So, What About Tosh Lupoi?

[jrw]

Is Lupoi the DC the Ducks want? I fully believe in the Jimmys and Joes argument; OSU yesterday was simply bigger, faster and stronger than Oregon. 
 

But, being bigger, faster and stronger wasn’t what made defensive backs and linebackers consistently confused and/or out of position. 
 

Giving up 78 points and 1,023 yards in the last two games is not good. And neither are the full-season defensive stats. 
 

Is Lupoi doing the best he can with the players he has, or are there more fundamental problems?

[anyotherduck]

This is much bigger than just TL. Yesterday was a stem to stern failure for the Ducks. They simply weren't ready for what they already knew was a bigger, faster and stronger opponent. 

 

The Ducks appeared to have approached yesterday's fiasco as though they were playing Purdue. In the end we got away with one playing tOSU earlier this year.

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

Let’s give this guy another shot.

[30Duck]

It was really unfortunate that this happened in a Playoff game, be it in college or the NFL. That snowball just gets bigger and bigger and then it's a blizzard and OBD definitely didn't have a sled. It sure looked like No.8 Ohio State benefited by getting to play a game last week while No.1 Seed Oregon was left to sit and watch.

[VegasDuck]

Hope he leaves. That was embarrassing.

[JabbaNoBargain]

He’s fine imo, we just lost to the A+ version of the best roster in cfb.

[Just Ducky]

They were just simply a better team.

[cartm25]

Because Dan Lanning is considered a "defensive genius", I cannot separate him from Tosh Lupoi.

 

Trying not to make a rush judgment here, but I think "overall" the defense did well this year.

 

However, in big games against more elite competition, the defense gave up an average of 35 points (range of 31 to 41).

 

Hope that can get figured out, and I trust Lanning to make it happen.

 

Just checked ESPN and, after removing non-P5 schools, Oregon ranked 12th in PPG allowed . . . but did quite poorly in yards allowed (both rushing and passing)

[Akubra91]

Sorry to say this. Seems to me Lanning and company were out coached. Defense didn’t know where to be. It just stunk. Will Stein didn’t have offense ready and couldn’t make adjustments.

[kirklandduck]

On 1/2/2025 at 10:51 AM, cartm25 said:

Because Dan Lanning is considered a "defensive genius", I cannot separate him from Tosh Lupoi.

 

Trying not to make a rush judgment here, but I think "overall" the defense did well this year.

 

However, in big games against more elite competition, the defense gave up an average of 35 points (range of 31 to 41).

 

Hope that can get figured out, and I trust Lanning to make it happen.

 

Just checked ESPN and, after removing non-P5 schools, Oregon ranked 12th in PPG allowed . . . but did quite poorly in yards allowed (both rushing and passing)

I agree, "overall" the defense was good enough to contribute to an undefeated regular season and a B10 conference championship.  But there are definitely areas of weakness to work on that others have noted, specifically LBs and DBs. 

 

Part of that is talent level and time in the system, during the game it was very correctly pointed out that Ohio St had a lot of starters that were 4 or 5 years in their system and that really counts for something.  DL has done an admirable job of speeding up success by being a master of talent evaluation in the transfer portal to plug in vital areas of need.  But to truly get to the pinnacle you need to develop guys in house for multiple years (recent case in point, it's not an anomaly that Bo Nix was better in year 2 here).  

 

DL just wrapped up year 3, which means even his 1st recruiting class are still mostly just redshirt sophomores.  That means next season we should finally start to see the fruits of DL's labor in his recruiting classes and then really see that take off in year 5.  

[OregonDucks]

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!

[Triphibius]

I do not get the criticism of the LBs. 

Boettcher was the fourth rated ILB in college football per PFF. 

 

[noDucknewby]

I'm just not sold on Lupoi. I guess we'll have more to compare when tOSU goes up against Texas' stout defense. 

 

Let's face it, Chip is still an offensive genius and in this game Lupoi just didn't have any answers.  Chip played him like a fiddle.

 

It seems the Buckeyes are really hitting their stride and it's possible they shred everybody.

[OregonDucks]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:23 PM, Triphibius said:

I do not get the criticism of the LBs. 

Boettcher was the fourth rated ILB in college football per PFF. 

 

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.  
 

[Mike West]

Oh I believe DL has his hands all over that defense.  

