Well, my friends, the moment is here. Our Beloved Ducks are about to engage in another program defining moment. We can’t be more excited…and nervous. Are you not entertained? We have spent some time discussing what we want to see happen. We’ve pointed out how we think it can happen. We’ve even summarized the quarterfinal game, and we have a ...

How Oregon Will Defeat Indiana in the 'Natty Semi-Final

Mike, this Duck fan appreciates your optimism about the Ducks beating the Hoosiers. OBD's can win this game.

I felt the Ducks could have beaten IU back in October. With 6 plus minutes left in that game, the win was there for the taking. However, OBD's did not play clean mistake free football and handed the victory to IU.

That will not be the case Friday night in Atlanta. IU is the very same team as they were in October. More seasoned as they navigated thru their schedule to emerge 14-0 and earn their spot in the semifinals. Well done Hoosiers.

OBD's were a group of seasoned portal transfers, uber talented younsters and a returning group of butt hurt, emberrassed players from the Rose Bowl debacle. They had not begun to gel as a team. That is not the case now.

Plus, IMHO, the Ducks were sky high from the white out victory and did not take IU seriously. I have been in Texas this week and have listened to different sports talk shows. One show was interviewing Gary Danielson and he said that in their interviews the Ducks were more focused on talking about how great their PSU win was. They had very little interest or respect for IU.

Another show had the IU play by play announcer on and he felt the same way. The IU team respected the Ducks and worked hard to pull the win out in Eugene. He knows the Ducks are focused and respect IU, now.

They best be!

The current version of OBD's will win this game as long as they plsy mistake free and execute. Same narrative as always.

Go Ducks.......

Thank you Mike for your insights and knowledge of football that you share with us Duck Fans! The picture you have at the top of the article definitely shows Washington guarding the sidelines. I sure hope that Dante has been trained this second half of the season to take advantage of that (along with Will Stein).

I always enjoy reading your take on Our Beloved Ducks!

My thanks for your article and for your responses to my various inquiries in the past few days.

In cautious support of the more optimistic case, let me add or expand on two points.

1. According to the computations in one article (I believe at CBS line) in the first game against IU the OL was providing on average 2.5 seconds of time to Dante, who was taking on average about 3.0 seconds to throw. Will the OL provide more time on Friday? Will Dante make quicker and better decisions? His teammates say that Dante has progressed. IU is said to disguise its coverages very well. We will soon see.

2. Pregnon, Poncho and Iuli all received post-season accolades. Solar pointed out that if it looked like they were playing against Texas Tech like they just rolled out of bed, it was because that was essentially what they were forced to do. That game began at 9:00am Eugene time. The IU game, also in the eastern time zone, will begin at 4:30pm Eugene time. Do we think our interior linemen will play more of the way the have throughout the season? Furthermore, although Davison's loss is unfortunate, Duck Territory was reporting this morning that Jay Harris is going to play, and that Stein is talking as if he intends to use him. Before we saw Jordan Davison, we used to think that Harris was pretty effective in some situations.

Hey Mike, although I agree with your analysis, if you are a betting man, I hope you have an ADU (additional dwelling unit for those of you who do not have a spouse who watches HGTV) waiting for you somewhere.

It will take a Herculean effort to win this one. But one these OBD can make.

I am hoping the fire in our boys bellys is Vesuvian and that Pompeii Indiana feels the rath.

The sad news is that although hoping for the W, that I am preconditioned for failure at this level.

Mike, awesome and timely article. Put me in coach, I'm ready (along with a few bars of "Centerfield" by CCR).

4 hours ago, HappyToBeADuck said:

Mike, this Duck fan appreciates your optimism about the Ducks beating the Hoosiers. OBD's can win this game.

I felt the Ducks could have beaten IU back in October. With 6 plus minutes left in that game, the win was there for the taking. However, OBD's did not play clean mistake free football and handed the victory to IU.

That will not be the case Friday night in Atlanta. IU is the very same team as they were in October. More seasoned as they navigated thru their schedule to emerge 14-0 and earn their spot in the semifinals. Well done Hoosiers.

OBD's were a group of seasoned portal transfers, uber talented younsters and a returning group of butt hurt, emberrassed players from the Rose Bowl debacle. They had not begun to gel as a team. That is not the case now.

