HappyToBeADuck

I was reading an article about travel miles for the BIG 2024 schedule. Michigan and Ohio State traveled less than 6,000 miles. osuhated2's round trip to Eugene represented 72% of the miles they traveled. Oregon, counting the BIG CCG against PSU, just over 16,000 miles in 2024. With 4 round trips into the central or eastern time zone. For further perspective ucla travel 22,000 miles plus. They had a 6k round trip to Hawaii...... osu2 looked to have more energy than OBD's.......they contolled the LOS and every aspect the the RB. The BIG needs to not worry about making sure everybody plays each other every few years. This should be addressed now. The 4 west coast additions should play each other annually to reduce travel and subsequent fatique. Does that have a bearing on performance? I have traveled extensively to central and eastern time zones in any given quarter. It is grueling and is a drain on your energy. My job is mental work not physical bit i am exhausted. As for the virus. It was noticed that OBD's defense did in fact have the virus during the PSU game. Rewatching the game, after the Ducks got up 28-10, the defense seemed to slow down their pursuit. They got beat deep for touchdowns and let PSU run all over them. Almost let the game get away. They may have run out of gas. Now some would say that was in early December. Well this virus can be transmitted back to someone who has already had it. On a personal note, i see between 300 and 400 hundred people within the 50 plus businesses i call on, weekly. This virus has been brutal and keeps recirculating. Some of my customers could not staff fully since before Thanksgiving. The ones who were working were struggling with fatigue weeks after recovery. Maybe this was a factor, maybe not. Fact is OBD's got beat by a better team who traveled almost a third less miles and no mention of the flu virus. Will the BIG look at this? It is not the end of the world because DL has shown he will work tirelessly to fix weaknesses. Game plans and schemes are another story. 2024 was a awesome season with a thud for an ending. Love these coaches and players. Thank you for a BIG Title and some great entertainment. 2025 will be another great year. GO DUCKS.......

For this college footbsll fan there was a time that Game Day was must watch TV for a college football fan. The TV crew would go thru the games that would be played that day by conference. I would hang in thru all the meaningless babble waiting for the few minutes that OBD's would be mentioned. Some years the Ducks would be a prominent part of the discussion because of their success on the field. A national tv show should showcase the teams that are driving the national narrative. At some point at ESPN/ABC/Disney the powers that be decided that they should and will decide the narrative. They abandoned the fact that the college football season is a journey for all to traverse. The narrative is decided on the field and their role is to take us on the journey as it unfolds. Alabama, South Carolina Ole Miss, LSU and A&M did not make the journey in 2024. And the VOLS got their shot but were out matched hy osu2. Game Day should have celebrated all 12 of those that made the journey. How exciting for Indiana, SMU, BSU and ASU fans. Instead they broadcast about those SEC teams who were more worthy. Simply classless....... On a side note, Game Day was just another sports show with a unique ability to broadcast those in the spot light. Then they came to Eugene.......Thousands of Duck fans showed up in the Dark and put on a show. The Duck mascot became a national figure. Going forward, fans at other schools flocked to help make Game Day must watch TV It really was launched that day in Eugene. Today the Duck players can put their own personal stamp on Game Day, Ryan Day and the trash talking Buckeye players. Today, OBD's can put a statement on their stamp for respect. GO DUCKS. 14-0

Ducks win and go 14-0 Ducks 45 osu2 31 2 2 305 yards passing Go Ducks.....

And yet, with all OBD"s faults and weaknesses they navigated the BIG to 13-0 and a BIG title? I guess the Ducks got lucky. The lack of run stop is puzzling and senior linebackers being out of place is inexcusable. As mentioned before in many threads, by many posters, if the Duck D plays osu2 like they played PSU then DG and company must score on every possession. Personally the Duck D wins as a team. Many long runs came on 3rd and long, with the linebackers in coverage. Of course big gains can be had in those situations. Most teams were playing catchup with the Duck D in prevent. Except Jenty because he is a rare talent. Pressure the osu2 QB and the DB's will be getting INT's. GO DUCKS.......

