Oregon Enters Playoffs Better Off Than Last Year

It is that time of year, here are a few reasons why the Ducks are in a better position to make a run at the national championship than last year…

They Have a Loss

Having a loss creates a built-in reminder to the Ducks of what will happen if they do not bring their “A” game. Indiana gives Dan Lanning the instant “this is the consequence” if we do not give it our best effort on the field, off the field, and on game day.

No matter how cognizant a team may be of the dangers of hitting “cruise control” when they are undefeated, the smallest amount of complacency can still set in, and the next thing you know, you are getting destroyed in the Rose Bowl. Mr. FishDuck paused from his study of NFL Weekly Picks Against the Spread from WSN to express how the loss will ultimately help the Ducks.

The Dante Moore Factor

With all respect to Dillon Gabriel, Moore has a higher ceiling. Gabriel brought a ton of experience, took care of the ball, and made the smart throws. But, he is more of a “system” quarterback, whereas Moore, with his quiet moxie and elite arm talent, has proven that he can deliver in the clutch while working his way into potentially having the “it” factor.

And, those are things that come in mighty “handy” in big games.

A Better Defense

Oregon’s defense last year could be suspect against the run (Boise State for example), and simply fell apart to end the year against Penn State and Ohio State. This year’s defense has been more consistent all around. While Indiana did score 30 points against the Ducks in the loss, that really was not that bad, considering how high-powered the Hoosiers are and how the Oregon offense hung the defense out to dry all day.

Ducks run past the Huskies. (Photo by Truong Nguyen)

Revamped Playoff Seeding and Byes

We all know how the Ducks got screwed over last year by having to play Ohio State in the quarterfinals. Whether the Ducks get a first-round bye or play an opening home game, their quarterfinal opponent should be much more “manageable” than the buzzsaw that was Ohio State late last year.

The Ducks Have Not Peaked Yet

Last year, Oregon peaked in the second half of the season but had lost a step in postseason play. But this year, the feeling in the Oregon community is that the Ducks have not yet peaked. Lanning seems to have strategized it this year by giving backups more playing time and, dare I say, “pacing” the team towards the playoffs.

Of course, that leaves the million-dollar question: Will the Ducks peak?

The danger of trying to strategize when to peak is that it might not come at all. We will see…

Quicks Hits

1) Conference championships need to go. A lot of teams (Oregon) do not even want to play in them.

2) I have read NFL Draft analyst predicting Moore to the Raiders. Well, if he needed any more incentive to stay at Oregon in 2026, there it is. “Just don’t draft me, baby!”

3) Fans are upset about losing both coordinators. Just remember, losing coordinators is a sign of a healthy football program.

4) Speaking of that, who will be Oregon’s new permanent coordinators?

5) And the big question of the week: Are the Ducks better off getting a first-round bye? Or, getting a home game to kick off postseason?

A home game, of course, would be amazing… ya know… as long as the Ducks win.

Darren Perkins
Spokane, WA
Top photo credit: Truong Nguyen

Natalie Liebhaber, the FishDuck.com Volunteer Editor for this article, works in financial technology in SLC, Utah.

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Darren Perkins

Darren Perkins is a sales professional and 1997 Oregon graduate. After finishing school, he escaped the rain and moved to sunny Southern California where he studied screenwriting for two years at UCLA. Darren grew up in Eugene and in 1980, at the tender age of five, he attended his first Oregon football game. His lasting memory from that experience was an enthusiastic Don Essig announcing to the crowd: “Reggie Ogburn, completes a pass to… Reggie Ogburn.” Captivated by such a thrilling play, Darren’s been hooked on Oregon football ever since. Currently living in Spokane, Darren enjoys flaunting his yellow and green superiority complex over friends and family in Cougar country.