Plus, IMHO, the Ducks were sky high from the white out victory and did not take IU seriously. I have been in Texas this week and have listened to different sports talk shows. One show was interviewing Gary Danielson and he said that in their interviews the Ducks were more focused on talking about how great their PSU win was. They had very little interest or respect for IU.

Another show had the IU play by play announcer on and he felt the same way. The IU team respected the Ducks and worked hard to pull the win out in Eugene. He knows the Ducks are focused and respect IU, now.

They best be!

The current version of OBD's will win this game as long as they plsy mistake free and execute. Same narrative as always.

Go Ducks.......

Nice additional perspective "Happy".

I didn't think about the motivation factor entering the battle in Eugene. Not to mention Dante Moore admitted he was shaken by Indiana, and didn't lead as effectively in the game.

There truly are lots of "ifs" in this game. Execution, mistake free play, and making plays when absolutely necessary.

Motivation will be key. Thanks for that nugget of info.

2 hours ago, Smith72 said:

Thank you Mike for your insights and knowledge of football that you share with us Duck Fans! The picture you have at the top of the article definitely shows Washington guarding the sidelines. I sure hope that Dante has been trained this second half of the season to take advantage of that (along with Will Stein).

I always enjoy reading your take on Our Beloved Ducks!

Thanks Smith 72. I enjoy writing, but I especially enjoy the discussion after. Talk about great insights and perspectives, I learn more than you can imagine from the forum.

Fantastic article Mike, so great points to chew on...

First, for everyone...I convert the games to digital, and will go through the game looking for angles of big plays that our photographers can't get. I make the screenshots, but have no idea if I will ever need them later.

The top screenshot of the article and is in the top post of this thread is Dante Moore about to throw the touchdown pass to Malik Benson as he's broken open over the middle. I thought this was especially relevant with what Mike explained about throwing over the middle in this game.

I think the psychological side brought up by Happy is very pertinent. I did not consider the blustering after the Penn State game, but Indiana was the next game after a bye week, and the collapse of PSU had not happened yet. I am sure the Oregon players were a bit "full-of-themselves" which gave them perhaps too much confidence coming into the game at Autzen.

We already have the mental edge because it is hard for the Hoosiers to have the same intensity coming into this game as they did in Autzen because....they beat us before. The Ducks will have an intensity approaching the game that perhaps they did not possess before, as Happy alluded to.

Add to how Indiana has survived close calls against PSU and Iowa, and just clobbered Alabama. If Oregon was in their position....I would be very worried about their mental state...of being overconfident. I would like to think that as amazing as Cignetti has done--he cannot overcome this human tendency.

At least that is my fantasy, and I'm sticking to it!

52 minutes ago, Triphibius said:

My thanks for your article and for your responses to my various inquiries in the past few days.

In cautious support of the more optimistic case, let me add or expand on two points.

1. According to the computations in one article (I believe at CBS line) in the first game against IU the OL was providing on average 2.5 seconds of time to Dante, who was taking on average about 3.0 seconds to throw. Will the OL provide more time on Friday? Will Dante make quicker and better decisions? His teammates say that Dante has progressed. IU is said to disguise its coverages very well. We will soon see.

2. Pregnon, Poncho and Iuli all received post-season accolades. Solar pointed out that if it looked like they were playing against Texas Tech like they just rolled out of bed, it was because that was essentially what they were forced to do. That game began at 9:00am Eugene time. The IU game, also in the eastern time zone, will begin at 4:30pm Eugene time. Do we think our interior linemen will play more of the way the have throughout the season? Furthermore, although Davison's loss is unfortunate, Duck Territory was reporting this morning that Jay Harris is going to play, and that Stein is talking as if he intends to use him. Before we saw Jordan Davison, we used to think that Harris was pretty effective in some situations.

Triphibius,

You've added much to the discussion of what we've been looking at. I hadn't put much stock into the 9 am playing time (but I did find out the Orange Bowl usually the last bowl on New Year's Day).

I hope Harris plays. We need hum.

I believe that Oregon route Indiana IF Moore processes what he sees accurately because Indiana gave him 3 TDs he didn't see.

Ifs and butts...candy and nuts. This game has a chance to be really fun.

The Ducks know what went wrong at Autzen, and are a dangerous team as an underdog. If you can’t get fired up as a football player in this game, then sports in general isn’t your thing.

Indiana maybe the better team, but they have to prove it a second time against a very pissed off guy from their Hood. Our OL got schooled in that first game, and for that reason I think they will play better against the Indiana defensive front.