It is truly time for OBD's to play a full 60 minute game, in all 3 phases of the game, that leaves no doubt. Alex, this should be the first of 3 statement games for the Ducks. It would de difficult to measure how much energy was exerted by the buckeyes in their statement win over the Vols. After the embarrassing loss at home to Michigan they needed a validation game to save Day's job and Buckeye pride. (Arrogance and entitledment) I ask myself at what mental, emotional and physical price did that come? Barring key ingame injuries or mistakes while knocking the rust off..... Ducks 45-31 over osu2........ GO DUCKS!

Without a doubt the 2024 season is a monster success. Consider that no matter the playoff format (2, 4, or 12 teams) OBD's would be the top seed. That is a great accomplishment. A football season is a journey with highs and lows, ebbs and flows. Win or lose those judging will develop their own criteria to support their narrative. This 2024 team is the most complete Duck team ever and they don't care what anyone thinks of them. They will work and practice hard and execute the game plan. Barring mistakes and sloppiness OBD's will win this game by 8 or more points. Only Oregon can beat Oregon. Nothing has changed since week zero. osu2 is the same team that lost to the ducks in October and melted down at home to the Wolverines. For this fan, no more negative, what ifs, second guessing or doubts. I am sending OBD's what they deserve...POSITIVE THOUGHTS AND ENERGY. They have earned nothing less. Go Ducks 41-31 in the Rose Bowl

Well 16-0 cannot be a possibilty without this great Duck team being 14-0 the evening of January 1, 2025. So proud of OBD's journey in 2024 to reach 13-0 and bring home the BIG CCG Crown. Now i know some on this Forum felt the Ducks could go 12-1 or 11-2 and be BIG Champs. How many felt they could achieve 13-0? I sure didn't........ What i find interesting is that so much narrative or conversation is focused on how can OBD's beat the big bad buckeyes. WTH! i would ask how does osu2 beat the only unbeaten team left standing. Just a few weeks back, osu2 was a train wreck. They couldn't even handle a mediocre Michigan team in the toothless Shoe. The buckeyes had such a talent advantage over the Wolverines and they put up 10 points. 10 points....... 2 weeks later they play an overrated, mismatched Tennessee team and wipe the floor with them. The talent level created mismatches that the Buckeyes took advantage of. Now all of a sudden they are an unbeatable juggernaut that OBD's cant beat? Kiss my ...... When these 2 teams step on the field the talent level will be fairly equal except at QB, Edge Rushers and totality of skill position players. Oregon has the edge...... However, just like in October, the Buckeye cornerback cannot cover Stewart. I am certain the cornerback has improved his technique and has more game time experience. But he is not any faster now then he was then. This is a mismatch that the Buckeyes cannot overcome. If they bracket or zone Stewart then Tez will be wide open and find the endzone, often. A recipe for Duck points. As long as the Duck O plays clean and mistake free then expect 42 to 56 points from this offense. I could create scenarios where the Ducks will have tightends wide open in seam routes or bubble screens. I would ask, how does osu2 stop the Duck O? Now the Duck D needs to not let osu2 reach 40 points. Its a tall task but this is an exceptional D that is far superior to Michigan or Tennessee. You cant shut down the osu2 offense. Just limit it so the Duck O can create scoreboard separation. Go Ducks 14-0......

