Pac-12: Cowboys Stadium
SEC and Big 12 folks have been tweaking the Big Ten and Pac-12's love of the Rose Bowl of late. That made me grin because the primary motivation for those tweaks was jealousy.
Don't buy that assessment? Well, then what do you make of this: The SEC and Big 12 champions, starting in 2014 after the current BCS contract expires and we presumably adopt a four-team playoff, will meet annually in a prime time New Year's Day "bowl" game.
Unless, of course, the SEC and/or Big 12 champions are selected for the four-team playoff, which one is almost certain to be and both are likely to be.
But, if one or both is selected for the playoff, then, just like the Rose Bowl, a No. 2 team from both or either conference will be selected.
So the SEC and Big 12 have adopted the Rose Bowl model in its entirety. Other than the fact that they can't play in the Rose Bowl stadium as the sun goes down over the San Gabriel Mountains.
The location has not been set. The Sugar Bowl (SEC) and Fiesta Bowl (Big 12) already have a dog in this fight, but expect bids to come from Jerry Jones and his deluxe Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as well as a play from Atlanta.
By the way, the Rose Bowl jealousy stuff is mostly good-natured ribbing while I'm gaping at another sudden shift in college football's tectonic plates.
Folks, this stuff is amazing, and there's a stunning plot twist seemingly on a weekly basis -- Florida State to the Big 12? Notre Dame back in play?
The main take-away: This is a step closer to four power conferences, with the ACC and Big East finding their footing suddenly precarious.
And, if you want to worry, Pac-12 fans, it looks like the SEC and Big 12 are being far more aggressive -- read: expansionist -- as college football remakes itself. Keep in mind that the Pac-12 could have ended the Big 12 last September and become the first 16-team super-conference if Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech had made a jump.
Pac-12 presidents might end up regretting their decision not to expand -- and giving Oklahoma, in particular, the shaft. Newly enriched by a mega-TV deal, they might have lost track of the big picture while they were counting their money.
Commissioner Larry Scott has long held that further consolidation at the top of college football was inevitable. This is another example of him proving right, though this time without a blockbuster deal for Pac-12 folks to celebrate.
This latest news is a reason to get nervous. Or to just marvel at how quickly the game has changed.
Don't buy that assessment? Well, then what do you make of this: The SEC and Big 12 champions, starting in 2014 after the current BCS contract expires and we presumably adopt a four-team playoff, will meet annually in a prime time New Year's Day "bowl" game.
[+] Enlarge
Darrell Walker/Icon SMICommissioner Mike Slive and the SEC have a bowl agreement with the Big 12 that is nearly identical to the Rose Bowl model used by the Big Ten and Pac-12.
Darrell Walker/Icon SMICommissioner Mike Slive and the SEC have a bowl agreement with the Big 12 that is nearly identical to the Rose Bowl model used by the Big Ten and Pac-12.
But, if one or both is selected for the playoff, then, just like the Rose Bowl, a No. 2 team from both or either conference will be selected.
So the SEC and Big 12 have adopted the Rose Bowl model in its entirety. Other than the fact that they can't play in the Rose Bowl stadium as the sun goes down over the San Gabriel Mountains.
The location has not been set. The Sugar Bowl (SEC) and Fiesta Bowl (Big 12) already have a dog in this fight, but expect bids to come from Jerry Jones and his deluxe Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas, as well as a play from Atlanta.
By the way, the Rose Bowl jealousy stuff is mostly good-natured ribbing while I'm gaping at another sudden shift in college football's tectonic plates.
Folks, this stuff is amazing, and there's a stunning plot twist seemingly on a weekly basis -- Florida State to the Big 12? Notre Dame back in play?
The main take-away: This is a step closer to four power conferences, with the ACC and Big East finding their footing suddenly precarious.
And, if you want to worry, Pac-12 fans, it looks like the SEC and Big 12 are being far more aggressive -- read: expansionist -- as college football remakes itself. Keep in mind that the Pac-12 could have ended the Big 12 last September and become the first 16-team super-conference if Texas, Oklahoma, Oklahoma State and Texas Tech had made a jump.
Pac-12 presidents might end up regretting their decision not to expand -- and giving Oklahoma, in particular, the shaft. Newly enriched by a mega-TV deal, they might have lost track of the big picture while they were counting their money.
Commissioner Larry Scott has long held that further consolidation at the top of college football was inevitable. This is another example of him proving right, though this time without a blockbuster deal for Pac-12 folks to celebrate.
This latest news is a reason to get nervous. Or to just marvel at how quickly the game has changed.
I get paid to go to football games. It beats digging ditches for a living.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
Some games, however, are better than others, mostly because of the location and magnitude of the game. So here are my top-six game-day environments from 2011.
1. Rose Bowl: Oregon vs. Wisconsin: Not much to say here. It's the Rose Bowl. All the other ESPN.com bloggers are doing lists, but they are playing for No. 2 because the Rose Bowl is the most righteous sports atmosphere in all the world. Other than the World Cup final.
2. Stanford at USC, Oct. 29: An instant classic. Two high-quality teams with super-elite quarterbacks going blow for for blow until it was decided in Stanford's favor in triple-overtime. And with 93,607 on hand, it was an old-school crowd at the Coliseum.
3. Oregon vs. LSU, Cowboys Stadium: Cowboys Stadium is the ultimate statement of sporting excess, which is to say it's awesome. And this was a rare season-opener matching top-five teams from the two best conferences over the past decade or so. And it would have been a good game if we could have made the third quarter disappear, eh Ducks?
4. Arizona State at Oregon, Oct. 15: Went to Autzen Stadium three times this season, and this was the best atmosphere. Crowd of 60,055 was a stadium record, and they were thrilled when backup quarterback Bryan Bennett came off the bench for an injured Darron Thomas to lead the Ducks to 17 unanswered points in a come-from-behind 41-27 win.
5. Oregon at Stanford, Nov. 11: I did not attend this game, but here's what Stanford blogger Kevin Gemmel had to say: "The Cardinal faithful packed Stanford Stadium for arguably the biggest game in school history that ultimately ended with a resounding thud. The pregame atmosphere was phenomenal. But as it became more apparent the Cardinal were not going to win, the once excitable, sellout crowd became placid and subdued. Great atmosphere, but only for about a quarter and change."
6. Missouri at Arizona State, Sept. 9: Many have forgotten how well the Sun Devils started the season. This 37-30 overtime win on ESPN was played in front of a packed house at Sun Devil Stadium -- 70,236 -- and just about everyone was wearing black for a "blackout." Might have been quarterback Brock Osweiler's best game.
When the Oregon Ducks trudged off the Cowboys Stadium field after a 40-27 loss to LSU on Sept. 3, just about everyone counted them out. That was made real when they were poleaxed by pollsters, dropping from No. 3 to No. 13 and No. 14 in the AP and coaches' polls, respectively.
That will teach Oregon -- and anyone else -- to agree to a marquee nonconference matchup against an elite team that everyone wants to see!
Most turned away from the team with loud uniforms. Andrew Luck and Stanford were now the interesting team in the Pac-12, and Oklahoma, Alabama, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Florida State, Texas A&M and those LSU Tigers were the real contenders.
But teams, as they are wont to do in college football, started falling by the wayside, and the Ducks kept coming. It was quiet at first. Nevada bludgeoned a week after LSU; a pounding of Arizona on the road; California and Arizona State dispatched with prejudice.
And when Oregon gamboled off the field after a 53-30 victory over Stanford, just about everyone started counting them back in.
It made me recall that cool sequence at the beginning of Rocky III when Clubber Lang is, one by one, clubbering a string of foes on a bigger and bigger stage, and his dominance is attracting the worried attention of Rocky's manager Mickey.
And just as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" ends, Clubber barks at Mickey, "I want Balboa! I want Balboa! You hear that, Old Man?"
Said Ducks running back De'Anthony Thomas after the game, "I feel like if we get another shot at [LSU] again, I feel like it will be a better game."
Not exactly the same sort of bravado, but LSU is more Ivan Drago than Rocky.
Oregon would like to play LSU again with an offensive line and defensive front seven that have jelled. It would like to play LSU again with a healthy LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. It would like to play LSU without four turnovers, including two fumbles from Thomas.
It is a longshot to happen. And to be absolutely fair to how things went down in game one -- it sure as heck was as much about LSU's size and speed as turnovers -- and how good LSU has looked since then, my guess is few, including our friends who look at things without emotion in Las Vegas, would pick the Ducks to win a rematch.
It would, however, be interesting. Let's recall that the last offensive-minded evil genius to get a rematch in a national championship game against a defensive power -- Florida and Steve Spurrier in 1996 with Florida State -- won and won big.
If Oregon wins out impressively, and some dominoes fall here and there, maybe it will happen. It just won't happen today, this week or next. So let's bracket off the national title stuff.
And, as we look big picture, let's bracket off the potential endgame with L'Affair de Willie Lyles. I've talked to smart people who think Oregon may get hammered, and I've talked to smart people that think they won't. You never know with the NCAA, an institution where logic and fairness aren't always part of the process.
The big picture is this: Oregon is on the cusp of a third consecutive conference title. It's won 19 consecutive conference game, all but three by double-digits. If I were projecting coach Chip Kelly's record after his third season ends this January, I'd guess 34-5 (.875). Yes, I'm projecting a BCS bowl victory.
And Oregon will be a preseason top-five team in 2012 and will be the overwhelming favorites to win a fourth consecutive conference title, even if running back LaMichael James doesn't come back.
2013 looks like it will set up nicely, too.
Get the point? Oregon, barring a bomb from the NCAA, is set up for the long haul. It's on the cusp of becoming one of "those" programs. You know, where nine wins is viewed as a rebuilding year.
Of course, all the Ducks haters are barking about the lack of a Rose Bowl victory much less a national title. True. Snarky, but fair. That's why some of this hangs on the Ducks taking care of business in whatever January bowl they end up playing in.
Said Thomas, "I wouldn't want to play us."
Oh, there are lots of fans of lots of teams across the country that would have smart alec replies to that. That's the trash talking, message board, comments section face of college football.
But also know that plenty of measured, football-smart fans -- even LSU and Alabama fans -- watched the tour de force display against Stanford and thought to themselves, "I don't want to play them."
