The Kamikaze Kid

I'm really looking forward to this season. As I picked OBD to win it all in an earlier post, I would side on the expectation that Moore does take that leap into Herbert, Mariota, Nix level comparisons. His end games against Iowa and Penn St last year showed he has that potential. Road games at SUC and tOSU will give him an opportunity to lead the Heisman conversation and I think that's exactly what he'll do. Still, until it happens, it is an area of concern to me.

My biggest concern is if Dante is really THE guy. Who would you rather have leading this team this year? A. Herbert B. Mariota C. Nix D. Moore Or How about: A. Dixon B. Harington C. Akili Smith D. Moore If Moore can replace even half the names on this list as the preferred QB to win a natty by the end of the year, then winning a natty should be a realistic possibility.

How does OBD only have the 25th ranked SoS when they play five teams on this list? Nice subtle dig at the SUC coaching staff by ranking them for roster only. Swap in Penn St for a dark horse and send the purple mutts back to the dog house.

OBD goes undefeated and this will be THE year. SUC sucks yet again and the freshman class portals away. OBD plays the Fighting Cigs in the BIG championship again, winning this time. BIG playoff teams: Seed 1 OBD Seed 3 Indy Seed 6 UM Seed 10 tOSU

March madness works because with only five guys on the court one or two future pros on a team can have a massive impact for a small school. Davidson make a run with Steph Curry. Indiana St made the finals with Larry Bird. San Francisco won a couple championships with a guy named (checks notes) Bill Russel. Football involves many more moving parts which narrows the field to a few viable teams a year. tOSU won it at #8 and Miami made the championship at #10 so I'd say 16 teams sounds about right. Twenty four teams just sounds like a money grab but that may also be important in the NIL era.

I'd like to see 16 with a home game for 1-8 in the first round. 24 seems like over kill but may help a few G6 teams sneak in and possibly upset some over rated mid SEC and BIG teams which could add a little March Madness fun before things get serious in the later rounds.

Congratulations on selling the site. The amount of work you have put in all these years deserves some kind of compensation. Moving forward, I hope you can spend more time just as an excited fan with less stress from all the demands of driving a never ending train. Your work has been truly appreciated by this Duck fan.

I think the best catch of the day had to be by coach Tez.

Just about to head to the store and get some food donations and head to the game. My yearly ritual that starts a new season! What am I looking forward to? Which new comers pop to the eye? I still remember watching a new receiver make a routine catch, juke a million dollar shimmy and take it to the house. My introduction to the Tez Johnson era. What former back ups look like legit starters? With all the guys skipping the draft and running it back, there aren't that many holes to fill. Still I want to see who steps up to fill them. The battle of the lines. The D seems to have the upper hand with returning players but I'm always interested in seeing how the O line plays. I think this team will go as far as that group can take them. The main thing I look forward to is a great day getting back to the stadium and whooping it up with thousands of other Duck fans!

Great article. If this is finally the year for OBD, then The BIG would win for straight titles by for different teams. They would also have at least 5 out of the last 8 championship participants. An accomplishment only the SEC could claim just a few years ago.

SUC has been the undisputed preseason Delusion Bowl Champion for the past decade. Letting them enjoy it now makes the inevitable "Wait till next year!" so much more enjoyable. Can't wait to see those 4-5 star recruits audition in front of Lanning at the Colosseum in nine months!

Great stuff. Can't wait for the Spring Game!

I'd way rather Dana gracefully retire rather than eventually be forced out. The end of the Kent era was ugly. I loved Ernie but when it was time, it was time. I think a young eager Lanniningesque coach is what's needed to return to competitive basketball. I absolutely love hoops but I've never been so indifferent to the team than the last couple years. Something needs to happen and I hope it does in the right way.

Well done ladies. Just one more win away from stealing the one seed.

I'm rooting for him.

How many teams in college football history have had six games in three years against championship game teams? I only know of one. All three teams were having their magic year at the time. Lanning needs to learn some things to get over the hump for sure. The fact that he’s already at the hump in years 2-4 gets over looked. Most coaches never even approach the hump in their very successful careers.

Great article. I agree with pretty much all of it. The only thing In addition I’d like to see is another NIT style 16 team championship instead of a pure G6 one. I like a G6 representative in the playoffs even if they usually get blown out. Most of the 16-13 will get blown out on 1-4 home fields anyway. Giving 17-32 something meaningful to play for keeps everybody else engaged .

I'll trust Lanning but with fingers crossed. Between the personnel on the rosters and the teams recent and projected future success, they could have any QB coach or OC they want. If Lanning believes that he has the coaches he wants, I have to believe it for now. As an outsider, it seems like they could have done better but what do I know?

It's sad to hear of the passing of one of the pillars of this forum. I loved his commentary and perspectives. I'll miss them and him. RIP 30.

For me, Dan has earned trust in his coaching hires. Maybe the philosophy of the promoted coaches aligns with his vision for the future of the program. As far as position coaches, I'm really hoping he brings in top level QB and edge coaches. With the current QBs and edges on the roster, along with competitive salaries, OBD should be able to bring in almost anybody they want and should.

Ducks road record in two years of BIG Ten schedule: 9-0 Games at Michigan, Penn St, Iowa, Wisconsin, Washington, UCLA, Northwestern, Rutgers, Purdue. So far where ever or when ever the Ducks show up, it's been the home team's problem.

I get what your saying Gat but if Akili Smith Jr is anything like his dad, he could be one of the all time great Duck QBs. He was the number three player drafted in I believe 1998.

Looking at the roster for returning o line guys I see: 1 five star 7 four stars 6 three stars That doesn't include in coming freshman. I'd rather let these guys play than bring in portal guys and watch them all leave.

I hope defensive savant Lanning studies every play by Indy’s D and incorporates as much as possible. The balance between gutsy and disciplined was flawless. I think this year’s plan of safe and smothering worked well against the BIG’s low octane offenses but didn’t generate near enough pressure on Indy. If anybody can figure out the safe but aggressive balance, Dan can. The offense needs to play like they have dangerous weapons at every level because they do. Long methodical drives have their place for sure but relying on them too much invites something to go wrong. Doubling Penn States yardage but being tied 3-3 or tripling Iowa’s and being behind needs to be a thing of the past. OBD are the too early number one team already. They have the players to play like it. I just hope they have the coaches to be coached like it.

False start gives Mario a life line.