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about 1 year ago
Berkeley has three 'e's
about 1 year ago
Thanks!
about 1 year ago
Ben,
I take issue with many things you write about the Ducks but I do agree some with your comments about the defense. First lets be real, Phil had nothing to do with Brooks leaving....he bolted for the NFL and to say Bellotti has been average is just out and out wrong. We had two unbeleiveable years one of which should have landed us in the Rose Bowl and would have under the bowl system Brooks coached in. We have finished in the top 5 twice and this year we may again....I think that the time for the program to get a new coach may be soon but only if Bellotti moves on. This is a solid program and we are very good every 4 years or so and good every 2 of 3 years.....face it, I think what we have in Eugene is the envy of almost everyone in the conference except USC. We will beat Cal this year and then you will have to buy in again.....
RICK
about 1 year ago
Great assessment on the Ducks for I never said they were a bad program. As far as the Brooks comment: 1) I know the family and 2) go back and read the articles in the paper and read between the lines. I know for a fact that he was encouraged to move on because had Oregon not gone to the Rose Bowl that year he would have likely been fired.
All of the improvements happened after he left as many boosters were unwilling to open up the purse strings with Brooks at the helm. I love the facilities at Oregon and have many friends and aquaintences within the department, but I simply will not jump on the bandwagon that Oregon is an elite program. For example: I developed a new statistical evaluation tool where I measure how a team has performed against the elite ( I determined elite schools for a given year are those who won 9 games or more). I call it the Quality Opponent Factor. Here are the results for Oregon (records against those elite teams).
2006: 1-4 (the win was a grossly controversial win against Oklahoma)
2005: 0-1 (0-2 if you consider Oklahoma who was 8-4)
2004: 0-2
2003: 0-3
2002: 1-2
2001: 2-1
2000: 2-2
1999: 1-1 (* I stretched it here as I included the comeback win in the Sun Bowl over Minnesota (8-4) for their lone win.)
1998: 0-2
1997: 1-3 (only win was against a 10-3 Air Force team in the Vegas Bowl)
Total record against the elite is 8-21. Now if that is your standard of excellence for inclusion into the elite of college football than I guess I am mistaken for Oregon has made a killing off of scheduling the WAC, Mountain West and Portland State and winning against the bottom half of the PAC-10 to get to their 7, 8 and sometimes 9 win seasons.
Decent years came in the Harrington era, when Tedford was at the helm. If you wonder about Tedford's influence, just look at Oregon's record since he left Eugene, 28-21 coming into the season, now it's 31-21.
People get all hyped up about records, thinking if a team wins 7 or 8 games its a great year. 7 or 8 game winning seasons at a lot of schools will get you fired. Look at Ron Zook and the former Nebraska coach who had a .700 winning percentage in his coaching career and got fired.
I like Oregon football, and I like the coaches. I've taught many of their kids, but I don't think Oregon is an elite program until they get off the schnide and show me some frigin defense on a consistent basis, especially against elite teams. And no, Michigan this year is not an elite team. They will likely go 8-4 and Lloyd Carr will be fired as a result. The only game I have felt truly proud regarding Oregon (in reference to achieving an elite season) was the 2002 Fiesta bowl season in which Oregon destroyed Colorado in the Fiesta. Everything else is much ado about nothing as Oregon is a good solid average porgram. But I understand your loyalty to Oregon as it is easy to get involved in Duck Mania. I have simply been let down too many times to dive right in once again for the numbers tell me otherwise.
about 1 year ago
I think you said it all when you replied: "This is a solid program and we are good every four years or so." You are correct, Oregon is solid - but solid ain't elite. Oregon has arguably the best facilities in the Nation in the last decade and look at the numbers.
about 1 year ago
I thought this was a website that analyzes the upcoming Pac-10 games? I didn't realize it'd be an opinion piece on the state of Oregon football. You should have saved your rant for next week and ended it with your prediction of Cal beating UO.
"Oregon sucks, they're everything that's wrong with college football, vastly overrated, they'll tank it again, etc, etc, etc.....blah, blah, blah.......Prediction: Oregon 52 - Stanford 24." LOL.
