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Tend to agree what we have been seeing is Dan's preferred offensive approach. I asked Google to define "efficiency based offensive philosophy" and it came up with I think a pretty decent summary that does sound a lot like Oregon under Lanning to date: "An efficiency based offensive philosophy prioritizes maximizing the success rate of every single play to consistently move the chains, sustain drives, and stay "on schedule." Rather than relying on explosive, high-risk plays, efficiency offenses focus on minimizing mistakes, staying out of third-and-long situations, and using data-driven decision-making to exploit defensive weaknesses. Core principles: • Staying on schedule: An offense is on schedule when it gains enough yards on early downs to make the next down highly manageable. A standard efficiency metric dictates gaining at least 4 yards on 1st down, half of the remaining yards on 2nd down, and converting on 3rd down. • Success Rate > Yards Per Play: coaches care deeply about success rate, the percentage of plays that gain necessary context-dependent yardage. A 4-yard run on 3rd-and-3 is deemed highly successful, whereas a 12-yard pass on 3rd-and-15 is a failure. Limiting Negative Plays: Sacks, penalties, and tackles for loss are drive killers. Efficient offenses use quick-release passes and screen games to neutralize aggressive pass rushes (or OL deficiencies). • High-Percentage Passing: Teams substitute traditional, low-percentage running plays with "extension of the run game" passes, such as quick slants, hitches, and RPOs. • Characteristics in college game: (1). spread the defense horizontally across the wide college field, forcing defenders out of the box and creating easy pre-snap reads, (2). QBs read a single conflict defender on an RPO (or read-option) to quickly hand off or throw, (3). designing plays specifically to avoid negative plays, (4). snapping the ball rapidly to tire out the defense (and prevent them from subbing packages or disguising coverages). Summary: The shift toward efficiency is heavily driven by advance analytics, win-probabilities, and tracking metrics like expected points added (EPA). Data proved that staying ahead of the chains yields a significantly higher probability of scoring than hunting for big plays or deep balls." Initial two-cents thoughts: • I imagine the appeal of an efficiency based offense increase as talent level rises. If you have a talent advantage over 90% of your opponents, rather than try to win by hitting consistently on lower percentage/riskier "big plays", win by summing up the benefit of numerous smaller wins in lower risk plays over the course of a game. • Efficiency based offenses would seem to be easier for DC to diagnose and gameplan against, as they have prescribed sets of plays for down, distance, and field position. They might also allow for greater ease for defenses to prepare for. The screens, for example, ask any Duck fan about its team's offenses over the last four years, I am sure nearly all will eventually get to mentioning the horizontal screen component. If every Oregon fan knows them well, I am sure every team Oregon plays now spends a lot of time during the week before a game preparing for them. An opponent doesn't need Connor Stalions on the sideline to sniff out when, and be well prepared for, Oregon's 4-6 screens per game. • If you are following an efficiency based approach, and get a solid 4 yard gain on 1st down. Taking a 15-30 yard downfield shot on second down might seem like a strong play placement opportunity to fans; but, it is a lower percentage throw that could result in an incompletion, interception, holding penalty, or even a sack. All those outcomes get an offense off schedule. A horizontal screen that only goes for three yards still sets up a 3rd and 3. Further, if you trust you have the athletes in space to eventually get more yards after catch over the course of a game, the safer playcall fits the strategy even more. That sort of thing. Not saying I love it; but, I can see the logic (especially to a more conservative minded coach).

I do think there is probably a motivation issue that Oregon has difficulty matching. What other opponents on the BSU 2026 schedule will have the motivation that the Broncos bring to the Oregon game? Perhaps Memphis but down a notch? Now consider what games on the Oregon schedule will the Ducks have motivation for an all-out effort? There are at a minimum 4 games. Despite the close games with BSU, or no matter the respect Oregon professes to have for BSU, I think it is just hard to crank it up at the level that BSU cranks it up for Oregon.

Boise State is a fine school with a football program that is consistently excellent. I have all the respect and admiration for them in the world. Having said that, I never wanna see Oregon play the Broncos again. My GOODNESS, do those guys raise my blood pressure whenever they play the Ducks. I'm only 33 years old guys! THAT SHOULDN'T HAPPEN! So, for the sake of my own sanity, keep the Broncos far, FAR away from Our Beloved Ducks. Great team, though.