 

They're looking for a prototype at each position.  DL got it at Georgia, put his stamp all over it and made those boys beyond awesome.

 

Lightening in a bottle.  One in ten million odds.  

 

From my perspective, there just aren't enough players in college football to play the kind of system DL and JL want to run.

 

 I don't want them to stop their talent acquisition strategy though.  

 

I think they'll figure it out.  DL is too driven.  He's going to get that damn title.  

[Dave23]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:20 PM, OregonDucks said:

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.  

Boettcher was a walkon I believe and his development over the last 2 years was nothing short of amazing. What we're really missing is a bunch of five star LBs and DBs that can compete with the talent of the five-star WRs and RBs we we're facing.

[Triphibius]

Sorry if my response seemed contentious, Oregonducks. Boettcher, a fellow Axeman and German, is a favorite of mine. Thank you for your response. 

He is athletic enough to play center field and get drafted by the Astros. He did not appear to me too slow yesterday pursuing Henderson. 

I would admit that Bassa, although no doubt knowledgeable and of high character, has physical limitations. 

 

I cannot argue with you on the tape, as I have no access to it. 

On that coach's clinic, Boettcher was singled out for an outstanding play that compensated for others' errors against PSU. 

We can agree to disagree on this. 

 

Personally, I hope BB comes back and calls the signals next year, but he needs to do what is best for him. If that is the Astros, it will no doubt be better for his body in the long run. 

 

[DUCati855]

I choose to remember the 13 wins and no focus on the 1 loss. Everyone can improve. But, overall we have an excellent staff. No need to overreact IMO. 

[OregonDucks]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:36 PM, Mike West said:

Oh I believe DL has his hands all over that defense.  

 

They're looking for a prototype at each position.  DL got it at Georgia, put his stamp all over it and made those boys beyond awesome.

 

Lightening in a bottle.  One in ten million odds.  

 

From my perspective, there just aren't enough players in college football to play the kind of system DL and JL want to run.

 

 I don't want them to stop their talent acquisition strategy though.  

 

I think they'll figure it out.  DL is too driven.  He's going to get that damn title.  

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.  

[Mike West]

On 1/2/2025 at 11:14 AM, Akubra91 said:

Sorry to say this. Seems to me Lanning and company were out coached. Defense didn’t know where to be. It just stunk. Will Stein didn’t have offense ready and couldn’t make adjustments.

I have to disagree just a little.

 

I think Ohio State played possum better than Lanning did.  

 

Wil Howard practiced those plays way before the Michigan game.  Over and over and over again.  Lupoi never saw them.  Just three or four plays against Tennessee.

 

Stein on the other hand, in order to win every game, exposed the entire offense. Every play Stein revealed yesterday was already on film.

 

Lupoi didn't really face an explosive offense until Ohio State, and the Buckeyes didn't show even half their playoff set of plays. 

Ohio State had Stein 's ( and Lupoi's) entire sample.

 

So essentially, Lupoi and Stein had forecast every response they'd have to multiple situations, while Chip Kelly didn't show why he had against Penn State or Indiana.  And ESPECIALLY Michigan.

 

They could've obliterated the Wolverines, but they chose to shelve those plays.  I believe Ryan Day concealed his entire playoff playbook because he had enough talent to win just playing basic football.

 

Combine my pet peeves and you have the perfect storm.  

 

I believe the most fundamental tactic to win a Natty is to forget about looking at the QB.  That is a guaranteed ten win season all by itself. 

 

Ask Georgia fans.  They'd have three modern Titles executing that one task. 

 

It's more complicated in general, but that specific skill will shut down most QBs, and force OCs to really earn their millions. 

 

My opinion of course.

[OregonDucks]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:51 PM, Mike West said:

I have to disagree just a little.

 

I think Ohio State played possum better than Lanning did.  

 

Wil Howard practiced those plays way before the Michigan game.  Over and over and over again.  Lupoi never saw them.  Just three or four plays against Tennessee.

 

Stein on the other hand, in order to win every game, exposed the entire offense. Every play Stein revealed yesterday was already on film.

 

Lupoi didn't really face an explosive offense until Ohio State, and the Buckeyes didn't show even half their playoff set of plays. 

Ohio State had Stein 's ( and Lupoi's) entire sample.

