I am not sure to reject all the praise, (Former OL Coach Neil Zombokos never liked, "any sugar for our offense") or to love it, as I am seeing some superb analysis out there praising our defensive "matchup-zone," or the rushing skills of Matayo U. that is under-appreciated, or how good our offensive line is, or the uber throwing skills of Dante Moore.

They have a ton of proof for their assertions, as they show video and break it down. I see it, and agree, but again....it is only four games against weak opponents.

I am beginning to feel a lot better about Our Beloved Ducks...how about YOU?

BTW...everybody is welcome to start pondering threads. Help us out and get the discussion going!

I think next week many of us "hyper focused" critIcs 🧐 of some elements of OBD's shortcomings may realize that it was mountains outa molehills.

(Of course get blown out in Happy Valley and we might have some "mountainous" shortcomings to overcome. 😬)

Go Ducks.

Is it OK if I get back to you on Saturday around 9 PM your time and early Sunday morning my time? The Right Coast is No Country for Sports-Watching Old Men! SIGH.🤬

However, since you inquired, and as I will shortly commit to in the prediction contest, I think OBD wins the game by two scores, at least. Drew Allar's safety blanket, TE Tyler Warren, has left the B1G and Beaver Stadium for a Bigger paycheck (I think?) 🤑

How will Allar respond to his first turnover in this game? The PSU OC knows he will have at least some success running the ball. But are the three newbie WRs going to give PSU a lethal passing attack? The PSU OC does not have Jeremiah Smith and Carnell Tate (Egbuka last season) on the field. There's a lot of youth in Oregon's Back 7, but the group is bigger and more athletic than the 2024 group.

OBD has quick strike scoring ability that I don't believe PSU has. Jim Knowles doesn't have Caleb Downs on the field along with the other Buckeyes D guys who matriculated to the NFL. Penn State has a very good roster, but it is not on par with the roster Ohio State took to last season's playoff.

Penn State, including a cupcake OOC threesome, is trying to duplicate what Michigan accomplished in 2024 and what Ohio State accomplished in 2025. I don't believe the Nits have the same talent level as Michigan and Ohio State, or the same coaching acumen.

Plaster Penn State!

Trojans Wire like OBD and UW - UW? Washington has not lost a home game since 2021.😁 TOSU QB Sayin will be making his first start on the road in a tough enviornment. However, the UW D will miss three dinged up starters on the defense.

I agree with TW. OBD, with many weapons on O, will not be shut down by the PSU D.

https://trojanswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/trojans/football/2025/09/26/micah-huff-predictions-big-ten-football-week-5/86358640007/?utm_source=smg-trojanswire-strada&utm_medium=email&utm_c

After our last two big games against TOSU and Penn State, my guess is our talent is there and Dan Lanning will have our DUCKS better prepared this year. I think the big mismatch will be Drew Aller vs Dante Moore. I would guess we will try to get Drew Aller rattled early. My pure fan based guess is also that Austin Novosad is better than Drew Aller as well should his services be required (hopefully not).

I expected to see the betting line move from OBD +3.5 closer to +7.5 throughout the week. It hasn't budged.

Given Beaver Stadium and Whiteout, 3.5 points indicates most think this baby is a toss-up on a neutral field. If this game were in Autzen, I think the Ducks could beat a 7.5 point spread.

So, can our young guns handle the environment? All of the pressure is on PSU..... Bye week before the game to prepare. Home Field Advantage. Whiteout. If PSU loses, the narratives get ugly for Franklin. If the Ducks lose and stay close, we come out with head held high and live for another day.

Franklin puckers in big games, Dan is a riverboat gambler. I think we start a little slow, adjust and take control at the start of the 4th quarter. Ducks run out the clock to preserve a 5 point win. Special teams will play a role. Thieneman balls out.