Just minutes ago they ran the UCLA-Oregon highlights on ESPN's "College Football Live," and analyst Robert Smith had this bold take on the Oregon defense: he said they were a complete fraud, and likely to be exposed in the coming weeks, almost certain to lose at least one game. He said there were serious weaknesses on all three levels of the defense, which Stanford took advantage of a couple of weeks ago, and went on to say USC might beat the Ducks handily in the Coliseum.
Smith, the former Ohio State Buckeye and Minnesota Viking, the Viking's career leader in rushing with 6,818 yards, walked away from football at 28, ostensibly to pursue a career in medicine, but chose instead to become a talking head for the ESPN family of networks. His is the harshest criticism yet for the Ducks, who rank number one in the country in the AP, Coaches and Harris polls, and 16th statistically in scoring defense.
I saw that while eating lunch. He must have forgot that Stanford scored most of its points on short yardage drives from Oregon turnovers.
ReplyDeleteBut I do think the defense is somewhat overrated. It's soft in the middle, soft in the flat, and very often appears confused. They've masked that with the ability to create turnovers at opportune moments, and while that's a good defensive thing to do, a better thing to do would be to force opponents to punt. You can't rely on turnovers to shore up an otherwise porous defense.
On the other hand, "scoreboard baby."
Martin,
ReplyDeleteHe made some strong comments, and he had a point. I agree with you that the defense displays some softness, particularly in the first half, and has lived off turnovers so far.
Let's hope they have another gear for the Trojans.
Dale
**Jim Rome just said the Ducks are the team to beat. Ultimately it doesn't matter what the media says, but it's interesting to read and hear the variety of opinions. A week from Saturday it comes down to scoreboard. We'll see.
Thanks again for weighing in.
I just about choked on my panini when I heard this guy run his mouth. Somebody will figure them out-Neweasel, Stanford will win-Mcshay. The Blackbook gets bigger. The Ducks hear all of these comments it makes them play harder.
ReplyDeleteBring on the critics.
WTD
He is the same guy that said Oregon would be exposed by Stanford and picked USC to "repeat" as Pac-10 champs this year. He and Holtz are jokes!
ReplyDeleteThe enforcers of the status quoe are feeling very threatened right now with the emergence of the Oregon Ducks as legitimate contenders for the National Championship. In previous years, the Ducks have flirted with that distinction and received national accolades, but they were viewed as a novelty item not worthy of true respect.
ReplyDeleteThis year has a different air, a purposeful air and I have been amazed at the increase in criticism of the Ducks as their success continues; I can't wait till they beat USC. Then the clamor will be deafening as the old school bastion begins to crumble and cave in on itself as they are faced with the horror of their own demise.
Chris--
ReplyDeleteGreat comment. There is a different and more purposeful air to this team, and much of that stems from some outstanding, mature senior leadership.
Beating USC in the Coliseum will quiet many of the critics and doubters. Of course then the "can they avoid a letdown" talk will begin.
Anon 1 and 2--
I'd be careful about eating with Smith firing off his anti-Duck salvos. Take small bites and chew thoroughly.
What struck me about his remarks was how vehement he was. He was blunt, and didn't preface it all with any kind of recognition of Oregon's strengths and accomplishments. For a guy who has played the game to throw words around like "fraud" and "exposed" shows a real arrogance, I thought.
I have to say I like Dr. Lou. I heard him speak in person one time and he is dynamic, funny, and completely genuine. He's a curmudgeon, but I like him.
Thanks for weighing in. Really love the interaction.
Dale
Smith, same guy who voted ducks #1 in bcs selection show.
ReplyDeleteHe just repeated that ridiculous comment for a second time by saying that Oregon's defense is in fact a fraud....followed moments later by his pick for Oregon to win. Need to keep him in perspective...he is an Ohio State guy. Bitter about the rise of the Pac 10!
ReplyDeleteAnon--
ReplyDeleteThe defense is a fraud, but he ranked them number one both weeks on the BCS show. I'm a little worried he's picked them to beat USC. Usually he's a perfect reverse bellweather, like Jon Wilner and Phil Steele.
Thanks for the update.
Dale