 

So essentially, Lupoi and Stein had forecast every response they'd have to multiple situations, while Chip Kelly didn't show why he had against Penn State or Indiana.  And ESPECIALLY Michigan.

 

They could've obliterated the Wolverines, but they chose to shelve those plays.  I believe Ryan Day concealed his entire playoff playbook because he had enough talent to win just playing basic football.

 

Combine my pet peeves and you have the perfect storm.  

 

I believe the most fundamental tactic to win a Natty is to forget about looking at the QB.  That is a guaranteed ten win season all by itself. 

 

Ask Georgia fans.  They'd have three modern Titles executing that one task. 

 

It's more complicated in general, but that specific skill will shut down most QBs, and force OCs to really earn their millions. 

 

My opinion of course.

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? 

[Desert Duck]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:14 PM, Akubra91 said:

Sorry to say this. Seems to me Lanning and company were out coached. Defense didn’t know where to be. It just stunk. Will Stein didn’t have offense ready and couldn’t make adjustments.

I'd suggest it seems that way, for the simple fact that it was that way. 

 

I don't think we need to pretend otherwise. It was just simply one horrific game across the board and our coaches did not have the kids prepared.

 

But let's not forget that this game was also preceded by 13 other games that were pretty damn good. 

Edited Thursday at 07:58 PM by Desert Duck

[cartm25]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:51 PM, Mike West said:

Stein on the other hand, in order to win every game, exposed the entire offense. Every play Stein revealed yesterday was already on film.

Somewhat surprising given much of the conversation on this forum discussing a long-term strategy to hold back much of the playbook.

 

Disappointing that was not the case. As you pointed out, nothing new, and nothing worked; with the exception of DG improvising and making plays outside of the structure of the play call.

[Mike West]

On 1/2/2025 at 11:47 AM, Triphibius said:

Sorry if my response seemed contentious, Oregonducks. Boettcher, a fellow Axeman and German, is a favorite of mine. Thank you for your response. 

He is athletic enough to play center field and get drafted by the Astros. He did not appear to me too slow yesterday pursuing Henderson. 

I would admit that Bassa, although no doubt knowledgeable and of high character, has physical limitations. 

I cannot argue with you on the tape, as I have no access to it. 

On that coach's clinic, Boettcher was singled out for an outstanding play that compensated for others' errors against PSU. 

We can agree to disagree on this. 

Personally, I hope BB comes back and calls the signals next year, but he needs to do what is best for him. If that is the Astros, it will no doubt be better for his body in the long run. 

 

 

 

I look at this stuff a lot.  I love BB.  But I would attack him and Bassa specifically.  Because both are not only a step too slow, but they're practically frozen in time looking at the QB. 

 

What makes BB special is his instinct at  defending the run.  He reads RBs well, and has a very good feel for where the holes are.  

 

If I'm an OC, I'm drawing up pass plays to attack those two.  Because both are a step too slow. 

[30Duck]

I don't analyze film. But my analysis of the two games Oregon and Ohio State played comes down to: Ohio State wasn't prepared to play in October and lost by 1 point in the final seconds. Oregon wasn't prepared to play in January and lost by 20, in a game that was over after 5 minutes.

 

This was a great season for Oregon. They won the B1G, were No.1, a season for the ages. The difference is Ohio State was pretty much this good last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, and will be Championship or Bust for years to come.

 

Oregon obviously isn't that yet. There are a lot of holes to fill if the Ducks want to be in the New and Improved Playoff next season. I have complete faith that Lanning is the coach to get us there. 

 

[Chas Man]

Matayo U. had one tackle yesterday. Surprising how much of a non-factor he was. One of our stars I thought would be a difference maker. Again, as Lanning said, the coaches did not put their players in a position to succeed. Confounding really, given a month to prepare for OSU.

[DrJacksPlaidPants]

Let me give everybody a little perspective since it seems the torches and pitchforks have already made their appearance with regard to our coaching staff. 
 

Tennessee lost to Ohio State just as bad as Oregon did. Sure, it was cold, but it was just as cold in Knoxville during their practice week leading up to the game. That said, Tennessee’s defense is in the top 10 in every defensive category in the nation. They also play in the toughest conference in the nation. Yet, none of their fans are calling for Tim Banks’ head. In fact, Tennessee is in danger of losing him to another program.