That will teach Oregon -- and anyone else -- to agree to a marquee nonconference matchup against an elite team that everyone wants to see!
Most turned away from the team with loud uniforms. Andrew Luck and Stanford were now the interesting team in the Pac-12, and Oklahoma, Alabama, Wisconsin, Oklahoma State, Boise State, Florida State, Texas A&M and those LSU Tigers were the real contenders.
[+] Enlarge
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireCoach Chip Kelly, RB LaMichael James and the Ducks are aiming for the national title game.
Jason O. Watson/US PresswireCoach Chip Kelly, RB LaMichael James and the Ducks are aiming for the national title game.And when Oregon gamboled off the field after a 53-30 victory over Stanford, just about everyone started counting them back in.
It made me recall that cool sequence at the beginning of Rocky III when Clubber Lang is, one by one, clubbering a string of foes on a bigger and bigger stage, and his dominance is attracting the worried attention of Rocky's manager Mickey.
And just as Survivor's "Eye of the Tiger" ends, Clubber barks at Mickey, "I want Balboa! I want Balboa! You hear that, Old Man?"
Said Ducks running back De'Anthony Thomas after the game, "I feel like if we get another shot at [LSU] again, I feel like it will be a better game."
Not exactly the same sort of bravado, but LSU is more Ivan Drago than Rocky.
Oregon would like to play LSU again with an offensive line and defensive front seven that have jelled. It would like to play LSU again with a healthy LaMichael James and Kenjon Barner. It would like to play LSU without four turnovers, including two fumbles from Thomas.
It is a longshot to happen. And to be absolutely fair to how things went down in game one -- it sure as heck was as much about LSU's size and speed as turnovers -- and how good LSU has looked since then, my guess is few, including our friends who look at things without emotion in Las Vegas, would pick the Ducks to win a rematch.
It would, however, be interesting. Let's recall that the last offensive-minded evil genius to get a rematch in a national championship game against a defensive power -- Florida and Steve Spurrier in 1996 with Florida State -- won and won big.
If Oregon wins out impressively, and some dominoes fall here and there, maybe it will happen. It just won't happen today, this week or next. So let's bracket off the national title stuff.
And, as we look big picture, let's bracket off the potential endgame with L'Affair de Willie Lyles. I've talked to smart people who think Oregon may get hammered, and I've talked to smart people that think they won't. You never know with the NCAA, an institution where logic and fairness aren't always part of the process.
The big picture is this: Oregon is on the cusp of a third consecutive conference title. It's won 19 consecutive conference game, all but three by double-digits. If I were projecting coach Chip Kelly's record after his third season ends this January, I'd guess 34-5 (.875). Yes, I'm projecting a BCS bowl victory.
And Oregon will be a preseason top-five team in 2012 and will be the overwhelming favorites to win a fourth consecutive conference title, even if running back LaMichael James doesn't come back.
2013 looks like it will set up nicely, too.
Get the point? Oregon, barring a bomb from the NCAA, is set up for the long haul. It's on the cusp of becoming one of "those" programs. You know, where nine wins is viewed as a rebuilding year.
Of course, all the Ducks haters are barking about the lack of a Rose Bowl victory much less a national title. True. Snarky, but fair. That's why some of this hangs on the Ducks taking care of business in whatever January bowl they end up playing in.
Said Thomas, "I wouldn't want to play us."
Oh, there are lots of fans of lots of teams across the country that would have smart alec replies to that. That's the trash talking, message board, comments section face of college football.
But also know that plenty of measured, football-smart fans -- even LSU and Alabama fans -- watched the tour de force display against Stanford and thought to themselves, "I don't want to play them."
Mailbag: Duck, Cardinal consternation!
November, 11, 2011
11/11/11
6:13
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Happy Friday.
Follow me on Twitter.
To the notes!
Robert from Portland writes: There is always talk about who's the best player or qb or running back every year. Then at the end of the year there is the talk about who is more likely to do it the next year. More often than not players don't repeat performances. This brings me to my question, who was the last running back to lead the nation in running one year and then come back and do it again? LaMichael James is doing it so far this year yet doesn't seem to get any recognition. All while missing TWO games.
Ted Miller: If James leads the nation in rushing for a second consecutive year, he will be in super-elite company. The last guy to do that turned out OK: LaDainian Tomlinson at TCU in 1999 and 2000.
As far as not getting recognition, you mean other than 1. Winning the Doak Walker Award last year as the nation's top running back; 2. Being a Heisman Trophy finalist; 3. Earning unanimous 2011 preseason All-American honors?
James dropped off the Heisman Trophy radar this season for three reasons: 1. He didn't play well against LSU in the opener; 2. He hasn't played many marquee opponents since then; 3. As you noted, he missed some action.
And if he has a lights-out game against Stanford in a victory -- think his 2010 performance -- then he'll again be on a shortlist of Heisman candidates.
Derrick from Omaha writes: One thing I have not heard mentioned regarding the Oregon-Stanford game is prep-time. Chip has only lost 5 games, 4 of those were to teams who had a month or more to get ready. The fifth was to Stanford who was coming off a bye week.Chip's Ducks have never lost to a team that played a game the previous week.Is this a real factor? Do you think this impacts this week's game?
Ted Miller: Yes, it's a factor and yes I think it impacts this week's game.
I will quibble with your saying this doesn't get mentioned. And I'd bet Chip Kelly would, too.
It's an unbelievable number, really, when used positively: It's darn near impossible to beat a Kelly offense with just one week to prepare.
On the other hand, it's more often been used in the negative: An elite defense with extra time to prepare can control Kelly's offense. Kelly, fairly, has repeatedly countered that the defenses that had extra time to prepare -- other than Stanford in 2009 -- were pretty elite.
As for this week, it's all about Stanford's defensive players not getting fooled by misdirection, maintaining their gap responsibilities, executing their assignments and tackling well. Oregon makes it hard to do all that, and it seems it's even more difficult without extra time to practice and train players' eyes.
But it is pretty interesting: If Stanford beats Chip Kelly's Ducks, it will be the first team to do so with just one week to prepare.
Pedro from Eugene, Ore. writes: Why do you have Stanford atop your most recent Pac-12 rankings but pick Oregon to beat them in Palo Alto? The rankings are your opinion, so wouldn't you rank the team to win a head-to-head matchup higher? Or has your Magic 8 Ball predicted a fluke upset?
Aaron from Seattle writes: Gotta wonder about you picking Oregon over Stanford, but having Stanford to the National Championship and Oregon to the Rose Bowl.... wanna show your math on that one?
Ted Miller: Can't a girl change her mind?
With the bowl projections, I hadn't really started thinking about the Oregon-Stanford game. Just like the power rankings on Monday, those projections were based on what happened in the previous 10 weeks.
But when I really started thinking about the game, this is what exploded out of my head, not unlike Athena bursting from Zeus' noggin!
Of course -- as noted -- I may have just had a bad burrito for lunch.
And there was just a little bit of not wanting to spoil my super-shocking prediction.
Alex from Las Vegas writes: Regarding the UCLA/Texas game at Cowboy Stadium, why do Pac-12 teams agree to play games at "neutral sites" that are anything but neutral. Why couldn't Oregon fly the extra 1/2 hour to Baton Rouge or UCLA just go to Austin? At least then they get whatever love that is associated with playing tough road games. Given the windfall of cash that the conference is about to get, can't they drive a harder bargain when it comes to schedules?
Ted Miller: I hear you. LSU-Oregon didn't feel like a neutral site game, and UCLA-Texas certainly won't.
So why can't Oregon play LSU in Phoenix or UCLA play Texas in Lambeau Field? My best answer is no one is trying to set up those games, while Jery Jones is doing so in Cowboys Stadium. And he's paying program's big bucks to come visit.
And, by the way, Cowboys Stadium is really impressive. I'm certain that the players will be goosed about the game, even if their fans are in a big minority.
Chance from Portland writes: What do the computers base there rankings on in the bcs poll?
Ted Miller: Most of the computer polls don't reveal their formulas because, of course, those formulas are so super-secret-awesome.
I can tell you that they don't include margin of victory, which was mistakenly removed after the 2004 season because -- waaaa! -- coaches were worried about running up the score.
Here's a hand-dandy guide to the computer polls.
Kyle from Jerusalem writes: Ted, I'm confused. Alabama lost to LSU at HOME last weekend and didn't even score a touchdown, and the ducks lost to them on a neutral field at the very beginning of the season. I know the SEC has a stronger conference, and how the computers would favor them. But how do the human polls explain putting Alabama at #3 and not at least behind the ducks and the other undefeated teams? And, if the remaining one loss teams fall, does Alabama really deserve to play in the "Game of the Century, Part II" when the ducks have shown they have matured as a team since the beginning of the year?
Ted Miller: The human polls have Alabama at No. 4. The BCS standings rank Alabama No. 3, but the Crimson Tide has only a very small edge over No. 4 Stanford due to the computers, which will disappear -- and not reappear -- if the Cardinal beats Oregon on Saturday and then wins out.
But, yes, one of the travesties this season was Oregon getting dumped from No. 3 to No. 13 and No. 14 in the AP and coaches polls, respectively, after it lost a glorified road game to LSU. It was as though a false narrative -- LSU dominated Oregon -- got started and the public never allowed the facts of the game to change a good, SEC story.
Further, to me, pollsters should have given Oregon credit for having the courage to schedule the game. I know if LSU had lost, I certainly wouldn't have dumped the Tigers 10 spots in my power ranking vote for ESPN.com.
In many ways, you can, in fact, argue Oregon's performance against LSU approximated Alabama's. The Ducks produced three long TD drives: 19 plays, 79 yards; 13 plays 68 yards; 10 plays 70 yards. Alabama produced no TD drives, though it did have 62-yard and 79-yard drives, which netted three points. And we've noted before the statistical similarities on both sides of the football.
Other than the Ducks losing the turnover battle 4-1.
All that said, I voted Alabama fourth and Oregon sixth, just like most everyone else. Why? Alabama has a better resume at present, see wins over Penn State and Arkansas. And, to be honest, I think Alabama would beat Oregon.
That said: I'd much rather see a rematch with Oregon and LSU than Alabama and LSU. Just in terms of pure entertainment purposes. Oh, and I'd go to the game if Oregon was in it.
