Mid-Week Links

It's Wednesday and Kelly has still not started the communication to reinstate LeGarrette Blount. Blount has been working on scout team the last 3 days of practice making many believe that he likely won't be reinstated for this weekend's game vs. the Cardinal. Obviously Oregon's still waiting on some of those "qualifications" to be met before starting the communication... Maybe a midterm grade or another counseling meeting?!? Who knows... I'm sure the Ducks will be fine without him...

Many are worried about a letdown after the big win over USC. Good thing Oregon's aware that would likely ruin the season.

Bleacher Report ranks Autzen Staduim as the #1 most hostile stadium to play in.
Another Bleacher Report ranks the Ducks as the #1 most unique offensive attack in college football.

So what would happen if everyone took a dive and Boise State and Oregon were battling for a national title spot? Here's a good rundown.

Here are some photos from Oregon's huge win over USC.

Frankly, I glad the Ducks are working on those high snaps from center. There have been a lot of plays that could have easily gone a different direction, literally.

Here's Moseley's practice update today.

The WAC hired a PR firm to help promote Boise State getting into a BCS this year. Last year Boise State was held out of a BCS game after running the table.

And my favorite link of the day... Here is who to root for (and against) over the next 5 weeks of the college football season if you're a Duck fan.

Go Ducks!!!

Some Links

George Schroeder wrote a great article on reducing expectations yet not being surprised with this Oregon team if they develop into their new roles.. At this point, who knows what the Ducks will do.

Going into the Utah game, here are some defensive numbers.

If you didn't know, Oregon picked up two North Carolina recruits last week. Here's an interesting article on them and recruiting nationally.

While Oregon's opponents have been tougher, Utah is riding into this week's game with a 16 game winning streak.

Blount debuted on the scout team this morning. After breaking up last week's scrum and now practicing with the scout team I believe Blount deserves some much needed respect for rising above the Boise disaster.

Oregon is trying to work Ed Dickson into the offense more after only having 3 catches for 17 yards.

Oregon will likely play the Washington State Cougars at 6:15pm now so that if the game isn't picked up for two of the television windows it can be played on Oregon Sports Network.

Here is this week's football release for Utah.

Getting Over It

In the wake of Thursday's "melee" all Duck fans, Boise fans, and the national media have had time to dwell on what happened. We've all had time to set aside our emotions of a horribly played game by the Ducks (that ended even worse) and look at things with some more rational thought. Boise played their hearts out and had one hell of a game, I'm not discrediting them one bit for that.

Yes, I still believe what Blount did was wrong. I felt sick and embarrassed as a Duck fan watching that tirade. Though I have to wonder if this hadn't been the kick off to the college football season, would the results and the media coverage been the same? Looking at it now, a few days later, was Blount's punishment too harsh? Did Oregon act too quickly because of the media coverage or take the easy way out?

Plus, has the instigator of it all, Byron Hout, treated like he barely had anything to do with the outrage that ensued? Will Hout really learn anything after this is all over or is Peterson failing to set the right example?

Even the new Pac-10 Commissioner, Larry Scott, called the WAC's Commissioner, Karl Benson and asked him to get involved since all Hout is only going to receive some "personal time" during the week with his coach. But Peterson and Benson defended their decision not to suspend Hout.

Sure everyone has their own opinion and who is to say one is right and the other is wrong. I'm happy Oregon reacted swiftly but I do believe the punishment was a tad harsh. The media blew things out of proportion as it had nothing better to do on Friday besides wait for college football to really kick off Saturday. I am proud that, rather than throwing Blount aside, the team will allow him to practice and prepare him for the NFL. Even having him talk with sports figures who have gone through the same experience. Should Blount decide to transfer to a division 2A school, I'll wish him the best of luck. As for Hout, in addition to the nice clock to the jaw, I believe something needed to be done publicly besides some internal disciplinary actions. If it weren't for him, the dominoes wouldn't have started to fall. But that's one man's opinion.

