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I think Oregon is putting up number close to top 10 offensively. I could be wrong though. This O line is very young and has made good progress through 4 games. They played 3 top 25 ranked teams so far and being 2-1 with new Coordinators and a new o line isn't too bad. They have also lost the best TE in the country for a bit, a dude at WR, their best RB is dinged up and the starting QB is out. The D played a top 10 Offense in USC and did a good job imo. Safeties are horrible tho. Held a high power O to 2-11 on 3rd down and under 30 points. Held the run game to about 3.5 yard per. Played much better than last year in redzone D. The corners had chunks of lockdown play in pivitol parts of the game late. AW is banged up and hasn't played like we expect from A. Washington. The massive adversity in the second Q was pivitol. Thought this team handled it very well. Could be a turning point for this team. Dan didn't seem to happy Wed. I don't think they are practicing well and its showing up in games. Whatever it is I hope they get it fixed because they have a ton of talent. And like you said, they are performing like a #15 with #1talent

My Duck-Buddies, I have some observations after viewing the game a second time, but thought I would give you my conclusion right up front. This team is not like anything I pictured going into the season. With all the positions on the team--only running back is set and performing as we thought they would; all the others, especially on defense, are in flux and could progress into a nationally dominating team, or only progress nominally yet this season. We are nowhere close to what I envisioned us as being going into the season with a No. 2 ranking. Only the offensive line should be working out the starters, yet we have issues at nearly every other position on the team. We have the upside to progress into a top-5 team, but the probability of that occurring is less than I wish it was. This team has more questions than answers at this juncture, as we are at nearly the opposite of what I pictured us being at this stage. We are appropriately ranked at the moment, because we have so much in flux. (No. 15 in the nation) On defense, we have Brandon Finney Jr. at Nickel guarding the slot receiver--something he hasn't done before. We are starting Na' eem Offord at field corner, a crucial position for a player who has very little experience for us as a sophomore. Peyton Woodyard We are playing Alabama transfer Peyton Woodyard quite a bit at safety instead of Aaron Flowers as even Dan Lanning admits that too many mistakes have occurred at safety. That is even before we get to the issues that Minnesota transfer Koi Perich brought with him to our secondary. This group is in massive flux... At linebacker we see Dylan Williams playing quite a bit, as well as Nasir Wyatt, as both been very hit-and-miss for the Ducks. Sometimes they scrape into the run-fit perfectly, and other times they are out of position, and gives up a big gap. Like the defensive backs, the linebackers are still working out their challenges. Defensive line is underperforming--massively, IMHO. Players with this much experience should have more TFLs, and sacks than we do after four games. They are improving, but have a large upside to achieve to match their preseason hype. On offense, we have an offensive line that has improved, but is far below what we have had the last three years. Douglas Utu at left guard is a tremendous talent, as he is a big kid with very little experience. He was replaced for almost the entire second half by Kawika Rogers, who has also played very little for us in the past. The starter at right guard in first game, Michael Bennett from Yale, hardly saw the field at all on Saturday. Gernorris Wilson at right tackle has disappeared on a almost equal basis as well. Jamari Johnson We have a gifted TE in Jamari Johnson, but almost no depth. (Experienced depth that is) Wide Receivers would be ideal if Jerimiah McClellan was not hurt; but Messiah Hampton has filled in for the meantime as well as any true freshman could. Everyone knows the issues at quarterback, and who knows where that ends up? Placekicking and punting has been as consistent as we saw in fall practice; it is remarkable considering they are both completely new to Oregon--unlike most of the players at other positions. We are at team growing and evolving, and not at all what I pictured coming into this season. Right now we look like a nine-win team, but could improve into an 11 win team for the regular season, but that is a low probability result. We will need to see incremental improvement in each game if we are to challenge the Buckeyes in a little over a month from now. We should not be growing, but showing off our superiority with this team...but alas, this is not that kind of year after all. Dylan Riola I thought OC Drew Mehringer really gained us an advantage with the unbalanced and heavily loaded offensive lines at times, and you could argue that it was the difference in this very close game that was tied at 27-all with 12:41 left in the game. The Coordinators, like the players, are in flux, but more-so than we figured we would be at this point. It was good to see some blitzes and stunts from our DC, but the results after the first drive were underwhelming. This is a highly overrated team. If our passing attack moves up a few levels--we can become nationally relevant, but that will require our QBs to see the entire field, and do not automatically throw to the receiver in the flat as I saw both QBs do in this game again. It is tough to reconsider my analysis of the team, but what I saw before is what I believed we would see now. But my reappraised reality of where the team is playing at--is very sobering. It can still be done, but I will have to change my expectations based upon what I am currently seeing. Perhaps it will be much better in 3-4 games?

