Morning Oatmeal: Thursday edition

by ntrebon on Apr 3, 2008 7:07 AM PDT in ATQ Site News

Well, it seems like a quiet morning out there on the news front. I did find a couple of items. If anyone has anything else newsworthy, feel free to post in the comments.

A little news on the basketball recruiting front. Rickert has an update on the Tinsley recruitment. Apparently, Tinsley has it narrowed down to seven schools -- with Oregon making the list. Rickert also notes that Oregon remains in the running (albeit a longshot) for the class of 2009 point guard John Wall, who is regarded as the #1 overall PG by rivals.

Moseley's piece in the R-G today centers around the defense. The Ducks led the conference in red zone stops and turnovers last season. Repeating that feat would go a long to ensuring a strong 2008 season.

Update [2008-4-3 10:41:18 by ntrebon]:The Statesman Journal has a reminder about Dixon working out for NFL scouts today. It also includes a quote from Blount saying he told Stewart he was coming to Oregon whether Stewart left early for the NFL or not -- and that he likes the uniforms.

And, elsewhere in the Pac-10:

Despite all the rumors about Bill Grier taking over for the Beavers, OSU has yet to make anything official.

And, in case anyone hasn't heard, there are pics all over the web of Matt Leinart partying with some underage coeds. Here's SMQ's post on the "story". Apparently, Arizona Cardinals coach Ken Whisenhunt was not very pleased when the pics of his starting QB went public.

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Good article on the defense...

You know, for all the crap we give Aliotti, he did a darn good job last year. And we all know that's because of the schemes that Aliotti likes to play. And because of that, I think our defense will be excellent this year.

While I think that fumbles are kind of a crapshoot, we didn't have that many fumbles recovered last season (only 13). We had 20 interceptions though. Despite the loss of Harper, the rest of the secondary will continue that trend I think.

There are definitely a few question marks, but there is enough talent around that those should be cleared up by the start (or very early into), the season.

by jtlight on Apr 3, 2008 7:28 AM PDT reply actions

Defense

I agree. Another stat that Moseley had that I found pretty incredible is that are two returning CBs combined for 16 takeaways (12 interceptions and 4 fumble recoveries). That is unbelievable.

by ntrebon on Apr 3, 2008 7:38 AM PDT up reply actions

I really like our CBs

Those stats are pretty amazing, but I think what I like most about them is the fact that they can TACKLE. Bauman and Steve Smith could tackle, but it always seemed to me that the myriad of CBs we had from 2002-2005 couldn't tackle. Even when they had improved great, they were not great at one-on-one stops. Thurmond especially is killer at this. Against him, on screens and quick passes, very few yards are gained after the catch.

This especially stuck out during the Michigan and USC games, when they made big tackles on Hart, and on the USC receivers on the short passes.

by jtlight on Apr 3, 2008 8:58 AM PDT up reply actions

leinart

this is hilarious becasue matt leinart is a bitch. that said, i cant believe anyone would be mad or surprised at these pictures. All the man is doing is holding a beer bong for a girl, and hanging out in a hot tub with a few. Not one dude in this country, of any age, would pass up partying with hot girls in hot tubs...and who doesnt get down with the occaisional beer bong. What do people think NFL players do in the off season? Its not like he was doing blow off one of the girls' chest. Good grief.

by coolconman on Apr 4, 2008 11:13 AM PDT reply actions