Isaac from San Francisco writes: Well you blew it. While we educated folks like all the big words and cultural references and your funny little comments which aren't always that funny really, you still don't know anything about football. Stanford is going to crush Oregon. And you picked Oregon. What will that make you, smart guy?
Ted Miller: Well, by my best estimation, if Stanford beats Oregon that would make my prediction of Oregon beating Stanford incorrect.
But thanks for calling me smart.
Follow me on Twitter.
To the notes!
Robert from Portland writes: There is always talk about who's the best player or qb or running back every year. Then at the end of the year there is the talk about who is more likely to do it the next year. More often than not players don't repeat performances. This brings me to my question, who was the last running back to lead the nation in running one year and then come back and do it again? LaMichael James is doing it so far this year yet doesn't seem to get any recognition. All while missing TWO games.
Ted Miller: If James leads the nation in rushing for a second consecutive year, he will be in super-elite company. The last guy to do that turned out OK: LaDainian Tomlinson at TCU in 1999 and 2000.
As far as not getting recognition, you mean other than 1. Winning the Doak Walker Award last year as the nation's top running back; 2. Being a Heisman Trophy finalist; 3. Earning unanimous 2011 preseason All-American honors?
James dropped off the Heisman Trophy radar this season for three reasons: 1. He didn't play well against LSU in the opener; 2. He hasn't played many marquee opponents since then; 3. As you noted, he missed some action.
And if he has a lights-out game against Stanford in a victory -- think his 2010 performance -- then he'll again be on a shortlist of Heisman candidates.
Derrick from Omaha writes: One thing I have not heard mentioned regarding the Oregon-Stanford game is prep-time. Chip has only lost 5 games, 4 of those were to teams who had a month or more to get ready. The fifth was to Stanford who was coming off a bye week.Chip's Ducks have never lost to a team that played a game the previous week.Is this a real factor? Do you think this impacts this week's game?
Ted Miller: Yes, it's a factor and yes I think it impacts this week's game.
I will quibble with your saying this doesn't get mentioned. And I'd bet Chip Kelly would, too.
It's an unbelievable number, really, when used positively: It's darn near impossible to beat a Kelly offense with just one week to prepare.
On the other hand, it's more often been used in the negative: An elite defense with extra time to prepare can control Kelly's offense. Kelly, fairly, has repeatedly countered that the defenses that had extra time to prepare -- other than Stanford in 2009 -- were pretty elite.
As for this week, it's all about Stanford's defensive players not getting fooled by misdirection, maintaining their gap responsibilities, executing their assignments and tackling well. Oregon makes it hard to do all that, and it seems it's even more difficult without extra time to practice and train players' eyes.
But it is pretty interesting: If Stanford beats Chip Kelly's Ducks, it will be the first team to do so with just one week to prepare.
Pedro from Eugene, Ore. writes: Why do you have Stanford atop your most recent Pac-12 rankings but pick Oregon to beat them in Palo Alto? The rankings are your opinion, so wouldn't you rank the team to win a head-to-head matchup higher? Or has your Magic 8 Ball predicted a fluke upset?
Aaron from Seattle writes: Gotta wonder about you picking Oregon over Stanford, but having Stanford to the National Championship and Oregon to the Rose Bowl.... wanna show your math on that one?
Ted Miller: Can't a girl change her mind?
With the bowl projections, I hadn't really started thinking about the Oregon-Stanford game. Just like the power rankings on Monday, those projections were based on what happened in the previous 10 weeks.
But when I really started thinking about the game, this is what exploded out of my head, not unlike Athena bursting from Zeus' noggin!
Of course -- as noted -- I may have just had a bad burrito for lunch.
And there was just a little bit of not wanting to spoil my super-shocking prediction.
Alex from Las Vegas writes: Regarding the UCLA/Texas game at Cowboy Stadium, why do Pac-12 teams agree to play games at "neutral sites" that are anything but neutral. Why couldn't Oregon fly the extra 1/2 hour to Baton Rouge or UCLA just go to Austin? At least then they get whatever love that is associated with playing tough road games. Given the windfall of cash that the conference is about to get, can't they drive a harder bargain when it comes to schedules?
Ted Miller: I hear you. LSU-Oregon didn't feel like a neutral site game, and UCLA-Texas certainly won't.
So why can't Oregon play LSU in Phoenix or UCLA play Texas in Lambeau Field? My best answer is no one is trying to set up those games, while Jery Jones is doing so in Cowboys Stadium. And he's paying program's big bucks to come visit.
And, by the way, Cowboys Stadium is really impressive. I'm certain that the players will be goosed about the game, even if their fans are in a big minority.
Chance from Portland writes: What do the computers base there rankings on in the bcs poll?
Ted Miller: Most of the computer polls don't reveal their formulas because, of course, those formulas are so super-secret-awesome.
I can tell you that they don't include margin of victory, which was mistakenly removed after the 2004 season because -- waaaa! -- coaches were worried about running up the score.
Here's a hand-dandy guide to the computer polls.
Kyle from Jerusalem writes: Ted, I'm confused. Alabama lost to LSU at HOME last weekend and didn't even score a touchdown, and the ducks lost to them on a neutral field at the very beginning of the season. I know the SEC has a stronger conference, and how the computers would favor them. But how do the human polls explain putting Alabama at #3 and not at least behind the ducks and the other undefeated teams? And, if the remaining one loss teams fall, does Alabama really deserve to play in the "Game of the Century, Part II" when the ducks have shown they have matured as a team since the beginning of the year?
Ted Miller: The human polls have Alabama at No. 4. The BCS standings rank Alabama No. 3, but the Crimson Tide has only a very small edge over No. 4 Stanford due to the computers, which will disappear -- and not reappear -- if the Cardinal beats Oregon on Saturday and then wins out.
But, yes, one of the travesties this season was Oregon getting dumped from No. 3 to No. 13 and No. 14 in the AP and coaches polls, respectively, after it lost a glorified road game to LSU. It was as though a false narrative -- LSU dominated Oregon -- got started and the public never allowed the facts of the game to change a good, SEC story.
Further, to me, pollsters should have given Oregon credit for having the courage to schedule the game. I know if LSU had lost, I certainly wouldn't have dumped the Tigers 10 spots in my power ranking vote for ESPN.com.
In many ways, you can, in fact, argue Oregon's performance against LSU approximated Alabama's. The Ducks produced three long TD drives: 19 plays, 79 yards; 13 plays 68 yards; 10 plays 70 yards. Alabama produced no TD drives, though it did have 62-yard and 79-yard drives, which netted three points. And we've noted before the statistical similarities on both sides of the football.
Other than the Ducks losing the turnover battle 4-1.
All that said, I voted Alabama fourth and Oregon sixth, just like most everyone else. Why? Alabama has a better resume at present, see wins over Penn State and Arkansas. And, to be honest, I think Alabama would beat Oregon.
That said: I'd much rather see a rematch with Oregon and LSU than Alabama and LSU. Just in terms of pure entertainment purposes. Oh, and I'd go to the game if Oregon was in it.
Isaac from San Francisco writes: Well you blew it. While we educated folks like all the big words and cultural references and your funny little comments which aren't always that funny really, you still don't know anything about football. Stanford is going to crush Oregon. And you picked Oregon. What will that make you, smart guy?
Ted Miller: Well, by my best estimation, if Stanford beats Oregon that would make my prediction of Oregon beating Stanford incorrect.
But thanks for calling me smart.
UCLA to play Texas in Cowboys Stadium
November, 10, 2011
11/10/11
12:15
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
UCLA and Texas enjoyed their series so much they've decided to sign a new game contract and upgrade their venue.
The Bruins and Longhorns have agreed to play in Cowboys’ Stadium in 2014, the LA Times reported. The date has been tentatively set for Sept. 13, according to Chris Foster's story, which noted "The Bruins have a game against Virginia scheduled for that day, but the two schools will work out a change."
UCLA and Texas split a home-and-home series this season and last with both winning on the road. UCLA whipped Texas 34-12 in Austin in 2010, and the Longhorns whipped the Bruins 49-20 in the Rose Bowl this year.
The Bruins and Longhorns have agreed to play in Cowboys’ Stadium in 2014, the LA Times reported. The date has been tentatively set for Sept. 13, according to Chris Foster's story, which noted "The Bruins have a game against Virginia scheduled for that day, but the two schools will work out a change."
UCLA and Texas split a home-and-home series this season and last with both winning on the road. UCLA whipped Texas 34-12 in Austin in 2010, and the Longhorns whipped the Bruins 49-20 in the Rose Bowl this year.
What to watch in the Pac-12: Week 4
September, 22, 2011
9/22/11
10:15
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Ten issues to consider heading into the fourth week of games.
Pressure Barkley: USC QB Matt Barkley comfortable in the pocket? That's not a good thing for a defense, particularly when he gets to find receiver Robert Woods. USC has allowed just two sacks this year, and Arizona State will be missing its best pass-rusher -- defensive end Junior Onyeali, who's out indefinitely with a knee injury -- so the Sun Devils might need to get creative with blitzes. You know, like they've done with linebacker Vontaze Burfict this year, see four sacks.
Foles on his own? Arizona QB Nick Foles is a heck of a player but he will not beat Oregon on his own. He needs help from the Pac-12's worst running game, its worst defense and an offensive line that has yielded seven sacks.
Washington D needs to step up: Arizona has the worst defense in terms of yards allowed in the conference, but the Huskies are the worst in terms of points surrendered: 36.7 ppg. And the Huskies are 11th in the conference in yards allowed, too. Coordinator Nick Holt is the conference's best paid defensive coordinator (without the last name "Kiffin," at least), and it was widely believed in the preseason that the Huskies had enough talent to be an A-list defense this fall. The early results have been terrible. A visit from California to start the Pac-12 schedule is a heck of an opportunity for Holt and the UW D to reverse their fortunes.
No slow start in the 'Shoe, Colorado: As pointed out by the Boulder Daily Camera: "The Buffs have been outscored 40-20 in the first half in the first three games and 14 of the Buffs' 20 first-half points came against [Colorado State]." It wouldn't be a good idea to fall behind early against Ohio State in the Horseshoe. For one, having lost 19 in a row on the road, it likely wouldn't help the Buffaloes' confidence. Second, Ohio State's grind-it-out offense is much better playing from ahead than playing from behind -- see below.