Gimme a break.
about 1 year ago
Simply responding to a comment. But if you'd like I can stop responding to comments. I thought it would simply be polite to address a comment, especially when you can back it up with facts.
about 1 year ago
I would think you might want to introduce a little less bias in your writing, it would have more impact if it didn't seem like you have an axe to grind vs UO. You spend 10 paragraphs in ripping Oregon (not including your well though out diatribe in comments), then when you get the the game that "you are most excited about" you give us 3 hum drum paragraphs. Additionally you manage to mention the ducks in a negative light in several of your other game synopsis. Obsess much?
What is your record year to date straight up and ATS?
about 1 year ago
I appreciate that you respond to viewer comments. But, I'm talking about your entire analysis above on the Stanford-Oregon game, not your responses to the viewer comments.
9 of your 10 paragraphs are about the state of Oregon football. Only 1 paragraph actually analyzes the game.
about 1 year ago
Of course, that is what the table of results is for. I will keep those thoughts in mind. It's always interesting. When you rave about a team its excellent analysis, when you provide a more realistic viewpoint based on stats and facts it becomes a personal bias. I will try to write more in the third person posing both sides of the coin and let you the reader determine the results. Do I like Oregon, certainly. But I also like Cal, Washington State, Arizona State and SC, and the results on the field are pretty significant that Oregon, although a solid program is far from elite when you dive into analysis. However, Oregon is on a roll this year and can continue if they keep the turnover ratio in their favor.
about 1 year ago
Yeah I think most of the comments here sum up my thoughts but I ll just add a couple. First, EVERY school in the country wants top-notch facilities for its athletes, and EVERY school tries to get as many major donations from alumni as they can. Not just for athletics but EVERYTHING. Do you know how much of its budget the UO gets from the state? 12%!!! That s nothing! That is why we, like everyone else, recruit students and student-athletes who show signs of success, so that they can support the school as alumni. And Phil Knight WAS one of these student-athletes. Nike was born at the UO. Nike could not have happened without UO. Lots of beaver fans hate on Nike and act like it gives us some unfair advantage, when really they are just jealous that none of their alumni was as successful as Phil Knight (not that I support Nike wholeheartedly, cuz I have big problems with their overseas practices, but that s a different story). So you think Phil Knight works the athletic department? If so we might as well make him UO president, because as far as I can tell every decision has been good. Lananna is a kick-ass track coach. Kilkenny is rockin already as AD. And baseball is a WAAAAAAAAY better spectator sport that wrestling. Especially in the sense that it is actually a spectator sport.
Second, you talk about the Brooks era like those were the glory years. Please. Yeah, Oregon was the underdog, if by underdog you mean we SUCKED EVERY YEAR do you seriously not remember how we regularly competed with OSU for ninth in the pac-10? You must have been the only die-hard duck fan in town, because EVERYONE in Eugene was calling for Brooks head. Attendance at games was low. People griped about us in the papers. It was MISERABLE being a duck, especially because our facilities (before the Cas center in 92, at least) sucked as much as the team did. PLUS, donations in all other aspects of the University were low. Think about the Rec Center. The Law School. The tennis courts by 18th street. NONE of that existed in Brooks time it was just a big dirty field with an ugly fence. And remember how bad instant-replays were before DuckVision, baby?
Nowadays we have a SOLID program. 50 straight sell-out games, hello? Record-wise, things haven t gotten to the level they were under Tedford, but 31-21 is just fine. Especially considering no one in the Pac-10, besides USC, and practically no one in the nation, has been able to win consistently year-in year-out. There s just too much parity. And that makes it fun, huh? Anyways, as soon as Carroll leaves USC, so will their winning ways. It s inevitable. Plus, facilities are getting better at UO, as are athletic and non-athletic donations and UO enrollment (GPAs and SATs are on the rise). You may think this has nothing to do with football but it s all connected.
I, as a duck fan for one, make no apologies about Nike, Phil Knight, our frickin tight-ass uniforms, basketball arenas, or XBOX-laden locker rooms. Hell, I think they should upgrade them to XBOX 360s so the kids can play Halo 3 during halftime. Or have they already?
about 1 year ago
So when are we going to see your article about Bret Boone and steriods...here let me write it for you.
