Oregon Head Dan Lanning has the Duck fanbase energized the most in four years going into the Spring Football game, and it made me ponder about my expectations for what we will see in Autzen? At this time of year I had to pull myself away from some gaming fun at WooCasino because what the Lanning staff has achieved in such a short time has made it quite worthwhile. It is also the time of spring when I consider what I want to see from the Spring Game, and could not help but wonder if all of you are looking for the same things?
My No. 1 Curiosity: The Dillingham Offense
I was pretty concerned about a new staff, a potentially new offense and then learning how Offensive Coordinator Kenny Dillingham has used the Pistol formation often in his past–gave me pause. But his explanations of wanting to create match-up issues, (passing game) explosion plays and fast tempo–gave me comfort that we might see a return to the higher scoring days of old. While I recognize that most of the Constraint/Sequential plays will probably not be shown–we should get a gut-feel for where this new Oregon offense is headed.
Are we going to see more of this from receivers like Troy Franklin?
Other assistant coaches who work with Dillingham on offense have given us clues, as well as receivers calling the new offense “explosive.” We have heard about a commitment to balance between running and passing, yet “adjusting to our personnel.” That leaves me confused, and thus the Spring Game may provide some clarity about the offensive emphasis.
I have to think that we will see more sophisticated passing plays, and longer receptions than we witnessed over the last four years. Partly due to the balance of the offense, but also in response to the concerns of Oregon receivers hitting the portal in May if they don’t like what plays are actually called versus what is practiced. It is hard for me to believe that the latest WR commit on Easter, (Kyler Kasper) could have happened under the old offense or even to this one without some assurances in advance?
So I am going to be looking at the blocking schemes, the passing route trees, the play-calling…in addition to the plays made on the field. To me, Oregon has the most upside for improvement on the offensive side in 2022 and I will be looking for evidence that it will happen.
On defense? I cannot imagine that Coach Lanning will reveal anything beyond a vanilla defense, which really ties their hands and gives the edge in the Spring Game to the offenses.
Does the team look sharp?
Will It Look Like A New Coach is in Charge?
Does everything appear organized on offense and defense? Is there a professional appearance from a newbie head coach? (Are there timeouts called immediately after halftime?) I do have to take into account for the guest coaches, and not attribute all errors to the head coach, but I am looking for an absence of sloppiness in how the team is run.
Finally, is the “vibe” as good as what we have been receiving thus far in the short couple of months this staff has been assembled? These are the areas I’m watching for, and would be curious to know what you are watching for as well. If all goes well–this Spring Game will launch much more discussion because…
“Oh, how we love to ponder about Our Beloved Ducks!”
Charles Fischer (Mr. FishDuck)
Eugene, Oregon
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Charles Fischer has been an intense fan of the Ducks, a season ticket holder at Autzen Stadium for 35 years and has written reports on football boards for over 23 years. Known as “FishDuck” on those boards, he is acknowledged for providing intense detail in his scrimmage reports and in his Xs and Os play analyses. He and his wife Lois, have a daughter Christine, reside in Eugene Oregon, where he was a Financial Advisor for 36 years and now focuses full-time on Charitable Planned Giving Workshops for churches and non-profit organizations.
He does not profess to be a coach or analyst, but simply a “hack” that enjoys sharing what he has learned and invites others to correct or add to this body of Oregon Football! See More…