My concern about Riley is his eyesight... Given how he must be going blind as to have totally missed Stephens cheap shot on Dante. Or, for the old guys like me out there, he's the reincarnation of Sergeant Schultz: "I saw nothing." Either way, I gotta give that one a thumps down. But, Charles, you definitely had me thinking on that one.

I don't think Cignetti can claim Chesney? He was HC at Holy Cross the whole time Cignetti was at JMU and Cignetti took most of the JMU coaches he liked with him to Indiana (and as far as I can tell the two never coached together anywhere else). Interesting comparison between the two is Chesney is in his 17th year as HC and Cignetti in his 16th. Cignetti spending 6 years at Division 2 and 5 years in the FCS, and Chesney 8 years at Division 2 and 3 and 6 years in the FCS. Chesney becoming a HC at 33 while Cignetti didn't until 50 (Chesney actually got his first HC job a year before Cignetti did). One would think that some teams might come calling for Indiana's DC Bryant Haines (40) and OC Mike Shanahan (36) very soon. Not as familiar with UCLA's guys, but I think their OC (Dean Kennedy) is only 35 and will be a name to watch with a couple more good offensive seasons. Their DC Colin Hitschler (40) I believe also has a good reputation having worked 6 years under Luke Fickell and a season with DeBoer at Alabama before JMU, and also could be a name to watch somewhere at some point. Maybe somebody else can enjoy the off-season coordinator poaching cycle this winter? 🤷‍♂️

Both Go Down!

Hard pass. End of story. Buh Bye!! Riley is the WORST. Next level Bad. Been there, done that. Go away. buh bye

This! I'm torn on this one, but we want that emotionless creep Riley to stay in LA...

Riley is in the hot seat. Fisch isn't. I favor USC winning.

Yes, clearly. He has shown he can recruit and develop QBs. His play-calling has always been very good. We don't like USC, but has he been the most obnoxious head coach we have ever seen? I would put Dee Andros, Rick Neuheisel, Don James, Jim Lambright, Jim Harbaugh, and others far above on that list. Note, though, that I chair the Give Riley A Contract Extension organization.

One of them HAS to lose. Works for me!

A fun topic because Lincoln Riley is truly a genius at strategy on offense. Me thinks a LOT of people hate Lincoln Riley. All over the football world.

That's a very good assessment. And though I think that hurts the B1G overall, you might be correct. In terms of this year-at the beginning of the season- my thoughts were we needed to see at least 5 teams with 10 wins. And the schedule plays out well for that to happen with at least two more teams having 9 wins. So in my mind it gives the conference a huge boost towards getting 5 in the playoffs. Now that we have seen the first month and the consequences of unexpected losses, I am concerned. But it doesn't have to effect OBD as long as we keep winning. Winning 11 is an urgency issue because it takes us off the bubble. Winning 10 puts it in the hands of other people. I don't like that. We still have a chance at reaching the playoffs with 10 wins. It is a dicey prospect though without more strength from our conference brothers. But it certainly is possible.

Definition of Win / Win

This season's Indiana - Dan Lanning calls UCLA this year’s version of Indiana | S...The Ducks coach isn't downplaying the Bruins with a first-year head coach.

