A lot of good points here. I certainly hope the Ducks' playing and play calling improve.

But I just read that University of Iowa marching band member Derek Phillips died on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, after suffering a heat stroke and sudden cardiac arrest during the Hawkeyes' season-opening football game against Northern Illinois.

Kind of puts things in perspective for me.

During Fall camp Lanning periodically mentioned this team is becoming more player led. I can see how this might tie into changing coordinators and continuity of x's & o's. Might the uninspired play be linked to lack of focused leadership and inspiration in the locker room, sideline and game? Go Ducks!!

That was one of the most surprising and disappointing performances by our OBD. After the BSU game I expected them to bounce back with a competitive fire for redemption looking like a top 10 team. Instead, our OBD looked flat and not playing cohesively.

Dan Lanning has recruited talented players. I just did not see much play calling that was built around our players skills to move the ball downfield or stall the opponent's offense. I have to think that our Offensive and Defensive Coordinators are in over their heads calling effective plays. I went with many that said "In Lanning I trust" when Lanning hired from within and he didn't look outside for experienced coordinators. I am beginning to think that the common denominator for the disappointing last two games is our OC and DC. Unless they can figure things out quickly, Lanning needs to think about making some coordinator changes.