Morning Quack Fix: Another NC commit, Getting Ready for Purdue

Basically, we blew out a MAC team last week, but did it in a way we’re unaccustomed to. We ran for almost 330 yards as a team and Ralph Bolden, a sophomore making his first start, had 234 yards and a pair of scores. Jaycen Taylor, a fifth year senior returning from a knee injury, went for 81 yards and two scores. Joey Elliott, a 5th year senior making his first start, had three TD passes, but had three INT’s all on tipped balls, one was a drop by his receiver.

Defensively we struggled against the pass, but Toledo had a very short 3 step drop passing game and they dumped over the middle a lot. We also had very poor tackling last week, but it has been a major point of emphasis in practice this week.

On special teams we have Carson Wiggs, who nailed a school record 59 yard field goal just before halftime last week that had enough distance to be good from 65. If he can see the goal posts he is in range.

DD, 2 cents I posted yesterday in another thread just before we all got appropriately distracted with the great news of a big commitment.

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!

You said yourself that it is only the first game and we don’t have a lot to go off of. But ESPN still as the same amount of air time to fill. So they have to talk a lot, but dont have much to talk about. They are in a pretty tough spot. And does anyone think Robert Smith really took a lot of time to break down the first game. Two ranks teams or not, the NW is far far from Bristol.

send out an email to MB. We should play more ACC schools, easy wins that look good.

Why wait that long? Knock out Montana State or Portland State for the home game with an NC school.

it’s amazing what an extra letter can do.

Kelly is still getting love and kids to committ. If we can get wins…just imagine! Hopefully we win. If we don’t, it’s a long season and bad thing for us and BSU. That is how we move on…by winning.

he’s out for tomorrow

If Lane Kiffin was giving a speech, I’d have a hard time not standing up and shouting, "You lie!" Or, maybe I’d just throw a couple shoes at him.