Regardless of the loss, I had a great time in Boise. Most fans were very nice with the exception of a few. But that is to be expected as a visitor to any away stadium... even for those visiting Autzen.

I'm glad it's over, I'm happy the national media has had other college football to focus on and I'm ecstatic there are still 11 games left! Remember Duck fans, that was a game the Ducks were "supposed to" lose... First games are meant to be sloppy and it's only up from here. The Ducks may be without their starting running back but the season's still just beginning.

All the best to LeGarrette, I'll be rooting for you too.

Go Ducks!

Boise State's Blind Side

Apparently Boise State will be starting a former walkon at tackle who hasn't played in an actual game for almost 5 years. He's a redshirt freshman but to his credit, the guy is 22 years old. Though he'll be guarding Kellen Moore's blind side against Will Tukuafu. That's a hell of a first start Michael.

A Little Civil War (and Boise State) Humor

Nick from Off The Pond goes Off The Pond and wrote a piece for The Norman Einsteins, Sports & Rocket Science Monthy college football preview regarding this year's Civil War (towards the bottom). There is also a funny peice on the Oregon vs. Boise State game at the top from One Bronco Nation Under God. Good work as usual Nick.

Catching Up with Boise State

ESPN's preview of the Broncos has Herbstreit picking the Broncos to beat Oregon and go 13-0.

Here's an article about Jeremiah Masoli from an Idaho newspaper.

One Idaho blogger says he disagrees with the ESPNs biggest question mark for the Broncos being the replacement of Ian Johnson. He believes it will be the offensive line, followed by the interior defensive line.

Offinsive line play may be a concern likely because the loss of Cory Yriarte,who was competing for the starting job at guard and the backup spot at center, for the entire season with a knee injury.

Interior defensive a concern due to the loss of DT Greg Grimes who will miss four to six weeks with a leg injury. While Grimes was said to be a backup, another DT, Michael Atkinson, was arrested for a DUI and suspended for a few games. This leaves the Broncos without much of a rotation come Sept. 3rd.

Despite all this, one fan believe that the Bronco's interior defensive line and offensive lines are solid and have depth.

As many of you know, Chris Peterson was the Ducks receivers coach for 6 years (starting in 1995). Here's a video of Chris talking briefly about his friends still at Oregon and answering some other questions about his team.

The New York Times reviewed Boise State at #17 in their Quad Countdown and believes that it will severely underrate the Broncos probably again this year (as they did last year). The writer believes that Oregon will win in Boise but if the Broncos were to sneak past the Ducks they would likely go 12-0.

Oregon and Boise State will discuss future series between the two teams.

Mike Hayes at Sporting News picks the Ducks over Boise State.

Top Non Conference Games in 2009

Collegefootballnews.com came out with the Top 50 Non conference games. 1-10, 11-20, 21-30, 31-40, 41-50

Not surprisingly, 2 of Oregon's 3 non conference games ended up in the top 15...

• 12. Utah at Oregon, Sept. 19
• 7. Oregon at Boise State, Sept. 5

Here are where other Pac-10 non-conference games ended up

• 47. LSU at Washington, Sept. 5
• 40. California at Minnesota, Sept. 19
• 37. Arizona at Iowa, Sept. 19
• 35. Arizona State at Georgia, Sept. 26
• 28. Cincinnati at Oregon State, Sept. 19
• 27. UCLA at Tennessee, Sept. 12
• 25. Maryland at California, Sept. 5
• 4. USC at Notre Dame, Oct. 17
• 1. USC at Ohio State, Sept. 12

Looking Ahead

Wide receiver Jeremy Childs, a junior from Boise State who had 5 receptions for 102 yards versus Oregon in 2008, will forgo his senior season to enter the NFL draft. Utah's cornerback Sean Smith and defensive end Paul Kruger will also both pass up their final season(s) of eligibility to enter the draft in April.

Cheap Shots...

Cheap shots? You make the call...

I'm a little unsure what they are teaching these kids at Boise State. Once, I can understand. $hit happens. Though, twice in one game is completely unacceptable. Neither of these were questionable, but 100% flagrant. Ducks have your number next year Boise...