Brehaut takes over: Richard Brehaut has an opportunity to decisively win the UCLA QB job. He just needs to put up numbers in a victory at Oregon State. Most observers have long felt coach Rick Neuheisel has favored Kevin Prince in the Bruins' seemingly endless QB competition, but Neuheisel will favor the guy who gets him a W. Brehaut should have a chance against the Beavers' pass defense, which is the worst in the Pac-12.
Osweiler bounce back: ASU QB Brock Osweiler was lights out at home against Missouri but he struggled at Illinois. Now he's back home facing USC, which has beaten the Sun Devils 11 consecutive times. Osweiler needs to regain his Missouri form -- or at least approximate it -- in order for Arizona State to jump to the front of the Pac-12 South Division pecking order.
Ducks make statement: After losing to LSU in Cowboys Stadium, which inspired many national pundits to write Oregon off, the Ducks quietly rolled up a pair of dominant wins at home against inferior foes. But now Oregon opens the Pac-12 schedule on ESPN2 with a chance to make a statement: "We're still here." If the Ducks can match -- or eclipse -- Stanford's impressive 37-10 win in Tucson last weekend, they likely will hush some of the doubters.
Zach Maynard's first big road test: The Cal QB has been solid in the Bears' first three games, including winning at Colorado, but playing at Husky Stadium is not something he's done before, certainly not during his days as the starting QB at Buffalo. While the Huskies' defense has been vulnerable, it's also faced three experienced QBs. Expect the Huskies to throw a lot at Maynard, whose biggest weakness in the early going has been accuracy.
Colorado run D vs. Ohio State: Colorado ranks fifth in the Pac-12 in rushing defense, and it will surely gang up on the run at Ohio State. The Buckeyes had only 209 total yards at Miami last weekend, including 35 yards passing. The way to stop the Buckeyes' offense, who completed a dreadful 4 of 18 passes against the Hurricanes, is to force them to throw. Can the Buffs do that?
Mannion the man? While Oregon State redshirt freshman QB Sezan Mannion saw a lot of action in the first two games, this is his first official game as the Beavers' starter. He's going to get some help with receiver James Rodgers and tight end Joe Halahuni returning to action, but it will be up to Mannion to deliver the ball on time and in the right spot against UCLA.
Pressure Barkley: USC QB Matt Barkley comfortable in the pocket? That's not a good thing for a defense, particularly when he gets to find receiver Robert Woods. USC has allowed just two sacks this year, and Arizona State will be missing its best pass-rusher -- defensive end Junior Onyeali, who's out indefinitely with a knee injury -- so the Sun Devils might need to get creative with blitzes. You know, like they've done with linebacker Vontaze Burfict this year, see four sacks.
[+] Enlarge
Kelvin Kuo/US PRESSWIREMatt Barkley has passed for 892 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception so far this season.
Kelvin Kuo/US PRESSWIREMatt Barkley has passed for 892 yards, nine touchdowns and just one interception so far this season.Washington D needs to step up: Arizona has the worst defense in terms of yards allowed in the conference, but the Huskies are the worst in terms of points surrendered: 36.7 ppg. And the Huskies are 11th in the conference in yards allowed, too. Coordinator Nick Holt is the conference's best paid defensive coordinator (without the last name "Kiffin," at least), and it was widely believed in the preseason that the Huskies had enough talent to be an A-list defense this fall. The early results have been terrible. A visit from California to start the Pac-12 schedule is a heck of an opportunity for Holt and the UW D to reverse their fortunes.
No slow start in the 'Shoe, Colorado: As pointed out by the Boulder Daily Camera: "The Buffs have been outscored 40-20 in the first half in the first three games and 14 of the Buffs' 20 first-half points came against [Colorado State]." It wouldn't be a good idea to fall behind early against Ohio State in the Horseshoe. For one, having lost 19 in a row on the road, it likely wouldn't help the Buffaloes' confidence. Second, Ohio State's grind-it-out offense is much better playing from ahead than playing from behind -- see below.
Brehaut takes over: Richard Brehaut has an opportunity to decisively win the UCLA QB job. He just needs to put up numbers in a victory at Oregon State. Most observers have long felt coach Rick Neuheisel has favored Kevin Prince in the Bruins' seemingly endless QB competition, but Neuheisel will favor the guy who gets him a W. Brehaut should have a chance against the Beavers' pass defense, which is the worst in the Pac-12.
Osweiler bounce back: ASU QB Brock Osweiler was lights out at home against Missouri but he struggled at Illinois. Now he's back home facing USC, which has beaten the Sun Devils 11 consecutive times. Osweiler needs to regain his Missouri form -- or at least approximate it -- in order for Arizona State to jump to the front of the Pac-12 South Division pecking order.
Ducks make statement: After losing to LSU in Cowboys Stadium, which inspired many national pundits to write Oregon off, the Ducks quietly rolled up a pair of dominant wins at home against inferior foes. But now Oregon opens the Pac-12 schedule on ESPN2 with a chance to make a statement: "We're still here." If the Ducks can match -- or eclipse -- Stanford's impressive 37-10 win in Tucson last weekend, they likely will hush some of the doubters.
Zach Maynard's first big road test: The Cal QB has been solid in the Bears' first three games, including winning at Colorado, but playing at Husky Stadium is not something he's done before, certainly not during his days as the starting QB at Buffalo. While the Huskies' defense has been vulnerable, it's also faced three experienced QBs. Expect the Huskies to throw a lot at Maynard, whose biggest weakness in the early going has been accuracy.
Colorado run D vs. Ohio State: Colorado ranks fifth in the Pac-12 in rushing defense, and it will surely gang up on the run at Ohio State. The Buckeyes had only 209 total yards at Miami last weekend, including 35 yards passing. The way to stop the Buckeyes' offense, who completed a dreadful 4 of 18 passes against the Hurricanes, is to force them to throw. Can the Buffs do that?
Mannion the man? While Oregon State redshirt freshman QB Sezan Mannion saw a lot of action in the first two games, this is his first official game as the Beavers' starter. He's going to get some help with receiver James Rodgers and tight end Joe Halahuni returning to action, but it will be up to Mannion to deliver the ball on time and in the right spot against UCLA.
Oregon wants to become road warriors
September, 21, 2011
9/21/11
9:00
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Oregon coach Chip Kelly recently groused about how hard it is to get elite teams to sign a home-and-home series with his Ducks. While money, as it often is in college football, is an issue, the biggest reason is teams don't want to get their butts kicked. Kelly's crew has won 18 in a row at home, last losing to Boise State on Sept. 20, 2008.
So when you ask Kelly about what he's learned about his team during a pair of home blowouts after it lost to LSU in Cowboys Stadium, he doesn't make any sweeping pronouncements of newfound skill, confidence or maturity.
"We're a good team at home," he said. "What we've got to learn now is how do we play on the road?"
That's a fair point. Though Oregon has lost only five games over the past two-plus seasons, each has been outside the friendly confines of Autzen Stadium.
And the numbers show a decided difference, too. The Ducks averaged 59 points at home last season and 36.7 points on the road. They averaged 41.6 points at home in 2009 and 29.7 point on the road. On defense, the Ducks held foes to 14.8 points at home in 2010 and 22.0 points on the road. In 2009, it was 20.4 at home and 27.7 on the road.
Of course, every team is better at home, and the quality of the home and road schedules matter. But when your team is trying to join the super-elite, those are numbers coaches notice and point out to players. For example, Auburn last season played better defense on the road, and averaged 45.8 points at home and 36.3 points on the road. In 2009, Alabama averaged 32.7 points at home and 31.4 points on the road. Those are the last two national champions.
So Kelly wants his team to take its A-game -- its Autzen-game -- to Tucson to face reeling Arizona.
Speaking of the Wildcats, a lot has been made of their seven-game losing streak to FBS foes. No one likes a seven-game losing streak.
But some perspective, folks. Four of those games were against top seven-ranked foes, and a fifth was against an Oklahoma State squad that finished 2010 ranked 13th. The Ducks will be the Wildcats third top-10 opponent in three weeks.
"This has been a perfect storm and we've got to weather it," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops (a visit to No. 23 USC is next, by the way).
Further, Stoops is a defensive coach. His most infamous sideline frowns and gesticulations come when his defense is not doing what he wants it to do. And that's been happening a lot of late, seeing that his defense ranks 111th in the nation.
Oregon, by the way, will be bringing the nation's No. 6 offense, the third consecutive top-20 offense the Wildcats will have faced, which is also a good reason the defense has looked so lousy. You might be surprised, however, that the fiery Stoops has become philosophical, preaching the power of positive thinking and learning from adversity.
"You have to look at where it's exposing our weak areas, where we have to get better," he said.
Stoops then is probably noting his run game, which ranks 116th in the nation with an anemic 55.7 yards per game. The Ducks defensive weakness, at least thus far, has been against the run, see 214.3 yards per game, which ranks 11th in the Pac-12. So that's an interesting weakness-on-weakness matchup.
It's more likely, though, this one will come down to a showdown of strength on strength: Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles versus a good Oregon pass defense, which ranks No. 1 in the conference.
Kelly is a big fan of Foles.
"I think Nick is one of the top quarterbacks in the country, not only in this conference," he said. "I don't think he gets nearly enough credit."
Of course, we could have another barn burner. The last time the Ducks visited in 2009, they won a thrilling 44-41 decision in double-overtime, a game that it looked like the Wildcats had in the bag. Until they didn't.
"I remember Jeremiah Masoli just running around making plays," Stoops said. "He made some incredible plays down the stretch. We couldn't come up with that last play to win the game."
Oregon doesn't want that. It wants to come in a take care of business -- like Stanford did in Tucson last weekend -- and look like a team that shouldn't yet be written out of national title contention.
Stoops' team is just trying to weather the storm. But he sees "speed everywhere" with Oregon. And he knows no team brings an offensive maelstrom like the Ducks.
So when you ask Kelly about what he's learned about his team during a pair of home blowouts after it lost to LSU in Cowboys Stadium, he doesn't make any sweeping pronouncements of newfound skill, confidence or maturity.
"We're a good team at home," he said. "What we've got to learn now is how do we play on the road?"
[+] Enlarge
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireChip Kelly's Oregon squad will try to regain their momentum by beating Arizona on the road Saturday.