Bret Boone did not use steriods (I know him from my playing days with the Goldpanners); there is a perfectly good explanation for his head growing three sizes and just because he went from being a good offensive 2nd baseman to #3 in the MVP Voting in 2001 (hitting 65 points above his career averaged and more than doubling his average HR total) does not mean he used steriods. By the way, did I mention I know him?
Although I agree with a lot of your points about Oregon (Tedford, Aliotti issues), and want to recognize you for putting yourself out there in cyberspace I would like to point out a few things:
1) Belotti went to the Fiesta Bowl...for 2001 it is the same as the Rose Bowl and he didn't get his ass kicked by Kijiana Carter and Kerry Collins like your good family friend Rich
2) The uniforms, aside from the yellow helmets, are great
3) Knight's generosity to the University of Oregon and your precious OSU baseball team should never be slighted. In a state where education is not even a secondary concern we are fortunate and downright lucky that someone like Knight is around to give money, even when strings are attached
4) You are not a Duck fan...maybe you used to be, but you aren't anymore.
5) Alex Brink is nowhere near as good as you make him out to be...like you say about the Ducks, let's just wait for the wheels to fall off that chasis
about 1 year ago
I am a diehard duck fan, and have been since I was a kid growing up in the 60s & 70s. I agree that the ducks are a little spoiled with their facilities, etc. But what does it say about Coach Brooks if boosters are keeping their money in their wallets while he's in charge? And if the program is getting national attention and better recruits now, isn't that a good thing? Also, I'd like to see your stats for the Brooks era ducks against 'elite' teams for a side-by-side comparison.
Having said all that, let's talk about football. One thing you fail to recognize, at least in your article, is how Oregon is winning: BIG. The previous 'tank at the end' years we won some squeakers early on against teams that we should have blown out (if we had been the team we thought we were). This year we are blowing them out. This team is playing with confidence and swagger, components that were missing in those tank years. I am on the bandwagon, and, to be fair, will be on the bandwagon even if the wheels do come off, which I doubt will happen.
I hope you can get past your bitter feelings re: Coach Brooks, Phil Knight, etc., and return to being the fan you claim you once were.
GO DUCKS!
about 1 year ago
Funny thing is I'm not bitter about the Ducks for I see it with clear eyes. As far as Brooks, I don't think people appreciate now the depth of despair of that program, and you can't compare that era to this era because he faced programs who had stock-piled players for years and he started turning things around when the 85 scholarship rule came into play. You can say whatever you like, but Bellotti has yet to surpass Brooks in terms of Rose Bowls, even in spite of better facilities which most certainly attract better players. By the way, I love the passion spilling out in these responses. Simply awesome. Let's just make sure we are not blinded by that same passion because 8-21 against the elite, just in the last decade - during the Bellotti era speaks for itself. The whole gist of the Oregon article was simply that I'm not on the bandwagon yet and until the numbers start to turn around, with solid defensive play, I will continue to be skeptical.
And yes, I am a Duck fan and Beaver fan as well, for I certainly recognize OSU baseball and also the job that Bellotti has done at Oregon. But who started the fact that Oregon and Oregon State have entered the arms race? I think we can trace that back to Oregon going to the Rose Bowl and I was simply paying tribute to Brooks, because his road to success was certainly more difficult than Bellotti's.
I don't need you to tell me that I'm not a Duck or Beaver fan, but I do see things clearly and don't get caught up in the hype for we are less than a year removed from getting our ass handed to us by BYU a team many of think couldn't play in the PAC-10. And I don't have any bitterness for Phil Knight. I just don't think boosters should have the say all as far as running the athletic department, but as we all know it is a sign of the times.
about 1 year ago
So then if you are a "Duck Fan", you are a Duck fan that hopes for a return to the days of mediocracy, minimal talent and Liberty Bowls?
When did paying tribute to Brooks require you to bash Belotti or the current group of kids at Oregon? Whether you admit it or not, that is exactly what you have done. I don't believe any real Duck fan has anything negative to say about Rich Brooks, he certainly paved the way for what we have now. Of course following your logic, we don't have anything so maybe Rich's success is the reason you hate Oregon football so much?