I think there are 2 great teams in the final 8 teams. OBD's and osu2 Unfortunately they are meeting in the Rose Bowl and not the Natty. Charles, the waiting has created a level of excitememt that has reduced to a main course of extreme anxiety. With a large side order of frustation. All the negative articles, clips and comments have just worn me down as the clock slowly ticks to 2:00 pm Pacific on 1-1-25. Having to face the 2nd coming of the illegitimate offspring of a trojan/husky whine fest (osu2) gives me indigestion. To add to this we have all had to be bombarded with everything that is wrong with the first 12 team playoff. For this fan it stops here. I am grateful for the 12 team playoff opportunity. We didnt need it this year. Yet next year 10-2 may not get us in the 12 team playoff. Getting invited is what counts and a screwed up 12 team CFP is better than a SEC/ESPN rigged BCS or 4 team invitationsl When OBD's step on the field against osu2, i take comfort that we have the best QB with a never before 62 starts under his belt. OBD's has NFL talent on the O line, tight end and skill position players that osu2 had no answers for in October. OBDF hopes they will have NO ANSWER in the Rose Bowl When the Duck D is on the field, no matter who Oregon plays at the edge rusher position, well they will be playing in the NFL. osu2 only has 1 player who creates a potential mismatch. Shut down the run game, bracket their best receiver and put Howard on his butt. He cannot beat us. This fan has not seen OBD's play a 60 minute, all 3 phases dominant game. Buckle up because the CFP is about to see it in the Rose Bowl. Day and his players have to figure out how to beat OBD's. That is the tallest task in these playoffs. Does any one on this Forum think that DL will not have his team bring the A+ effort? Go Ducks........being it all and leave it all on the field. You are 3 wins away from greatness.

The honks just yap and yap for clicks and views. Newweaselless just fits the mold. OBD's has the opportunity to prove them all wrong in their hands. A Rose Bowl victory over osu2 will silence them all for a week. Except Day and the Buckeye fans will have a list of excuses to shout out about who and how they were robbed. Then we will have to be the underdogs to Texas. The lack of respect will continue until this Duck team is 16-0 and National Champs.

As i mentioned in another post this game has much more at stake than the Rose Bowl and CFP advancement. Should Oregon be fortunate enough to take down osu2 again, that would be a statement victory A statement victory that reinforces that Oregon is the BIG Champion. osu2 players, coaches and fans believe the October victory was a fluke. This victory will put that to bed. Even the BIG Conference top brass did not expect to crown OBD's champions. . I went onto the BIG football news site and the only articles were about osu2 and BIG portal news. The only info on Oregon was within articles about how osu2 was going to take Oregon down. A 2nd Oregon victory will create a seismic shift at the top end of the BIG. A shift that no one expected except DL. He warned them that they needed to adapt to Oregon football. I will not be disappointed if the Ducks lose the Rose Bowl. Beating a team twice in same season is a tall order. Especially a team that was ranked #1 earlier this season..... Georgia handled Texas twice and now OBD's must handle osu2, again. Thats the path to the Natty. Most people, pundits, bloggers, mouth pieces and honks are picking the Buckeyes to win. They tout revenge, pride and somehow the Buckeyes are now at the top of their game. Did they forget the Michigan game already? Those thoughts could very well be true. However, the Bucknuts are now a roadlock or speedbump on OBD's journey to a national title. That cannot be overlooked. Day, Howard and Buckeyes tou may have a problem because DL and his players don't listen to that outside baloney.... GO DUCKS.......

Charles, since the ridiculous 12 team CFP format is forcing OBD's to play a title level opponent in the quarterfinals, the answer is YES.......... Unleasch whatever is necessary.... However, it depends on how the game unfolds. If the Duck D cannot dominate in the trenches then osu2 will put up 42 to 49 plus points. In that scenario the Duck offense must unleash or utilize any player or trick play needed to never have to punt. Having to punt even 1 or 2 times could cost OBD's their season. The Buckeyes D does not have enoigh secondary high skill defenders to double Tez or single cover Stewart or Holden. That is why they cannot blitz Gabriel. If the blitz is picked up then DG can throw Bird Bombs. Or hit the tightends in the seam. In the first game, osu2 had no answer to stop the Duck O. The Ducks left 10 to 15 points off the scoreboard. They will need at least 45-50 IF, The Duck D plays like they did against PSU. In that scenario the Buxkeyes will score easily and often. The Duck D needs to unleasch the hounds and create chaos. The D is the key to victory. Howard gets rattled when you pressure him. This is the 41st game of the DL era. We as fans have seen glimpses of chaos from the D. This game would be a great time for a full game of chaos. Multiple sacks are critical and getting 3rd down stops will be the difference in victory or defeat for OBD's. Winning this game and the Natty deprnds on a dominant performance by the Duck D. Bird Bombs, picking up blizes, sacks and tight coverage have allowed the Ducks to be 13-0. 14-0 will depend on how the Ducks execute in all 3 phases in this game. In October, Will Howard did not execute the final play and the Buckeyes lost the game. The 2025 Rose Bowl showcases the 2 best teams who are evenly matched. Without a few surprise plays to tip the scale this game may be decided on one play. GO DUCKS...... MERRY CHRISTMAS OBDF!