All Debts Paid

The bet that I referred to in a previous post was won by OBNUG and all debts have been paid. OBNUGs blog post is actually quite entertaining. Can't wait for next year's payback.

Coaching Problems

Moseley did a great job of explaining the coaching problems that most people thought we had on Saturday. Throw in Harper full time (they weren't planning on using him in passing situations) and a Boise State offensive scheme that Oregon hadn't seen on tape this year. You have to believe the coaching staff did a pretty decent job with some serious adjustments.

My Team Is Better Than Your Team

If you want to read some pure entertainment, the moderators of Addicted to Quack and One Bronco Nation Under God agreed to post why their team will win on the others Blog.

Why Oregon will win - Addicted to Quack's post on One Bronco Nation Under God
Why Boise State will win - One Bronco Nation Under God's post on Addicted to Quack

I especially liked the comments regarding Gremlins II.

Oregon Preview from the Enemy and an Interesting Bet

I found this preview of the Oregon / Boise State game from One Bronco Nation Under God (OBNUG). The writer is actually fairly accurate with all his research and does a good job breaking down this year's Oregon team (and how the Broncos will match up).

I actually came across this article because I was reading Addicted to Quack's interesting bet with OBNUG regarding this weekends game. I'll look forward to reading that post.

By the way, good luck to Kellen Moore (a redshirt freshman QB) making his first road start for the Broncos at Autzen. I think this will be the first game they will truly miss Zabransky.

More Links

Here are some more daily links from both home and away...

• Ducks Depth Chart vs. Boise State
• Idaho Statesman - Heading into a lions den... Then playing the Oregon Ducks.
• Idaho Statesman - BSUs safety Jeron Johnson looking to make some big plays against the Ducks.
• Times-News (Twin Falls, ID) - Chung played a key role in the recruitment of Ian Johnson to the Boise State Broncos.
• Arbiter Online (BSU Independent paper) - Ducks will be a tough test for BSU. Does Petersen really believe that piping in noise will sufficiently prepare his team for Autzen's noise?
• Idaho Press - Oregon's secondary will create problems for Boise State. And considering they are starting a redshirt freshman at the QB position it makes you wonder if he knows what's coming.
• Register Guard - Harper's passing is constantly improving.
• Register Guard - Masoli is ready to contribute.
• Off the Pond - Oregon will win, but not handily.
• Statesman Journal - Byrd making huge plays.
• Collegefootballnews.com - Pac-10 Fearless Predictions for week 4.
  

Thanks, as always, to Ducksportsnews.com for most (Damn close to all) of the links.

A Look Back and A Look Forward...

Here are some articles floating out there about the Ducks and this weekend's matchup with Boise State...

• Bronco Nation Now - Broncos looking to beating their first BCS team on the road and gaining some respect.
• Idaho Press - Speed and depth at skill positions await Boise State in their trip to Eugene but the Ducks are playing a more "up-tempo" team than most. Interesting that both teams have a "bend, but don't break" philosophy.
• Idaho Statesmen - Transfer and two true freshmen will share load for Oregon vs. Broncos.
• Espn.com - Inexperienced quarterbacks will start in the first matchup between Oregon and BSU.
• Ducksattack.com - Ducks likely to land a commit this weekend.
• Espn.com Pac10 Blog - Masoli likely to start, though it depends on the play.
• Goducks.com Blog- Game balls from the Purdue game and predictions revealed from that game.
• Goducks.com - Oregon Weekly Football Release.
• Register Guard - Quarterback situation and it's toll on the defense, Roper's injury, Thompson news (or lack thereof) and Music at Purdue.
• Register Guard - Ducks may have bought what Tiller was selling
• Oregonian - Driving the Ducks to Drink...
• The Sports Network - Predicts a Boise State win over Oregon (at home?!?)
  
  

Doesn't it just seem like Ian Johnson has been with the Bronco's for a decade?