And if we are stating facts, the Cotton Bowl is where the arms race began...the big three wanted to know what it would take to continue that success (I know some of the Kilkenny's and one of my best friends is a close personal friend of their family).
about 1 year ago
by the way, when do we recognize that old Mike Stoop-id can't coach in the Pac-10? It is sad really, if he could at least make a bowl game we could keep him around for a few additional years. Might be facing the same problem with Dorrell at UCLA; can you imagine if they ever got a good coach?
about 1 year ago
"And I don't have any bitterness for Phil Knight. I just don't think boosters should have the say all as far as running the athletic department, but as we all know it is a sign of the times. "
I find this comment funny. Have you ever dug into SEC Football? This is the norm there; wealthy donors have a heavy influence on the direction these schools take their programs. If you talk to folks in the SEC and mention that people complain about all the money he (Phil Knight) donates they will look at you like you're crazy. No one there questions it, just the way things are.
about 1 year ago
The tone of your article seems bitter to me; perhaps that speaks more of my green & yellow glasses than it does your attitude. You say in your article that you once were a die-hard duck fan in the Brooks era, which seems to imply that you no longer are a ducks fan. I certainly didn't mean to jump to conclusions or question your loyalties.
I do have a criticism, however. You say it's not fair to compare the Brooks and Bellotti eras, then go on to compare the Brooks and Bellotti eras ("... Bellotti has yet to surpass Brooks in terms of Rose Bowls..."). How many BCS bowls did Brooks get to? Before you think I am a complete idiot, I realize there was no BCS when Brooks left. But it is the very existence of the BCS that kept the 2001 ducks out of the Rose Bowl. Should we agree, instead, to say 'Pac 10 champions'?
As for defensive play, I for one hope that the FSU game is a sign of the times. I am as vocal a critic of Alliota as anyone; I loathe conservative/prevent/'bend don't break' defensive schemes, and have been known to call for NA's head. But I have to admit, the defense looked good Saturday. I hope they can keep it up.
I do recognize Rich Brooks as the main factor in beginning to turn the program around. However, I think the time was right for a change, and embraced the ushering in of the Bellotti era. Have I been frustrated? Heck yeah, I have. But every year I'm on the bandwagon, and it takes a lot to bump me off. Last year's loss to BYU, and Bellotti's comments afterward, left me with a bitter taste in my mouth. Still, I love my ducks, and am back on this year for the ride.
Lastly, I like how you referred to the ducks as 'us', as in '...getting our ass handed to us by BYU a team...'. You know, I think you might just be a duck fan after all....
about 1 year ago
Big time and great point about Dorrell and Stoops. Of course, I do think he can coach, but people don't understand these things take time and things were really bad at Arizona before Stoops got there. Nonetheless, my patience is wearing a little thin on the Arizona debacle as well. Some guys are just destined to be great assistant coaches, but not necessarily good head coaches.
In closing, I don't think the arms race discussion comes up if that is Oregon's first trip to a New Years Day bowl game. I think it was a combination of the Rose Bowl and Cotton Bowl in back to back years, and the bottom line is that these were Rich's players.
I'm done with the Brooks - Bellotti comparison combination for I have made my point, and it was simply that maybe we should extend some appreciation to Rich because of what he not only did for Oregon football, but what he is currently doing at Kentucky. The SEC is obviously one of the toughest conferences in the country and to be down 10 scholarships and perform the way he has is quite the accomplishment, especially considering his accomplishment at Oregon changed the entire landscape of the PAC-10.
I now know what Stewart Mandel means when he says the comments and mailbag section of his articles take on a life of their own. Lets concede that I will try to be a little more careful in picking my words, but understand that my perception of a picnic will often times vary from yours and vice versa. I wrote this article regarding Oregon as a little tongue in cheek jab at many of my friends who didn't care for Rich. As a young fan, I really did like the way he did things and Oregon is certainly better for his contribution. As far as this season, I hope the Ducks can put it together and continue, but until they start beating the elite, I'll keep both feet on the ground. They can certainly start in two weeks by beating CAL, but if they really want the props they need a good showing against the Trojans to wake up the people of SEC nation. I'm wondering what our SEC and East Coast writers think of Oregon?
