Morning Quack Fix: Oregon's defense has some bright spots.

by JConant on Sep 10, 2009 8:24 AM PDT in Morning Quack Fix

What happens when you use your cell phone as an alarm clock and it runs out of juice in the middle of the night? Yeah, Morning Quack goes up late...sorry, my bad. Here's what I found around the Interweb.

Finally, a look at one of the brighter points of last week's game...the defense. Rob Moseley details some successful changes made for the Boise game, specifically noting the play of junior Kenny Rowe and Oregon's ability to switch between 4-3 and 3-4 looks without switching personnel.
For those of you catching the Purdue game on TV, be prepared for a bit of a mess. The Duck game may be in conflict with FSN's broadcast of an earlier Seattle Mariner's game. Moseley has all the details.
With all the finger pointing being done by the vocal minority here and on other message boards, Jeremiah Masoli sums up the real problem with Oregon's offense last week..."All our guys were making mistakes every other play." George Schroeder's article in this morning's R-G details Chip Kelly's reaction to questions about whether Masoli is "the guy."
Cameron Mason of the Bleacher Report is the latest to pose the question, was Oregon's full-season suspension of Blount was too harsh? Unfortunately, he fails to weigh in with an answer.
Mike Carmin of BoilerStation.com writes that Purdue is hoping to erase the bitter memory of last year's lost 17-point lead against Oregon.

In other sports:

I just noticed a whole new look over at GoDucks.com. It looks nicer, but still bogs down with too many things going on. Let's just say, the site isn't as fast as Oregon's defense. Newsworthy notes... Oregon baseball has added a new coach in Jay Uhlman. Ducks women's soccer is preparing to host the 2009 Oregon Nike Tournament featuring Loyola Marymount, Seattle University and Oregon State.

If you find something good, please share.

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I'm a Mariners fan

but to join the supposedly “nationally” broadcast football game in progress to show a baseball game for a team not even remotely close to the playoffs is comical. I have Fox College Sports, so it doesn’t matter to me, but a lot of people don’t have this option.

Again shows what a joke our TV contract is. Hopefully this is rectified, and we’re off FSN forever very soon. Another embarrassment for the Pac-10

--Dave
Addicted to Quack, SBN's Oregon Ducks blog

by David Piper on Sep 10, 2009 8:31 AM PDT reply actions

ESPNU?

I’m out in Michigan…am I right that the game will be on out here?

by frozenfowl74 on Sep 10, 2009 8:53 AM PDT up reply actions

The game should be on Fox Sports Detroit.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Sep 10, 2009 8:57 AM PDT up reply actions

It's ridiculous

I’ll be able to see the entire game on Fox Sports West in Southern California, but people in Eugene won’t. That seems rather silly to me.

I feel the need, the need...for speed!

by Gorbachav5 on Sep 10, 2009 11:16 AM PDT up reply actions

How about Comcast?

Anyone know if the game will be on Comcast Sports (37 and 737 in Portland)? I hate listening to the FSN announcers, guarantee they talk about Blount 80 times during the game.

PER has to be useful...I'm sure it helped determine to keep Batum after Summer League

by Matt Daddy on Sep 10, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

No

Its an FSN game, so channel 415.

"Good evening Blazer fans, wherever you may be!"-Bill Schonely

by skywaker9 on Sep 10, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions

Don't know if this has been posted yet; I think it went up yesterday.

I heart taxes.

by everett on Sep 10, 2009 9:09 AM PDT reply actions

Oops

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=maisel_ivan&id=4457449

I heart taxes.

by everett on Sep 10, 2009 9:10 AM PDT up reply actions

Uh Oh..

Quote from Boilermaker

“Throughout training camp, Hope said the tight ends would be an important part of Purdue’s passing game”

I hope our “new” defensive schemes will be more effective against TE’s than they have been in the past.

I like what is being said, but hopefully actions live up to words.

by duckalope on Sep 10, 2009 9:56 AM PDT reply actions

True that

The TE for BSU was open all night long underneath. This is a problem. Any team with a good short quick passing game is going to nickel and dime us to death, and eat the clock, how many times did they convert on 3rd and long? its like we were spotting them 5-15 yds over the middle. I finally watched the game again and this was my biggest beef with our defense. That and our inability to tackle at times.

by QuackinAK on Sep 10, 2009 11:01 AM PDT up reply actions

Does anyone know if the spirit shirt design for this year has been released yet?

I haven’t seen anything over on the new GoDucks.com.

I’m looking forward to picking one up when I’m down. (And doing my part to support the band, of course!)

