AnotherOD

Not directed toward anyone (and not trying to stomp on anyone's takes) BUT Anyone who downplays "the pick" most likely just doesn't fully understand "the pick". I think maybe they just see a great play that beat a hated rival and helped turn around a season ... AND Not the total pivot point and change in direction of a long downtrodden program. That set into motion Oregon moving from a program battling to keep themselves out of the cellar of Power 5 - and playing 6-6 Tulsa in an Independence Bowl was a huge deal (that indeed broke a 25 year bowl drought) to a largely successful 28 year run (25 bowls) and what today is widely and regularly recognized as a top 5-15 program (just below the very "blue bloods" of the sport) that battles for many of the best recruits in the country and has won major bowls and played for National Championships. Rarely (maybe outside of the Florida schools rise in the 1980s) does this ever happen in the college football world, let alone can be traced not only to one game, but one play!

My thoughts are he's been solid. It probably is hard to factor in how much the departure of KT influences the rest of the DL spots (he just attracted a lot of attention and pushed the pocket - even on plays he didn't record any numbers). As well, seldom mentioned, Popo missing the season has impacted the DL as well. The guys playing there have done well (Riley seems to have had a couple very good games); but, Popo was both AP and PFF 1st team All-Pac-12 last year. So, essentially, BD has played this year without a pair of All-Conference running mates.

Lupoi absolutely is the Duck DC but I cannot see (or really fathom) a situation where Dan Lanning isn't involved in 97% if the defensive game planning (and even 3% might be a stretch). Will Chip school Lanning? Maybe but I don't see it as a lock. Chip had, at the time (and probably still true today), the longest prep time between the end of the season and the NC game and got pretty well schooled by Gene Chizik and Ted Roof. And the thing is both dudes just did what made Auburn successful the whole season and handled Chip's long months of preparation for long portions of that game (both guys probably cashed in some bank by doing nothing different than they did all season). Oregon only likely got itself back in it, when Chip abandoned what he spent months planning (thank you very much Chip trusting NA - and Nick probably having the very best feather in his cap - over his long career - getting after Newton all game long). Definitely some things to worry about heading into the game, but something that happened with Tosh and Chip like in 2009? I guess it could, but it would really, really surprise me.

I think... I think they said the ref saw a TO called in the middle of the interception, so since it "inadvertently" made the mistake of granting the TO, they allowed the clock to be stopped? You never get a timeout that stops the clock during a live play. That was much worse than the announcing team made it out to be. How about going for 2 and the win? I think most coaches at home take it to OT. Really enjoyed it.

The Pac-12 refs dig up that blindsided block (or at least work pretty hard to get there), but then miss a pretty obvious hold in the end zone. That's a safety and instead it's a USC first down. If you are gonna let the hold go, you let the borderline blindsided block go, or call them both.

And we are tied. As much as it in theory help Oregon into a playoff spot to play an undefeated USC in the Pac-12 Championship game ... I can't do it, can't root for USC, hope they lose then lose out. There must be a path to the playoff without having to ever root for USC (or Washington). Ok, now we are not tied. First team to 45 wins?

And Stanford leading Notre Dame 13-0 in the 3rd?

And Utah somehow climbs back into the game? I wouldn't bet them right now down a score, but if you watched USC in Corvallis .................

As a Duck fan, I feel pretty good. Without GameDay, Autzen will be lathered up, with GameDay it will be approaching a boil. Overall, I'd say I think Chip and UCLA approaching the top of the conference this season. I'd be nearly shocked if Oregon shows up and plays at least "solid", it loses at home.

I think the "free play" was at about 8:33 in the 4th. The dangerous "almost pick" to the RB was at about 6:55 (pass to Duck RB James out of the backfield that UA DL #1 Harris almost gets).

Not that I watch a lot of recruiting video (so take this all with a grain of sand); but, recall watching some of TT's and the sort of odd thing is that Mario and Moorhead likely would have little idea or success trying to play to Ty's strengths. Playing under Kenny Dillingham (and the adjustments KD likely would make to fit TT's strengths) in my mind makes at least a little more sense. I recall there being some interest at the time in Jackson-Powers Corner Canyon HS teammate QB Jackson Dart; but, Oregon seemed 110% behind one QB and it being TT. I remember even (foolishly) thinking, hmmm, maybe this move was a sign MC and JM were gonna take the reins off and move away from his pedestrian offense and maybe break out some more aggressive vertical passing concepts? If not, Dart might seem a better "fit" for whatever that mess MC and JM had cobbled together (and not that Dart didn't throw the ball well either). In h.s., from what I saw, TT was sort of a textbook "gunslinger", appeared to take 100% of snaps from the shotgun and throw 35-40 passes a game, a bunch of them downfield throws (and a good % of just bombs). He ran a bit, but mostly because, at 6-4 and a solid 200 pounds, in many highlights he looked like one of the bigger, more powerful kids on the field (even counting some of the linemen). He sat back and threw darts all over the field (and probably yes usually in a one read and throw situation). They moved him around a bit, but mostly to throw. At least in the clips I viewed, not exactly really the "dual threat" sort of thing MC and JM might be more after (and in his time at Oregon, Ty has appeared to never have an RPO where he wanted to choose run, or any real desire to take off with his feet on a pass play, or any real appearance enthusiasm for any QB designed run). Not that I want to see TT leave (and this is just an impression) but if somebody like Leach could drill in those air raid concepts, I could see TT really loving an offense where he took a shotgun snap and was able to throw 50 passes a game Garner Minshew style.

