The Week That Was

 

1. Gabriel in Command: For all those fans clamoring for Cam Ward, this was another performance that showed why DG was target #1 in the portal. His experience, command and ability off-script was in full force against Michigan and I think this was his best game as a Duck. Specifically to the off-script point, there were multiple big plays he made outside the pocket, hitting WRs down the field in stride. As a fan, I find myself constantly yelling for him to run when 3-5 yards are there, but he does a great job keeping his eyes down field and creating explosive plays. His throw to Holden on our last drive was a throw that very few college QBs can make. You can tell his comfortability and command of the offense grows each week, and his engagement at the LOS looks more and more like Nix by the game. After losing Tez, his clear security blanket and go-to target, after two plays, he didn’t miss a beat against a talented defense. Scoring 28 points, and over 300 yards in the first half is a heck of a performance. Lastly, I thought you saw the experience piece really shine through in Gabriel’s ability to navigate pressure and push from the most talented DL in the sport. Michigan’s front contains 2-3 1st round picks this coming April, plus another 2-3 quality players. Just as we said against tOSU, players of that caliber are going to win reps, and they definitely got some push and forced Gabrield off platform throughout the game. That said, he moved within the pocket impressively, made a few free runners miss and led this offense to 9-0.

 

2. Run Defense Steps Up: It wasn’t long ago that Oregon teams tended to get pushed around by physical, run-first offenses. This program is far from that. Michigan ran the ball 28 times for 105 yards, and Duck defenders were consistently in the backfield with 7 TFLs. While it was frustrating at times watching them hit passes downfield to their only threat (Loveland), the defensive line again controlled the game at the point of attack. Michigan prides itself on running the ball and establishing that force as the game goes so holding them under 4 YPC is a really impressive number for the group. As an extension of the run/short pass/reverse game, our DBs have been amazing all season at tackling in space and getting off blocks. Specific to the last month, Nikko Reed continues to pop when I rewatch these games, and he again made two amazing plays on a screen and reverse when yards were there. The combination of CBs that can cover 1-one-1, and a DL that can win with only 4 rushers, opens a great amount of flexibility that Dan and Tosh can use depending on the matchup.

 

3. Offense Outside DG: Really really impressed with the game Stein called against a really solid defense. That was the most points Michigan had given up this season, and as discussed in #1, they have as much NFL talent as any roster we face beyond Ohio State. With Gabriel’s help, I loved the way Stein called the game to neutralize their DL as much as possible, and we were as efficient in the run game as you can expect against their front 7. Specifically, I thought he had two really well-timed draws dialed up, one for a big James first down, and later Gabriel’s long TD run. Justius Lowe continues to step up big time, both as a dependable receiver and a tenacious blocker. Similarly, after the loss of Tez, Traeshon Holden had his best game as a Duck totaling 149 yards and multiple huge third down receptions. With Tez out for at least a bit, their development alongside Stewart is essential to us maintaining our current offense. The question remains as to who that next WR to step up will be? More on that below.

 

4. Attention to Detail: Saturday was another display of the incredible length this staff goes to gain any advantage. This week, they completely goaded the Wolverines into a 5-yard illegal formation penalty that I didn’t even understand in the moment. Facing a 4th and 3 near midfield, we lined up in a super unique and unconventional formation to punt, clearly confusing Michigan’s players to the point where one defender lined up directly over the long snapper. Lining up directly over a snapper results in a 5-yard penalty, clearly to the knowledge of Lanning and Special Teams Coordinator Joe Lorig. It’s no accident we saved this formation for a 4th and 3. With the ball back in our hands, we took another 4 minutes off the clock and kicked a FG to make it a 14 point lead. Between this, the onside kick against tOSU, the 12th man penalty and multiple others in year’s past, I absolutely love the details we obsess to gain any advantage.