"It amazes me that you understand (...) the number one play of what their offense is and what they do best, AND you still can't stop it!" - Craig James

by AcadianTraverse on Sep 10, 2009 10:09 AM PDT reply actions

yes it has

Here it is

"I used to play sports. Then I realized you can buy trophies. Now I'm good at everything." - Demetri Martin

by haveasoda on Sep 10, 2009 11:59 AM PDT up reply actions

Good Man

Thanks

"It amazes me that you understand (...) the number one play of what their offense is and what they do best, AND you still can't stop it!" - Craig James

by AcadianTraverse on Sep 10, 2009 12:09 PM PDT up reply actions

George Schroeder...

Maybe I’m really new to ATQ, but is this guy for real? I’ve read his last 3 articles or so, and it seems like he a hater. I’m starting to hate him almost as much as Conzano. Maybe he’s just trying to show a different view, or mindset, but sounds to me like he jumps on and off the BW whenever he feels like it would make a good article. Todays post on “IF” Masoli is the guy just kills me. Looks like he’s off the BW right now…

by NOTTSJR9 on Sep 10, 2009 10:25 AM PDT reply actions

He’s never been on or off the bandwagon, IMO. He simply calls it like he sees it. I think he’s a decent columnist, most definitely not a hater, but not rah rah Oregon either.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Sep 10, 2009 10:28 AM PDT up reply actions

I see.

I guess I should expect some nay sayers after that terrible game, I just didnt expect it from the local paper.

by NOTTSJR9 on Sep 10, 2009 10:41 AM PDT up reply actions

I think Schroeder is still trying to find himself as a columnist. He’s not bad. He’s not great. I’m not at all ready to lump him with Canzano. That said, we all have different reactions to what and who we read. By no means, NOTTSJR9, am I saying your reaction isn’t valid.

Frankly, I don’t want the local columnists to be rah rah guys. They damn well better be willing to ask the tough questions. Asking Chip about a consideration of playing Nate Costa is not at all out of bounds following Masoli’s performance last week. Chip’s answer was predictable, and most of us believe the right answer.

I certainly can’t argue with Schroeder’s statement that “…Oregon must have a much better performance from Masoli, or the Ducks are in trouble.”

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Sep 10, 2009 10:43 AM PDT up reply actions

true

Masoli just needs to find his rythm and i think 4 games at home should help him get there. I think the line actually did a pretty decent job, upon watching the game again. There were too many missed reads by Masoli, overthrown, underthrown, telegraphed passes. And a failure to recognize defensive schemes and chenge the play at the line.

The safety on LGB is a case in point I watched this play several times and it is clear that BSU is overloading our left side our play call was to Blount around the outside with the whole left side of the line pulling and leading the way as a consequence the BSU DT, and LB came in unimpeded and almost grabbed the hand off. Nobody picked them up, now granted the line might be partially responsible for not either “jamming” their guys before releasing and pulling or failing to recognize the overloaded situation and crashing down on the two guys that were unblocked (more likely).

Masoli needs to be able to recognize this, and either check down, reverse the play, or call T/O. The BSU defenders telegraphed what they were doing and that play was doomed from the get go. Now don’t get me wrong I love Masoli, but he needs to pull it together I have my fingers crossed and hope a little hometown love can help him find his rythm, or else…. why not Nate?

by QuackinAK on Sep 10, 2009 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions

or else…. why not Nate?

As a non-duck, Beaver observer, I’ve got to admit that I’ve been very curious to see what a healthy Costa looks like. As I’ve stated previously, this kid has had a rough career and I’d personally like to see him used this year… and then have him throw 12 picks in the civil war, of course, but in all seriousness, it sucks when people are forced onto the bench like he has been.

by ArbyOSU on Sep 10, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions

Oregon must have a much better performance from Masoli, or the Ducks are in trouble."

Agreed.

by NOTTSJR9 on Sep 10, 2009 10:52 AM PDT reply actions

Pac-10 Bowl Arrangements, 2010.
Lots of shifting around.

Rose Bowl: Pac-10 No. 1 vs. Big Ten No. 1

Alamo Bowl: Pac-10 No. 2 vs. Big 12 (the deal hasn’t been finalized but it’s expected to be No. 3; Big 12 No. 2 goes to the Cotton Bowl)

Holiday Bowl: Pac-10 No. 3 vs. Big 12 (the deal hasn’t been finalized but it’s expected to be No. 5; Big 12 No. 4 is expected to go to the Insight Bowl)

Sun Bowl: Pac-10 No. 4 vs. ACC (either No. 4 or No. 5)

Las Vegas Bowl: Pac-10 No. 5 vs. Mountain West champ (or No. 2 if the champ earns a BCS bowl invitation)

Emerald Bowl: Pac-10 No. 6 vs. WAC Nos. 1, 2, or 3 or Army-Navy (WAC works with bowl to decide which conference team goes)

The Poinsettia Bowl will get the Pac-10’s No. 6 team this year, but the bowl contract wasn’t renewed.