 

Texas has the best defense in the nation and Ohio State will score 35+ points on them and win by 2+ TD’s. Take that to the bank, you heard it here first, print the newspapers now, etc.

 

Ohio State will embarrass every defense they play from here on out.
 

 

[Mike West]

On 1/2/2025 at 11:47 AM, OregonDucks said:

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.  

 

I only watched the first quarter.  Shut it off when I posted such.

 

What I saw was there was no way I'd blitz knowing my Safeties were going to be at least ten yards off target.  

 

Jeremiah Smith made a beautiful catch against perfect coverage ( he muscled his way open).  That pass should have been batted down by a safety. 

 

Smith caught another pass in traffic for the exact same reason.  The safety was late to the play.  Why? Guess 

 

Cover Two requires a safety to shut down fades, posts and corner routes.  It's so simple, the GEICO Cave man can do it.

That's it .  Three routes.  But if you're looking at the QB instead of getting your butt in position to cover those routes, a blitz absolutely guarantees an explosive play.

 

That's why I shut the TV off.  I've seen this movie before. 

 

I'll say it again.  With the exact personnel in the secondary the past two years, DL wins a title if his LBs and Safeties take away options instead of looking at the QB. 

 

I'll say it one more time.  Tua threw an overtime TD pass because the safety,  in Cover two, didn't take away the fade route on his side of the field.  That is exactly why Alabama beat Georgia for the Natty. 

 

Look at the film.. Film never lies.  

[OregonDucks]

On 1/2/2025 at 3:49 PM, Mike West said:

What I saw was there was no way I'd blitz knowing my Safeties were going to be at least ten yards off target.  

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.  

Edited Thursday at 09:00 PM by OregonDucks

[47sgs]

I think it's important to remember what Oregon accomplished this year, 13-0 with a conference championship against very good competition. No other team did that. Granted, the defense didn't look sharp the last two games, but those two teams, and especially Ohio State may likely be the two best teams in the country.  In addition, OSU was bent out of shape about their previous loss and had a serious chip on their shoulder. 

 

They may flatten Texas and likely Ga the same way.  They were in top game form while we sat around for most of a month .  Yes, we didn't look good, the game plan was suspect, but it was a pretty darn good season, and I trust Lanning, whose a very quick study, to make the defense better.  He knows how good or bad Tosh is. 

 

[Dave23]

I have to agree with Mike on this one DB's and safeties were not up to snuff and definitely not at the level we're used to having. I can barely recall a single time this year where a safety was in position to make a  play on a top receiver down the field. In  years past we always had a game changer at safety and there were no faster than the guys we have now. 

 

 

[jrw]

On 1/2/2025 at 12:44 PM, DrJacksPlaidPants said:

it seems the torches and pitchforks have already made their appearance with regard to our coaching staff. 

That's a little over the top, respectfully. I was just asking if people thought the problems stemmed from coaching, that's all. Not calling for heads to roll, simply asking a question that seems to me at least, to be legitimate.

[cartm25]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:48 PM, Dave23 said:

I have to agree with Mike on this one DB's and safeties were not up to snuff and definitely not at the level we're used to having. I can barely recall a single time this year where a safety was in position to make a  play on a top receiver down the field. In  years past we always had a game changer at safety and there were no faster than the guys we have now. 

 

 

Nick Saban did a few-minute segment about this exact topic on College Gameday.

 

He said he talked with Dan Lanning earlier and that the problems on defense against PSU were due to "eye discipline" by the secondary.

 

Saban said this was correctable . . . with 20/20 hindsight, it looks like it was not fixed in time.

Edited Thursday at 10:07 PM by cartm25

[Dave23]

On 1/2/2025 at 1:57 PM, OregonDucks said:

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.  

The D-line that was getting pressure in the first game against more or less the same guys was getting pushed back on their heels in the second game. The main difference I see is the amount of time off Oregon had. Had we had a lesser opponent for our first game to warm up I believe this game would have been a lot different. 

 

How many no-shows has there been in bowl games over the years, too many to count. Starting off with one of if not the best teams in the playoff after they had a warm up game doesn't bode well for OBD. 

 

This is why in the NFL many teams play their starters in games that really don't have any impact in playoff standing. They play the week after their final games and coaches still don't like to rest their players for one week unless they are true veterans. Remember these are still young adults and are easily distracted by the holidays, women, partying, etc.