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5. Special Stuff at 9-0: We’re 9-0 for the first time since 2012, and only the third time in my lifetime as a fan. It’s a special time to be a Duck fan, and we’re the first team since 2015 to beat both Michigan and Ohio State in a season. I was reminded of the Lanning coaching search over the weekend, and thinking back to the flirtations with Aranda, Chip, Urban and a couple more. Three years in, many analysts I trust say Dan is 2nd behind Kirby in coaches they would start a program with, and his commitment to Oregon seems as strong as could be. I think it's safe to say the transition to the Big Ten is not going to be the hurdle many predicted, unlike the struggles that Beach Purdue (USC) is having. Personally, I have to find a way to appreciate the value of these special games and seasons more, as the game-to-game stress often consumes my mind. For the 5th time in 6 years, we enter November in the thick of it…​

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Game Notes

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• Pellum Fumble: I 100% love our coaches mentality of next man up and trusting our young players to step up. I also try to never question play-calling, decision-making etc. as I’ll never act like I know 1/10 as much as this staff. I simply questioned the decision to not only put Pellum back there, but why not just tell him to fair catch the ball? That’s a big spot for a true freshman, and as we discussed all week, the only way Michigan is scoring is with a short field. Putting Stewart back there right away for the rest of the game probably tells me he should have been the guy all along, and will be moving forward. 

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• Moore overmatched: I thought Sherrone Moore looked lost, and I’m not sure how long Michigan fans are going to ride with him. He completely wasted two timeouts in a two-score game, didn’t know the rules of what a catch is, and somehow no one on the staff noticed their terrible illegal formation penalty that gave us the ball back. I’ve also never seen a coach so sad and salty in the last two minutes. You are the defending national champs, you don’t get to be butt hurt when a team runs it down your throat and scores to end a game. 

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• Big House is Small: In terms of noise! I know Big Ten fans think they are the mecca of the sport, but that stadium never got louder than Martin Stadium in Pullman all game. I’ve been to tons of venues all around the country. It’s a cool stadium, nice fanbase and Ann Arbor is a great town to visit. That can all be true while also acknowledging that the stadium environment is average. And for that matter, Ohio State was as well. Rice-Eccles blows them both away, sorry CFB purists.

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• More Sadiq Please: Guy is a big-time athlete and playmaker and I hope he sees a growing role despite Ferguson’s return. With Tez out, we’re going to see a lot more 12 personnel the next few weeks, and I’d love for that to include Sadiq more often than not. Herbert is a good blocker and solid player, but I want Sadiq with the ball in space or a 3rd down screen in those situations. 

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• Stewart Catch: Absolutely unreal catch, one of the best ever by an Oregon WR. He has always been an elite level athlete on contested balls like that, and I still want more opportunities for him. We took one other long shot that was incomplete, but it easily could have been caught and there’s always a PI chance as well. Hope to see 2-3 per game moving forward. 

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Team Update

 

Marcus Harper: Best case we see him against Wisconsin, but my guess right now would be Washington. 

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Tez Johnson: This one is being played VERY close to the vest, and I wouldn’t expect anything definitive similar to Jordan Burch. Injury seems to be supper ribs/shoulder and we got some good news from Thamel on Monday afternoon. In a best case scenario from the current prognosis, UW is the earliest possible date for him. 

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Who’s Next at WR: With Stewart, Holden and Lowe as starters moving forward, we’re going to need another 1-2 guys to step up. From discussions with the staff, my best bet right now is Jeremiah McClellan, and I’ll bet we see Jurrion Dickey get some chances as well. I think McClellan, a true freshman, has a chance to make a real impact. This would have been a huge opportunity for Gary Bryant Jr. but I can’t get a good feel for his situation in terms of health and role within the roster. I wouldn’t expect him. Trying to dig more on that and will update soon.

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Recruiting Update

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• 2025 QB: JKS is the clear guy here, but it’s not a slam dunk. I think the Georgia visit is as much leverage as it is real interest. Read between the lines here but hoping the sides can work things out and he becomes our 2nd QB in the class. 

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• LB: Our top target at the position will be in town this weekend. Name to come in the chat as soon as we’re able. The staff would love to sign him and Burns and call it a day.

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• TE: We are pushing for Cure to come this weekend, watch closely to our visitor list for updates on that. Right now, I expect Ploog to be a part of the class, and then hope to close on one of Cure/Olesh/Roberts closer to ESD. 

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• OL: Beyond Stascusky, it's looking like we’ll be active in the portal for the 2025 OL and beyond. Depending on the status of Bedford, Conerly, Strother, I’m told we could sign as many as 3 portal OL. Conerly will be a tough guy to get to return, but the plan is to make that decision as hard as possible. With the development of Cornelius, Conerly and JPJ, we’ll be at the front of the line for any portal OL we push for. 

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Your $$ at Work​

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A huge thank you to all subscribers! October was our greatest month on record and we hope to continue the momentum this month!​​​​