Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Texas Longhorns. Show all posts

Saturday, June 23, 2012

My Thoughts On Haters and The Oregon Ducks



Hate is an ugly thing isn't it?  Well, unless you're the one that's being hated on.  For them, it's a form of flattery.  For the haters, it's a sign of weakness.

To be so consumed with other peoples lives instead of focusing on their own, really is pathetic.

There are two different types of haters in this world:  those that hate when you're on top, and those that hate the ones striving to BE on top.

If you haven't noticed, the Oregon Ducks have a lot of haters.  One trip around college football message boards and you'll see them everywhere.

There are the traditional haters (rivals) like Oregon state, UW, and USC (who'll I get to in another rant) that are jealous of their success.

Then they have the non-traditional haters - from other conference's like the Big 12, B1G, and SEC - that are also jealous of their success, but also scoff at the notion that Oregon can get any better, or win a national championship.

Many of the teams from those conferences kind of represent the old guard in college football (and you can throw SC in there as well): Alabama, Texas, Ohio State, Michigan, etc., that aren't ready to accept Oregon yet as a major player, and are afraid of what they can become.

They see what Oregon is doing out here in our own little part of the country.  A grass roots movement that started in the late 80's really, prior to receiving any kind of help from "Uncle Phil" right on up until now.

They see the flashy uniforms, multi-million dollar facilities, and fans packing Autzen stadium on Saturday's, making it the loudest stadium in the country.  They see us taking recruits from their own backyard.  Places like Texas, Indiana, Florida, and Alabama.

They see it and they don't like it.

The small time programs like our little bro in Corvallis (Oregon state) are only mad because we are what they never will be!  

Just remember - no matter who you are or what you do in life - haters are the ones who say you can't and won't, because they're scared you will.

Go out and prove them wrong!

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Oregon's Offensive Machine: Who Wouldn't Want To Play In It?



There's that famous line from the movie Gladiator during the first battle, in which Maximus says, "at my signal, unleash hell."

That's kinda how the Oregon Ducks offense is.  Chip Kelly is Maximus.  He's the general.  The players get the signal from the sideline by reading the giant playcards.  And when the ball is snapped, all kinds of hell is unleashed.

It's a relentless assault that doesn't stop.  In fact it only gets worse as the game goes on.  It emphasizes speed - both with the individual player, and the amount of time in between plays.

The latter of which is what wears opponents out throughout the course of the game, and allows them to put up their eye popping numbers.  Oregon's offense is always one of the best in the country.

"The style they play is like nothing that anybody's ever seen," said USC coach Lane Kiffin.

Oregon is one of the fastest teams in the nation at getting to the snap.  At 23.2 seconds between plays, they're 32% faster than the average team.

That kind of pace wears out the opposition, leaving players with their hands on their hips by the second half.  As fatigue sets in players are more likely to miss an assignment or a tackle.  The next thing you know...the flood gates have opened.

What once was a close game turns into a blowout.  Looking at a stretch of 10 games dating back to 2009, in which Oregon either trailed or had a slim lead at half time, the Ducks outscored their opponents 257-68 in the second half.

As Oregon's offense continues to lead the nation or be near the top in every major category, they continue to attract top recruits.

Should you really be surprised?  Who wouldn't want to play in this offense?

Dontre Wilson
Running backs especially have taken notice.  Oregon just recently plucked another RB from the Longhorns own backyard in Texas, in 4 star recruit Dontre Wilson.

Wilson, rated the #2 all-purpose back in the nation by rivals, chose Oregon because, "I just think that's the perfect fit for me."

With the addition of Wilson, Oregon has an embarrassment of riches at RB.  He joins 5 star recruit Thomas Tyner, and the two will be competing for carries with De'Anthony Thomas - who's already on most people's Heisman watch list.

The system feeds itself.  As Oregon continues to stock pile talent, the more they'll continue to put up big numbers, and the less likely they are to fall off.  The machine just keeps on rollin.