It's coming soon. Not sure how often we will do it at first, but there was an opportunity to do a player interview - but it had to come via podcast. Here is the Pod Intro:

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For a long time I have added recruiting notes at the bottom of the Wednesday War Room but once the season started that has really become too big of a single article.

So tomorrow I have added a Wednesday Windup recruiting article as it's own content piece so we don't lose sight of some of the midweek notes around recruiting.

Enjoy!

Just going to do this as a board post. This is my article from Smith's comments today

As Michigan State prepares for a tough Friday night matchup against Oregon, head coach Jonathan Smith shared his thoughts on the Ducks and their formidable presence on both sides of the ball. With a quick turnaround after their last game, Smith noted the challenge of facing Oregon on the road, but expressed confidence in his team's preparation.

"Just walked off the practice field and kind of turned the page to a brand-new opponent, another challenging opponent on the road, but excited about the opportunity," said Smith, highlighting the intensity of preparing for a game on a short week.

Smith had high praise for Oregon’s explosive offense, singling out quarterback Dillon Gabriel for his impressive accuracy and leadership. "The quarterback's a good player, accurate with the ball, might be leading the country in completion percentage, and they've got some athletes that he's throwing it to," Smith remarked. Oregon’s offense has been a juggernaut this season, and Smith made it clear that his team will have their hands full containing them.

On the defensive side, Smith commended Oregon’s steady improvement, particularly in their recent performance against UCLA. "I look at those guys, they just continue to improve...played really, really well against UCLA, held them pretty much throughout the entire game," he said. Oregon’s defense, according to Smith, has grown stronger each week, making the upcoming matchup all the more difficult.

Smith is no stranger to the environment his team will face in Eugene, having experienced it as both a player and coach during his tenure at Oregon State. He acknowledged the challenges of playing in a hostile atmosphere, noting, "It's definitely an exciting fan base that feels like they impact the game, and so these are the type of games you love playing in."

When asked about his familiarity with Oregon’s program, given his extensive coaching experience in the Pac-12, Smith admitted that it’s a two-way street. "Obviously, you know, their schemes the last couple of years have been consistent...but I don't know if there's one side that gets an advantage with it," he explained, recognizing that both teams are familiar with each other's strategies.

Smith also addressed the emotional aspect of facing Oregon, a program he’s intimately familiar with from his time at Oregon State. "Once it's kicked off, it's a college football game...and emotionally, you approach it the same," Smith stated, emphasizing that he and his staff, including some with Oregon ties, are focused on the task at hand rather than the rivalry.

As Michigan State looks to rebound after some tough outings, Smith remains focused on getting the best out of his team, particularly in terms of balancing pressure and coverage. Reflecting on their previous game, he noted, "You've got to pick your poison...they did a nice job, and us trying to continue to mix up our looks." This flexibility will be crucial in handling Oregon’s versatile offense.

Looking ahead to the game, Smith acknowledged the importance of leadership within his squad, highlighting the player-led aspect of Michigan State’s approach. "You want to be able to kind of share the vision of what it needs to look like, but then, you know, pass the ownership to the players. And these guys have," said Smith, reflecting on how his team has grown.

Finally, when asked about the dissolution of the Pac-12 and Oregon’s departure for the Big Ten, Smith expressed a sense of loss for the historic conference but remained focused on the future. "That conference was a historical conference, conference of champions...There is some pride and grit to the two great places that are still there, Washington State and Oregon State," Smith remarked, adding that the high level of play from both schools this season shows their resilience.

With respect for Oregon’s head coach Dan Lanning, Smith shared his admiration for his counterpart. "Dan's a really good coach. I enjoy our conversations when we gather at meetings...He's done a great job there, and he'll present another challenge with his team," Smith said, knowing that the Ducks will be a formidable opponent.

As Michigan State prepares for Friday’s game, Smith and his staff will be ready for the challenge that awaits in Eugene.

This morning on our always free Tuesday Take Two thoughts on the continuing evolution of NIL, plus will the class of 2025 be Oregon's best rated class ever?

Jaron Sagapolutele talks with Adam Gorney about his Oregon offer and the relationship.

In a season full of firsts, Teitum Tuioti talks about the growth mindset abd just how far that can take the who team:

After another stellar game, Bryce Boettcher spoke with media after practice today and talked about preparation, Michigan State and the Stomp out Cancer uniforms:

Jeffrey Bassa says he's feeling a lot healthier. Here is our article on his interview earlier today.

