re: Oregon vs LSU - research to the #1 OC game of the year

I saw the BCS title game, and that field looked slippery as heck. I thought the field surface played a major role in both teams scoring less than half of their per game average.

As has been pointed out, LSU returns 24 of it's top 30 tacklers from last year, while UO only returns 12 of 20.

If your OL is a concern now, it will not be a pretty game for you. LSU may not have a Nick Fairly, who you couldn't block with last year's OL, but they have a lot of very good DL who be in your backfield all game long.

LSU's defense was the only defense in the SEC last year in the top three in sacks, tackles for loss, and interceptions. It's a well-rounded unit.

I'm sure UO will have a good team and a good year in 2011. But TBH, I'm more worried about that Thursday night game against Mississippi State than I am about our first game against ya'll.

Oregon's line isn't weak. In fact, it will be the most highly regarded line we've ever had at Oregon in terms of talent coming out of high school. Oregon has made a living on getting guys way beneath the radar - especially on the oline. All three of the kids we graduated last year were 2* talents out of high school that were groomed. Conversely, this year's group will be one of the 2 star holdovers in Asper (24 starts) and the rest are 4 star guys that were heavily sought after. I believe Armstong is a 3 star but graded as a DT and Greatwood though he was a natural born center. In any case, you get the gist.

The problem isn't the individual talent. It's getting them to work as a unit. 4 of the guys starting will have extensive playing time but not as a unit. Duck fans are skiddish about retooling an oline because of '09 when we returned three with a smattering of start (19 between three of them). We return players with a combined 61 starts. Likewise, these are guys recruited for the current scheme.

Also, in spring Greatwood experiments like crazy and the offense looks way behind. It was little more pronounced this spring but mainly due to the fact that our defense is just as talented and athletic now (remember Oregon was an offensive school in the past).

If the line isn't improving mid fall camp then I will panic. Until then, I have a lot faith in this coaching staff.

Oregon's last 5 classes rank on average 16th on rivals and the last two were 13 & 9 respectively. In last year's class DeAnthony Thomas was the #1 athlete, Colt Lyerla was #2 and Christian French #5. The four olinemen are exactly what we need to get to the very next level with Andre Y leading the group.

The unit that is my biggest concern is wide receiver. We are going to need one of the 4 incoming kids to step up to stretch the field to open up the running game.

Most are saying that Kelley out of Fresno is the most polished but, yeah, Vaughn seems the most likely.

Not picking on the small guys, just the slow ones and im not talking speed.

We play the game for a reason. I can't wait.

We had a lot of sets with the qb under center in the spring game. This was a big surprise. Chip Kelly is up to something.

I don't expect it to be anything like playing against tamu fwiw. I expect something closer.

Eta...LSU wins but I bet I'll be nervous as hell at the end.

sorry but this game will be pretty easy for lsu. it may be close up until half time due to possibly a mistake or two by jefferson, but our d will simply win this game for us. i expect at least two scores by them alone. and a large dose of the rb's. yall rushed for 75 yds on auburn on 32 attempts . yall will be lucky to get that on this team. yall's only yds came by passing on auburn and yall will not be able to pass on us. i predict 225 yds total offense or less for yall. with a 17 to 35 type beatdown.

A local analyst took a look at Oregon's spring game and especially Thomas taking the ball from under center. In those plays, the RB was deeper than most I formation backs would be and the center pulled. Armstrong being a little more athletic and faster won't be taking on the D-Line, but will be pulling around taking on DE's and LB's. It is a way to unbalance the blocking without tipping our hand which way we are going to go. James' touchdown run in the Spring game came from one of these unbalanced plays. Once James is in the open field, he is gone. Barner is half a step behind him. Seastrunk is battling for 3rd string RB right now.