More Notes and Impressions from Opening Day

New Mexico isn't good, but Duck fans have to be impressed with the quality of domination and focus today. The Ducks were dialed in. The coaches got some looks at a lot of guys, and I haven't picked up any injury reports as I scan the news on the web.

Washington and Oregon State fall short in their openers, as I preduckted. I'm a perfect 9-0 on my PAC-10 picks, with only Arizona State versus Portland State left on tonight's slate. That prediction wannabe Ted Miller miscalled Washington AND Oregon State and stands at 7-2. He owes me fifty cents, but you know these fancy-pants national writers; I'll never collect. I'll send him a bill at the end of the season. Kidding, totally kidding. The Duck Stops Here Preducktions are for amusement purposes only, but they are your comprehensive guide to PAC-10 action. I totally blew it on the Oregon scoring margin though. I had it 55-6, thinking the Lobos would sneak in a score on the third team. I didn't see Cliff Harris' TWO punt return TDs coming. I'd thought Barner might get one, but never would I have seen Harris getting two.

It was a great development, because it will keep him interested and motivated while he fights for playing time at corner. I still believe the kid has a huge upside. He plays the ball, and if it gets it he's a threat to go the other way. Here's hoping he shows some discipline and develops some of the other skills and attributes Coach Neal is looking for in the secondary.

Speed and athletic ability erase a lot of mistakes. I remember one fourth and short play where New Mexico went for it. Wide open receiver downfield. The rush gets to Holbrook and tips away the pass, Oregon ball.

One of the great benefits of a big opening win like this is that the entire roster gets to play, and thus gets rewarded for all that hard work in summer and fall. Walk-on linemen got into the game. Dustin Haines, a walk-on quarterback, caught a pass. The Slash, Daryle Hawkins got featured in all his roles. I think he'll have an impact at receiver this year. And watch out for a surprise receiver reverse pass when they really need it. Don't go to sleep on Daryle Hawkins. But a lot of guys got carries and tackles and touches and playing time. That creates great enthusiasm in practice.

The great danger of an opening win like this is that it creates a temptation to complacency, a false sense that it will be this easy every week. To contend for a PAC-10 championship the Ducks have to keep improving. Tennessee won their game today 50-0. They feel pretty good about themselves too.