JC, your work ethic continues to amaze me. You give us something to read EVERY DAY, sometimes multiple things. And none of it is garbage. I’ve yet to see a “filler.”
Bud, thank you... you were who I grew up reading. Your Saturday column was my favorite thing to read. Still a thrill to me that I got to work with you. Appreciate you, my friend.
I'm a DUCK and totally on Dan Lanning's bandwagon though would prefer more field goals. I think Cignetti is an amazing coach, and if we come up a bit short against them and unable to win the Natty, I'm pulling for Indiana as they perhaps are the next best team cuz if they can beat Oregon twice in a season they deserve it. However, don't forget my proud "GO DUCKS" as I'm so impressed by the coaching staff and the players and their dedication, ethic, and integrity.
Ben, you are a class act. We are native Oregonians and definitely DUCKS, but have and always will wish the best for OSU unless we are playing them. The PAC-12 demise never should have happened. Happy New Year
I'm a 'take-the-points' guy basically. But I concede that a coach's on field, at the moment assessment of the situation has merit. Following one's instinct is difficult to criticize, win or lose.
I don't think Lanning's team is the underdog "experts" now think. I expect them to beat Indiana.
I am a Beaver Alumn and proud of it !….one can’t help but think with the money NIKE and Knight spend on the UO football program that any good FB coach would do as good as Lanning has done , perhaps even better than.
When you can “ buy” any player you wish to fill any and all positions , it’s not Rocket Science required to win every game.
Granted, Lanning does a good job, but the deck is stacked heavily against any team they play. If Indiana wins on Friday, with far less Money spent on their recruiting then UO, you will have to agree that The Indiana Coach is a Better Coach then Lanning , and that statement also pertains to any Coach that beats Lanning leading up to the CFP. Money has bought the UO program success over the other teams simply , presuming all the remaining Coaches are equal in coaching abilities. Money IS the “X” factor , not coaching ability, and UO has more than any other Team.
Rand, give it a rest please. It's always the same comments from you and the rest of the bitter beavers. Disparaging the Ducks day after day doesn't make you look better it actually diminishes you and your struggling football program. College football today is a money game for all the top teams so either get some money from your wealthy alums or quit complaining about those that do.
If those of us who love fairness in College football by complaining enough about the lack thereof, perhaps we can wake up people like you who can’t see all the Nike/Knight money being poured into the UO machine for NIL to “buy” a CFP trophy. It has to stop with a Cap, hopefully installed by the NCAA. Nike / Knight have tainted the fairness of it all.
I don't think I missed your point at all. You attack the Ducks as if Phil Knight is the only booster who is providing funds to their favorite team. How about billionaire Mark Cuban and Indiana? Or billionaire Cody Campbell with Texas Tech? Or Dan Lambert and John Ruiz of the Miami Hurricanes? Or billionaire Robert Rowling supporting the Texas Longhorns? Or Les Wexner and Brian Schottenstein bankrolling Ohio State? You don't mention anyone of them or dozens of others that are spending their money to help make their teams competitive in today's environment. You limit your criticism to PK and the Ducks as if they alone are responsible for the state of college football today.
You say my ego has blinded me to what is happening,which is ridiculous. I see exactly what is happening. I would say that your hatred of the U of O and PK has blinded you to the fact that this is a widespread issue and all teams that want to compete have to pay the piper. Even your struggling Alma Mater paid a QB this year 1.5 million to go 2-10.
@Rand. Hi Rand, I appreciate that there is a lot of angst these days about spending in college football. But hasn't money always played a significant role? I don't recall a time when programs were on equal footing financially. The good news now is that with NIL and revenue sharing at least more schools have the opportunity to "buy" a trophy, as opposed to the days when that was limited to a relatively small number of them. It's different. And maybe uncomfortable. But the playing field seems more level and fair now than it was before.
No, I don't think Joe missed your point at all. "Tainting the fairness" is a silly idea driven more by envy than reality.