"It’s spelled E-L-F T-U-S-H"

by JShufelt on Sep 10, 2009 12:06 PM PDT reply actions

I really don't like that Vegas Bowl match-up

The Mt. West should be even more bugged by it.

It just seems like a recipe for PAC-10 humiliation nowadays, what with that conference on the rise and all. Our 5th place team against their champ?! What?

by ArbyOSU on Sep 10, 2009 12:14 PM PDT up reply actions

That could be BYU if they don't get a BCS berth....real big trouble

PER has to be useful...I'm sure it helped determine to keep Batum after Summer League

by Matt Daddy on Sep 10, 2009 12:16 PM PDT up reply actions

Exactly. No flame intended, but you guys know first hand how bad that sucks.

I think we need a new match-up there. Then again, it’s more likely now that the conference champ from that conference would probably be in the running for a BCS invite and the #2 and #3 teams in that conference usually seem to match up to our 4/5 team pretty well.

by ArbyOSU on Sep 10, 2009 12:32 PM PDT up reply actions

well they aren’t a BCS conference so my guess is that there is an assumed difference in talent level … more and more so though I disagree with that

by echo31 on Sep 10, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions

That gap is closing pretty darn fast. BYU is particularly unique, too. They’ve got 25, 26, 27 year old men who are mature, have families and are often times more disciplined than your average college kid.

by ArbyOSU on Sep 10, 2009 1:31 PM PDT up reply actions

remember, these are “picks”, not set in stone

--Dominic, Addicted to Quack

Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.

by dvieira on Sep 10, 2009 1:27 PM PDT up reply actions

Purdue is the perfect opponent.

Ahhhh… We all need something more positive to talk about. I took a look at stats from Purdue’s 52-31 win over Toledo and a few numbers jumped out.

Toledo had more first downs (26) than Purdue (25). Toledo couldn’t run the ball real effectively against the Boilers, gaining 70 yards on 22 carries. So Toledo went pass-happy and threw the ball 69 times,completing 41 for 423 yards. Sounds like Toledo is the new Purdue circa Drew Brees era. Whatever the case, they moved the ball and if it wasn’t for three turnovers may have played Purdue a little closer.

Don’t get caught thinking Purdue D is all that soft. The Boilermaker offense scored often and scored quickly, to the point their defense spent a lot of time on the field. Time of possession was more than five minutes in favor of Toledo. Purdue’s strength on offense was running the ball – 315 yards rushing, 234 of those by Ralph Bolden. Purdue QB Joey Elliot was mostly efficient with 17-of-28 for 220 yards, but his three interceptions had to raise eyebrows.

I see this game as a great opportunity for Oregon’s offense. Without the big guy, effective passing is even more critical for the Ducks. Oregon receivers and tight ends should find plenty of open space against Purdue. It’s on the line to protect and on Jeremiah to find his passing game. He should have every opportunity to work out the kinks. I think he’ll get it done.

Purdue appears stout against the run. But that was Toledo, and they don’t have LaMichael James, or even Andre Crenshaw, for that matter. Again, an excellent opportunity for the team to “get it together” in the ground game. It won’t be easy – and that is perfect, IMO. Purdue’s running game plays right into Oregon’s defensive strength, so I can’t help but think Oregon has the advantage there, especially at home.

I’m not saying Purdue has no chance in this game. Of course they do. I am saying Purdue is the perfect opponent for Oregon to face following adversity. A complete cream puff would not be ideal…that would tell us very little and might even build a false sense of accomplishment. The match-ups Saturday are mostly favorable for Oregon, but Purdue is going to give them a physical fight. Exactly what the Ducks need.

A win at home against another BCS team this Saturday, by a little or a lot, would be an important first step toward this team regaining its confidence. Go Ducks!

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Sep 10, 2009 3:05 PM PDT reply actions

Well, at least I had the right idea. Just in time, a new 4-star LB commit is announced.

Let there be joy in Mudville!

Last time I checked, there is no "Hall of Average." - Oregon Football Coach Chip Kelly

by JConant on Sep 10, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions

I could not agree with the Big Daddy Drew any more:

But I beg of you, networks: Please don’t subject me to anything like that Kenny Chesney song that now runs all through every ESPN college football telecast. Holy shit, that is awful. It makes me not want to watch football, that’s how bad it is. It makes me feel UNWELCOME to the game. It aggressively tells me that I am watching the wrong sport. I feel out of place, like I stumbled onto a NASCAR broadcast. Please, NFL networks. Never do that. Just keep the MNF theme, the FOX “Sleigh Ride” music, that horrible shit CBS plays, and what not. Don’t change. Whenever networks change sports music, it’s almost always for the worse.

--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog

by jtlight on Sep 10, 2009 4:08 PM PDT reply actions