[kirklandduck]

On 1/2/2025 at 1:48 PM, Dave23 said:

I have to agree with Mike on this one DB's and safeties were not up to snuff and definitely not at the level we're used to having. I can barely recall a single time this year where a safety was in position to make a  play on a top receiver down the field. In  years past we always had a game changer at safety and there were no faster than the guys we have now. 

 

 

I'm going to venture a guess that DL was already aware of this weakness a couple years ago and has been already working on improving it.  Proof is in the last couple recruiting classes (Rivals 2023-2025):

 

2025:

5* Na'eem Offord 6'2" 178 lbs

5* Trey McNutt 6'0" 180 lbs

4* Dorian Brew 6'2" 181 lbs

4* Brandon Finney 6'2" 170 lbs

 

2024:

4* Sione Laulea 6'4" 185 lbs

4* Dakoda Fields 6'2" 175 lbs

4* Ify Obideqwu 6'1" 185 lbs

4* Aaron Flowers 6'1" 185 lbs

 

2023:

4* Rodrick Pleasant 5'11" 175 lbs

4* Daylen Austin 6'0" 178 lbs 

3* Collin Gill 6'0" 202 lbs

3* Tyler Turner 6'0" 180 lbs

4* Cole Martin 5'10" 175 lbs

 

There is a clear progression towards bigger, more talented DBs from his 1st recruiting class to next season's incoming one.  Basically they're averaging 6'2" and 180+ lbs so he and Chris Hampton definitely have a type.  The help from in house is definitely coming, it's just going to take time for them to develop.  

[VegasDuck]

On 1/2/2025 at 10:49 AM, Just Ducky said:

They were just simply a better team.

They are a 34 point better team in the first half? 34. 34 points given up in the first half. 34. Did I say 34. Just checking because it was like 34 unanswered. 

[mikethehiker]

Tough way to end what we all thought was a magical season. I too thought the days of not looking like we belong were behind us. I'm sure there are 34 reasons why we lost, but it can't all be pinned on one coach.

 

Coaching is not what made us look like we didn't belong on the field.  We've made huge strides on the DLine to match our OLine (although both struggled in the Rose Bowl), but we are undersized still (compared to past champions) almost everywhere else you look - QB, RB, receiver, LBs, DBs, and safeties. TE is also been a strong position for us.

 

Ohio St. looked like monsters yesterday and it's hard to believe that was the same team that came to Autzen.  What on earth is anyone going to do with #4 the next two years now that he's figured out how big he is?

[JabbaNoBargain]

I’ll say it again, imo they had better players at every position group outside of maybe QB.

 

If the team with better players plays better on game day, they usually win.

 

We got the B- version of them in round 1 at home and won by a point. This time we got the A+ version and got smoked.

Edited Thursday at 10:47 PM by JabbaNoBargain

[cartm25]

On 1/2/2025 at 3:25 PM, mikethehiker said:

What on earth is anyone going to do with #4 the next two years now that he's figured out how big he is?

Ugh!! That's right. He's only a Freshman.

 

Why does ohio st always have the at least the best receiver in the nation, and typically the best WR group?

 

It's a shame that Wilson recruit left for Florida . . . would have had the #1 and #2 WRs in the class . . . look at me find a way to complain about getting the #1 WR in the nation, LOL

[GeotechDuck]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:40 PM, JabbaNoBargain said:

I’ll say it again, they had better players at every position group outside of maybe QB.

 

If the team with better players plays better on game day, they usually win.

Agree with this to some extent.  osu2’s roster blue chip ratio is 90% for this year, while Oregon is still at 76%.  That is a pretty significant difference.  In addition, I would argue that is likely skewed based on our last two recruiting classes and a chuck of that number for Oregon is still underclassmen.  We are clearly not there yet, but heading in the right direction. 
 

That being said, I don’t believe that osu2 is 34 first half points better than Oregon.  I watched the entire game and literally everything was subpar.  
 

The defense is getting picked on here and rightfully so.  However, it wasn’t any worse than the OL, which was absolutely abused.  This might have been their worst game of the season, and that is saying something after games 1 and 2.  
 

There were several times where Gabriel had a check down option on the right hand side of the field that was WIDE OPEN. Sadiq and WRs were sitting there without a defender within 10 yards of the them and he took a sack or forced the ball into traffic.  He has made that play all year. What happened?  
 

