People have talked about how Oregon might have gotten lucky with Masoli
getting the boot. I think your post [A Crucial Reason Why the Oregon Passing Game Will Get Even Better --ed.] reflects the main reason (not the only one). Masoli seemed to go long stretches without finding the tight end. I guess it was because of his height and tendency to move out of the pocket rather than step into the pocket.
I like the fact that Thomas seems to understand the routes well enough
to let them develop while he is under heavy pressure. He was hit a few
times and was not rattled. It's always great to see a QB celebrate a TD
pas on his back. Also I can't help but think this year's passing game will
help in recruiting more WR talent. Top WRs could not have liked what they
saw with Masoli running the offense.
Masoli was like the little girl with the curl. He could be very very good, or very very bad. And when he was bad he was horrid.
Darron Thomas, however, has surprised us all, not by doing well, but by doing so well so quickly. Duck fans have to be impressed with Thomas' growth, improvement, and grasp of the passing game. His poise, instincts and courage are tremendous. He advanced rapidly in his comfort level and understanding of the offense, in subtleties like the sleight-of-hand in the zone read. Many thought he would be adequate and make reasonable progress, but he is developing into a star.
Quite impressive, and a tribute to his work ethic and coaches Kelly and Helfrich. Have to feel his high school coach, Robert Jones, did a good job with his foundation in the game, and his mother did a good job with the foundation of his character. I had some doubts in his first two years, when he seemed to have an alarming tendency to be in the wrong place with the wrong guys.
It's been pleasing also to see the growth in his composure with the media. He comes across as a very genuine kid with a lot of boyish charm. The guys at Addicted to Quack pointed out what a shock it is to hear that Barry White voice come out of that youthful face. He'll be asked the requisite questions about the game plan or execution or a particular play, and invariably his answers reflect confidence and a commitment to the team, a lot of them starting with "Oh yeah, we..." He takes things in stride and looks forward, equally comfortable with pressure in the pocket or the spotlight.
He's in quite a matchup on Saturday. Rightly or wrongly the TV guys and post game commentators will compare the two quarterbacks. It will help the result a lot if the Ducks can get to Barkley, apply some pressure and break that three-game streak with no interceptions.
Barkley has made a big leap forward of his own, throwing for 20 touchdowns and just four interceptions this season after 15 tds versus 14 ints in his freshman season. Thomas has done much better in his first year starting, with 17 touchdowns versus five picks, but he has the benefit of three years in the program before taking the helm. Barkley took over as a true freshman, winning the job over Mitch Mustain and Aaron Corp when Mark Sanchez bolted for the NFL.
As effective as Thomas has been in his first year starting, it's amazing to think how much he might advance by his senior year. He's likely to be a four-season college player, and imagining him as a fifth-year senior throwing to Josh Huff, Curtis White, Eric Dungy, Kenjon Barner, Tacoi Sumler and the other young Ducks of the next generation is an exciting prospect.
And to think it all started with a senior Heisman trophy candidate imploding and getting tossed out of the program. It's amazing how many times, in sports and in life, the worst thing turns out to be the best thing, particularly when you have good coaching and a sound foundation.
Bring on USC! Chip Kelly has taken the right approach with this team since day one, here's how.. http://waterthebamboo.com/blog/press/oregon-ducks-ranked-1
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