Matthew Emmons/US PresswireChip Kelly's Oregon squad will try to regain their momentum by beating Arizona on the road Saturday.And the numbers show a decided difference, too. The Ducks averaged 59 points at home last season and 36.7 points on the road. They averaged 41.6 points at home in 2009 and 29.7 point on the road. On defense, the Ducks held foes to 14.8 points at home in 2010 and 22.0 points on the road. In 2009, it was 20.4 at home and 27.7 on the road.
Of course, every team is better at home, and the quality of the home and road schedules matter. But when your team is trying to join the super-elite, those are numbers coaches notice and point out to players. For example, Auburn last season played better defense on the road, and averaged 45.8 points at home and 36.3 points on the road. In 2009, Alabama averaged 32.7 points at home and 31.4 points on the road. Those are the last two national champions.
So Kelly wants his team to take its A-game -- its Autzen-game -- to Tucson to face reeling Arizona.
Speaking of the Wildcats, a lot has been made of their seven-game losing streak to FBS foes. No one likes a seven-game losing streak.
But some perspective, folks. Four of those games were against top seven-ranked foes, and a fifth was against an Oklahoma State squad that finished 2010 ranked 13th. The Ducks will be the Wildcats third top-10 opponent in three weeks.
"This has been a perfect storm and we've got to weather it," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops (a visit to No. 23 USC is next, by the way).
Further, Stoops is a defensive coach. His most infamous sideline frowns and gesticulations come when his defense is not doing what he wants it to do. And that's been happening a lot of late, seeing that his defense ranks 111th in the nation.
Oregon, by the way, will be bringing the nation's No. 6 offense, the third consecutive top-20 offense the Wildcats will have faced, which is also a good reason the defense has looked so lousy. You might be surprised, however, that the fiery Stoops has become philosophical, preaching the power of positive thinking and learning from adversity.
"You have to look at where it's exposing our weak areas, where we have to get better," he said.
Stoops then is probably noting his run game, which ranks 116th in the nation with an anemic 55.7 yards per game. The Ducks defensive weakness, at least thus far, has been against the run, see 214.3 yards per game, which ranks 11th in the Pac-12. So that's an interesting weakness-on-weakness matchup.
It's more likely, though, this one will come down to a showdown of strength on strength: Wildcats quarterback Nick Foles versus a good Oregon pass defense, which ranks No. 1 in the conference.
Kelly is a big fan of Foles.
"I think Nick is one of the top quarterbacks in the country, not only in this conference," he said. "I don't think he gets nearly enough credit."
Of course, we could have another barn burner. The last time the Ducks visited in 2009, they won a thrilling 44-41 decision in double-overtime, a game that it looked like the Wildcats had in the bag. Until they didn't.
"I remember Jeremiah Masoli just running around making plays," Stoops said. "He made some incredible plays down the stretch. We couldn't come up with that last play to win the game."
Oregon doesn't want that. It wants to come in a take care of business -- like Stanford did in Tucson last weekend -- and look like a team that shouldn't yet be written out of national title contention.
Stoops' team is just trying to weather the storm. But he sees "speed everywhere" with Oregon. And he knows no team brings an offensive maelstrom like the Ducks.
LSU-Oregon: Hype to end, hitting to beginning
September, 3, 2011
9/03/11
8:30
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
ARLINGTON, Texas -- The weeks of hype -- and controversy -- are almost over. In 90 minutes, No. 3 Oregon and No. 4 LSU will start butting heads and we'll get some football answers instead of speculation.
Oregon's high-tempo, spread option offense will get another shot at a big-fast-mean "SEC defense." The Ducks will get an opportunity to end a pattern of struggling to move the ball against A-list defenses that get extra time to prepare.
What tweaks might have Chip Kelly come up with during his extra time to prepare? Are the Ducks going to be pass-first, as they were forced to be against Auburn. Or will the running game get going with LaMichael James, Kenyon Barner and true freshman De'Anthony Thomas?
Suspensions anyone? We'll see what LSU looks like without starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson and Russell Shepard, its best receiver. We'll see what the Oregon defense looks like without CB Cliff Harris, and -- most likely -- MLB Kiko Alonso.
Is LSU going to be conservative and rely on its defense and 223-pound running back Spencer Ware? Or will it let Jarrett Lee throw the ball around, thinking a Harris-less secondary isn't as worrisome?
What nutty things do the coaches have planned?
Just like Kelly isn't afraid to go for it on any fourth down or do an on-side kick to open a second half, Les Miles has never been one to shy away from trickeration. Miles, who's 23-0 in regular-season nonconference games, even succeeds when he makes major gaffes.
Miles, however, won't eat the grass at Cowboys Stadium. It's artificial. That would be gross.
While the superficial position is to compare the LSU and Auburn defenses, but that's not really accurate. LSU's is better and more talented at all three levels. Only it has two new starting DTs, not Nick Fairley disrupting things in the middle.
Still, the Tigers secondary is vastly superior to Auburn's. If the Ducks have no running game, it will be tougher going throwing it. And much more risky.
Further, the Ducks are breaking in two new offensive linemen, one of whom -- OG Ramsen Golpashin -- is a 275-pound former walk-on.
Oregon also is breaking in five new starters on its front-7 on defense, though the new guys have plenty of experience. The Ducks defense held up well versus its offense this spring and preseason. Most in green believe the defense will do fine.
After all, no SEC defense did a better job against Cam Newton and Auburn last year.
The stakes are simple: The winner immediately becomes a national title contender. The winner, in fact, might -- should -- move up to No. 1 in the major polls, which means it will have poll position in the title chase.
Things are quiet here at present. But that won't last 80,000 fans are going to pack this place -- a significant majority of them in LSU purple -- and the talk will end and the best season-opener in decades will start to provide some answers.
Oregon's high-tempo, spread option offense will get another shot at a big-fast-mean "SEC defense." The Ducks will get an opportunity to end a pattern of struggling to move the ball against A-list defenses that get extra time to prepare.
What tweaks might have Chip Kelly come up with during his extra time to prepare? Are the Ducks going to be pass-first, as they were forced to be against Auburn. Or will the running game get going with LaMichael James, Kenyon Barner and true freshman De'Anthony Thomas?
Suspensions anyone? We'll see what LSU looks like without starting quarterback Jordan Jefferson and Russell Shepard, its best receiver. We'll see what the Oregon defense looks like without CB Cliff Harris, and -- most likely -- MLB Kiko Alonso.
Is LSU going to be conservative and rely on its defense and 223-pound running back Spencer Ware? Or will it let Jarrett Lee throw the ball around, thinking a Harris-less secondary isn't as worrisome?
What nutty things do the coaches have planned?
Just like Kelly isn't afraid to go for it on any fourth down or do an on-side kick to open a second half, Les Miles has never been one to shy away from trickeration. Miles, who's 23-0 in regular-season nonconference games, even succeeds when he makes major gaffes.
Miles, however, won't eat the grass at Cowboys Stadium. It's artificial. That would be gross.
While the superficial position is to compare the LSU and Auburn defenses, but that's not really accurate. LSU's is better and more talented at all three levels. Only it has two new starting DTs, not Nick Fairley disrupting things in the middle.
Still, the Tigers secondary is vastly superior to Auburn's. If the Ducks have no running game, it will be tougher going throwing it. And much more risky.
Further, the Ducks are breaking in two new offensive linemen, one of whom -- OG Ramsen Golpashin -- is a 275-pound former walk-on.
Oregon also is breaking in five new starters on its front-7 on defense, though the new guys have plenty of experience. The Ducks defense held up well versus its offense this spring and preseason. Most in green believe the defense will do fine.
After all, no SEC defense did a better job against Cam Newton and Auburn last year.
The stakes are simple: The winner immediately becomes a national title contender. The winner, in fact, might -- should -- move up to No. 1 in the major polls, which means it will have poll position in the title chase.
Things are quiet here at present. But that won't last 80,000 fans are going to pack this place -- a significant majority of them in LSU purple -- and the talk will end and the best season-opener in decades will start to provide some answers.
Stakes big for Oregon, Pac-12 versus LSU
August, 29, 2011
8/29/11
3:30
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Nobody likes sounding relentlessly redundant, but if the story doesn't change the story doesn't change.
For all that Oregon has accomplished in two years under Chip Kelly, it has flopped against highly rated nonconference foes who have had extra time to prepare for the Ducks high-tempo, spread-option attack.Those three games, against which there is little counter argument, other than the Ducks Pac-10 success, have inspired this sort of analysis: Oregon needs to get more physical.
If you have ever played football, you surely understand that when a football player has his physicality doubted, well, that's pretty galling.
Before all you Ducks get bent over this, keep in mind that Kelly has been a stand-up guy about this very point. In all three instances, he admitted the Ducks got beat at the point of attack. Further, during preseason camp, I asked running back LaMichael James about what went wrong against Auburn.
"Their defensive line was overpowering our offensive line," he said. "That was just the way it was."
How do you think this goes over with a Ducks offensive lineman? Department of "Truth Hurts."
Here's the good news: Oregon can end such talk on Saturday. All it has to do is take it to No. 4 LSU, a program as physically talented in terms of future NFL potential as any in the nation.
That's the micro-economic level of the super-cool-awesomeness of this marquee season-0pener in Cowboys Stadium.
Any one else curious to see what Kelly's got up his sleeve to counter LSU's extra prep time to school itself on the Ducks misdirection?
The macro-economic level is this: Pac-12 versus SEC. One game for a regular-season's worth of trash talking.
You might have heard the SEC has experienced some football success of late. On occasion, SEC fans will take a moment to remind you of it. There is a rumor, in fact, that five consecutive seasons have ended with a happy ending in some SEC outpost, the latest against the Pac-12's newest top-dog.
That would be Oregon.
To be honest, last January, I though Oregon was going to pound Auburn. I didn't think a two-player team -- no matter how good those two players were -- could beat the Kelly and the Ducks. The last time I had such a strong hunch about a game and was so completely wrong was when Washington pushed Miami around in 2000. (This is not to say I've had a long run of correct strong hunches about games before January. They just don't come by very often before marquee matchups).
Even if you throw out the stakes specific to Oregon and the Pac-12, this game has huge meaning nationally. The winner could -- should, in my mind -- rise to No. 1 in both major polls. Voters should reward the winner for showing the courage to play this game, which is great for college football at a time college football needs something great to distract fans from a stunning onslaught of scandals. A couple of which, rumor has it, might involve these two teams, territory we're choosing not to explore at this moment.
