1 of 1- Jiffy Jeff
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- Registered: 12/30/2019
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Early Thoughts- BYU Game
The Ducks are going to have their hands full this weekend. The line is the Ducks by more than a FG and I think that if this game was in Provo the line would be the same in favor of the Cougars.
That said, after getting hammered by the #1 team in the country and defending national champion followed by thumping a FCS foe, that this week's matchup with show us where the program really is as it moves into conference play. As such I am grounding my expectations into where I was at in the late 90's to mid aughts. I think we are going to see some good football and explosive plays with wins and some head scratchers as well as we see this season unfold. It's going to take some time. Despite the existing talent on the roster there also has to be chemistry developed with the new coaches, returning players and incomers and I think the kinks of that are still being worked out.
My hope is that regardless of the product on the field this Saturday that the fans will reserve any booing and blowing of raspberries if the game unfolds and comes up short. The fans are why the team is favored to win, not necessarily the players on either side of the field. Nix is what he is and I am not sure the backups are truly any better, the RB's look decent but the pecking order is still being worked out and the defense is definitely a work-in-progress. But the kids are working their hardest to follow what the coaches have set up for them and deserve the best from the fans regardless- they chose to be here and represent the university.
- DucksReign
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Re: Early Thoughts- BYU Game
I can only speak for myself and circumstances may play a role...but I never boo a player(I don't live close enough to go to games at Autzen so that is in part a moot issue for me).
My frustrations whether watching games in person or on TV is almost always with coaches(and sometimes officials😂) Nix should have been yanked in the Georgia game.
That is why I believe Cristobal in part twisted the booing last year of AB to fit his narrative where in reality the booing was intended for Cristobal because AB was still playing...that is what I believe.
I have played and coached sports my whole life...not football...so I know how much players want to do well. Yet as a coach, I control the roster and game management...not the players.
Otherwise once the Pac-12 changed how the the Pac-12 Championship Game would be determined...the 2 teams with the best conference records vs Division winners...I downgraded the importance of these non-conference games.
Most of all I am hoping for no significant injuries that could impact conference play.
This week I have to work during the BYU game so I will record it; follow what I can on my phone and if they win I will watch the game later; if they lose I will delete the recording! Simple😁
- OldMacManaic
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Re: Early Thoughts- BYU Game
was yapping last weekend on texts and emails w my local Duck friends and w wife's fam back in Colo (Buffs ain't lookin too good right now). I've been saying 35-31 Ducks for days. and then I see where Crepea at The O called the exact same number. guess I'll go with it; if it were CannedZano I'd worry.
cannot believe UW is 3.5 favs v Sparty in Husky Stadium. cannot believe it.
- DucksReign
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Re: Early Thoughts- BYU Game
OldMacManaic wrote:
cannot believe UW is 3.5 favs v Sparty in Husky Stadium. cannot believe it.
I think it is a home field issue...both 2-0 against weak opponents...MSU beat Joe Moorhead's Akron Zips 52-0!
You could make the same argument about a 1-1 Oregon playing a 2-0 BYU team that last week beat a Top 10 team...how can Oregon be favored?
Personally while repeating myself of sorts, since these non-conference games do not play a role in getting to the Pac-12 Championship Game...I am hoping Pac-12 teams win them all. Plus what Mel Tucker did to Colorado by leaving was classless...I hope the uw stomps MSU🙏
- Phil
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Re: Early Thoughts- BYU Game
I really have no idea what to expect tomorrow.
Autzen is definitely the reason the Ducks are favored. The lines are made to encourage bets and things like the Ducks having the 3rd longest winning streak at home go a long way with the gambling folks. Initially I heard 70% of money was going on BYU.
There's only one other 2 top team matchups this weekend so it's going to get some national attention.
The storyline developing is can the Ducks control BYU's massive O-line and QB. Their top 2 receivers could be out again this week. The past couple of years the Ducks have struggled a little bit on stopping fast QB's from running. DJ could be a big key to stopping QB runs.
One of the very few brights spots against Georgia was that the Ducks were able to move the ball on offense for a while. I feel like they should be able to generate some yards tomorrow. The offense and especially Bo can't afford to make turnovers.
This is really a huge game for the Ducks. They get a win and they'll go into conference play as top team in the Pac. That's about all I want to think about at this point. I had to shake made head listening to a Ducks fan on a podcast earlier week talk about running the table and getting in playoff contention. How they perform against a solid ranked opponent tomorrow is all I want to project on the season.
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