I am not even sure what to say about the linebacker and safety play in this game. It was so bad that I don’t have any words for it.  
 

I reread this and it is pretty negative.  So I am going to add that I like where Oregon is headed and I think we have the right leader.  It is just going to take time.   That one was just hard to watch yesterday. 
 

Edited Thursday at 11:19 PM by GeotechDuck

[JabbaNoBargain]

Agree, but I’d add the overall ratio is one element, though a key element. Of the two deep for each side, the number of guys getting drafted to the NFL in the first 3 rounds is probably double in their favor.

 

[Chas Man]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:55 PM, GeotechDuck said:

There were several times where Gabriel had a check down option on the right hand side of the field that was WIDE OPEN. Sadiq and WRs were sitting there without a defender within 10 yards of the them and he took a sack or forced the ball into traffic.  He has made that play all year. What happened?  
 

 

Has anyone seen an interview with DG? Love to hear his thoughts. Not a performance you'd expect from a 64 game veteran in the biggest game of his career.

[Jon Joseph]

My OBD friends, as Desmond Howard said earlier in the season when Georgia defeated Texas in Austin: Texas showed up for a football game. Georgia showed up for a street fight. 

 

-23 yards rushing. 8 sacks surrendered and you do not want the OL coach and Will Stein sacked? 

 

This was a program loss from head to toe. If ---------- was the Oregon DC, OBD wins the game. Right? Switch Tosh and Ohio State DC Jim Knowles and the result would have been different? 

 

Jeremiah Smith plays for tOSU, not Oregon. The TD catch by Egbuka that put Ohio State up by 14 was perfectly defended and bounced back into the wide receiver's hands. Stuff Happens!

 

The DL guys who played for Ohio State yesterday are the same guys who played against Oregon on 10/12/24. Between the Ohio State loss in Eugene and the Rose Bowl game, the Bucks DL players did not get bigger or faster than Oregon. They showed up ticked off and after beating down Tennessee, ready to do the same vs. OBD.

 

The Ducks OL gave up 13 sacks until yesterday's game when it surrendered eight sacks. The tOSU LBs and DBs were able to take deep drops and Gabe's guys were not open. And he was harassed on many of his passes in the 1st half. Gabe's size showed up yesterday. The Bucks DL guys looked like volleyball players. 

 

Perhaps there should be some assistant coaching changes but yesterday's game for the health of the program needs to be flushed down the toilet where it belongs. Based on yesterday's performance, everyone should be axed, from the HC to the locker room attendants. 

 

Turn the page. 

[Charles Fischer]

On 1/2/2025 at 2:07 PM, Dave23 said:

Had we had a lesser opponent for our first game to warm up I believe this game would have been a lot different. 

Completely agree, and add Evan Stewart and we have a fighting chance...

 

[PittDuck]

I for one am not calling for anyone on the caching staff to get the axe.  A 13-1 season is incredible!  We just played our worst game of the season against a team that played their best game of the season.  It is college football and these things happen.

 

I have been a Duck fan since the late 60's and I don't remember a year when the Ducks didn't lose to someone they could had/should have beat.  I don't like it, I will grumble about it, but I have already accepted it.  Bring on the 2025 Edition of OBD!

[Ruffian]

On 1/2/2025 at 11:32 AM, noDucknewby said:

 

Let's face it, Chip is still an offensive genius and in this game Lupoi just didn't have any answers.  Chip played him like a fiddle.

 

Yep.

Chip took Tosh out back to the woodshed and gave him an old fashioned country butt kicking.

[CO Duck]

On 1/2/2025 at 3:14 PM, kirklandduck said:

I'm going to venture a guess that DL was already aware of this weakness a couple years ago and has been already working on improving it.  Proof is in the last couple recruiting classes (Rivals 2023-2025):

 

2025:

5* Na'eem Offord 6'2" 178 lbs

5* Trey McNutt 6'0" 180 lbs

4* Dorian Brew 6'2" 181 lbs

4* Brandon Finney 6'2" 170 lbs

 

2024:

4* Sione Laulea 6'4" 185 lbs

4* Dakoda Fields 6'2" 175 lbs

4* Ify Obideqwu 6'1" 185 lbs

4* Aaron Flowers 6'1" 185 lbs

 

2023:

4* Rodrick Pleasant 5'11" 175 lbs

4* Daylen Austin 6'0" 178 lbs 

3* Collin Gill 6'0" 202 lbs

3* Tyler Turner 6'0" 180 lbs

4* Cole Martin 5'10" 175 lbs

 

There is a clear progression towards bigger, more talented DBs from his 1st recruiting class to next season's incoming one.  Basically they're averaging 6'2" and 180+ lbs so he and Chris Hampton definitely have a type.  The help from in house is definitely coming, it's just going to take time for them to develop.  