So if Oregon wins, it could rise to No. 1. If LSU has a successful season in the rugged SEC West, that win will grow in value. But even if LSU falters, the Ducks will be in position to play again for the national title if they keep winning.
Further, the odds aren't terrible that Oregon could arrive at Stanford on Nov. 12 and we find ourselves eyeballing two unbeaten teams. It could be a One-Two matchup even. At the worst, if the Ducks and Cardinal face each other without a blemish on either slate, it will be the biggest Pac-12 game in years (last year's game also matched unbeaten teams but was much earlier -- Oct. 2 -- in the season). If Stanford prevailed, it also could crow about beating the team that beat LSU and likely would play for the national title if it finished 12-0.
If Oregon loses to LSU, the Ducks could still have a great season. They could rally and perhaps get back into the national title hunt. And there's always the Rose Bowl, hardly a terrible destination. One nonconference game can't completely make or break a season.
But an Oregon victory would give the program a level of early-season gravitas it has never had. It would silence any remaining doubters, both of the Ducks and the Pac-12.
So, yes, you have heard correctly: This game is very, very big.
For all that Oregon has accomplished in two years under Chip Kelly, it has flopped against highly rated nonconference foes who have had extra time to prepare for the Ducks high-tempo, spread-option attack.
- In 2009, the Ducks opened at Boise State. While that game is most remembered for LaGarrette Blount's post-game meltdown in Kelly's debut, Boise State fans will be glad to remind you the Broncos held the Ducks to 31 yards rushing in a 19-8 victory.
- The Ducks righted themselves dramatically in 2009 and earned a berth opposite Ohio State in the Rose Bowl. But the Buckeyes held the Ducks to 260 yards in a 26-17 victory
- And, finally, in the national title game against Auburn, the Ducks only scored 19 points. They gained 449 yards but only 75 on the ground.
[+] Enlarge
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireOregon coach Chip Kelly and the Ducks would score a big win for the Pac-12 with a defeat of LSU on Saturday.
Kirby Lee/Image of Sport/US PresswireOregon coach Chip Kelly and the Ducks would score a big win for the Pac-12 with a defeat of LSU on Saturday.If you have ever played football, you surely understand that when a football player has his physicality doubted, well, that's pretty galling.
Before all you Ducks get bent over this, keep in mind that Kelly has been a stand-up guy about this very point. In all three instances, he admitted the Ducks got beat at the point of attack. Further, during preseason camp, I asked running back LaMichael James about what went wrong against Auburn.
"Their defensive line was overpowering our offensive line," he said. "That was just the way it was."
How do you think this goes over with a Ducks offensive lineman? Department of "Truth Hurts."
Here's the good news: Oregon can end such talk on Saturday. All it has to do is take it to No. 4 LSU, a program as physically talented in terms of future NFL potential as any in the nation.
That's the micro-economic level of the super-cool-awesomeness of this marquee season-0pener in Cowboys Stadium.
Any one else curious to see what Kelly's got up his sleeve to counter LSU's extra prep time to school itself on the Ducks misdirection?
The macro-economic level is this: Pac-12 versus SEC. One game for a regular-season's worth of trash talking.
You might have heard the SEC has experienced some football success of late. On occasion, SEC fans will take a moment to remind you of it. There is a rumor, in fact, that five consecutive seasons have ended with a happy ending in some SEC outpost, the latest against the Pac-12's newest top-dog.
That would be Oregon.
To be honest, last January, I though Oregon was going to pound Auburn. I didn't think a two-player team -- no matter how good those two players were -- could beat the Kelly and the Ducks. The last time I had such a strong hunch about a game and was so completely wrong was when Washington pushed Miami around in 2000. (This is not to say I've had a long run of correct strong hunches about games before January. They just don't come by very often before marquee matchups).
Even if you throw out the stakes specific to Oregon and the Pac-12, this game has huge meaning nationally. The winner could -- should, in my mind -- rise to No. 1 in both major polls. Voters should reward the winner for showing the courage to play this game, which is great for college football at a time college football needs something great to distract fans from a stunning onslaught of scandals. A couple of which, rumor has it, might involve these two teams, territory we're choosing not to explore at this moment.
So if Oregon wins, it could rise to No. 1. If LSU has a successful season in the rugged SEC West, that win will grow in value. But even if LSU falters, the Ducks will be in position to play again for the national title if they keep winning.
Further, the odds aren't terrible that Oregon could arrive at Stanford on Nov. 12 and we find ourselves eyeballing two unbeaten teams. It could be a One-Two matchup even. At the worst, if the Ducks and Cardinal face each other without a blemish on either slate, it will be the biggest Pac-12 game in years (last year's game also matched unbeaten teams but was much earlier -- Oct. 2 -- in the season). If Stanford prevailed, it also could crow about beating the team that beat LSU and likely would play for the national title if it finished 12-0.
If Oregon loses to LSU, the Ducks could still have a great season. They could rally and perhaps get back into the national title hunt. And there's always the Rose Bowl, hardly a terrible destination. One nonconference game can't completely make or break a season.
But an Oregon victory would give the program a level of early-season gravitas it has never had. It would silence any remaining doubters, both of the Ducks and the Pac-12.
So, yes, you have heard correctly: This game is very, very big.
Oregon No. 3, Stanford 6th in coaches poll
August, 4, 2011
8/04/11
11:13
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
The coaches poll is out, and it makes clear the stakes will be huge when Oregon faces LSU in Cowboys Stadium on Sept. 3.
The Ducks, who lost the national title game to Auburn last January, are ranked No. 3. And LSU is No. 4.
Don't be surprised if the winner of that game leaps over No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Alabama for the top spot in the poll.
Stanford also received plenty of respect from the coaches, ranking sixth, but no other Pac-12 team was in the top 25.
Arizona State just missed as the No. 1 team among the "others receiving votes," which translates to No. 26. The Sun Devils play No. 21 Missouri on Sept. 9, so they will have an early shot to move up.
Utah is 28th and Arizona is 32nd. Oregon State and Washington also received votes.
USC isn't eligible to receive votes in the coaches poll due to NCAA sanctions. The Trojans could be ranked in the AP poll.
Six of the 59 coaches casting votes are from the Pac-12: Colorado's Jon Embree, Oregon State's Mike Riley, Stanford's David Shaw, California's Jeff Tedford, Utah's Kyle Whittingham and Washington State's Paul Wulff.
The Ducks, who lost the national title game to Auburn last January, are ranked No. 3. And LSU is No. 4.
Don't be surprised if the winner of that game leaps over No. 1 Oklahoma and No. 2 Alabama for the top spot in the poll.
Stanford also received plenty of respect from the coaches, ranking sixth, but no other Pac-12 team was in the top 25.
Arizona State just missed as the No. 1 team among the "others receiving votes," which translates to No. 26. The Sun Devils play No. 21 Missouri on Sept. 9, so they will have an early shot to move up.
Utah is 28th and Arizona is 32nd. Oregon State and Washington also received votes.
USC isn't eligible to receive votes in the coaches poll due to NCAA sanctions. The Trojans could be ranked in the AP poll.
Six of the 59 coaches casting votes are from the Pac-12: Colorado's Jon Embree, Oregon State's Mike Riley, Stanford's David Shaw, California's Jeff Tedford, Utah's Kyle Whittingham and Washington State's Paul Wulff.
Most figured LSU-Oregon was going to be a big show on Sept. 3 in Cowboys Stadium. Well, you don't need any further evidence: The game is already sold out.
From Glenn Guilbeau's story:
Cowboys Stadium seats 80,000.
The source of the enthusiasm is obvious:
Anyone starting to get just a wee bit impatient for the season?
From Glenn Guilbeau's story:
"It is already sold out," said Rich Baker, president of the Cotton Bowl that puts on the game, while attending the Southeastern Conference spring meetings last week. "LSU fans have purchased 37,000 tickets. Oregon has bought 15,000. Most of the rest have been sold. This is our third time hosting this game, and we have not had a sellout this fast."
Cowboys Stadium seats 80,000.
The source of the enthusiasm is obvious:
"We'll have two top-five teams probably in most polls," Baker said. "You usually don't see that kind of matchup to start a season. It's by far one of the toughest neutral-site ticket games in some time."
Anyone starting to get just a wee bit impatient for the season?
We'll be reviewing each Pac-12 team's schedule, starting with the North Division.
Up next: Oregon
Breakdown: seven home (five conference games), four road (four conference game) , one neutral (vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium)
Nonconference opponents (with 2010 records)
Sept. 3 LSU (11-2)
Sept. 10 Nevada (13-1)
Sept. 17 Missouri State (5-6)
North Division games
Oct. 6 California
Oct. 29 Washington State
Nov. 5 at Washington
Nov. 12 at Stanford
Nov. 26 Oregon State
Crossover games
Sept. 24 at Arizona
Oct. 15 Arizona State
Oct. 22 at Colorado
Nov. 19 USC
Conference misses
Utah
UCLA
Key stretch: The Ducks visit Washington and Stanford on back-to-back November weekends. The Huskies are bitter rivals and the Cardinal are the Ducks' chief competition -- from our preseason perspective -- for the division championship. The visit to Seattle could set up for a proverbial "looking ahead" game, but the hate Oregon fans have for Washington might prevent that.
Trap game: When you're a national title contender (read: eyeballing a perfect regular season), every game looks like a trap. My first reaction was USC's visit after the Stanford game, but you'd think the Ducks would be pretty goosed for a home night game on ABC after playing three road games over the four previous weeks. So let's go early-season: Sept. 24 at Arizona. Oregon might be ranked No. 1 in the nation when it heads to Tucson -- if it beats LSU to open the season -- so the 'Zona Zoo will be jumping. The last time the Ducks visited, they won a double-overtime thriller 44-41.
Sure thing: Oregon is going to beat Missouri State. You heard that here first.
