Well, my friends, the moment is here. Our Beloved Ducks are about to engage in another program defining moment. We can’t be more excited…and nervous. Are you not entertained? We have spent some time discussing what we want to see happen. We’ve pointed out how we think it can happen. We’ve even summarized the quarterfinal game, and we have a score prediction.
We know almost everyone in the college football world believes Indiana will win this game. Even Mr. FishDuck took a moment from his admiration this superb essay writing service for students to admit that it is hard for anyone to bet against Indiana HC Curt Cignetti.
Guess who disagrees? I’m claiming it folks, Oregon will win this epic battle.
I am quite certain my prediction will look completely ridiculous given the fact Indiana has wiped the smirks off every doubter’s face very empathetically. The Hoosiers look more formidable than Ohio State did last season. So much so, it seems like the pundits would claim that this year, Curt Cignetti’s army would even dismantle Ryan Day’s NFL-esque powerhouse the much-maligned Buckeye coach fielded last year. I am here to tell you, I’m not buying it.
The interior offensive line proved their physicality at Iowa, and can do it again! (Photo by Brad Repplinger)
MY FELLOW AMERICANS, A STORM IS COMING
The Hoosiers invaded Eugene and planted their flag. They dismantled Ohio State, and wiped away the thought that a new dynasty had emerged. They dropped the nuclear bombs on Alabama that I wanted Will Stein to unleash last week-and obliterated any notion the SEC’s most dominant team in any era would reclaim their throne. It’s like they waltzed into the college football world this year and said, “welcome to the Thunderdome.” Yet, I am unfazed.
The Peach Bowl will be one of the most physical games the Ducks will face. On a mental level, it will be more daunting than the physical battle they faced last week in Miami against arguably the best defensive front in college football this year. Isn’t this what Dan Lanning has built his team on? Physicality. Lanning has corn-fed boys, and they are ready for Cignetti’s younger version of NFL aged players. I really don’t think people realize how physical the Ducks actually are.
A TALE OF TWO QUARTERBACKS
Everyone has said it, “this game comes down to the battle between the quarterbacks.” Well, DUH! We are worried about Dante Moore because we’re worried about Will Stein. Let me tell you a secret: everyone by now realizes Dante Moore hates throwing into the middle of the field when it appears cluttered. I think Indiana is relying on Moore’s reluctance to throw receivers open inside the hashes.
We must contain Fernando Mendoza. (Photo by Eric Becker)
Fernando Mendoza has been “money” all year. The only clutch situation he didn’t master was when Brandon Finney plucked Mendoza’s desperate strike, and sprinted downfield to tie the game. What is the key to this game? Indiana will suffocate the sidelines, and Oregon will contain Mendoza in a slowly closing pocket. The two coaching staffs know their respective opponents better than anyone realizes. I have seen Tosh Lupoi emerge. He will be ready for Mendoza’s magic.
SHOW ME THE MONEY
Dante Moore, repeat after me: “I love the middle of the field.” Do you think Will Stein uncovered all his middle-of-the-field schemes? I don’t. In fact, I expect more passing inside than we think. But here’s the thing, I’m looking for Stein to battle in the trenches more this week. Right in the middle. If Stein has learned what we observed, he will run the ball only when Hoosier DC Bryant Haines doesn’t stack the line of scrimmage with five down lineman.
Whoever controls the middle of the field will win this game. Indiana likes to plow inside. What I have come to appreciate is how Lupoi is going to force Indiana OC Mike Shanahan’s running game inside. Believe it or not, that is the strength of our defense. Here’s what I feel is the most important aspect of this game: take whatever the numbers give you. Indiana is not physical enough to win without stacking more men at the line of scrimmage. They had to on both offense and defense last time when it counted the most.
Running Noah Whittington inside is essential. (Photo by Eric Becker)
Why Mike?…WHY?
How could I possibly predict we will win this game? We have two coordinators splitting responsibility between the Ducks and their new teams. Lanning is 2-5 against the cream of the crop, while Curt Cignetti has a decade of experience on Lanning. There are so many “ifs” that must go right in this game, that it is insane to believe that Oregon can win this showdown.
I remember when Dan Lanning explained why he called three crazy fourth down plays in Seattle. I remember the “Ducks Vs. Them” video when he basically said Ohio State hasn’t seen a team like us. Lanning was laser accurate about what was needed to be done to win both of those games. All it requires is execution. Call me crazy-because I am. I can’t prove it will happen. But I am going with my hunch again that-Oregon finally puts together a complete game.
Let me know your thoughts. We have the best group of hacks analyzing Our Beloved Ducks, thus I look forward to your comments.
Mike West
Las Vegas, Nevada
Top Screenshot from CBS Sports Video
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Mike West was born in Southern California and moved to Eugene in 1976. He attended his first Oregon Football game and watched USC maul the Ducks 63-0. Despite the disappointment he became an avid fan after watching the Rich Brooks show every Sunday in the Fall. After graduating from the University of Oregon, he returned to Los Angeles and enjoyed a career in Customer Service for two decades. Thrilled at the ascent of Oregon Football, he attended both Rose Bowls, living just five miles from the stadium. He now lives in Las Vegas.