When Duck fans looked at the schedule preseason, it looked imposing with road games versus USC, Cal and Oregon State late in the season.
It will still be a challenge, but after further review, getting Stanford and Arizona at home looks like the best possible schedule in the conference. Those are the two toughest challengers in the league, it looks like.
And getting Stanford early may prove to be another blessing. That team will get even tougher as the season goes on.
Not that I’m looking past Arizona State, not for a second. I’m looking for the defense to make a statement in Tempe, play a step faster and be as relentless against decent competition as they have been in the first three weeks against poor competition.
Special teams will have to be disciplined and be very sure in their tackling. The Sun Devils return men have already broken several big ones this year. They’re fast. Jackson Rice didn’t have a good day against PSU, including his first shank. Rob Beard has been flawless, and they may need him to connect on a couple of kicks for breathing room in a conference road game.
Bair, Clark and Rowe have to get in Threet’s face, as the secondary faces its first true PAC-10 caliber passing attack.
The offensive line has to protect their quarterback, particularly from Vontaze Burfict and his cheap-shotting ways.
The PAC-10 is a nine-round heavyweight fight, and you have to keep your gloves up. The Sun Devils showed some fight and fire at Camp Randall, and they’ll give the Ducks a contender’s effort. The Ducks have to train like champions and put them away like they are supposed to.
Going undefeated in any of the major conferences is a daunting achievement. I'm really excited about conference play.
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ReplyDeleteIt IS a daunting challenge, but Chip Kelly's approach is the very best way to pursue that vision. The only game they can win (or lose) this week is Arizona State.
It looks like an incredible year for the PAC-10. The Duck Stops Here editor Scott Morgan picks Arizona and Stanford as the strength of the contenders, and I agree with him.
A lot hinges on the Ducks health, and Thomas' learning curve. I think Duck fans are as excited and optimistic as they have ever been.