Thursday at 08:38 PM by OregonDucks

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/26/2024 at 12:38 PM, OregonDucks said:

I believe that Oregon and Ohio State are pretty evenly matched

I believe that our QB and OC are better, and that will be the slight edge in the Rose Bowl!

 

[Jon Joseph]

No Great Team in 2024! COME ON MAN! Bring It On Dan!

 

 

Why the 8 Playoff teams remaining can and can’t win the national title

SATURDAYTRADITION.COM

---

Why the 8 quarterfinalists can all win the title on Jan. 20, and why all 8 could possibly fall short in their quest to rule college football.

 

Let's See This in Hotlanta on 1/20/25!

[cartm25]

On 12/26/2024 at 12:01 PM, Charles Fischer said:

The endless string of analyses, the tons of articles stating the same things, my trepidation about the massive implications of this upcoming game....and nearly another week to wait?

 

I am going to be a muttering-mass-of-protoplasm by the time the game gets here. 

 

I will be so nervous about winning, that I won't even be able to actually "see" what action is going on from an analysis standpoint.  This is one of the worst build-ups for me in a long time, if not ever.  If it were not Ohio State again, and if they did not look so darn impressive in their pasting of Tennessee--I would not be as wacko.

 

Anybody got a tranquilizer?

 

 

IF I had a tranquilizer, unfortunately, I would need it for myself.

[HDuck]

Today Kansas State plays Rutgers in a bowl game.   KSU is led by QB Avery Johnson, a dual-threat type, who actually visited Oregon while in high school recruiting mode.

 

KSU "pushed out" current Ohio State QB Will Howard to make a playing opportunity for Johnson this season.  Howard assessed his NFL draft stock, and chose the portal instead for one more year and ended up at tOSU.   Johnson had multi-years ahead, and KSU didn't want to lose him and telegraphed to Howard that it was Johnson's job to lose in 2024.

 

You gotta think Howard will be extremely motivated to carry tOSU as far as possible.

 

2:30 today, Thursday, Johnson will try to carry KSU to a win over Rutgers.

 

 

[1Ducker1]

My anxiety feels like back in high school when I would get a call on the P.A. from the schools office --Mr. 1Ducker1 please stop by the Principal's office after school.

[HappyToBeADuck]

I think there are 2 great teams in the final 8 teams. OBD's and osu2  Unfortunately they are meeting in the Rose Bowl and not the Natty.

 

Charles, the waiting has created a level of excitememt that has reduced to a main course of extreme anxiety. With a large side order of frustation. All the negative articles, clips and comments have just worn me down as the clock slowly ticks to 2:00 pm Pacific on 1-1-25.

 

Having to face the 2nd coming of the illegitimate offspring of a trojan/husky whine fest (osu2) gives me indigestion.

 

To add to this we have all had to be bombarded with everything that is wrong with the first 12 team playoff. For this fan it stops here. I am grateful for the 12 team playoff opportunity. We didnt need it this year. Yet next year 10-2 may not get us in the 12 team playoff. Getting invited is what counts and a screwed up 12 team CFP is better than a SEC/ESPN rigged BCS or 4 team invitationsl

 

When OBD's step on the field against osu2, i take comfort that we have the best QB with a never before 62 starts under his belt. OBD's has NFL talent on the O line, tight end and skill position players that osu2 had no answers for in October. OBDF hopes they will have NO ANSWER in the Rose Bowl

 

 

When the Duck D is on the field, no matter who Oregon plays at the edge rusher position, well they will be playing in the NFL. osu2 only has 1 player who creates a potential mismatch. Shut down the run game, bracket their best receiver and put Howard on his butt. He cannot beat us.

 

This fan has not seen OBD's play a 60 minute, all 3 phases dominant game. Buckle up because the CFP is about to see it in the Rose Bowl. Day and his players have to figure out how to beat OBD's. That is the tallest task in these playoffs.

 

Does any one on this Forum think that DL will not have his team bring the A+ effort?

 

Go Ducks........being it all and leave it all on the field. You are 3 wins away from greatness.

[Duckhart2]

Dillon needs 250 yards plus passing to have a chance to outscore the osu. And, we need to keep Howard under 175.

[30Duck]

On 12/26/2024 at 11:01 AM, Charles Fischer said:

and if they did not look so darn impressive in their pasting of Tennessee--I would not be as wacko.

I hope osu2 is thinking they were 'darn impressive' too pasting Tennessee and that now Oregon shouldn't be any problem. That and their belief that the OPI cost them the game is just where I want osu2's mindset to be. 

[cartm25]

Another thing giving me anxiety is that the Ducks have yet to "handle" a really good team.

 

They've come out the winner but it's been close and uncomfortable every time. See:

- BSU

- tOSU

- Penn State - This one looked like it was going to be "that" game when it was 28-10, but got WAY too close for comfort.

 

Last thing my heart needs is a nail-biter against tOSU.

Edited Thursday at 10:47 PM by cartm25

[Charles Fischer]

On 12/26/2024 at 2:19 PM, cartm25 said:

Last thing my heart needs is a nail-biter against tOSU.

A little alcohol will calm things down...