A cap on NIL is coming one day in the FBS...just not yet. As in the NFL & NBA, this will get sorted out. In the meantime, complaining how poor your college sounds like a loser's limp to me.
Consider the state of college football today. Sure, Phil Knight has generously supported Oregon--is that wrong? Other rich guys have done the same with their favorite colleges, charities, etc. For instance:
Billionaire Boosters: Wealthy alumni like Robert Rowling (Texas) and Mark Cuban (Indiana), along with figures like Jimmy Haslam (Tennessee), provide massive financial backing for their schools' NIL efforts, according to Sportico.com.
NIL Collectives: Organizations like The Bama NIL Collective, The Miami NIL Club, The Longhorn Foundation, and The 1870 Society (Ohio State) aggregate donor funds to create high-value NIL deals and endorsement opportunities, reports CU Independent and 2aDays.
College football will function as an MLB farm team system soon, if it isn't already. If you want pure football fun, go to the FCS or to lesser divisions where NIL plays little role. Montana State just won a natty--terrific game. You'd enjoy it. But if you want your uni to succeed in today's major college football arena, go raise a few hundred million and join the party. There's room for one more.
Train has already left the station. Beavers and their fan base will be left behind if we do not change our culture and our attitude towards innovative programs like Oregon, Indiana, Miami...etc. Phil Knight is a part of Oregon's success, he is not the sole reason for Oregon's success. There has been a solid foundation laid there for years and now they are seeing the fruit of their labor and have certainly hired the right guy in Lanning.
Agree. Plus, after years of universities and television making $$$ from college athletes, the athletes are now reaping the benefits of their labor. The old system took advantage of college athletes.
Weak sauce rand & why not just enjoy the black bandits of Benton county who will play in a group of 6 conference in which they should be competitive for a title yearly.
Are You familiar with the name Mark Cuban? While Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight were sniffing glue trying to make shoes lighter, Cuban was sniffing around this new thing called the Internet and his conclusion was that it needed content. Like for people to read. So he started a company that created content that people could read or interact with. Sort of like Substack but more primitive.
He sold that company for more millions than you might believe and got so rich that he could go on a TV show like Shark Tank and play with his millions just for fun, and perhaps make more millions, which he did.
He went to college at the University of Indiana. I know he hasn't invested Billions in dollars in cancer research, Science research, Libraries, Law Schools in the state of Indiana like Phil Knight has in Oregon, but he's doing millions for the Indiana football team.
Get over Phil supporting The U of O. If Cuban had invested in a sporting goods company Indiana would be wearing his logo on their uniforms.
Ahh, your envy is showing again. OSU has Jensen Huang--not a financial lightweight. Go get him to help his uni like Knight did his so you don't have to complain anymore.
A building that will house one of the most powerful computers in the country is being built along Monroe Avenue in Corvallis, thanks in large part to the Huangs and a huge donation.
I guess they could have donated for another (unnecessary) indoor practice center, but they have their priorities.
And maybe he will. He's only in his 50s. Knight was considerably older than that before he began his serious philanthropy toward UO, and even older before he started donating to OHSU.
this week has gotta be overwhelming for anybody in that position, don't know how they do all the interviews and get their important work done, no wonder enough sound sleep may be impossible, likely get worse next week for this week's winners
Outstanding interview! I thought Coach Lanning came across as approaching exhaustion. Not quite there yet. I'm sure he's got enough hi octane left to cross the finish line ahead, but he looks like he needs to sleep a month after that! But excellent work John! I'm wondering, did you ever get a chance to ask Phil Knight about how much influence did his high school track coach at Cleveland, Mr. Ed Warren, have on him? I suggested that to you a couple of years ago.
These teams are so evenly matched it’s not funny. Whomever wins the line of scrimmage, controls the other team’s running game while establishing their own running game wins this game. I think it really is going to boil down to who is more physical and leaves the fewest points on the field wins this game. Take the points!!! Go Ducks!!!