Some missed blocking assignments? Boise State's D was coached to expect many short passes; nevertheless, the WR blocking on the short throws was MIA. In their blocking assignments, the WRs looked to be a step slow, but I expect the blocking will improve in Week 2 and as the season continues. There are no CFB preseason games. Opening against a No. 28 preseason-ranked and top-ranked G6 opponent is more difficult than the competition most of the preseason Top 25 teams faced in Week 1. This season, Boise State has a good chance of finishing 12-1. The Portland State Vikings need the money. And until CFB goes to a 24-team PO, start every season against Portland State in Autzen Stadium. Rob Mullens has Oregon's athletic department in the black, huzzah! But last Saturday, Autzen would have been packed for a game against Linfield.

I hadn't seen the entire game before you, FishDuck (OBD Duck?) and David ( Marsh ) had posted articles. The three of you calmed me a good deal. I am extremely happy we played this kind of matchup. I even wish we played LSU, Ohio State or Texas. Why? Everything gets revealed and fantasy disappears immediately. Thanks Scott for a great set of articles. You too ODB(Fish) Duck. David simplified some key observations. And Solar, you've got some great thoughts as well. Can't wait to get my full thoughts down on paper.

I thought the same. And I believe the TE/RB/WR booking will be key to springing an explosive running game this year. The OL isn't agile enough to handle some of the Elite Front Seven groups they'll face. They're going to need help.

Very good article David. As was the quick synopsis after the game. I've been looking for the vertical game since we took down the Buckeyes in Eugene. Not to mention that is Moore's most decisive throw. He releases that ball well before he's pressured. I also believe the slots and TEs can force the safeties to pick their poison Did anyone see Merringer pull out Max Protection? He did call a very good game. My first impression of the game was " here we go". My second look was " oh we've got this in the bag". Sans mistakes the game was a sure blowout. Gotta give Boise credit- it was their Superbowl.

I usually agree. This time, it was AWESOME tackling... Both saved TDs in my opinion.

Maybe so but its not the same as running between the tackles. Its not phyical and does not ware the defense.

Yet, under Dan and his assistants, the Ducks' record is 49-8 (.860). Solar, my friend, let the sunshine in. 😁 Would the record be better under Dilly? Perhaps. But other than a first-season loss to Oregon State, Dan and friends have lost only to quality teams. Boise State is a nemesis, not just to Dan, but to the Oregon program. Check out Alabama's record vs Georgia and Kirby Smart, and Michigan's record vs Ryan Day. Stuff happens. A close win in Week 1 will not matter come the PO committee's Top 25 reveal on 12/6/26. I think Boise State will finish in the Top 25 and be the PO G6 representative. Love your posts and comments, and congrats on the Week 1 prediction contest.

Finally got to watch the game and from the looks of it this game would look very different if it wasn't for one blatant missed call and a couple really stupid penalties.

Anyone with two brain cells can understand Dante's arm talent and our fast high possession receivers means the greatest success passing will be a down field attack. The problem is Kenny Dillingham designed a high efficiency offense around Bo Nix' strengths, and Dan Lanning has been smitten by that play calling approach ever since. If Dillingham were our OC today he would have designed a very different offense for the players we have now. But Dan doesn't think like that. We know that because the very first season with the wrong players for the system that Kirby ran at Georgia, he ran that system anyways. It's honestly impressive to see that MC at Miami has finally let go of his offensive philosophy and let the OC cook. Hopefully Dan gets there quicker than Mario. If Mehringer is truly a data driven mad scientist then he'll evaluate the success rates he is having, regardless of execution perfection and come to his own conclusions about what works best with players he has, not the players he wishes he had.

The early start may be beneficial heat wise.

I used to fly to NYC from Portland/Seattle every quarter for a couple years, the time zone difference is definitely tougher going East than going West.

Great points by all..... Some of the basic keys to a successful, high scoring offense: A defense that gets the ball back to their offense (Come on D, more 3rd down stops) Keeping the opposing defense off balance and on their heels. An offensive line that opens holes for the RB's, pass protects for the QB and fires off the ball. And a QB who is a threat to run the ball to keep the defense honest. (Only when playing USC, tOSU, Udub and in the playoffs.) These are obvious comments. The more the Ducks handle these basic moves as a team, the more points go on the board. Go Ducks....open a can of but kick on the Cowboys.

3 out of 4 ain't bad - Oregon Ducks On SIThree Oregon Ducks Defenders That Dominated Against Boise...The No. 2 Oregon Ducks withstood penalties and a feisty Boise State team during 2026 Labor Day weekend. This Sept. 5 contest featured multiple lead changes and

David, an element that could help unleash the vertical passing game is what Scott Reed brought up in his analysis today. Once Jordon Davison got going in the ground game, the Broncos had to defend the box better, which left one on one coverage by the Boise State defensive backs. So getting Davison involved earlier might actually open up the vertical game as you suggest. And I completely agree with you!