 

 

[HDuck]

"Getting invited is what counts and a screwed up 12 team CFP is better than a SEC/ESPN rigged BCS or 4 team invitational"

 

As noted in a The Athletic column, more teams mean more programs make the "investment" in their programs because they have a "chance."   Even if they fall short as the No. 13 or No. 14 team, or they succumb to the moment and become a blowout loss, that investment provides more teams playing at a higher level during the regular season.   That benefits their fans, and creates more interest in college football in the regular season.

 

For programs like Indiana, SMU, BYU, Iowa State, Louisville, Ole Miss, Missouri to name just a few, the "chance" is a tide that raises more boats.

[Sandy Rocks]

This team gained a huge amount of confidence from beating Ohio State before. They are not the same team that played last October. They have become a poised, confident, methodical machine. I am concerned about the long break. It's great that they are healthy but my greatest worry is that they will come out sluggish. They need to score right away and maintain the lead.

 

No one can catch them in that situation. I think I saw a statistic that Lanning is 25-0 when the team scores first. They need to be ready and aggressive, keep the pedal to the medal all four quarters if they do that and they still lose they will have given everything. No shame in that.

 

[30Duck]

On 12/26/2024 at 2:19 PM, cartm25 said:

Another thing giving me anxiety is that the Ducks have yet to "handle" a really good team.

 

They've come out the winner but it's been close and uncomfortable every time. See:

- BSU

- tOSU

- Penn State - This one looked like it was going to be "that" game when it was 28-10, but got WAY too close for comfort.

 

No argument that it would have been nice if Oregon had kept that lead over Penn State and won a laugher. Would osu2 still be favored in the Rose Bowl? But I'm not going to see a downside to Oregon finding ways to win. sometimes the special teams made the plays, or the defense, but in none of the close games, did Oregon cede control of the game. 

 

[Steven A]

On 12/26/2024 at 12:04 PM, Chuck Duck said:

If Oregon is the better team, they will win. If they are not the better team they will lose.

On January 1st for sure, leave the zoo animals/zebras out of it.

On 12/26/2024 at 2:40 PM, Charles Fischer said:

A little alcohol

Don't limit yourself.

[David Marsh]

On 12/26/2024 at 1:00 PM, Charles Fischer said:

I believe that our QB and OC are better, and that will be the slight edge in the Rose Bowl!

 

We have Mad Man Dan! 

 

What Is Mad Man Dan Cooking Up Next? | FishDuck

FISHDUCK.COM

---

Dan Lanning has put together an undefeated season so far at 11-0 and the Ducks are effectively a lock for...

 

 

I can guarantee he's cooking up something to frustrate Ryan Day. 

 

We'll have Jordan Burch this time. 

 

We'll have better offensive execution. 

 

Our offensive line is gelling and has more depth than it has all season with Harper ans Iuli both healthy. 

 

So what's cookin' Dan? 

 

 

[DanLduck]

I get the anxiety. I'm a father.

Waiting for my daughter to be born was excruciating. Most of us have been there.

But we are exactly where we wanted to be in August. In the playoffs. 

 

Sure, playing tOSU in the finals may have been easier to tolerate, but we still would need to beat them. So it shouldn't really matter when we do.

 

I for one can't wait to see this game. It has all the makings of a classic. 

Two great teams battling it out on the field.

 

Here are a few of my thoughts that reduce my stress about the game.

1. Lanning has shown quick improvement on the coaching decision front. I trust his preparation and leadership. 

 

2. Dillon Gabriel is a calm, poised, experienced leader. He plays his best at the biggest moments. 

 

3. We play at the Rose Bowl. In recent times we have played very well there. Our guys will feel at home.

 

4. We are as healthy as we've been all year.

 

5. I think we have better in-game managers and play callers. (Neither Day or Kelly have beaten an Oregon team. Ever)

 

Lastly, just remember we left points on the field last time. They didn't. Oh yeah, and they LOST to Michigan, at home!

 

Trust the process. The team has been building for this all year. They won't disappoint. 

 

Let's go Ducks!

 

PS.  I too will have some alcohol on hand...just for celebrating of course.

 

[30Duck]

On 12/26/2024 at 7:02 PM, DanLduck said:

Here are a few of my thoughts that reduce my stress about the game.

1. Lanning has shown quick improvement on the coaching decision front. I trust his preparation and leadership. 

 

2. Dillon Gabriel is a calm, poised, experienced leader. He plays his best at the biggest moments. 

 

3. We play at the Rose Bowl. In recent times we have played very well there. Our guys will feel at home.

 

4. We are as healthy as we've been all year.

 

5. I think we have better in-game managers and play callers. (Neither Day or Kelly have beaten an Oregon team. Ever)

 

Lastly, just remember we left points on the field last time. They didn't. Oh yeah, and they LOST to Michigan, at home!

 

Trust the process. The team has been building for this all year. They won't disappoint. 

 

Let's go Ducks!

Not a counter argument to any of those. And, Oregon's best defensive player, Jordan Burch didn't play, who knows the difference he'll make against the injury riddled OL of osu2, pass rush and against the run, that's on defense. On offense Sadiq wasn't part of the plan. He might not jump over a Buckeye, but he's going to do something that osu2 doesn't have an answer for. 