QB’s are important in this game, but for me, our OL determines whether we win this game.

I believe we win.

Mike, you called the Orange Bowl win. Why not Peaches and Cream for OBD?

TTP, it's easy as 1,2,3 - Take The Points!

Thank you, Mike, for the terrific Orange and Peach Bowl coverage, and thank you, Forum Friends, for the terrific comments.

I can't wait to read your article on January 18, 2026, ... 😁 (typed while knocking my noggin.)

Put Out That Cig!

I know this won’t be a popular point of view but Oregon’s 2025-26 offense is not that good.

Oregon has scored under 20 points per game against the best 6-7 teams we have played this season (e.g., Indiana: 13 offensive points, Penn State: 17 points in regulation). Despite the national accolades, Oregon’s offensive line is not very good and is exposed by more athletic fronts (Big Suke said we have 5 guards playing on the line). Dante Moore is not seeing the field or is not willing to pull the trigger. He also tends to try to escape the rush vs. stepping up in the pocket leading to big losses.

Oregon will have to manage the game offensively (like we did against Penn State, Iowa, etc.) and rely on its defense to win the game against Indiana and win the national championship. A former NFL player said we have 7-8 future NFL players starting on our defense. We have the talent and they seem to be peaking at the right time. Perhaps this is what Coach Lanning envisioned when he accepted the Oregon job…

Perhaps the thing that gives me the most hope in the Peach Bowl…Oregon plays its best football under Coach Lanning when we are the underdog and no one thinks we can win (e.g., Penn State White Out, Ohio State at Autzen last season). FEBU!

Edited 18 hours ago18 hr by OregonDucks

1 hour ago, Steven A said:

Hey Mike, although I agree with your analysis, if you are a betting man, I hope you have an ADU (additional dwelling unit) waiting for you somewhere.

It will take a Herculean effort to win this one. But one these OBD can make.

I am hoping the fire in our boys bellys is Vesuvian and that Pompeii Indiana feels the rath.

The sad news is that although hoping for the W, that I am preconditioned for failure at this level.

Steven,

Logic completely says Indiana takes this game hands down. They look unstoppable.

The eye test shows it, their experience (players and coaches) seem insurmountable, and they just don't give you many chances to beat them.

Talent is overrated, and Indiana has proven it. I do think talent will matter in this game, and I think the Ducks, despite the evidence, pulls this one out.

1 hour ago, Steven A said:

Hey Mike, although I agree with your analysis, if you are a betting man, I hope you have an ADU (additional dwelling unit) waiting for you somewhere.

It will take a Herculean effort to win this one. But one these OBD can make.

I am hoping the fire in our boys bellys is Vesuvian and that Pompeii Indiana feels the rath.

The sad news is that although hoping for the W, that I am preconditioned for failure at this level.

I hope the Hoosiers are prepared for the Molten Magma about to hit them in the booty! 😁

Get ready to unleash a bottle of Chianti, with pasta fagioli, meat-a-balls, and spaghetti—Tiramisu instead of peaches and cream.

Cigs will not be available; join Dan, smoke a Montecristo.

Then - Back to Work!

33 minutes ago, Drake said:

The Ducks know what went wrong at Autzen, and are a dangerous team as an underdog. If you can’t get fired up as a football player in this game, then sports in general isn’t your thing.

Indiana maybe the better team, but they have to prove it a second time against a very pissed off guy from their Hood. Our OL got schooled in that first game, and for that reason I think they will play better against the Indiana defensive front.

QB’s are important in this game, but for me, our OL determines whether we win this game.

I believe we win.

Good points.

I keep hearing Indiana is the better team. I believe they are the more complete team. They use veteran players, their staff has been together for ten plus years, and they eliminated the flaws they had last year

Ohio State and oregon have more raw talent, and Indiana took away that advantage. But it required mistakes. Penn State even exposed the talent gap, so it boils down to execution.

I keep coming back to the ifs. If Oregon executes, they will shock everyone.

I'm Julie Andrews walking along the Swiss mountainside singing the hills are alive with the sound of music. Because I'm just getting the feeling Lanning has out more responsibility in his analysts and new coordinators.

I've finally been able to direct a little more details, and if I see it, they do. Moore has a chance to light up Indiana in a way that will surprise people, and it may be necessary because I also believe Indiana is going for the jugular early.