I cant really support that Howard was trashtalking the Ducks..... He wants redemption. Wouldn't you want your QB and team leader laser focused on another shot at the #1 team in the nation? Last year, as fans we supported Bo and his teammates as they tirelessly worked to get the rematch with the fuskies in the PAC12 CCG. How and why is it different for those over confident, arrogant, self entitled Buckeyes? osu2 borg collective never, never, never considered that they would lose to the Ducks... From the time they left Eugene, the Buckeyes changed their defensive schemes, shored up the loss of 2 NFL caliber O Lineman and circled the BIG CCG game on their calender. The Rose Bowl isn't the only prize, nor is the right to reach the semi finals Both teams are playing for their position as the dominant power in the BIG. OBD's took from osu2 what the Buckeyes felt was theirs by right. Make no mistake osu2 is on a mission and OBD's are in their way. The game will be epic! Either team can win and either team can lose. This game is on the grandest stage of all. AND The loser has to live with the consequences until their fortunes cross again..... GO DUCKS.....

This wont be very popular but here goes..... If the Oregon D plays against osu2 like they did against PSU then OBD's could lose the Rose Bowl game. I have rewatched the CCG 4 times now and after the Ducks got up 28-10 the D stopped holding the edge, the linebackers were nowhere to be found on running plays and PSU scored 2 easy touchdowns over the top. No defender anywhere in sight to make the play. PSU would have had a 3rd TD Pass but the tightend let it slip away. osu2 is a better and more explosive team than PSU. They want revenge........ OBD'S can win this game as long as the Duck D cleans alot up against the Buckeyes. Nothing OBD's have already done this season matters. It's a one game season now. This game is a toss-up. Both teams have changed and improved since October. EXECUTION will win the day. GO DUCKS........

Those honks will never stop sharing their favoritism SEC style. i expect the winner of the Rose Bowl to dispatch Texas (SEC)and PSU to beat The Real Dawgs (SEC) and have an all BIG final. I love Georgia and our great Bulldog posters. However, PSU has the talent and offense to sneak out a win if tbey face Georgia. Even if OBD's, osu2 and PSU were to win the Natty, you can bet money that ESPN and all the honks will be saying..... If Alabama had not been robbed of her rightful spot, well the outcome would have been different. Charles it will never stop.....

Solar, thanks for posting that podcast. Good stuff..... osu2 and OBD's are the best 2 teams in the CFP. For me its a toss up game. Could go either way...... Both teams will move the ball and score. Whichever defense can make stops and allow tbeir offense to get point separation will win. I was very concerned that OBD,s were up 28-10 against PSU and the Duck D couldn't hold that separation. 28-24 Duck halftime lead left me on the edge of my seat. Most likely the Rose Bowl gets settled in the last minute of regulation or in OT. GO DUCKS......

Jordan, well done......many points to ponder! For me, just like in the first game, this matchup is a toss up. For a number of weeks these 2 teams were #1 and #2 in the rankings There is a good chance that the winner of the Rose Bowl game will bring home the Natty. (It is not a fluke that of the final 8 teams, 3 are from the BIG.) With all the the future NFL talent on the field, IMHO, It comes down to 2 key piints. 1. Who executes the best..... 2. Whose motivation is greater... From the moment osu2, fornerly tOSU, left Eugene they have loudly shouted to the college football world that they wanted a rematch....... Coach Day and Buckeye nation...be careful what you wish for....... GO DUCKS.............