 

 

[PittDuck]

Oregon has won tight games and blowouts.  They have come from behind to win. Multiple times.  That builds confidence
 

The Defense has bailed the Offense out when needed , and the Offense has bailed out the Defense when needed.

 

They have shown that they trust each other,   They have playmakers all over the field on both sides of the ball.  Those playmakers step up and make plays for their teammates.

 

I am more than reasonably confident that OBD emerges victorious on New Year’s Day and that DL and staff will guide this team to a 16-0 season!

 

Having said that, I will indeed be on pins and needles during this game (and every game) because over the years I have seen the breaks break wrong at the wrong time too many times to forget.  
 

I have faith that this team will overcome my anxieties.

[Grandpa Duck]

Charles, relax.  Do as I did and review the first game with tOSU, imagining in your mind that our healthy defensive line with Burch playing will be going up against their depleted offensive line.  Then our healthy offensive line will face their defensive line that has not played against two of them before.  You know that the game will be decided in the trenches where we have more strength and depth.

 

Gabriel is the superior QB, and Lanning is the superior coach.  OBD will win!

[GatOrlando]

Bad news is this will be the toughest opponent in the playoff. Good news is this is the toughest opponent you'll see in the playoff and you know you can beat them. Get past them and it's likely Texas with a hobbled QB in Ewers that let Cade Klubnik look like Tom Brady.

 

Then it's Penn State, a less talented team than either Texas or Ohio State and a team you were up two scores on just about the whole BTCG. Or Georgia with a backup QB.

[cartm25]

On 12/27/2024 at 1:28 AM, GatOrlando said:

Bad news is this will be the toughest opponent in the playoff. Good news is this is the toughest opponent you'll see in the playoff and you know you can beat them. Get past them and it's likely Texas with a hobbled QB in Ewers that let Cade Klubnik look like Tom Brady.

 

Then it's Penn State, a less talented team than either Texas or Ohio State and a team you were up two scores on just about the whole BTCG. Or Georgia with a backup QB.

I think this is partially contributing to the anxiety:

 

There are very flawed/injured teams at the top, so it almost has a “win this year, or else it’s going to be way harder next time.”

[TheRunningDuck]

Wasn't there a Willie Nelson song, Buck Eyes Crying in the Rain?

[30Duck]

On 12/27/2024 at 6:24 AM, cartm25 said:

There are very flawed/injured teams at the top, so it almost has a “win this year, or else it’s going to be way harder next time.”

That, and the redundancy Oregon has had to deal with. They went through the B1G undefeated, beating osu2, but they had to win the B1G CCG, over Penn State to claim the championship. Now they have to beat osu2 again! I came upon an article a while ago titled "Why each team can't win the championship"

 

Most of the "why's" for the other teams were, lack of depth, lack of running game, porous secondary, etc., etc. For Oregon:

 

The Ducks have all the ingredients to run the table and go 16-0. But it’s just so hard to go undefeated in this era of college football, particularly with having to win 3 Playoff games like Oregon does instead of 2 as it was in the 4-team Playoff era. Throw in a nasty draw for a No. 1 seed, where the Ducks would potentially have to beat Ohio State, Texas and Georgia, and it just might be a little too tall an order for a team that’s way overdue to lose a game.

 

 

[Jon Joseph]

On 12/27/2024 at 9:43 AM, 30Duck said:

That, and the redundancy Oregon has had to deal with. They went through the B1G undefeated, beating osu2, but they had to win the B1G CCG, over Penn State to claim the championship. Now they have to beat osu2 again! I came upon an article a while ago titled "Why each team can't win the championship"

 

Most of the "why's" for the other teams were, lack of depth, lack of running game, porous secondary, etc., etc. For Oregon:

 

The Ducks have all the ingredients to run the table and go 16-0. But it’s just so hard to go undefeated in this era of college football, particularly with having to win 3 Playoff games like Oregon does instead of 2 as it was in the 4-team Playoff era. Throw in a nasty draw for a No. 1 seed, where the Ducks would potentially have to beat Ohio State, Texas and Georgia, and it just might be a little too tall an order for a team that’s way overdue to lose a game.

 

 

 

Thanks, 30. The entire article is up on the pregame Rose Bowl posts.

 

[GatOrlando]

On 12/27/2024 at 7:24 AM, cartm25 said:

I think this is partially contributing to the anxiety:

 

There are very flawed/injured teams at the top, so it almost has a “win this year, or else it’s going to be way harder next time.”

Getting your first title is a big achievement. To do it you would have to 16 games and beat five straight championship caliber opponents in a row. The first team to do any of that. I don't think we're going to be seeing many undefeated squads going forward.

[Dr Hilarius]

On 12/27/2024 at 6:43 AM, 30Duck said:

it just might be a little too tall an order for a team that’s way overdue to lose a game

This logic is hilarious... OBD are more likely to lose because they haven’t lost yet.

 

I know the 3 door problem says you should change course after the first win, but football isn’t a game of chance.