42 minutes ago, Drake said:

The Ducks know what went wrong at Autzen, and are a dangerous team as an underdog. If you can’t get fired up as a football player in this game, then sports in general isn’t your thing.

Indiana maybe the better team, but they have to prove it a second time against a very pissed off guy from their Hood. Our OL got schooled in that first game, and for that reason I think they will play better against the Indiana defensive front.

QB’s are important in this game, but for me, our OL determines whether we win this game.

I believe we win.

Drake,

You're into a theme that I also will play out in this game. Not only will motivation be key, but I believe we will dominate the line of scrimmage. And I think people will be surprised.

Could it be the new coordinators are already impacting the perform if this team? As mentioned above, did that 9 AM start effect the offensive line?

If reports are accurate, we will see a very intense output form OBD. I sure hope so, because if they come with a killer instinct, this is going to be a brutally physical game

22 minutes ago, Jon Joseph said:

Mike, you called the Orange Bowl win. Why not Peaches and Cream for OBD?

TTP, it's easy as 1,2,3 - Take The Points!

Thank you, Mike, for the terrific Orange and Peach Bowl coverage, and thank you, Forum Friends, for the terrific comments.

I can't wait to read your article on January 18, 2026, ... 😁 (typed while knocking my noggin.)

Put Out That Cig!

We still have to cross our fingers Jon. We have yet to see the kind of complete game from OBD that Indiana has against the best this year!

Those who do not believe in OBD are afraid to climb every mountain and are full of Von Trapp! 😁

18 minutes ago, Mike West said:

I think the Ducks, despite the evidence, pulls this one out.

Agreed.

11 minutes ago, Jon Joseph said:

Molten Magma about to hit them in the booty!

I'm hoping for a "Mike Tyson", use the face!!! Go 🦆s

20 minutes ago, OregonDucks said:

I know this won’t be a popular point of view but Oregon’s 2025-26 offense is not that good.

Oregon has scored under 20 points per game against the best 6-7 teams we have played this season (e.g., Indiana: 13 offensive points, Penn State: 17 points in regulation). Despite the national accolades, Oregon’s offensive line is not very good and is exposed by more athletic fronts (Big Suke said we have 5 guards playing on the line). Dante Moore is not seeing the field or is not willing to pull the trigger. He also tends to try to escape the rush vs. stepping up in the pocket leading to big losses.

Oregon will have to manage the game offensively (like we did against Penn State, Iowa, etc.) and rely on its defense to win the game against Indiana and win the national championship. A former NFL player said we have 7-8 future NFL players starting on our defense. We have the talent and they seem to be peaking at the right time. Perhaps this is what Coach Lanning envisioned when he accepted the Oregon job…

Perhaps the thing that gives me the most hope in the Peach Bowl…Oregon plays its best football under Coach Lanning when we are the underdog and no one thinks we can win (e.g., Penn State White Out, Ohio State at Autzen last season). FEBU!

You are not pouring rain in the parade at all. Breaking that trend is paramount. It totally has to happen. And it will occur while losing two coordinators. It's like climbing Spencer's Butte having to carry both of them.

I'm imagining that round table from the Ohio State "Ducks versus Then" take when Lanning was specifically pointing out what to do and when to do it and who to use. That's what I'm seeing myself, and if there's one thing I know about Lanning, it's that he knows the game.

I believe Lanning is going to be more directly involved in this game, because he needs to be. That is going to be a factor tomorrow.

Hats Off to Mike West, Taylor Lewan, and Rick Neuheisel!

On3

College Football Media Preseason National Champion predic...

.

We have not had an offensive explosion against a good team yet, so WE ARE DUE!

41 minutes ago, Mike West said:

I believe Lanning is going to be more directly involved in this game, because he needs to be. That is going to be a factor tomorrow.

I think this is what happened with the defense versus TT as well. Does CDL have the offensive chops to help Stein? Does the next OC get to call some of the

game since his mind might work different?

Will OBD let everything hang out and just go for it? Controlled of course, but there is no such thing as holding anything close to the vest now. Indiana is too good to try and keep anything in reserve for the Ship game (if OBD can make it there).

This is going to be a such a chess match!

Without the inclusion of Mike West's prediction, this is Quacked Up! 🙃

https://duckswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/ducks/football/2026/01/08/oregon-football-indiana-hoosiers-national-expert-predictions-cfp/88069239007/?utm_source=smg-duckswire-strada&utm_medium=

Our new OC is always up in the box and wired directly to Stein and Lanning. I wouldn't mind if Lanning allows him to assert himself at times for critical plays.