Analysis: This is a favorable schedule, starting with seven home games, five of them conference games. The LSU matchup is what it is: A major test on a big stage in Cowboys Stadium. It's the sort of game a national title contender wins. It will, however, feel like a road game because Tigers fans are expected to overflow the stadium. Of course, losing wouldn't ruin Oregon's Pac-12 hopes, which is where the home schedule comes in handy. Nevada won't be the same team without quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A bye on Oct. 1 might feel a bit early as the season gets deep into November. The Ducks are on the road for three of four weeks from Oct. 22 to Nov. 12, when they play the conference game of the year at Stanford. The Civil War is in Autzen Stadium.
Other Pac-12 teams schedule analysis.
Up next: Oregon
Breakdown: seven home (five conference games), four road (four conference game) , one neutral (vs. LSU at Cowboys Stadium)
Nonconference opponents (with 2010 records)
Sept. 3 LSU (11-2)
Sept. 10 Nevada (13-1)
Sept. 17 Missouri State (5-6)
North Division games
Oct. 6 California
Oct. 29 Washington State
Nov. 5 at Washington
Nov. 12 at Stanford
Nov. 26 Oregon State
Crossover games
Sept. 24 at Arizona
Oct. 15 Arizona State
Oct. 22 at Colorado
Nov. 19 USC
Conference misses
Utah
UCLA
Key stretch: The Ducks visit Washington and Stanford on back-to-back November weekends. The Huskies are bitter rivals and the Cardinal are the Ducks' chief competition -- from our preseason perspective -- for the division championship. The visit to Seattle could set up for a proverbial "looking ahead" game, but the hate Oregon fans have for Washington might prevent that.
Trap game: When you're a national title contender (read: eyeballing a perfect regular season), every game looks like a trap. My first reaction was USC's visit after the Stanford game, but you'd think the Ducks would be pretty goosed for a home night game on ABC after playing three road games over the four previous weeks. So let's go early-season: Sept. 24 at Arizona. Oregon might be ranked No. 1 in the nation when it heads to Tucson -- if it beats LSU to open the season -- so the 'Zona Zoo will be jumping. The last time the Ducks visited, they won a double-overtime thriller 44-41.
Sure thing: Oregon is going to beat Missouri State. You heard that here first.
Analysis: This is a favorable schedule, starting with seven home games, five of them conference games. The LSU matchup is what it is: A major test on a big stage in Cowboys Stadium. It's the sort of game a national title contender wins. It will, however, feel like a road game because Tigers fans are expected to overflow the stadium. Of course, losing wouldn't ruin Oregon's Pac-12 hopes, which is where the home schedule comes in handy. Nevada won't be the same team without quarterback Colin Kaepernick. A bye on Oct. 1 might feel a bit early as the season gets deep into November. The Ducks are on the road for three of four weeks from Oct. 22 to Nov. 12, when they play the conference game of the year at Stanford. The Civil War is in Autzen Stadium.
Other Pac-12 teams schedule analysis.
Every season, certain games get circled in red pen. And because Pac-12 teams aren't fraidy-cats like many teams in other AQ conferences, some of those are nonconference games.
Such as Oregon facing LSU in Cowboys Stadium. That could be the national game of the year, pitting two teams expected to be ranked in the preseason top-five in the season opener.
Hard to beat that.
Of course, you might just get two more top-five teams starting nose-to-nose when the Ducks visit Stanford on Nov. 12. Oregon handed the Cardinal its only loss last year, and the Cardinal will be thinking about revenge. Oh, and the game will feature Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James, so it might decide the Heisman Trophy, too.
Stanford plays two other potential marquee games. For one, it's developed a bit of a rivalry with USC. In 2009, coach Jim Harbaugh ran up the score on the Trojans in the Coliseum. Last season, the Cardinal broke the Trojans hearts with a last second field goal for a second consecutive victory. Might USC spoil a special Stanford season?
Stanford's final game also is of note: a visit from Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are always a draw, even when they are down. But coach Brian Kelly is expected to have them back up. And who knows what the stakes might be for the Cardinal?
Finally, the potential top two teams in the conference's south division meet on Sept. 24 when USC visits Arizona State. That's a measuring stick game for both programs. Are the Sun Devils for real? Is USC back? One or the other team figures to be ranked afterward.
What's your take?
Hard to beat that.
Of course, you might just get two more top-five teams starting nose-to-nose when the Ducks visit Stanford on Nov. 12. Oregon handed the Cardinal its only loss last year, and the Cardinal will be thinking about revenge. Oh, and the game will feature Cardinal quarterback Andrew Luck and Oregon running back LaMichael James, so it might decide the Heisman Trophy, too.
Stanford plays two other potential marquee games. For one, it's developed a bit of a rivalry with USC. In 2009, coach Jim Harbaugh ran up the score on the Trojans in the Coliseum. Last season, the Cardinal broke the Trojans hearts with a last second field goal for a second consecutive victory. Might USC spoil a special Stanford season?
Stanford's final game also is of note: a visit from Notre Dame. The Fighting Irish are always a draw, even when they are down. But coach Brian Kelly is expected to have them back up. And who knows what the stakes might be for the Cardinal?
Finally, the potential top two teams in the conference's south division meet on Sept. 24 when USC visits Arizona State. That's a measuring stick game for both programs. Are the Sun Devils for real? Is USC back? One or the other team figures to be ranked afterward.
What's your take?
Preseason top 25 features three from Pac-12
April, 25, 2011
4/25/11
11:41
AM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
"College Football Live" has completed its preseason top 25, which was completed by a 38-person panel consisting of our analysts, studio hosts, play-by-play announcers, bloggers, researchers and production team members.
It includes three Pac-12 teams: No. 3 Oregon, No. 7 Stanford and No. 25 Arizona State.
Here's the complete poll.
1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Oregon
4. LSU
5. Boise State
6. Florida State
7. Stanford
8. South Carolina
9. Oklahoma State
10. Ohio State
11. Texas A&M
12. Arkansas
13. Nebraska
14. Wisconsin
15. TCU
16. Michigan State
17. Notre Dame
18. Florida
19. Virginia Tech
20. Texas
21. Mississippi State
22. Auburn
23. Missouri
24. West Virginia
25. Arizona State
Obviously, this poll makes clear how big the Oregon-LSU game is on Sept. 3 in Cowboys Stadium. Odds are the winner will rise to No. 1, which would then essentially guarantee it a berth in the national title game if it finishes undefeated.
And how times change: Oregon and Stanford ranked in the preseason top-10 and USC nowhere to be found. Not very 2004, eh?
I would have ranked Arizona State higher.
As for the nine unranked members of the Pac-12: Who do you think should have been the fourth ranked team?
It includes three Pac-12 teams: No. 3 Oregon, No. 7 Stanford and No. 25 Arizona State.
Here's the complete poll.
1. Oklahoma
2. Alabama
3. Oregon
4. LSU
5. Boise State
6. Florida State
7. Stanford
8. South Carolina
9. Oklahoma State
10. Ohio State
11. Texas A&M
12. Arkansas
13. Nebraska
14. Wisconsin
15. TCU
16. Michigan State
17. Notre Dame
18. Florida
19. Virginia Tech
20. Texas
21. Mississippi State
22. Auburn
23. Missouri
24. West Virginia
25. Arizona State
Obviously, this poll makes clear how big the Oregon-LSU game is on Sept. 3 in Cowboys Stadium. Odds are the winner will rise to No. 1, which would then essentially guarantee it a berth in the national title game if it finishes undefeated.
And how times change: Oregon and Stanford ranked in the preseason top-10 and USC nowhere to be found. Not very 2004, eh?
I would have ranked Arizona State higher.
As for the nine unranked members of the Pac-12: Who do you think should have been the fourth ranked team?
Opening the mailbag: Pac-12 & Fiesta Bowl
April, 5, 2011
4/05/11
4:01
PM ET
By
Ted Miller | ESPN.com
Happy Tuesday.
Missed last week's mailbag, so we're coming back at you three days late.
Follow me on Twitter.
Glen from Sacramento writes: What do you think the likelihood of the Fiesta Bowl losing BCS status to the Cotton Bowl is? That is, the New Cowboys Stadium version.Could this benefit the Pac-12, if the Fiesta were demoted, yet still a high profile (New Years?) bowl? Us Pac-10'rs have long been annoyed by the lack of high profile western region bowls available for our conference. We're stuck watching numerous SEC/Big10 matchups in Florida on New Years day, while a 2nd place, maybe 1 or 2 loss, Pac-10 team often plays in the Holiday Bowl (or now Alamo Bowl) on Dec 30, against a 4th or 5th place Big-12 team.With 12 teams now, can we start pulling some weight with respect to bowl arrangements?
Ted Miller: It's certainly possible that the Fiesta Bowl will get the boot from the BCS. But you know what the Powers That Be in college football want? The story to go away. If you took a magnifying glass to other BCS bowl games -- heck, most bowl games -- you'd almost certainly find similar levels of excess, though maybe not on as grand a scale. Know why there are so many bowls, and why so many fight to maintain the present bowl system? We don't even need a word to answer: $.
Understand: Longtime Fiesta Bowl president and CEO John Junker got away -- allegedly -- with such stunningly excesses because he'd built a stunningly successful enterprise.
If the Fiesta Bowl gets banished from the BCS, the Pac-12 would make sense as a suitor, a topic Bud Withers of the Seattle Times visited on Tuesday. And you really can't count out Larry Scott, the conference's aggressive commissioner, from making any move.
But it's not a slam dunk. For one, the conference's bowl contracts are signed through 2013. So, the Pac-12 can't just swoop in and scoop up the Fiesta Bowl, at least not immediately, or without some complicated legal wrangling.
Further, what would the matchup be? Could the Fiesta Bowl, which presently is aligned with the Big 12 champion, and Pac-12 put together a deal that lures the Big Ten or SEC away from one of their Florida Bowls -- the Capital One Bowl or the Outback Bowl? Or would the game automatically go after the No. 2 team from the Big 12, which presently plays in the Cotton Bowl, if the Cotton Bowl becomes a BCS bowl and gets the Big 12 champion instead of the Fiesta Bowl?
And would the Fiesta Bowl even want the Pac-12? If it could match the No. 3 team from the Big Ten or SEC versus the No. 2 team from the Big 12, it might prefer that matchup. Why? Those conferences offer more big stadium teams with fans who travel in large numbers and fill up hotel rooms and stadiums -- particularly ones trying to escape cold weather.
The present situation is complicated and fluid. My guess is the Fiesta Bowl, after cleaning house, won't get dumped by the BCS. But you never know.
