Charles Fischer

Stein led top 5 offenses 3 years in a row, and had the best cumulative scoring average for those 3 years in the country. We all got tired of the bubble screens. But you can't argue with the results. We've been great on offense under Stein and sent more offensive players to the league than we ever had before. I hope he kills it in the sec and I'll be cheering for his success. Just think, the better Stein does, the better Lanning looks, and the easier it will be for the Ducks to acquire the best coaches, and the best players, in the future.

Great observation David....we have experience at back-up QB that we almost never see. My hope is that our defense shuts down a ton of teams, Mehringer piles up the points in the first half, and we get to see ALL the backup QBs extensively this season. I don't see Smith changing positions; if he doesn't rise to where he wants to be--he'll be a transfer casualty for us. Somebody will be a casualty, as we have great depth now, and joining us.

He could be a spoiler in the SEC...and perhaps create an unexpected loss or two that ends up helping a Big-10 team get into the 12-Team Playoff? I know another former Oregon coach who did well there... (But not overnight)

In the process of establishing his 'cred....it makes Oregon look that much more attractive. While making his debut at SEC media days on Monday, Kentucky coach Will Stein was asked how the program can “win big” under his watch. His answer was simple: because of his background. Stein arrived at UK after spending the last three seasons as the offensive coordinator at Oregon under Dan Lanning. During their time together, the Ducks were among the top offenses in the country and made back-to-back College Football Playoff appearances the last two years. Now at Kentucky, Stein said he knows how to win at the highest level while also pointing to Oregon’s recruiting success. As a result, he has confidence Kentucky will be able to win big. “I think because of me, to be honest,” Stein said. “Because of me. I think I know what it takes. I’ve seen it at the highest levels. I know what it takes to recruit at this level. You’ve just got to believe, man. You’ve just got to put the ball down and play. There’s not really [much] else to be said. “Is it going to happen overnight? I don’t know. I really don’t. If I had a crystal ball, everybody in this room would be really, really rich right now. I don’t. The best determination of if what you’re doing is working is putting the ball down and playing football.” During Stein’s time at Oregon, the Ducks were a perennial Top-25 offense in the country, even after making the move to the Big Ten. Last season, their 452.2 yards per game ranked 16th in the nation, and their 36.9 points on average tied for the 10th-best in FBS. However, Will Stein knows it might not be linear at Kentucky, and there could be some challenges that come along the way. But he’s already preparing himself for those moments. “There’s going to be bumps in the road. … I am prepared for tough moments and tough times,” Stein said. “I’ve succumbed to that in our process. I already do self-talk myself about, alright, how can I stay neutral? When stuff’s bad, I can stay as neutral as possible and be very diplomatic in my approach. That’s why. “Growing up a fan is great, it is one thing. But I know the players that we can get here. I know that we can recruit north, south and east. People come to Lexington will love it. The longer I live there, the [more] I’m like, ‘Wow, this place is incredible.’ … That’s why I’m excited. That’s why I believe. Or else, I would’ve stayed at Oregon, coached Dante [Moore] and stayed out there.” He learned a ton at Oregon as...he is saying all the right things for the fans!

Not soon enough...

Mess with Texas? Agreed...they are TOO messed up!

This was a good move up for USC and Washington...and Cal? And there are the Broncos for our first game...

He just lost a bunch of credibility as a coach....

There HAS to be a story with this--too bad we could not have watched the whole thing!

In other tidbits...we are SO LUCKY to have him back!

I can scarcely believe this...in football they becoming a good team under Fisch, but their only other Big-10 championship was in rowing...

FIVE SEC teams making the Playoff out of 12 teams? REALLY?

I think so, considering that we've only been in the Big-10 two years and....won the most conference championships in both years--over 17 other conference members. A Shame the Rest of the Country Doesn't Know This!

For those who have seen the short clip of a buffalo blasting a visitor at Yellowstone recently into the air...

Here is another edge rusher of the future...this shows his speed, but other examples show his skill with the "dip-and-rip" moves.

An edge rusher of the future is crucial...

They wouldn't get this in England...but we do!

Whoa! If this turns out to be true on defense, and we keep up the scoring pace on offense....a dream season come true?

A Startling Stat....maybe Will Stein wasn't as bad as some think?

Agreed. When we ran outside zone plays to his side, he pulled and blocked in open space superbly...and that was as an inexperienced RS freshman. He has a high upside, IMHO.