Dante is a heck of a ballplayer. If he can keep his eyes up and see the coverage properly AFTER the snap, a huge if, we have a decent chance at winning here.

2 minutes ago, Solar said:

Our new OC is always up in the box and wired directly to Stein and Lanning. I wouldn't mind if Lanning allows him to assert himself at times for critical plays.

Dante is a heck of a ballplayer. If he can keep his eyes up and see the coverage properly AFTER the snap, a huge if, we have a decent chance at winning here.

Solar,

You have some very good takes, and they're always in the back of my mind. You painted out that Moore has trouble reading zone coverage, and I believe that has played out to form in key situations.

Indiana uses zone blitzes (weren't you the one that pointed that out?), and Moore needs to "catch em in the act". I found a great YouTube vid that opened my eyes. If Moore see it, he can literally rip the Hoosiers apart.

I think Stein saw that the first time, but Dante just missed it. I'm wondering what Indiana changes, and what kind of prep Moore got this week...

As usual, in looking forward to your comments about this game.

I just know the constant post snap movement and pass rush from the IU defense left Dante looking like a deer in the headlights. And IU is still doing it as much as they ever have. So he has to figure that out or it's nearly impossible to win.

Hythloday at Addicted to Quack, who does not lack confidence, is not infallible. Whatever one thinks of his methodology, he studies a lot of film and provides much information and analysis. Here are two pertinent observations I took from his article today.

1. IU's original defensive ends both suffered season ending injuries. Their replacements, he says "aren’t liabilities but they simply don’t grade out as plus values like the starters at their positions do."

2. IU uses a strict "boundary/field" system in their secondary. Hythloday thinks that one side (field, I think) is not nearly as good as the other. His statistical analysis fits Mike West's argument. They are a good defense, but, relatively speaking, their greatest weakness is yielding explosive passing plays.

2 hours ago, ABNMoose said:

I think this is what happened with the defense versus TT as well.

Kenyon Barner on his podcast said that Coach Lanning was not happy after the James Madison game and “was on everybody’s head” (3:05 below). He let everyone know from the coaches to the players that they did not play up to The Standard.

Hopefully Coach Lanning lit a fire under Coach Stein and company’s behind this week and Coach Lupoi and company can continue to dominate on D.

We are going to need all engines firing to win the next two games, starting with the one one Friday evening.

Go Ducks!!! Just Do It!

Edited 15 hours ago15 hr by OregonDucks

For what it's worth:

OBD' are not the same team as they were in October. They played below their standard and made mistakes at the end that cost them the game.

Still leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

OBD's offense made many mistakes against TT and kept points off the board in the first half. If they do that against IU they may lose.

If they execute in all three phases the Ducks win by 13 to 21 points. IU is not a juggernaut. They just don't make too many critical mistakes.

Since the 1st quarter of the Whisky game OBD's have scored points in every quarter of every game. Thats pretty darn consistent. Those points came from all 3 phases of the Ducks unit. I don't see IU breaking that streak.

Every team and coach in college football knows OBD's can stop any run game. Force IU into 3rd and long and start picking off some desperate throws. MU and TT must hold the edges and contain Mendoza. Dirty up the pocket.

Honestly, the Ducks showed IU nothing in October. . ..nothing

This is the Duck team that can win the Natty. It is in their hands.....

GO DUCKS.....

1 hour ago, OregonDucks said:

Kenyon Barner on his podcast said that Coach Lanning was not happy after the James Madison game and “was on everybody’s head” (3:05 below). He let everyone know from the coaches to the players that they did not play up to The Standard.

Hopefully Coach Lanning lit a fire under Coach Stein and company’s behind this week and Coach Lupoi and company can continue to dominate on D.

We are going to need all engines firing to win the next two games, starting with the one one Friday evening.

Go Ducks!!! Just Do It!

Thanks for the update. I really hope Lanning lit up his analysts and his new coordinators. As far as I'm concerned, they should be handling a huge load of prep for this week. Obviously, you'd like Stein and Lupoi dialed in, but that is unrealistic given they have massive responsibilities with their new jobs.

I have only had maybe six hours this week to study. I'm tired. I'm going into surgery tomorrow morning (non invasive thank God, but it's still surgery). I have a lot on my mind. Even if I was going into surgery and had to coach, I'd be sleeping 3 hours a night max. I can rest when I'm dead as far as I'm concerned. We may never have another Semi final appearance (doubt it). That's my take.