Died at 83 today.

You gave it all you had and played baseball the way all sports should be played, from first pitch to last. You entertained the hell out of us.

Continuing our coverage of the win over UCLA, here is our Fifth Quarter analysis of the game:

Right here:

Dan Lanning spoke at his weekly press conference about preparations and Michigan State. We gathered some thoughts on his comments. Here is our report on tonight's press conference:

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Aiden Harris is a 6-foot-5, 255-pound strongside defensive end from Weddington High School in Matthews, NC. The 4-star Class of 2026 player ranked No. 4 at the position, No. 6 in the state, and No. 51 in the nation for the cycle spoke about his recruitment from Oregon in an exclusive interview with Duck Sports authority.

He listed the Ducks alongside Tennessee, Ohio State, Miami, and Ole Miss as standout programs.

On why Oregon stands out alongside those powerhouse eastern programs, most of which are big-name, Power Four programs, he said that "(Oregon) is just a super cool team."

Harris wants to visit Eugene as soon as possible to experience everything that the program has to offer. "I'm going to fly out there as soon as possible to go see everything," he said.

The easygoing, welcoming nature of the Ducks' coaching staff has helped set them apart over offers from 22 Division 1 teams, most who are big-name programs from the Power Four. "All of the coaches are cool. If I call one of them, I will be able to talk to the manager and the whole staff on the phone," Harris said.

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A look across the conference here:

Lanning also gave an update in Terrance Ferguson:

Jonas Williams had an impressive game against a very good opponent. Some have reported that winds were gusting to the 20s so this was an even more impressive performance under the circumstances! Completed 21 for 25 for 305 yards and 6 TD passes tonight as he led his team to victory.

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Interesting week .. Rockin, Cody, and Quantum all picked the UCLess score correctly while Tar came closest to nailing the Ducks tally, missing by a point. For a surprisingly rare occurrence only 64Oregon was on the spread. With his correct spread and missing the team totals by a FG each 64Oregon grabbed the honors for the week, followed closely by the other guys who pick the Ruins' score.

64Ore 119
Cody 118
Quantum 114
Rockin 107
Shark 93
Tar 93
Scott 88
Ski 87
10Duck 86
Me 86
Duckville 85
Corey 85
Trent 85
Adam 83
ORDux 83
Fish 82
Gray 82
the UCLA beat writer 82
Johnnie 81
Quack 79
Brandon 79
CKC 75

Thanks to everyone for showing up. had a newest high number of guessers Saturday, hoping to beat it next with Hope to see you all for the Friday Night fight with MSU guessing.

Good morning #GoDucks fans, we are back with another DSA Inside Read with a 3-2-1 look back at the UCLA game:

Great work by Lee on this exclusive interview

Takes a big gulp

All of the unbeatens except Rutgers seems pretty safe this week. each except the Scarlet Knights favored by 20 or more. speaking of pretty it is that to see Rutgers unbeaten this late in the season and the spread is pretty sure they are going to have a pretty long flight home after the game, or at least those who set the spread ore pretty sure they are going to have Rutgers a touchdown extra to make pile A equal pile B. Not so fast, my friend, I'm not that impressed with Nebraska and think maybe we are still going to have a quartet of unbeatens.

Oregon is going to cover 24 against MSU (I hope)

Purdue is still finding depth and won't cover 12 in Wisconsin.

28 1/2 isn't enough for the Ruins to be getting in Happy Valley

Iowa's D is good again this year but I don't feel they can stay within 20 1/2 in the Shoe

Indy will probably cover the pair of TD's they are giving NW, even on the road

As I guessed Rutgers will be more than 7 points better than Nebraska

I can't believe UW is giving Big Blue a field goal, even in Seattle. This would be my number one bet .. if I ever bet (any more, until the local casino gets a sports book ) I also wouldn't know who I WANTED to win unless I wanted Michigan to remain highly rated until they host the Ducks and the Mongrels to finish at the bottom of the conference both of which I do so ...

USC is giving the boat rowers 9 on the road and should cover. Since we don't play the Condumbs this year, I hope they don't. It's about time for them to make an unexpected face plant.


time for another gulp

Going to get this started early. Will have one more walk with Fiji timed so that I am back about a half hour before game time so want to be sure that we have our game thread going!

A final thought ahead of tonight's game plus thoughts from around the rest of the Big 10