(Somebody with more knowledge might offer an opinion) but UA went after JF at least twice in the 3rd with down field shots on the sidelines with Singer, one a catch and one a miss (about 8:23 and again at 3:10). I thought JF played both well, Singer appears to have a sideline method while running - as the ball is in the air - to literally take his off arm and hold the DB about 2 feet away with an "arm bar". In one instance the ref either behind the play or trailing it threw a PI flag, completely missing the WR creating both contact and space for the catch with his outside arm. Sort of sneaky good by the WR if you can get away with it (which appears regularly with Pac-12 refs). It is hard for a DB not to get a bit "handsy" when the WR is trying to hold you two feet apart. Interested to see if anyone else saw it the same way.

Last time I saw the rule it still said something to the effect of "taking aim with the purpose of attacking and making forceable contact beyond what is necessary for a legal block or tackle" - presumably but not necessarily with the crown of the helmet - of which lowering the head is often an indication; or, something like that. Offensive players instinctively lower their heads anticipating contact all the time, as I see it, sometimes a defensive player will too; and, there will be contact with helmets. Not all helmet contact with a tackle appears to me to be lowering the head to attack with the intent to make more than a legal tackle. I saw a bang-bang sort of play where the receiver could not just stop and chill and wait to see if the pass was caught before he decided to tackle or not - because that's a huge advantage for the offense. Rules today already seem to favor the offense where playing defense is tough enough. Didn't really like the call.

They said the call came not on the field but from the Pac-12 office. Anyone think that puts a lot of pressure on a ref to agree with his bosses calling him and telling him "Hey we think you screwed up so we are giving you a chance to (agree with us) and fix it?" Maybe not too crazy about faceless guys in an office 1,000s of miles away buzzing in an making calls. It introduces the potential for conflicts of interest - that may not even be there - but could definitely look as such.

A bit crazy to think if Oregon opens with San Jose State, Colorado State, UNLV, or something similar, instead of Georgia, it probably sits at #4 and controls it's own destiny. Still rooting for some chaos (it is just is hard to see anyone taking out tOSU - not seeing a Michigan or Penn State upset - or a road opponent that might beat Clemson - as they never lose at home and look to be in good shape against whoever pulls out the Costal side). Been totally rooting against USC with extra enthusiasm so far this year but it probably helps for them to be an undefeated and highly ranked Pac-12 Championship opponent. A win there probably would be plenty against any other one loss opponents not named Alabama or Georgia. I know many find it strange but a playoff appearance, even if it doesn't go well THIS year, is going to be much > even winning a Rose Bowl after finishing the season as Pac-12 Champion but just outside the playoff. Playoff is just where it is at in college football these days. I know many will feel winning the Rose Bowl is good for this year and would be a springboard for many future playoff appearances, but I think you jump on that shot anytime it comes around as you just never know what might happen in the future. Crazy talk as Oregon even winning out I am sure wouldn't get a lot of bets nationally, but as fans we gotta keep dreaming.

Just watching parts of two games, this isn't the Stanford of old. Even compared to last year, I'd say Stanford has dropped another tier this season to this point. I understand the concern, but I absolutely would be more concerned if say Arizona was coming to town. Colorado seems to be imploding and I don't know you automatically take Stanford over them right now (might depend on the points).

I absolutely understand "Stanford angst" but I watched a bit of Stanford against USC and UW and I must say they appear to be far away from the teams that have given the Ducks trouble, and yes even compared to the meltdown last year where - Stanford pulled out a win. Chaos does happen but I'd say we would need to see a world where the college football world is absolutely turns upside down to see a close game. Stanford is just at a point one week turnarounds are just a massive deal.

Penix looks healthy and really appears comfortable in that offense. If he stays healthy, as much as I don't like to say it, I think the Huskies are going to be hanging around all season.

Looks like I'm the first one to sort of see it like the coaches so far. Irving appears to have that good initial burst (1-4 yards). He gets to holes and through holes quickly. I think the pass catching will improve (but I only see 8 catches last year at Minnesota so it will be something I'm sure people will be watching). Whittington similarly accelerates well and flashes some power, and seems to be the most comfortable pushing through piles and traffic. Dollars appears to be returning to form nicely from injury and had shown a nice playmaking ability. It won't surprise me if his role increases if he continues to be as productive. Cardwell, while not as big, reminds me a bit of Blount (or maybe Royce to a lesser extent) in that maybe it takes a few steps for his burst to arrive ( not meant as a put down as both were plenty successful). He certainly shows good vision and picking up his blocking. 6.84 ypc and 8 of his 61 carries going for 20+ last year certainly flashes some big play capability.

