The Ducks sit at 6 in the AP Poll and are among the contenders for the fourth playoff spot depending on how they finish the season.
Hopefully the team is fully focused on Arizona and putting together a strong, consistent performance coming out of the second bye week.
On social media, Duck fans are divided. Some say they want to win out and make the playoffs no matter what.
Former Duck and NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz thinks it would be better for the program to make the Rose Bowl and face a winnable game with Minnesota than make the playoffs and get blown out by LSU. He says the Ducks aren't quite ready for the top tier of college football. Finishing the season on a high note would continue building the momentum for the future.
On the other hand, going the distance against the Bayou Bengals or another of the country's top teams might teach them what it takes to succeed at that level.
And who knows, it seems like this 2019 squad is still improving. Funa and Thibodeaux are growing into elite pass rushers. With Juwan Johnson having a breakout game and C.J. Verdell showing improved vision and burst, the offense has a new level or explosiveness and productivity. Mykael Wright is an emerging star; the defensive backfield might be the most consistent and solid unit on the team.
I'm interested in your opinions. What are you forecasting or hoping for in this stretch drive of the season? Are you concerned the Ducks might get screwed by the playoff committee? Which remaining opponent scares you the most?
The Beavs have some weapons in their offense and their defense has been better than expected. A road trip to Tempe is often tough. And Arizona, over the years, has been a pest and a bad luck charm for Oregon. Anybody remember Willie Tuitama, or the catastrophic injuries to Dennis Dixon or Kellen Clemens, or a couple of flat performances against Rich Rod during the Mariota years? Or last year, when Khalil Tate and JJ Taylor chewed them up? And Utah is just plain tough on every unit.
Brandon posted a chart the other day that broke down Oregon's chances of winning out based on the ESPN FPI metrics. Now that they're this close, have your expectations shifted? 10 wins? 11? What's the definition of success for Oregon football and Justin Herbert's/Troy Dye's farewell season after putting together an 8-game winning streak?
Another night game. Whose seat is hotter, Clay Helton's, Kevin Sumlin's or Larry Scott's?
Hopefully the team is fully focused on Arizona and putting together a strong, consistent performance coming out of the second bye week.
On social media, Duck fans are divided. Some say they want to win out and make the playoffs no matter what.
Former Duck and NFL offensive lineman Geoff Schwartz thinks it would be better for the program to make the Rose Bowl and face a winnable game with Minnesota than make the playoffs and get blown out by LSU. He says the Ducks aren't quite ready for the top tier of college football. Finishing the season on a high note would continue building the momentum for the future.
On the other hand, going the distance against the Bayou Bengals or another of the country's top teams might teach them what it takes to succeed at that level.
And who knows, it seems like this 2019 squad is still improving. Funa and Thibodeaux are growing into elite pass rushers. With Juwan Johnson having a breakout game and C.J. Verdell showing improved vision and burst, the offense has a new level or explosiveness and productivity. Mykael Wright is an emerging star; the defensive backfield might be the most consistent and solid unit on the team.
I'm interested in your opinions. What are you forecasting or hoping for in this stretch drive of the season? Are you concerned the Ducks might get screwed by the playoff committee? Which remaining opponent scares you the most?
The Beavs have some weapons in their offense and their defense has been better than expected. A road trip to Tempe is often tough. And Arizona, over the years, has been a pest and a bad luck charm for Oregon. Anybody remember Willie Tuitama, or the catastrophic injuries to Dennis Dixon or Kellen Clemens, or a couple of flat performances against Rich Rod during the Mariota years? Or last year, when Khalil Tate and JJ Taylor chewed them up? And Utah is just plain tough on every unit.
Brandon posted a chart the other day that broke down Oregon's chances of winning out based on the ESPN FPI metrics. Now that they're this close, have your expectations shifted? 10 wins? 11? What's the definition of success for Oregon football and Justin Herbert's/Troy Dye's farewell season after putting together an 8-game winning streak?
Another night game. Whose seat is hotter, Clay Helton's, Kevin Sumlin's or Larry Scott's?