about 1 year ago
Aye yaye yaye, people people lets keep it civil. I don't agree with EVERYTHING Ben said but the man has some legitimate points. Lets be honest, Jeff Tedford was a big reason for Oregon's Fiesta Bowl run and the Duck's imploded last year after going 4-0 before classes began (the Oregon University System uses quarters, they start the last week of September and end halfway through June). I thought Brook's left because he wanted a chance in the NFL, but being only ten years old at the time I can't say I was paying close attention to what was going on between Knight, Brooks, and the athletic department at the time. One thing I will say though is I feel Allioti is actually a very good defensive coordinator. In years past it was usually the pass defense that was the Achilles heel of the team because his schemes focus on stopping the run and often leave corners on a island without safety help. When the Ducks have had talented, experienced corners this produced some really good defenses (2000, 2001, 2005), when they haven't things were not good (anyone remembers ASU's 35 point second half at Autzen in 2002?). Strangely though the past two years Oregon has struggled against the run while the secondary has flourished. Last year there were injuries, and they did firm up the middle later against Fresno State but it is definitely a concern going into Pac-10 play. At this point the Oregon defense seems primed to thrive it can develop a "bend but don't break" mentality that relies on turnovers to give the high octane offense the opportunity to put games out of reach for opponents. Time will tell, as always...
about 1 year ago
Very good assessment for Nick has done a nice job over the years. I guess the whole point I'm trying to make is that maybe due to my own fault and high expectation, I have a different view of what "Elite" means. I think the coaching at Oregon across the board is solid. We couldn't have better men representing our universities, and that includes Oregon State as well.
Constructive criticism is hard to take sometimes and I know this from first hand experience. I couldn't hit a professional quality slider to save my life, but I was a good, solid, everyday player. My overall package as a professional athlete was far from elite, even though I was a three time, All-PAC-10 collegiate player at Oregon State. Sometimes that is hard to hear especially the day you get released from pursuing your dream.
I think people mis-interpret terminology for just because I said Oregon isn't elite, people assume I'm saying they SUCK - which couldn't be farther from the truth. Oregon is very good, but the defense, from a defensive line standpoint is not elite and they will have to rely on turnovers to keep that defense off the field, especially when they begin playing teams like CAL, SC and Arizona State, which most certainly hang their hat on the running game.
Spencer Graham, who is the Kansas City Royals Crosschecker is an avid Duck fan. We talk about 4-5 times a day on Saturday as we are busy watching college football. We both don't care for the EAST Coast Bias, which I allude to in my book as a CFA alliance or bias, are we listen to the comments from the media very carefully. I've gotten many a phone call from him regarding something that was said regarding the west coast from an East Coast or SEC market. He called this weekend raving about the Duck D. and yes, it looked awesome. But the research minded guy in me, who has performed 4 years of research for a book manuscript project reminded myself that Fresno has lost 10 of their last 14 games, and they are not the same program they were before losing to USC on national TV 2 years ago.
But we both see things pretty clearly because we scout professional baseball and I believe it is important to stay grounded and see things with clear eyes before we dive right in and say Oregon is the next Florida, USC, Oklahoma or LSU or even West Virginia for that matter. The Ducks are most certainly on a roll and how good they are is anyone's guess, but they have looked a little suspect against the run and if you want to enter that Elite category, stopping the run is a must!
about 1 year ago
Ben,
Agree that we need the Ducks Defense to do better and get more 3 and outs. But, does defense always win championships? I would say no and as an example, I would direct you to the Texas vs USC Rose Bowl. Both had great defenses all year, but neither defense could stop the opposing offense.
Regarding Rich Brooks.....He left for the St. Louis Rams and the pros Ben. He also took a good portion of the coaching staff with him. And you may think he was not liked by Phil Knight and other major boosters, but if that is the case, why is the field at Autzen named "RICH BROOKS FIELD"? Rich Brooks did a lot for the program, but in the many years that he was there, he had one good season. Bellotti has had several.
As for Elite program discussion.....I think your expectations of the Ducks are that of what you would expect at USC, Florida, Alabama, Nebraska, etc.....But, finishing #2 and #5 in the country says a lot about your program....although I'll be the first to admit that it's been awhile since we had that kind of season.....maybe this will be the year.
Regarding "Big Green"......It's GANG GREEN! I haven't heard the Ducks called "Big Green" in years.
Lastly, you sure seem like a Duck Hater and a Beaver Flamer, even though you seem to suggest that you are a Duck Fan......Reminds me a lot of Beaver Fans that come into the Duck Forums and Flame away.