And I'd guess Scott at least has a raised eyebrow over potential opportunities here.
Phillip from Springfield, Ore., writes: Can I ask you a question? Why is everyone --even you -- so high on Oregon winning the PAC-12 hands down. Is their any hope that they will fail big time to get this done. I will give you 2 reasons why i think they will fail.1being they are new at this being on the big time level. 2 they cant stay on the level with the big boys of college football. And now i will throw this out there: Colorado will not be easy for Oregon. I know they are down but it is in their house they can get it done, not to mention a host of teams that i did not mention. And before you think it, no i am not from Colorado i am a Beaver fan. i will listen to any thing you respond about this. i am a fair man i love collage football.
Ted Miller: There's always a chance that Oregon could not live up to high -- read: top-five -- expectations in 2011. There are always disappointing teams, just as there are surprising teams. When quarterback Jeremiah Masoli got the boot, most folks didn't anticipate the Ducks would actually be better off and end up playing for the national title.
In fact, I got no email last preseason from Ducks fans stating, "You're an idiot. Obviously, Oregon will play Auburn for the national title. How can you not see that? Can we get a writer who knows anything!?!"
As to why folks are high on Oregon, well, that's pretty easy.
The Ducks are the two-time defending Pac-10 champions. They have won 41 games over the past four seasons and have finished ranked in the top-11 the past three seasons.
Sure, they lose some key athletes from the 2010 team that played for the national title, including three linemen on both sides of the ball, but the competitions to replace them feature experienced, talented players. As a media member, it's meaningful when a backup is familiar to you.
Further, quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James give the Ducks the nation's best backfield, which is nice, the secondary looks outstanding and recent recruiting has been strong. There are no obvious holes that Ducks fans should lose sleep over.
And, you know, this Chip Kelly guy. He sorta seems like he knows what he's doing.
Washington and Oregon State fans -- and Pac-12 fans in general -- don't want to hear this but Oregon is a "big boy." No, the Ducks can't match Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Alabama, etc., in historical terms, but the present suggests they are every bit those program's equal. Or superior.
C-Note from San Francisco writes: When's the Pac-10 Blog officially changing its name to the Pac-12 Blog?
Ted Miller: This is the most popular inquiry I get. I've answered a few times, but will reiterate again.
If you go here -- the official conference website -- the conference remains the Pac-10 until the change is official on July 1. That's not just for business purposes: Pac-10 spring sports are on-going.
For our informal purposes, I only refer to the conference as the Pac-12 -- unless I suffer a brain cramp, which I do regularly -- and I am now covering both Utah and Colorado with all the love and respect and pride I have for my other 10 children.
And, yes, when the name change is official, everything will shift over, the blog and the Twitter account. And hopefully the fine folks at the newly minted Pac-12 office will send me some new logos for the background in my videos.
Dana from Dallas writes: Fact check on your CU-Utah "once a bitter rivalry" piece. I'm proud to announce that CU picked up it's 18th NCAA championship a few weeks ago. Your column only gave CU credit for 17. The Buffs just want to show some more good faith efforts prior joining the Conference of Champions.Utah came into the championships ranked #1 in the nation, only to place second when it was all said and done.
Ted Miller: My bad. And more fuel to the simmering enmity between Utes and Buffaloes.
Jeremiah from Mukilteo, Wash., writes: You gotta check out this link. The general public has got to know about [Washington State coach Paul] Wulff's shady recruiting practices. This has got to be a secondary violation somewhere, right?
Ted Miller: And, in a first, the Pac-12 blog enters into the field of scatology.
Missed last week's mailbag, so we're coming back at you three days late.
Follow me on Twitter.
Glen from Sacramento writes: What do you think the likelihood of the Fiesta Bowl losing BCS status to the Cotton Bowl is? That is, the New Cowboys Stadium version.Could this benefit the Pac-12, if the Fiesta were demoted, yet still a high profile (New Years?) bowl? Us Pac-10'rs have long been annoyed by the lack of high profile western region bowls available for our conference. We're stuck watching numerous SEC/Big10 matchups in Florida on New Years day, while a 2nd place, maybe 1 or 2 loss, Pac-10 team often plays in the Holiday Bowl (or now Alamo Bowl) on Dec 30, against a 4th or 5th place Big-12 team.With 12 teams now, can we start pulling some weight with respect to bowl arrangements?
Ted Miller: It's certainly possible that the Fiesta Bowl will get the boot from the BCS. But you know what the Powers That Be in college football want? The story to go away. If you took a magnifying glass to other BCS bowl games -- heck, most bowl games -- you'd almost certainly find similar levels of excess, though maybe not on as grand a scale. Know why there are so many bowls, and why so many fight to maintain the present bowl system? We don't even need a word to answer: $.
Understand: Longtime Fiesta Bowl president and CEO John Junker got away -- allegedly -- with such stunningly excesses because he'd built a stunningly successful enterprise.
If the Fiesta Bowl gets banished from the BCS, the Pac-12 would make sense as a suitor, a topic Bud Withers of the Seattle Times visited on Tuesday. And you really can't count out Larry Scott, the conference's aggressive commissioner, from making any move.
But it's not a slam dunk. For one, the conference's bowl contracts are signed through 2013. So, the Pac-12 can't just swoop in and scoop up the Fiesta Bowl, at least not immediately, or without some complicated legal wrangling.
Further, what would the matchup be? Could the Fiesta Bowl, which presently is aligned with the Big 12 champion, and Pac-12 put together a deal that lures the Big Ten or SEC away from one of their Florida Bowls -- the Capital One Bowl or the Outback Bowl? Or would the game automatically go after the No. 2 team from the Big 12, which presently plays in the Cotton Bowl, if the Cotton Bowl becomes a BCS bowl and gets the Big 12 champion instead of the Fiesta Bowl?
And would the Fiesta Bowl even want the Pac-12? If it could match the No. 3 team from the Big Ten or SEC versus the No. 2 team from the Big 12, it might prefer that matchup. Why? Those conferences offer more big stadium teams with fans who travel in large numbers and fill up hotel rooms and stadiums -- particularly ones trying to escape cold weather.
The present situation is complicated and fluid. My guess is the Fiesta Bowl, after cleaning house, won't get dumped by the BCS. But you never know.
And I'd guess Scott at least has a raised eyebrow over potential opportunities here.
Phillip from Springfield, Ore., writes: Can I ask you a question? Why is everyone --even you -- so high on Oregon winning the PAC-12 hands down. Is their any hope that they will fail big time to get this done. I will give you 2 reasons why i think they will fail.1being they are new at this being on the big time level. 2 they cant stay on the level with the big boys of college football. And now i will throw this out there: Colorado will not be easy for Oregon. I know they are down but it is in their house they can get it done, not to mention a host of teams that i did not mention. And before you think it, no i am not from Colorado i am a Beaver fan. i will listen to any thing you respond about this. i am a fair man i love collage football.
Ted Miller: There's always a chance that Oregon could not live up to high -- read: top-five -- expectations in 2011. There are always disappointing teams, just as there are surprising teams. When quarterback Jeremiah Masoli got the boot, most folks didn't anticipate the Ducks would actually be better off and end up playing for the national title.
In fact, I got no email last preseason from Ducks fans stating, "You're an idiot. Obviously, Oregon will play Auburn for the national title. How can you not see that? Can we get a writer who knows anything!?!"
As to why folks are high on Oregon, well, that's pretty easy.
The Ducks are the two-time defending Pac-10 champions. They have won 41 games over the past four seasons and have finished ranked in the top-11 the past three seasons.
Sure, they lose some key athletes from the 2010 team that played for the national title, including three linemen on both sides of the ball, but the competitions to replace them feature experienced, talented players. As a media member, it's meaningful when a backup is familiar to you.
Further, quarterback Darron Thomas and running back LaMichael James give the Ducks the nation's best backfield, which is nice, the secondary looks outstanding and recent recruiting has been strong. There are no obvious holes that Ducks fans should lose sleep over.
And, you know, this Chip Kelly guy. He sorta seems like he knows what he's doing.
Washington and Oregon State fans -- and Pac-12 fans in general -- don't want to hear this but Oregon is a "big boy." No, the Ducks can't match Notre Dame, USC, Ohio State, Alabama, etc., in historical terms, but the present suggests they are every bit those program's equal. Or superior.
C-Note from San Francisco writes: When's the Pac-10 Blog officially changing its name to the Pac-12 Blog?
Ted Miller: This is the most popular inquiry I get. I've answered a few times, but will reiterate again.
If you go here -- the official conference website -- the conference remains the Pac-10 until the change is official on July 1. That's not just for business purposes: Pac-10 spring sports are on-going.
For our informal purposes, I only refer to the conference as the Pac-12 -- unless I suffer a brain cramp, which I do regularly -- and I am now covering both Utah and Colorado with all the love and respect and pride I have for my other 10 children.
And, yes, when the name change is official, everything will shift over, the blog and the Twitter account. And hopefully the fine folks at the newly minted Pac-12 office will send me some new logos for the background in my videos.
Dana from Dallas writes: Fact check on your CU-Utah "once a bitter rivalry" piece. I'm proud to announce that CU picked up it's 18th NCAA championship a few weeks ago. Your column only gave CU credit for 17. The Buffs just want to show some more good faith efforts prior joining the Conference of Champions.Utah came into the championships ranked #1 in the nation, only to place second when it was all said and done.
Ted Miller: My bad. And more fuel to the simmering enmity between Utes and Buffaloes.
Jeremiah from Mukilteo, Wash., writes: You gotta check out this link. The general public has got to know about [Washington State coach Paul] Wulff's shady recruiting practices. This has got to be a secondary violation somewhere, right?
Ted Miller: And, in a first, the Pac-12 blog enters into the field of scatology.
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Ted Miller
Miller has been covering college football since 1997, starting with Auburn and then heading West to Washington and the Pac-12. His columns for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer won first place in the 2007 APSE Best Writing contest. The Atlanta native and University of Richmond graduate presently lives with his wife in Scottsdale, Ariz.
Kevin Gemmell
Gemmell covered San Diego State and the Mountain West Conference for three years before joining ESPN.com. As a Santa Clara graduate, his hope is that the Broncos will one day re-institute football. Until then, he lives vicariously through his readers. Gemmell lives in California with his wife and son.
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