Boise State @ #6 Oregon (Sat 7 PM, Peacock)

[jBeavertonduck]

That was a super frustrating game but I saw a lot of positives in the second half. We were opening holes and protecting the QB finally*. You see the talent at WR. The linebackers actually made plays and our defenders overall make plays on the ball, which I haven't seen in eons. Now it's time to gel.

Absolutely, thank you for the post.

[UOducksTK1]

Didn’t watch the game. Is it worth watching the replay or should I just save myself of reliving the heart attack by just watching the highlights? lol.

I was at Texas Tech @ Wazzu game which was quite boring.

[UOducksTK1]

Obviously 2-0 is still the most important stat.

But stumbled upon Oregon being last in Big Ten in points allowed. Next closest team is two scores away.

We all know the O has been struggling but not ideal to see our D lagging behind other teams in our conference.

[OregonFan4Life]

I did a condensed rewatch of the game today, and didn’t pay super close attention to this, but it felt like Stein’s playcalling was noticeably more aggressive when Poncho was at C with Strother at LG. When Pickard was in it seemed like everything was short and there was no deep threat. Maybe this was more of a Gabriel thing than Stein thing, but it sure seemed like there was way more confidence in the playcalling when Pickard was NOT playing. Even the drive when Patrick fumbled, Pickard was in and while it looked like the ducks had a chance to take a 2 score lead every pass was short or behind the chains, nothing deep when it was obvious we had 3 receivers that could get open whenever they felt like it.

I hope the kid succeeds, but starting Pickard at C with Poncho at G, even over Strother, is one of the most confusing coaching decisions of the Lanning era, I think whatever coach made that decision, whether it was Terry, Stein, or Lanning, made it with their heart more than their head. I truly believe if Poncho was at C with Strother at G the entire season ducks would have beaten BSU by 2 scores and Idaho by 4 scores.

[squintsdd]

I did a condensed rewatch of the game today, and didn’t pay super close attention to this, but it felt like Stein’s playcalling was noticeably more aggressive when Poncho was at C with Strother at LG. When Pickard was in it seemed like everything was short and there was no deep threat. Maybe this was more of a Gabriel thing than Stein thing, but it sure seemed like there was way more confidence in the playcalling when Pickard was NOT playing. Even the drive when Patrick fumbled, Pickard was in and while it looked like the ducks had a chance to take a 2 score lead every pass was short or behind the chains, nothing deep when it was obvious we had 3 receivers that could get open whenever they felt like it.

I hope the kid succeeds, but starting Pickard at C with Poncho at G, even over Strother, is one of the most confusing coaching decisions of the Lanning era, I think whatever coach made that decision, whether it was Terry, Stein, or Lanning, made it with their heart more than their head. I truly believe if Poncho was at C with Strother at G the entire season ducks would have beaten BSU by 2 scores and Idaho by 4 scores.

Whether by design or not, it would make more sense that all passing plays were short yardage with pickard at center. Clearly someone doesn't have confidence in him and wants the ball out of Gabriel's hands as soon as possible

[droop10]

Obviously 2-0 is still the most important stat.

But stumbled upon Oregon being last in Big Ten in points allowed. Next closest team is two scores away.

We all know the O has been struggling but not ideal to see our D lagging behind other teams in our conference.

Eh, I don't make much of it. For starters, Boise's offense is better than 90% of the B1G offenses they'll face this year. Also, the Idaho 14 points were a fluke due to the offensive issues, short fields, and trick plays. Plus, there are B1G schools that have played 2 cupcakes, as opposed to just 1. Hard to compare with this small of a sample size. The Ducks have plenty of talent on both sides, it's all about getting it to mesh, as well as getting some guys back healthy.

[UOducksTK1]

Obviously 2-0 is still the most important stat.

But stumbled upon Oregon being last in Big Ten in points allowed. Next closest team is two scores away.

We all know the O has been struggling but not ideal to see our D lagging behind other teams in our conference.

Eh, I don't make much of it. For starters, Boise's offense is better than 90% of the B1G offenses they'll face this year. Also, the Idaho 14 points were a fluke due to the offensive issues, short fields, and trick plays. Plus, there are B1G schools that have played 2 cupcakes, as opposed to just 1. Hard to compare with this small of a sample size. The Ducks have plenty of talent on both sides, it's all about getting it to mesh, as well as getting some guys back healthy.

Oh for sure, still surprised to see us at the very bottom. Civil War next week is definitely more interesting than it was prior to the season started.

[droop10]

Didn’t watch the game. Is it worth watching the replay or should I just save myself of reliving the heart attack by just watching the highlights? lol.

I was at Texas Tech @ Wazzu game which was quite boring.

Fun game to watch if you already know the outcome. I'd watch the replay. Definitely stressed me the hell out during the game. hah

[StevensTechU]

I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to rewatch, but I'm curious to see if Pickard is really the problem, or if Poncho at guard is the problem and so Pickard is unduly getting the blame. Versus Idaho, it was the latter more than the former. It seems like they really didn't know who their "best 5" was going into the season.

[droop10]

I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to rewatch, but I'm curious to see if Pickard is really the problem, or if Poncho at guard is the problem and so Pickard is unduly getting the blame. Versus Idaho, it was the latter more than the former. It seems like they really didn't know who their "best 5" was going into the season.

From all accounts, it’s both. Poncho is more suited to play center, while Pickard gets bullied at center. I think Gabriel feels uneasy in the pocket, largely because they’re getting blown back in the middle. Poncho is clearly the better center, so the ideal rotation is to have him there with Strother or one of the injured guys at guard.

[lmduck]

I'm not sure when I'll get a chance to rewatch, but I'm curious to see if Pickard is really the problem, or if Poncho at guard is the problem and so Pickard is unduly getting the blame. Versus Idaho, it was the latter more than the former. It seems like they really didn't know who their "best 5" was going into the season.

The ‘general concensus’ (interpret as you see fit) is that Pickard is the issue. Several people, including many here, postulated that in the second half when they moved Poncho to center and Strother to guard things stabilized. Running lanes opened up and Gabriel had more time to throw.


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[StevensTechU]

Yea, my question is whether the same would've happened if you just swapped poncho and strother. I'll review later.

[OregonFan4Life]

Yea, my question is whether the same would've happened if you just swapped poncho and strother. I'll review later.

I was wondering the same thing, what was the bigger issue, Pickard at C or Poncho playing G, a position he’s not used to. Please let us know what you see after your review!

[UOducksTK1]

Didn't Poncho play guard last year in many situations? And from what I recall, he generally performed well.

[lmduck]

Didn't Poncho play guard last year in many situations? And from what I recall, he generally performed well.

I believe he did but he also had JPJ helping him along with Steven Jones so certainly more senior mentorship than he has now.


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