Sort of similar to Kentucky today catching Florida coming off their big Utah win last weekend, should be an advantage to Oregon at home catching BYU off a big, emotional double OT win tonight.

From ESPN: UCF Drive Chart (yesterday) 10 plays 80 yards TD (3:30) 4 plays 24 yards PUNT (1:10) 8 plays 77 yards TD (2:43) 6 plays 14 yards PUNT (2:43) 8 plays 60 yards MISS FG (2:11) 3 plays 4 yards PUNT (2:26) 3 plays 1 yard PUNT (1:43) 5 plays 10 yards PUNT (2:20) 3 plays -3 yards PUNT (2:09) 4 plays 2 yards PUNT (2:46) 5 plays 20 yards PUNT (1:32) 9 plays 42 yards INT (2:49) 5 plays 20 yards DOWNS (0:32) One of the strangest box scores I've seen in a while - UCF didn't even lose its starting QB (Rhys Plumlee) that I can see. Not seeing the game, it worked, and then it didn't? 8 punts, an INT and a turnover on downs? When I see UCF it's hard to think anything beyond Gus Malzahn.

College football has walked itself to this point; but, they at least seem to be doing something about it with the expanded playoff in the works. The Duck's goal needs to be win the Pac-12 and hope for a lot of carnage amongst the top 10. (Non playoff) New Year's six games are going the way of all the other bowls, mostly meaningless. Yes, even the Rose Bowl. Made for TV live sports events they want to sell to TV? Of course networks still try to hype it. Even try to sell tradition and the game matters maters. It isn't fooling too many college football fans anymore. It's either the playoffs - or a glorified scrimmage between teams who didn't get it done - in a random bowl. Telling fans it's a big deal isn't working anymore. Rose Bowl: Oregon versus Michigan? Oregon versus Penn State? From the collective world of college football it will be zzzzzzzzzs and mostly all but devoted fans and hardcore college football types will care. Top players likely sit. The trend with lower bowls is working it's way up. It's playoffs or bust, but at least we may have 12 teams, if not 16 teams (plus contenders), still playing meaningful games late in the year. Plus ALL the tourney games will not be exhibitions but will matter. Instead of 3 playoff games that matter we will see between 11 and 15 (depending on structure). Only downside is too many blow-outs. Don't get me wrong, I wish there was some great consolation prize for non play-off teams for football. It just hasn't materialized, and much like NCAA basketball tournament there is a reason there is no consolation set of events that generates much interest. Non-playoff New Year's bowls hung around as somewhat meaningful for a while based on long histories, but were destined to fall to the waste side. Most likely a few will be rolled into playoff sites.

I think Flower played in a handful of special teams snaps as a freshman in one game. He played one game his next year. Which means he has basically had two games since high school. I don't think he had a particularly good game either, but when you look at the stats, he still had 10 tackles and the Duck's only TFL. If it takes him two or three games to get it worked out, I'd say that's progressing pretty well.

It is a positive thought. Oregon does play in the Pac-12 and there is a lot of: WSU, Stanford, Arizona, UCLA, Cal, Colorado, Washington, OSU, so if Oregon goes 9-4 or 8-5 a lot of people are gonna be happy and say "coaching change" and "rebuilding year". Given the huge number of key guys likely leaving, 2023 most likely another 9-4 or 8-5 year and a lot of people are gonna be happy and say "still coaching change" and "rebuilding year", "five years to grow the bamboo". And that is fine. I just wonder if we are seeing signs of a program which spent a lot of time and resources getting to where to where it is at, losing ground? Both major roster composition stats have Oregon's roster between #7 and #9 nationally in talent level, and Oregon picked a new $5 million dollar coach and hired a lot of young coaches with some buzz. Oregon has spent maybe 3 decades now getting to the point it can make a legitimate argument most years it is somewhere between maybe 6 and 14 national program each year. The Utah, Utah, Oklahoma, and now Georgia games are NOT showing a program competing at this level right now. They aren't just losing. In those 4 games, while Oregon arguably was even in those games, the first half, Oregon has been outscored: 109 - 6 That's Vanderbilt numbers, that's Arizona numbers, that's Rice numbers, that's Rutgers territory. And that's fine. People will disagree about whether it is a blip or something more. I will say with mega conferences arriving (Oregon appearing to be on the outside right now), the Pac-12 continuing to decline, NIL, portal, huge disadvantages with TV money, continuing to be outside a major recruiting hotbeds, along with everything else... That we might not be seeing Oregon looking like it can AT LEAST compete - like a top 10 type program it has spent 30 years building toward - may be a cause for concern amongst those of us (who for whatever reason) care about such things? Not trying to be completely all "doom and gloom". I'd be happy to field positives.

It's a positive thought. I don't want to speak for my fellow Duck fans but most of us aren't just seeing the program not really be able to compete against just Georgia. It's getting rolled by Utah, getting pounded by Utah two weeks later, getting handled easily (by a just as depleted) Oklahoma team, then looking like an FCS program against Utah. Losses? Ok, not good but ok. Not being able to meaningfully even stay in any of those game and compete? Something else.