20 Comments
Apr 26, 2022Liked by John Canzano

I never saw a spring game that I felt was worth the time expended to watch it.

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A lot of hype. But nice to see the sun shining and fans present.

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Ahhh, there's that "hype" word alongside USC again! Check the box. Ha!

Ken Goe's comment probably true but for a USC fan who's endured the Clay Helton era, this spring game had unusual significance. You wanted to see if "culture change" was merely a sportswriter phrase or the real residue of an elite coach. Well, in 10 plays you could spot a difference. No stupid penalties, differing sets and motion, pulling lineman, open field tackling, and red zone efficiency. You know, solid football. I'm no gridiron genius but the change was marked. They're no CFB playoff contender but from what they showed Saturday portends an 8-9 win season. They're back.

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Apr 26, 2022Liked by John Canzano

any free DB gift cards as a result of the interview?:)

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Alas... none. But I do like an iced annihilator as much as the next person.

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By the way does the NCAA allow advertising on uniforms (like NASCAR or pro soccer). I can imagine a Dutch Bros sticker on an OSU helmet.

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Except that the Boersma family are huge Duck fans. Particularly the late Dane Boersma, who loved Duck football.

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Love spring football - I still get goose bumps when I remember the first time I saw Marcus Mariota play! And instead of comparing how many fans, maybe it could be a competition to see how many pounds of food donations were collected - now that could be a worthwhile competition!

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Maybe Mr. Ricci might be interested in a group NBA ownership in Portland. We all know that's coming. It would be nice to have a strong commitment to Oregon.

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I watched both games on TV. I never stressed about how big the crowd was, and I did not hear a single of my friends worry about it either. This is manufactured media stuff. I am not sure that the Ducks don't work hard or have grit. Their record speaks for itself. I don't hate the Beavers, just don't like anyone throwing shade on the Ducks. The Ducks have no clue about hard work or grit? You don't go to the Rose Bowl, win the Rose Bowl, or win the conference without hard work and grit. So I guess they do have some clue, right?

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Another good one John. It was interesting meeting Mr. Ricci through your words.

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So good! I sent this to 6 others 😎

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Beaver fan. A string of Bo Mix’s is just fine with me.

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I really like the depth & breadth of your stories John. A fun story about Dutch Bro’s & the success of an OSU alum. It’s likely not a story you could have written at the Oregonian... & Let me get this straight, Oregon & USC fans are squabbling over who had the most fans to their spring football scrimmage?? Are we talking about practice..,,practice?? This is pretentious Duck & Trojan fans, I mean get grip! This gives me confidence Oregon State will beat both of you this upcoming season! You’re talking about practice,...practice!!

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My oh My how big and huffed up is OSU after beating USC on the road for the first time since President Eisenhower was in office! I doubt the Beavers beat either Oregon or USC this year, though they are both home games. And with the Helton regime gone, USC may go another several decades before losing to the Beavers. In addition, the Ducks may get a pretty good defense under Coach Lanning. Smith has his extension and big raise, so like Tinkle, the Beavers sink back to mediocrity.

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Everybody’s got an opinion, right Don? Is there anything wrong with me believing in my school? While you & other Duck fans are stressing out about how many people attended spring practice, Jonathan Smith is quietly building back a program that will get respect. Oregon State is building back the right way with hard work & grit, something Oregon has no clue about. Stop hating Don, because I love you & I’ll love you even more when the Beavers beat the Ducks this fall.

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I wish Dutch had a greater commitment to recycling. But love the youth and energy at the kiosks, though it can be a little over the top. A few years back, driving my daughter to a softball tournament, we pulled into the Dallas Dutch Bros. around 7:00 a.m. "What are you all doing today?" "Daughter has a couple of softball games." "AWESOME! Who are you playing?" "The New York Yankees, I think." "AWESOME!"

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I noticed their cups were not recycle friendly.

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John, I find the Bo Nix ascension at Oregon puzzling to say the least. Look at his career stats. I think the Ducks and my Beavs are going to be limited in the fall by often inaccurate QB"s.

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I think Nix is the best Oregon has -- by far. I'd like to see Dan Lanning develop a star QB in his time in Eugene.

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