I do worry about the distractions that must be happening with the OC and DC taking new head coaching jobs and trying to recruit for their new teams while also trying to coach up the Ducks for the Indiana game. The transfer portal is open and you know it has to be a huge priority for them to be recruiting for their new team. This could be a game changer and it’s sad that the NCAA sets up this potential conflict!!
I’m not disparaging these two coaches, but we all must realize that if Oregon loses, they are free and have an extra week to recruit for their new team. And if they win, it’s one more week they are consumed with the Ducks. Anyone in their shoes would be hard pressed not to let this thought has pass thru their head.
We all saw the second coming of Jesus kick three of the most memorable field goals ever in college history in one game albeit from deep twice with room to spare. He just might win em a natty with that leg. I ever take points off the board early! Ever!!!!
I hear “take the points” quite often, however that presumes that a FG is automatic points. It’s not! I have seen Sappington and many other Duck kickers miss very makable kicks. Our kicking has improved, but not automatic. I trust Dan and the coaches to make the right call.
JC, your work ethic continues to amaze me. You give us something to read EVERY DAY, sometimes multiple things. And none of it is garbage. I’ve yet to see a “filler.”
Bud, thank you... you were who I grew up reading. Your Saturday column was my favorite thing to read. Still a thrill to me that I got to work with you. Appreciate you, my friend.
I'm a DUCK and totally on Dan Lanning's bandwagon though would prefer more field goals. I think Cignetti is an amazing coach, and if we come up a bit short against them and unable to win the Natty, I'm pulling for Indiana as they perhaps are the next best team cuz if they can beat Oregon twice in a season they deserve it. However, don't forget my proud "GO DUCKS" as I'm so impressed by the coaching staff and the players and their dedication, ethic, and integrity.
Agree. Each game is separate and losing one does not make it more likely to win the second.
All things considered equal.
Lanning is such a quality human being. This Beaver definitely rooting for Lanning and the Ducks!
Ben, you are a class act. We are native Oregonians and definitely DUCKS, but have and always will wish the best for OSU unless we are playing them. The PAC-12 demise never should have happened. Happy New Year
I'm a 'take-the-points' guy basically. But I concede that a coach's on field, at the moment assessment of the situation has merit. Following one's instinct is difficult to criticize, win or lose.
I don't think Lanning's team is the underdog "experts" now think. I expect them to beat Indiana.
Not sure my Ducks are ready to beat Indiana this year, but I sure will be rooting for them!! Go Ducks!!
not a duck fan, but a big fan of Lanning 💪🏼
Still a breath of fresh air amid the stench of the NewNormal
100%
Good interview. Duck fans are fortunate to have Lanning. And Altman as well.
I am a Beaver Alumn and proud of it !….one can’t help but think with the money NIKE and Knight spend on the UO football program that any good FB coach would do as good as Lanning has done , perhaps even better than.
When you can “ buy” any player you wish to fill any and all positions , it’s not Rocket Science required to win every game.
Granted, Lanning does a good job, but the deck is stacked heavily against any team they play. If Indiana wins on Friday, with far less Money spent on their recruiting then UO, you will have to agree that The Indiana Coach is a Better Coach then Lanning , and that statement also pertains to any Coach that beats Lanning leading up to the CFP. Money has bought the UO program success over the other teams simply , presuming all the remaining Coaches are equal in coaching abilities. Money IS the “X” factor , not coaching ability, and UO has more than any other Team.
Rand, give it a rest please. It's always the same comments from you and the rest of the bitter beavers. Disparaging the Ducks day after day doesn't make you look better it actually diminishes you and your struggling football program. College football today is a money game for all the top teams so either get some money from your wealthy alums or quit complaining about those that do.
1000%...or perhaps, learn from Oregon and Indiana and take care of our own shit.