How the new starters at QB performed in Week 1 - On3How every new starting quarterback from Power 4 conferenc....

Yikes! What a great reminder. That was just such a fabulous game. It was such a great game that I remember that me and Mrs Desert Duck watched the second half in a bar in Sedona.

Dante: “I’m glad this game was how it was. We got a lot to learn. Thank God it wasn’t a 40- or 50-point blowout because this just shows us who we are right now and how we have to attack coming into next week.” This is why we don't need to play a cupcake the first game. Yes, it gives everybody snaps, but it falls way short of really teaching what needs to be cleaned up. The greatest improvement week-to-week is from week 1 to week 2. Let's look forward to seeing some improvement next week.

DSC Inside Read: A 3-2-1 look back at Boise State and ahead to Oklahoma StateThree observations from Oregon’s opener, two questions that follow the Ducks to Stillwater and one prediction about where the offense goes next.DSC Inside Read: A 3-2-1 look back at Boise State and ahe...Three observations from Oregon’s opener, two questions that follow the Ducks to Stillwater and one prediction about where the offense goes next.

Early Oregon vs. Oklahoma State provides the Ducks more rat poison that needs to be avoidedAutzen ZooEarly Oregon vs. Oklahoma State provides the Ducks more r...The Oregon Ducks are turning the page to Week 2 after escaping a tough test against Boise State with a 34-27 win. Saturday saw Oregon in a battle the entire gam

Yes, as to practice times. Please, with the exception of Portland State, no more taking a win over any opponent for granted, especially a wounded opponent in its opening home game.

A B1G Week 1 started with a whimper and ended with a spanking. But in between the two failures, the conference went 16-0. UMass 37 - Rutgers 21 - A Rutgers team favored by 29.5 points had one of its worst losses in a history of misery that ironically began with college football's first win in 1869. UMass moved up to FBS status in 2012. Before embarrassing the Scarlet-faced Knights, the Minutemen were 0-33 against Power 4 competition and ranked 138th out of 138 FBS teams in CBS Sports' preseason poll. This game was a B1G and Epic Fail! Notre Dame 41 - Wisconsin 13 In Green Bay, Wisconsin, the Badgers showed up for one half. At the end of the second period, Wisconsin trailed by three points, 13- 10. Then, the No. 4-ranked Irish broke out a shillelagh and bashed the Badgers 28 to 0, turning up the heat on Luke Fickell's already hot seat. Purdue and Michigan State play the Domers later this season. In Notre Dame's 'Leave No Doubt' 2026 season, I have no doubt that the Boilermakers and Spartans will fare any better than Bucky. Best Games of the Week - UCLA 45 - Cal 24 Other than Wisconsin vs Notre Dame, in Week-1, only one other B1G team played a Power 4 opponent. In Berkeley, California, in front of 63,000-plus fans, Bob Chesney's first game as Bruins head coach could not have gotten off to a better start: a road win against an opponent from the Atlantic (?) Coast Conference. UCLA owned the second half against the not-so-Golden Bears, putting the game away by winning the 4th quarter 21 to 0. Tosh is 0-2 against Bob Chesney's offense. Some solace for the $10 million-a-year Palimony shakedown. No. 2 Oregon 34 - No. 28 Boise State 27 Suffice it to say that Oregon, again, escaped its nemesis, the Boise State Broncos. In 2024, after defeating Boise State by three points on a walk-off FG, Oregon went 12-0, won the conference championship, and was the inaugural 12-team playoff No. 1 seed. (My recollection of the season ends on December 31, 2024.) Dante Moore had a terrific game. He was poised throughout the game, didn't try to win by himself, and showed the maturity we hoped he would show. In the process, he threw for a career-high 388 yards. For an excellent review of the game, check out the article by Charles Fischer and the takes authored by David Marsh and Scott Reed. The Big Ten's record to date against other conferences - ACC - 1-0 AAC - 2-0 FCS - 4-0 MAC - 4-1 Mountain West - 2-0 Notre Dame - 0-1 Pac-12 - 3-0 Sun Belt - 1-0 17 - 2 overall includes 2-0 USC's Week 0 victory over San Jose State. Lasso the Cowboys!

Seems I read somewhere that the football team has 9:00 am practice start times. Plus it is Ok St.