This staff has got to drill the players with the best information, providing the best simulations possible. And of course, its the same for the players. The players need the rest, but they certainly can put in overtime hours to prep for this game. I'm making sure Dante Moore throws as many uncomfortable passes possible until he is comfortable (with being uncomfortable and executing precisely). The coaches are allowed a limited time every week with the players, so how they prep the team (and get the players to do the extra homework) really matters.

Indiana is foolproof, not unbeatable. We have more talent across the board, and if applied, we should be able to cake walk this game-even against a machine like Indiana. I am telling anybody that visits this forum for decorum, we only need to execute to win. If and only if we max out tomorrow? Nobody can beat this team. Not Ohio State at its best, and especially Indiana.

Two games. This one first. I expect some injuries this week because I expect the hardest hitting I've ever seen out of OBD. It matters that much (take that SEC). If I ever thought I could really coach when I was in my twenties, I would be savoring every second of this era. We are witnessing excellence on a different level. After Alabama got smoked, Kalen Deboer said there is a fine line between excellence and failure. I watched that game in full finally. Even with Bama's outright flaws, they should have been in that game. They are good enough to beat Indiana.

That's how good Indiana has been. But they haven't met their match in execution. I want to see that tomorrow.

Long time reader, first time poster... I wanted to share some thoughts on the offensive and defensive game plans for this game:

Offense

IMO the Ducks advantage is at the pass catching level (Sadiq, Johnson, Benson, Mclellan, Moore & Bryant is the strength)

-Play tempo/hurry-up offense ~60% of the possessions for the first half. This would ideally accomplish three things.

1. Increase the number of possessions over the course of the game, thus increasing the opportunites for the six above.

2. Neutralize the IU sim pressure a bit.

3. Get Dante into a groove early.

I noticed in the TT game this was used early on in the first half, then was abandoned once we got up 13-0 (which was wise). In addition, the only TD we scored against IU was in a quick four play tempo package. We've had success doing this, and I'm hopeful Drew and Will put this into motion tomorrow. There is tons of risk with this strategy as well, thus one must be prepared to modify out of this. If the defense can get stops and/or turnovers, then this strategey will really work. If you get behind by 10 points and your defense is struggling to get stops, I'd modify out of this until you close the gap or get some stops.

-Run tons of the quick passing game (10-20 yard routes), then take shots.

-Pass/run splits ideally will be 50/50, yet I'm open to the idea of going pass heavy early to loosen up the d-line.

-Take the FG's when available, point will be a premium.

-Don't go for a 4th and short on the Ducks side of field. Near midfield, 4th and 1, we should go. Anything longer I'd prefer to see a punt.

Defense

-Stop the run, including Mendoza scrambles and designed draws. Our linebackers must tackle much better than they did in the first game.

-Don't leave Theran Johnson alone on any of their receivers, help with Canady or Flowers, Thienaman, etc.. He struggles with tackling in space as well.

-Play clean! No PI calls. IU's offense is deadly efficient (much like our Ducks in 2023). They will move the ball and score some points, we just cannot help them. We helped them out too much the first ime around.

Coaching

- Dan needs to work the officials ahead of the game hard. Like another poster on here mentioned, Cignetti did this big time in the first game. He needs to be on the officials before the game starts to watch for 1. IU O-line holding and 2. IU defense roughing Dante.

Thoughts?

Fantastic first post...I love it all, especially the No-Huddle offense with an emphasis on the passing game. With running backs in short supply--let's utilize the deep talent at WR and TE. Dante throws well on the run, so move the launching point and I agree--take some shots.

6 hours ago, HappyToBeADuck said:

Since the 1st quarter of the Whisky game OBD's have scored points in every quarter of every game. Thats pretty darn consistent. Those points came from all 3 phases of the Ducks unit. I don't see IU breaking that streak.

Every team and coach in college football knows OBD's can stop any run game. Force IU into 3rd and long and start picking off some desperate throws. MU and TT must hold the edges and contain Mendoza. Dirty up the pocket.

Honestly, the Ducks showed IU nothing in October. . ..nothing

This is the Duck team that can win the Natty. It is in their hands.....

Scoring in every quarter since October. That is phenomenal. Imagine if they executed like they did in September...This team has far more upside than any team in the playoff field. Moore can blow everyone away if he steps up to his potential.