Joe. You missed my point entirely;
If those of us who love fairness in College football by complaining enough about the lack thereof, perhaps we can wake up people like you who can’t see all the Nike/Knight money being poured into the UO machine for NIL to “buy” a CFP trophy. It has to stop with a Cap, hopefully installed by the NCAA. Nike / Knight have tainted the fairness of it all.
Your ego has blinded you to what is happening.
I don't think I missed your point at all. You attack the Ducks as if Phil Knight is the only booster who is providing funds to their favorite team. How about billionaire Mark Cuban and Indiana? Or billionaire Cody Campbell with Texas Tech? Or Dan Lambert and John Ruiz of the Miami Hurricanes? Or billionaire Robert Rowling supporting the Texas Longhorns? Or Les Wexner and Brian Schottenstein bankrolling Ohio State? You don't mention anyone of them or dozens of others that are spending their money to help make their teams competitive in today's environment. You limit your criticism to PK and the Ducks as if they alone are responsible for the state of college football today.
You say my ego has blinded me to what is happening,which is ridiculous. I see exactly what is happening. I would say that your hatred of the U of O and PK has blinded you to the fact that this is a widespread issue and all teams that want to compete have to pay the piper. Even your struggling Alma Mater paid a QB this year 1.5 million to go 2-10.
I hope a few others are reading these great, factual comments. Especially “Orange Cloud.”
@Rand. Hi Rand, I appreciate that there is a lot of angst these days about spending in college football. But hasn't money always played a significant role? I don't recall a time when programs were on equal footing financially. The good news now is that with NIL and revenue sharing at least more schools have the opportunity to "buy" a trophy, as opposed to the days when that was limited to a relatively small number of them. It's different. And maybe uncomfortable. But the playing field seems more level and fair now than it was before.
No, I don't think Joe missed your point at all. "Tainting the fairness" is a silly idea driven more by envy than reality.
A cap on NIL is coming one day in the FBS...just not yet. As in the NFL & NBA, this will get sorted out. In the meantime, complaining how poor your college sounds like a loser's limp to me.
Consider the state of college football today. Sure, Phil Knight has generously supported Oregon--is that wrong? Other rich guys have done the same with their favorite colleges, charities, etc. For instance:
Billionaire Boosters: Wealthy alumni like Robert Rowling (Texas) and Mark Cuban (Indiana), along with figures like Jimmy Haslam (Tennessee), provide massive financial backing for their schools' NIL efforts, according to Sportico.com.
NIL Collectives: Organizations like The Bama NIL Collective, The Miami NIL Club, The Longhorn Foundation, and The 1870 Society (Ohio State) aggregate donor funds to create high-value NIL deals and endorsement opportunities, reports CU Independent and 2aDays.
College football will function as an MLB farm team system soon, if it isn't already. If you want pure football fun, go to the FCS or to lesser divisions where NIL plays little role. Montana State just won a natty--terrific game. You'd enjoy it. But if you want your uni to succeed in today's major college football arena, go raise a few hundred million and join the party. There's room for one more.
Train has already left the station. Beavers and their fan base will be left behind if we do not change our culture and our attitude towards innovative programs like Oregon, Indiana, Miami...etc. Phil Knight is a part of Oregon's success, he is not the sole reason for Oregon's success. There has been a solid foundation laid there for years and now they are seeing the fruit of their labor and have certainly hired the right guy in Lanning.
Agree. Plus, after years of universities and television making $$$ from college athletes, the athletes are now reaping the benefits of their labor. The old system took advantage of college athletes.
Weak sauce rand & why not just enjoy the black bandits of Benton county who will play in a group of 6 conference in which they should be competitive for a title yearly.
Are You familiar with the name Mark Cuban? While Bill Bowerman and Phil Knight were sniffing glue trying to make shoes lighter, Cuban was sniffing around this new thing called the Internet and his conclusion was that it needed content. Like for people to read. So he started a company that created content that people could read or interact with. Sort of like Substack but more primitive.