TD
about 1 year ago
It's hard to take anything you say seriously when you aren't familiar enough with Pac-10 football to know that Stanford went to 1 Rose Bowl under Willingham, not "several" as you claim. BTW Oregon was the best team in the conference that year(1999) and Stanford was very lucky they did not have to play the Ducks.
about 1 year ago
Your right! I stand corrected. It was one Rose Bowl, but of course, I believe it was Stanford who knocked Oregon out of the National Championship game when they blocked two kicks and intercepted a Joey Harrington pass in the final minutes of their best season under Bellotti. Forgive me, I should have looked a little more thorough, but I don't have much time available to write these articles.
I think we can agree that Tyrone had it going at Stanford when he left, for why else would he have ended up at Notre Dame? One thing I did fail to mention is that Oregon, under Bellotti, has achieved the elite 9 win benchmark 5 times in his tenure and three of those came when Tedford was the Offensive Coordinator, and three of the five have come since the year 2000. Food for thought.
about 1 year ago
As far as the lack of defense in the championship game it is really an apples to oranges comment, for both teams had excellent defenses, but your dealing with such special athletes on the field that night that it would be virtually impossible to shut both of those offenses down.
Your not going to stop Vince Young and company and your not going to stop Reggie Bush and company. I thought that was an extremely well played game on both sides of the ball as both teams hit the piss out of each other to the final bell.
As far as the forums, I don't visit them and I don't flame. I believe I wrote an article stating my belief that Oregon really has yet to achieve anything this season, or for that matter, throughout its history as compared to the elite, yet Oregon will always flap their wings like they are apart of that elite fraternity. A flamer, in my opinion is someone who doesn't write articles like yourself yet will come in and ridicule those who do, yet doesn't have the balls to go out on a limb and write their own thoughts in written form for others to view or critique. Maybe you could take the time to organize your thoughts and give us your obviously superior knowledge of what PAC-10 football is all about as you obviously know everything their is to know about the PAC-10 in particular and college football in general. But then again its hard to take your viewpoint too seriously when you sign in under the anonymous name tag.
I think Oregon has done very well for themselves in the Bellotti era, and given the 85 scholarship era and the parity in the game, it is a little easier to leave a footprint in the game today as compared to the past. It's too bad the media hypes the elite structure that was created 30+ years ago when stock-piling took place because the BCS would be wide open if there was a way to include head to head competition instead of a unionized allianced, archaic and uninformed poll system supporting the good ol'boys of college football, which is specifically those who supported the College Football Association.
To Reese, Mike, Rick and Tristan I appreciate your courage to put your name out there in public in contesting my viewpoints for I enjoy the passion and insightful comments for it has certainly given me a new perspective and has increased my own knowledge. For the others who signed under the anonymous tag, grow some hair, grow up, and enter the conversation like a gentlemen and state your beef, for this is what a platform like this is truly for. It's time to put this issue to bed.
about 1 year ago
I have a problem with term ELITE regarding the past because until the 85 scholarship limit the majority of the teams had no chance to win regularly. Its our been 13 years (+-) since the rule change and there is more parity every year...its starting to filter down and we won't see to many dominant teams out side of the major programs (USC, Michigan tOSU, Texas ect.) its getting harder for these guys to stay dominant and this is a good thing for all schools. If this rule was created from the start we'd have a very different league.
Looking forward to more parity in the years to come... GO DUCKS!!
from about 1 year ago
Wow Ben, you must be one talented writer (seriously), I have rarely seen such emotion and passion as what you have so brilliantly brought out from many folks today. Good Job! Now on to the Ducks. Since it all boils down to communicating well and since I don't so well, I think the Ducks are elite. Right now they are a special team, not many three game stretches of playing good (not great) opponents and scoring at will and the defense progressing as fast as it has. The fan in me says this team is special, the realist says I sure hope we can keep this momentum up and not die like last year. I was a U of O Duck during the early 70's era when three wins was a great season, not a good start. I am hoping that Chip Kelly is our new version of Jeff Tedford; offensive brilliance and winning ways. As for the defense, I have hopes that the progress we have seen in three games is a sign of a group of men maturing and working together. Even though I love the Ducks, once we play Cal, USC and the rest of the schedule after Stanford it will be a real test for Allioti and his defensive staff to consistently keep us close and in the game when we won't rush for 300+ yards. The Duck offense has normally been consistently good no matter what kind of season we are having, but the truly great seasons, 9-10 wins, have always been characterized by great defense. Thanks for letting me have a few lines.
about 1 year ago
BTW I forgot to add I think Oregon won in spite of Brooks...Brooks was brutal!