Thanks Smith72 for that short video clip Respect, as we all know, is unspoken and only earned. In sports, bragging rights come with the final score. From the short clip it is evident that DL, DG and the team are going to be focused. When and if they finish 16-0, it will be unspoken but the respect will be earned. GO DUCKS.........

Respect is in the hands of DL and the awesome players on the 2024 squad. 16-0 will represent the ultimate scoreboard smack talk and bring a National Title to Eugene . That will never change the view of the honks back east and down south. Back to back titles maybe! Go Ducks.......

The Vols strength is there running game. They make mistakes when tbey are forced to pass the ball. I have not read any reports that the osu2 defense has major injuries...... If the Buckeyes cannot stop the Vol run game, on tbeir home turf, then they don't deserve to advance. If OBD's cant beat the Vols or Buckeyes then they dont dezerve to advance. Its big boy football and it requires 60 minutes of everyones A+ effort. Go Ducks......

That was a fantastic article, well worth the short read. The article will confuse many who are not part of this Forum because it makes sense and is not flashy. The Heisman is a hype award not a value prestige award. Jenty is more valuable and the best player in college football. He has elevated the Broncos above their payscale. Hunter is a great player but has not elevated his team to the CFP. As for DG. OBD's would not be 13-0 without his Heisman moments. How many times in the first 6 games did the line breakdown and DG made an escape move to complete a first down, a big gain or TD? His 4th and 9 bullet completion against PSU was the Heisman moment. DG does and has elevated his team to #1. The hype award will pick the hype player coached by the hype machine coach. Ask yourself which team, led by their best player has created the most meaningful season? It wasn't Colorado......

For this Duck fan it doesn't matter who OBD's play. All the potential teams that we would have to play are capable of beatng the Ducks. I expect osu2 to beat the Vols. The buckeyes have better talent and depth. This Buckeye team also is motivated for the rematch. If the Ducks want to bring home the Natty they have to beat the Buckeyes. It does not matter what round it happens in. GO DUCKS.......

This thread as been very interesting and entertaining to read. Absolutely love the posters who proposed.many of the common sense solutions that were available to those who created this mess. I imagine a room full of men and women fighting for their own self interests. With Sankey just knowing his plan was the best as he manipulated the room. In the end the SEC ended up with only 3 teams. Unlike the BIG, the top SEC teams didnt play that great to strengthen their dominant perception thru out the land. What goes around comes around! As for OBD's being hosed or the route brutal, well yes. However, its just 1 game. If the Ducks make it to the semis and championship round those 2 matches were going to be against some powerhouse teams. I am just thankful a system is in place that gives us a shot. Now the Ducks just need to finish the job. Once OBD's get past osu2 in the 2nd round then its was going to be very difficult anyways. Go Ducks.......

Good question........ Depends on QB play and how well DL fills in the team thru portal 5 trips back east can pose a challenge. Especially PSU and Iowa. 10-2 feels about right. However, 13-0 and another BIG Title is possible. With the right talent in place. But first let the 2024 squad run the SEC Gauntlet and bring a Natty to Eugene. GO DUCKS.......

Its hard to tell what level the QB's are at in the current room and about incoming stars. Are they talented? Of course... They simply lack real game time experience. And that matters... Bo had 34 starts under his belt when he took the field as a Duck. Dillion had 49 starts. That experience helped win ballgames. And under their leadership the Ducks are 35-5, with some unfinished business with The Real Dawgs..... Unless a high quality QB transfers via the portal, well there may be a big learning curve ahead at the QB position. I trust DL and the staff to be on top of this, as usual... GO DUCKS......

Well for years we have been yelling and screaming for a shot? For the chance to get to settle issues on the field...... Now we have that chance at the highest competitive possible! It is OBD'S greatest football opportuniy. We have beaten 3 BIG Bluebloods with NATTY Trophies in the building. It looks like we may have to beat 3 SEC bluebloods, all with Natty trophies in the trophy case. Or repeat against tOSU or PSU. 6 Top 12 wins in one season. Who has ever done that? This old geezer is going to turn all my positive energy to this great 2024 Duck team. GO DUCKS....its all in front of you. HOW AWESOME!