This begs the question: Why didn't any of the 2023 and 2024 guys contribute in a meaningful way? I understand they are relatively young, but freshmen and sophomores can and do make meaningful contributions on top teams. 

 

The secondary was a major weakness all year. For the past two years, actually. They always seem to be out of position and chasing wide-open receivers. The defensive line hid a lot of the secondary's poor play. Statistically it could have been much worse.

 

Brandon Johnson is a good example. During a five-play sequence in the MD game, he gave up an easy completion for a first down on 4th and 2, was flagged for pass interference on 3rd and goal, and then gave up a touchdown while in coverage on the following play. He consistently gave up easy completions all season. Was that a result of bad coaching, his physical limitations, or both? He's listed as 5'10" (which means he's probably 5'9" or shorter) and doesn't seem particularly fast. If a defensive back is 6'2" and fast, he generally has a better chance of making a play despite being out of position. I wonder if Brandon Johnson coming from the transfer portal and receiving (significant?) NIL money influenced his playing time.

 

If Oregon's secondary underperforms next year and multiple DBs from the 2023 and 2024 classes (and even the 2025 class with two 5-stars) don't start and/or make significant contributions, then Oregon definitely has a coaching and player-development problem.

 

 

[Triphibius]

I understand that DL does not want to make excuses, and I respect his assumption of responsibility for the disappointing result.

 

As an Oregon fan, however, I want to understand what happened. Why was Oregon so soundly defeated by a team they previously defeated? Specifically, why was our defense so unsuccessful? 

 

There have been many references to "Jimmies and Joes" in this and other threads. Yes, OSU has excellent athletes, but they had the same athletes in October.  What changed?  Here are some hypotheses: 

 

1. OSU got better. Contrary to the predictions at ATQ, Kelly and Day did not repeat their mistakes from the Michigan game, but made effective changes. However, see point 4. 

 

2. The layoff affected Oregon. Plausible, in that all four bye teams lost. This may be related to point 3. 

 

3. DL's sports psychology approach may have been faulty. (The Rose Bowl was being described as a "business trip.") In baseball, a manager down 3-2 cannot lost game 6 by saving his best reliever for game 7.  Emotionally, Oregon needed to commit everything to the OSU game psychologically at the risk of being flat the next week against a weaker opponent. 

 

4. Defective scheme or execution. Jeremiah Smith is an impressive talent, no doubt. On two of his TDs, he was running free with no defender near him. Bassa was animated before the first TD, as if he recognized there was an assignment error in the making. As others have pointed out, there was game film from Tennessee. 

 

I am emphatically not calling for anyone's head here. We have capable young coaches, but I think they need to develop further to achieve their ambitious goals for the program. 

 

[CO Duck]

It's a fair question to ask about Tosh. When he was hired, my impression was that he was known as a great recruiter and mediocre coach. However, DL being a defensive guru would compensate for Tosh's shortcomings. It isn't clear how much control DL has over the defense, and so it's difficult to evaluate Tosh's coaching chops. 

 

Tosh was known as a defensive line coach, and to his credit, the defensive line was the defense's strongest position group. But that doesn't necessarily make him a good defensive coordinator. After all, MC was an elite recruiter, good positional coach (o-line), and horrible head coach. Is Tosh the defensive coordinator equivalent to MC as a head coach?

 

The defense was put in an unwinnable position against Ohio State. Oregon's first six possessions where (1) three-and-out (9 yards), (2) three-and-out (2 yards), (3) 7 plays for 26 yards (punt), (4) 7 plays for 23 yards (punt), (5) three-and-out (6 yards), and (6) three-and-out (-2 yards). Oregon's punting was also horrible. The defense got caught flat-footed, but it also didn't get any rest (or a chance to regroup) and was frequently defending a short field.

Edited Friday at 03:59 PM by CO Duck