WE have great season ahead of us good job BELLOTTI now we just need a Defensive Corr. who can recruit and game plan...This guys days have to be numbered! Lets hope/dream!
GO DUCKS!!!
about 1 year ago
The WSU/USC game will be a barometer for what the rest of the season will be for both Coach Bill Doba and the Cougs. They don't have to win to be successful the rest of the way, but it's imperative that they play well. Specifically, how will the team perform if the fall behind by three touchdowns...the most conservative point spread? Should the team just play out the minutes if the game gets out of hand, Coach Doba may find himself on the block. The Cougs have the talent to pull off a win in the LA Coliseum, but do they believe in themselves. Three tuneup games have provided enough reps to know that the Cougar offense is as good as any in the country. On the other side of the ball, if the inexperienced players haven't learn from their mistakes...and there's been plenty...they better at least show passion from beginning to end. Given their collective youth and inexperience, the defense can fly to the ball early and often. Whether they do that or not remains to be seen.
about 1 year ago
You are WAY WRONG about Boone. One of my best friends played with Brett in Seattle, as well as with Bonds and Griffey and McGwire and said he used to get shot up in the ass once or twice a week during his great run...he backed off once baseball was starting crack down. Thus, his career plummeted. You have no idea what you're talking about here sparky!
about 1 year ago
First of all, it's not a Duck forum and second DEFENSE does matter. Third, Duck fans all think alike...they drink the Nike...ooops, Uof Zero Kool-aid into thinking that everything is great! They do not have a sense of realism in evaluating their football team. They wish, hope and pray that they are near the elite programs, but let's face it, they're not! Your program is full of "wannabes"!! You can't stand it that OSU has a championship in baseball so you go after the cheerleading title...WOOO OOOOH!!! And in your press conference about baseball, you state it is not because of the success at OSU...what??!! If you say it in the press conference, it's one of the main reasons! When UW had past success in football, you all changed your home game time to match Washington at 12:30 and decided to use the blow horn when your players came out of the tunnell coincidently like the great UW. Phil thinks he can buy championships. I'm betting that will catch up to him in the very near future!
about 1 year ago
Ben--
I actually wrote two responses. The second came up as 'Anonymous'--I thought that if I had given my name once already, it would come up again. The response that begins 'The tone of your article...' is me. I hope my name comes up each time now that I'm registered.
I do appreciate what you've written. I guess I have a tough time admitting that the influence of Phil Knight plays such a huge role. However, as a fan, I love that Nike began here, and say what you want about storied tradition at other schools, Oregon has some of its own. (Aside: to the anonymous poster who says Duck fans all think alike and wish, hope, and pray that we are approaching elite status: DUH! THAT'S WHY WE CALL OURSELVES FANS! Are you telling me that you don't wish, hope, and pray for the Beavs and UW to beat Oregon this year? And responding with a flame helps this series of responses resemble a Ducks forum, so flame on!)
Anyway, Ben, thanks for making me think.
GO DUCKS!
about 1 year ago
Like I said before, these things take on a life of their own. Go Ducks, Go Beavs - Go PAC-10 - I'm officially turning the page on this theme, for all voices have spoken and given us fresh perspectives.
about 1 year ago
Ben,
I was responsible for posts 12, 15 and 16. We don't see eye to eye on quite a few things, but at the very least, thank you for reading our posts and making an honest attempt at replying.
My thought is that every Duck fan wants to put last year behind them, and we all know what can happen after a tremendous start (that includes a win against a quality opponent)...so as my friend Travis said, "Focusing on Stanford, but looking forward to Cal."
It is one game at a time, but damn, it is never a crime to dream :)
Chad
P.S. My thoughts this year were 7-5/8-4 which has since been revised up one W since we beat the tar out of Michigan.
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