If Oregon hired him, would that appear as an endorsement of how he handled the situation last Saturday? If so, then I would say no and keep the Evil Empire image on USC with or without him there. $70 million is a lot of bucks. I don't think USC has that kind of scratch? Though, if he went to a college job that kiss on the tarmac might make it easier to pay him as an assistant? Who replaces him at USC? BYU's Sitake? Keep in mind wishing his demise at USC means potentially somebody more competent replaces him. Now if you could guarantee his USC replacement would be Jimmy Lake or Keith Gilbertson, I could get comfortable with it. Otherwise let USC enter the drama zone for a couple seasons.

A Toejam's loss may help recruiting. Maybe. From a practical standpoint, once your team beats an opponent you want to them to win as many games as possible to boost your own SOS. So, which is most likely to have more losses between now and December? Another loss this Saturday added to more losses later doesn't really affect your SOS. Because that opponent no longer helps you. The best scenario would be for whomever wins this Saturday to go undefeated (except Ducks beating UW later). Second best would be for whomever loses to also go undefeated. But, if one is going to lose more games later it is better that they also lose this Saturday?

For me, it is absolutely necessary for USC to drop kick the Fuskies. We are a bubble playoff team now, and UW losing to Minnesota did massive damage to our Strength of Schedule. USC needs to beat Indiana or Ohio State. And despite their performance to date, they have the talent to do so with both teams sliding in performance themselves. Rivalries and personal hate don't matter as much to me. Both teams need to remain prominent until we play them since the B1G's reputation is less than the SEC's.

In this era, a lost recruiting battle doesn't mean a lost recruit. A year or two later they may be requesting an opportunity to be part of your program. So, I still think putting energy and class into recruiting is vital even if you lose someone on their high school senior signing day.

I have this question a few times every year.

USC has made a great number of untimely bad hires. I say untimely because Kiffin and Sark have done well since they were dismissed, but weren’t ready for USC at their respective times. USC is only one hire away from being great again, but they will never have a run like they did in the 2000’s. So, they rely in gimmicks like the juice boxes thinking that it’s good enough to prop themselves up until Oregon fades into obscurity. However, Oregon won’t fade like Beavis because they don’t have to rely on other programs to carry them. They will always be a step ahead in facilities, uniforms, marketing, etc. Autzen Stadium is no longer the grassy hill with bleachers carved into it. The old gravel parking lots have been replaced by mausoleums. The Ducks have deep pockets and are a national brand. Kids don’t care about “zero natty’s” because they all feel they can get the first one. If haters think that Phil Knight’s mortality will change the Duck’s fortunes then they don’t have a clue. Oregon is here to stay and will always have one of the biggest stacks of chips on the table.

From a mile away, right? Can they both lose? 🤪

How bout this, USC 12 for 45 passing 30 yards and Fusky 12 turnovers and 17 penalties?

SUC vs Fuskies One of these two teams goes up in flames this weekend as another”This is THE year!” Is torched in the first week of October. On one hand watching the current fire in LA go full on Chernobyl is almost too glorious not to root for. The only thing that would concern me is that a full on China syndrome in LA could lead to a hasty departure for Riley. Since he’s the gift that keeps on giving, I’d prefer that he stick around. On the other hand, any day the Purple Pups take another L is a great day in my universe. On the other hand, most of their fan base has already given up on this year so I don’t see a loss this weekend having the same effect as one down the road after they start believing again. I will enjoy watching either one lose but I think SC has many more losses coming on the horizon so one this weekend wouldn’t matter that much in the end. I vote fusky L.

Because even Fox knows that a 9am start time on the west coast isn't great for a west coast game.

Can we detach the football knowledge from the rest of him? If so yes... But I don't think he and Dan can work together. I think there is some bad blood there now formed by the rivalry. We don't want Lincoln Riley the person near our program. But if he can get his football knowledge with him... Sure.