51 minutes ago, Hennon2000 said:

Long time reader, first time poster... I wanted to share some thoughts on the offensive and defensive game plans for this game:

Offense

IMO the Ducks advantage is at the pass catching level (Sadiq, Johnson, Benson, Mclellan, Moore & Bryant is the strength)

-Play tempo/hurry-up offense ~60% of the possessions for the first half. This would ideally accomplish three things.

1. Increase the number of possessions over the course of the game, thus increasing the opportunites for the six above.

2. Neutralize the IU sim pressure a bit.

3. Get Dante into a groove early.

I noticed in the TT game this was used early on in the first half, then was abandoned once we got up 13-0 (which was wise). In addition, the only TD we scored against IU was in a quick four play tempo package. We've had success doing this, and I'm hopeful Drew and Will put this into motion tomorrow. There is tons of risk with this strategy as well, thus one must be prepared to modify out of this. If the defense can get stops and/or turnovers, then this strategey will really work. If you get behind by 10 points and your defense is struggling to get stops, I'd modify out of this until you close the gap or get some stops.

-Run tons of the quick passing game (10-20 yard routes), then take shots.

-Pass/run splits ideally will be 50/50, yet I'm open to the idea of going pass heavy early to loosen up the d-line.

-Take the FG's when avilable, point will be a premium.

-Don't go for a 4th and short on the Ducks side of field. Near midfield, 4th and 1, we should go. Anything longer I'd prefer to see a punt.

Defense

-Stop the run, including Mendoza scrambles and designed draws. Our linebackers must tackle much better than they did in the first game.

-Don't leave Theran Johnson alone on any of their receivers, help with Canady or Flowers, Thienaman, etc.. He struggles with tackling in space as well.

-Play clean! No PI calls. IU's offense is deadly efficient (much like our Ducks in 2023). They will move the ball and score some points, we just cannot help them. We helped them out too much the first ime around.

Coaching

- Dan needs to work the officials ahead of the game hard. Like another poster on here mentioned, Cignetti did this big time in the first game. He needs to be on the officials before the game starts to watch for 1. IU O-line holding and 2. IU defense roughing Dante.

Thoughts?

I like the strategy. On offense, that Sim pressure can be cracked. I just don't have the time to at present to show what I have discovered. If I can muster enough energy, I will break it down for you (sorry friends, I am going to be dealing with post surgery collateral damage-and its all for the better). I see it, but Moore executing it is the key-which is why I hope the staff has been giving him mass simulated havoc in practice, and plenty of scenarios shown on film over and over again. Its muscle memory over the short week, but it is absolutely the key to victory this week.

On Defense, I really believe Lupoi must force everything to the box. No outside running allowed-especially Mendoza. I expect lots of natural pressure on the QB. I really think the defense is coming to play. I just have the feeling the defense wants to shut everyone up. Same with the offense. Again, this is all hunch, but if I see it, what does the staff see? What are they cooking up being far more up close and personal with the players.

It boils down to preparation and execution. I like your thoughts about it and I believe that can work.

1 hour ago, Charles Fischer said:

and I agree--take some shots.

And get those angry linemen out there to give him the protection so he has the time to take the shots. Yes, he did have time in the last game but the pressure messed up his internal clock.

I have two main points to the question at hand.

1. Protect Dante Moore

2. No pass interference penalties on the Ducks (or very few)

This 2025 Indiana team is very much like any other semi recent over achieving team, except for one exception.

They didn't flame out vs the big boys at the end of the season. So there is no reason they will wake up and realize, 'hey, we are just a basketball school'. They are going to be tough.

Ducks are not just going to dominate them because Oregon has higher ranked players from high school.

It is going to be team vs team.

Oregon has a very high ceiling if they can fix their problems and play for all four quarters.

Oregon has a good blocking running attack, the best QB arm in football, and athletes at receiver.

They also have a suffocating defense, when they put it together.

Indiana beats team who beat themselves. Oregon beats teams. That is a huge difference.

Hennon 2000: As the poster (under my real name as author of the article) who wrote the article about Dan Lanning needing to notify the officials about IU roughing Dante Moore, it pleases me that others recognize that requirement. If the IU illegal roughing is not flagged, it likely will be a long evening for OBD.

And thank you for a well thought out and nicely written post.

Edited 5 hours ago5 hr by Grandpa Duck
Hit post without a proper thank you!