“I’m having a difficult time finding six wins for the Ducks”
With reference to the headline, hey, I didn’t say it. That acclaim goes to John Canzano of The Oregonian in what now looks like a gigantic whiff. We all had our doubts after Boise State, but missing out on bowl eligibility? Quite a reach. Now, 6-1 Oregon goes looking for win number 7. Here’s my Sunday thoughts as we move on.
- Why is it that every time a national analyst or reporter talks about Oregon, they always preface it with, “Oregon has really turned it around since Boise State.”? At what point do we get to move on from that game? Is it permanently attached to the Ducks reputation or can it possibly be wiped clean by a win over USC? Either way, it’s a virtual guarantee to pop up about 2,837 times this week as the four letter hype machine that is ESPN descends on Eugene (GameDay all but certain to visit).
- Speaking of everyone’s favorite sports network, if Kirk Herbstreit picks Oregon, I encourage everyone to loudly boo him. I’m pretty sure he has us at 1-3 in conference play so far with his predictions. Thanks Kirk and be sure to bring your tanning lotion. I hear it’s going to be rainy and overcast.
- I can’t believe how easy the win was against Washington. The Huskies had played everyone competitive including USC and LSU. And who would have expected negative rushing yards from Jake Locker? They didn’t even try anything with him. The only conclusion I can reach is that this team is seriously good.
- Number of seniors on Oregon’s two-deep against UW: 5. That’s five seniors out of 44 players. A total of three started. Wow.
- Look for Oregon to request a waiver this week to play 2010 defensive back recruits against USC. There’s hardly anyone left now that Talmadge Jackson is, uh, day to day. Then again, true freshman Cliff Harris looks like he can do it all himself. Alongside fellow freshman John Boyett and sophomores Javes Lewis and Anthony Gildon, boy, the Duck’s future in the defensive backfield is good.
- Oregon has the best two yard line defense in the nation. I’m sure of it.
- I’m writing this before the rankings are released, but the Ducks feel undervalued to me. One team that is especially bugging me is Iowa. Good for them for winning every game, but I’m having a hard time accepting the Hawkeyes as a top ten team.
- A quick, crack analysis of USC… Lot of opportunities passing the football over the middle. Watching the OSU game, the tight end was often open for big gains, but I would expect USC to scheme more for Ed Dickson. The Beavers also had a lot of successful runs straight up the gut. On plays to the outside, USC’s speed advantage was obvious. Matt Barkley is not yet as great as everyone keeps saying. As a true freshman, he stands out, but if you weren’t analyzing him with that disclaimer, he wouldn’t be as celebrated. I know he won at Ohio State and Notre Dame, but, with no offense to tradition, big deal. Autzen Stadium will be a whole different beast. The Trojans are athletic and their talent is relentless. You have to play hard from start to finish to beat them and mistakes must be kept to a minimum. More as the week goes on.
Thanks to friend of the blog Andy for the reminder about Canzano’s “Six Wins” quote. The Ducks got there in record time.
Ohhh my gosh well said on every front, I have been asking my wife and freinds when do the Ducks get the Boise game off their back, winning a Pac-10 might do I think!
I would like someone to ask John Canzano how he feels about that statement now.
Also, everyone at the game this weekend needs to be loud from start to finish. Nobody brings a true freshman into Autzen
I think the Boise State game IS forever attached to Oregon’s 09 season, and I think it should be and is a good thing for the Ducks. It was just one game, but that game was disastrous, and now the story is how the Ducks rallied, DIDN’T let that one game and the aftermath define their season, and (although maybe they would’ve been really good anyway) may have gotten stronger, on and off the field, because of that experience.
I have been saying all week would would waste the Fuskies by thirty, everyone said “no way” it will be close, blah blah blah. People wake up. Speed kills end of story. And when you add the desire behind the speed…everyone gets killed. This team is young, talented, and legit. OREGON has athletes, we are for real and we will beat the trojans. If this team cuts down on penalties, and takes care of the football just a little better I believe we are the most balanced team in the Nation. LSU way overrated. This Defense could shut down Alabama and Florida, no doubt about it. Texas…please. Iowa…who, are they even in the top twenty five. and the list goes on.
Canzano is a jerk and he likes to raise the cackles of Duck fans. Ignore him.
I thought that Texas vs Oklahoma State was another Game Day possibility but Autzen on Halloween is awesome!!
The BSU game is only on people’s minds due to LGBs explosion. Otherwise it was just a 18-9 loss. Doesn’t matter, just keep on winning.
Ducks goal-line defense is incredible.
After the game a big crown gathered at the main entry to Husky Stadium and got a loud and prolonged “OOOOOOOOOOOOOO” going. It gave me goose bumps.
Husky Stadium is pathetic. Wow, they need a new stadium or major upgrade badly. What we have with Autzen is just light years ahead. Their tailgate situation, though, is very nice. Lots of room right near the stadium.
We can beat USC!
I think it is pretty clear that Conzano is a stupid, bitter idiot. At this point I think he just writes stupid shit for shock value. He has no long term perspective on anything. He is that type of guy where when things go one way for even a day or two, he will change his entire outlook and throw out any long term perspective. He’s just a stupid, stupid man. I can’t help but think the Oregonian only keeps him around because he has the Howard Stern like effect where people will tune in just to see what that idiot is going to say next. It’s entertainment for sure, but to take it seriously would be ridiculous.
Herbstreit has picked against the Ducks every game this year, save Wazoo. He won’t make the same mistake against USC because he won’t be able to predict the game since he’s involved in the broadcast with Musberger. Too bad. Kind of our good luck charm.
Better to lose in glory!
than to win and be sorry!
DUCKS ARE GOING TO KICK ASS!!!!!!!!
BE GLAD IF YOUR ONE OF THE LUCKY ONES TO WITNESS.
GO!!!!!!!! DUCKS!!!!!!!!