He sold that company for more millions than you might believe and got so rich that he could go on a TV show like Shark Tank and play with his millions just for fun, and perhaps make more millions, which he did.
He went to college at the University of Indiana. I know he hasn't invested Billions in dollars in cancer research, Science research, Libraries, Law Schools in the state of Indiana like Phil Knight has in Oregon, but he's doing millions for the Indiana football team.
Get over Phil supporting The U of O. If Cuban had invested in a sporting goods company Indiana would be wearing his logo on their uniforms.
Phil Knight is not Killing college football.
Ahh, your envy is showing again. OSU has Jensen Huang--not a financial lightweight. Go get him to help his uni like Knight did his so you don't have to complain anymore.
A building that will house one of the most powerful computers in the country is being built along Monroe Avenue in Corvallis, thanks in large part to the Huangs and a huge donation.
I guess they could have donated for another (unnecessary) indoor practice center, but they have their priorities.
Maybe Jensen Huang could match the 2 billion dollar donation made by the Knight family to.fight cancer. # priorities
And maybe he will. He's only in his 50s. Knight was considerably older than that before he began his serious philanthropy toward UO, and even older before he started donating to OHSU.
Didn’t realize this interview was covering the Beavers coach in the CFP too.
To imply that Indiana has far less money than Oregon is crazy. Indiana is one of the leaders in portal transfers and has a healthy NIL collective.
Mercy sakes...Beaver fans never change, huge part of our problem.
The interview was good but Lanning seemed like he was somewhat distracted and someone was just pressing him for more of his limited time once again.
this week has gotta be overwhelming for anybody in that position, don't know how they do all the interviews and get their important work done, no wonder enough sound sleep may be impossible, likely get worse next week for this week's winners
Outstanding interview! I thought Coach Lanning came across as approaching exhaustion. Not quite there yet. I'm sure he's got enough hi octane left to cross the finish line ahead, but he looks like he needs to sleep a month after that! But excellent work John! I'm wondering, did you ever get a chance to ask Phil Knight about how much influence did his high school track coach at Cleveland, Mr. Ed Warren, have on him? I suggested that to you a couple of years ago.
Thank you, JC.
Hose the Hoosiers!
These teams are so evenly matched it’s not funny. Whomever wins the line of scrimmage, controls the other team’s running game while establishing their own running game wins this game. I think it really is going to boil down to who is more physical and leaves the fewest points on the field wins this game. Take the points!!! Go Ducks!!!
Ducks win if Dan Lanning keeps his shirt on before the game this time!
I do worry about the distractions that must be happening with the OC and DC taking new head coaching jobs and trying to recruit for their new teams while also trying to coach up the Ducks for the Indiana game. The transfer portal is open and you know it has to be a huge priority for them to be recruiting for their new team. This could be a game changer and it’s sad that the NCAA sets up this potential conflict!!
I’m not disparaging these two coaches, but we all must realize that if Oregon loses, they are free and have an extra week to recruit for their new team. And if they win, it’s one more week they are consumed with the Ducks. Anyone in their shoes would be hard pressed not to let this thought has pass thru their head.
We all saw the second coming of Jesus kick three of the most memorable field goals ever in college history in one game albeit from deep twice with room to spare. He just might win em a natty with that leg. I ever take points off the board early! Ever!!!!
Never
I hear “take the points” quite often, however that presumes that a FG is automatic points. It’s not! I have seen Sappington and many other Duck kickers miss very makable kicks. Our kicking has improved, but not automatic. I trust Dan and the coaches to make the right call.
Sappington has won two games this season already pal. Where u been?
He missed makable range kicks against Penn State, Indiana and recently Tech Tech. While improved he’s not automatic- where you been?
DeBoer beat Lanning 3 times in a row, Cignetti one time so far, but crushed DeBoer 38-3. Seein’s believe’n - IU til it ain’t.