166 COMMENTS

  2. 7
    1

    if I understand correctly, the game is in Corvallis. There’s NO ASU team that wants to play in Corvallis in late December. Should be rainy and cold. Just what the Dr. ordered. Take the points AB Nation. This one is a lock for ole OSU.

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  4. 2

    ASU has been kind of all over the place. The first key I think of is their QB, Daniels, who is mobile and can throw as well. They lost to USC 28-27, and to UCLA 25-18, with UCLA getting 5 sacks. Daniels ran for 135 against USC, but only 6 net yards against UCLA. Then they blew out a very a Santa Clause-like UA team that handed out 3 INTs and 4 fumbles 13 days before Christmas.

    If OSU doesn’t have a Stanford hangover, prepares, and appreciates the opportunity to end on a win, they can win if they limit Daniels. I think Hamilcar will look more 2019-like and OSU gets some sacks. Chance Nolan will likely show some more comfort and growth, and hopefully take better care of the ball. ASU gave up 175 yards rushing to USC and 165 to UCLA, so a healthy Jefferson could end the season on a high note, hopefully Baylor gets 8-10 carries as well.

    The PAC12 needs a new commissioner to manage its opportunities and image. I think Scott came from tennis(?) and with a goal to try and grow an NCAA football viewing market in Asia if I recall correctly. If the PAC wants to be taken seriously in NCAA football again, in needs eastern mind share, not far-east.

    Smith needs to take the team beyond the tired “bring-your-lunch-pail-to-work-underdogs” and make it clear they expect to win and they (diplomatically) expect officiating to be as fair and consistent. I don’t think it does much good to throw tantrums or blame officials, but the officiating can clearly be improved for the good of the game.

    People are noticing that Smith’s team never quit in 2020 and that it made the enjoyable to watch. That’s something to build on. The upgrade in recruiting to consistent 3* or better will pay off, and they’ll need a few statement games over “blue chip” programs where the Beavers play well in all three phases for all four quarters and lead the whole game. Yesterday the first two quarters were well played, but they didn’t sustain it obviously.

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    • 3

      I like your East (as in Eastern Time Zone) versus Far East construct. Completely agree. We’ve probably seen ‘ peak China ‘ (in US sports terms) anyway.

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    • 5

      Scott was a horrible hire in the first place. No football background and the experience he did have (international, completely Tennis) was only tangentially related to what’s needed in college football. Shame on the P12 AD’s for doing such a bad job selecting a commissioner in the first place.

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        • 3

          Hope springs eternal for Beav fans; I am waiting to see when F.King will assert himself in this area. Most of Scott’s supporters have moved on and F.King has that LSU background.
          As mentioned in the last thread, he visited the Stanford team during their stay in Corvallis, a good sign of his interest in athletics I believe.

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  8. 1
    1

    It got buried, but I want to bring up the discussion again: should Tibesar be let go after this year? This is a contract year for him. Aside from improving over the historically bad 2018, there’s been no improvement from ’19 to ’20.

    Two big questions: is this his fault or is it about a lack of talent? Atomos posited that we can’t hire anyone better at the current salary level; is this true, or just another example of Beaver Loserthink (e.g. “Riley’s the best we can do”)?

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    • 3

      I’ve seen improvements from 19 to 20. Not sure about statistics but they’ve gotten off field in key situations and provided opportunities for offense to win games. Yes, I’d bring him back

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      • 1

        I would agree. I have seen some improvements also. I think we are talent and size deficient in some areas, so considering that, I think Tibs has done a respectable job. At least we are trending in the right direction and I wouldn’t want to interrupt that trend with a shake up right now. Let’s see if the trend continues next year. It’ll be interesting to see what kind of contract he gets. I would offer 2 years with option to extend after next year if certain goals are met.

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    • 2

      It’s absolutely time for a change at d coordinator. There should have been an improvement this year and there wasn’t. Year 3 should have been where the team could have played complete games on defense at least once or twice.

      Points per game, yards per play have not improved from last year and one of the biggest stats that show the defense has not improved measurably is third and fourth down defense.

      PPG Allowed
      2018 – 45.7
      2019 – 32.5
      2020 – 31.2

      Yards per play
      2018 – 7.4
      2019 – 6.0
      2020 – 6.2

      3rd down defense
      2018 – 50%
      2019 – 44%
      2020 – 46%

      4th down defense
      2018 – 64%
      2019 – 78%
      2020 – 62%

      The only argument to keep Tibs seems to be emphasizing small positives to be bigger than they really are. Produced an AA linebacker. They don’t look overwhelmed anymore. He doesn’t have the talent, etc. Tibs has flashes of brilliance during games but it hasn’t been consistent enough.

      My suggestion if they can get him is Derek Mason. Ran a 3-4 defense at Stanford and is a solid d coordinator.

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      • 2
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        I tend to agree. The only thing that gives me pause is the thin depth up front. There’s not much TT could do about that. You can’t scheme another 30 lbs on a DE to make him a DT.

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        • 2

          He showed flashes of brilliance when he brought 6-7 guys up to the line on 3rd downs and had only 4 rush and was able to confuse the QB. The safety blitzes were also nice. Not sure if he schemed Rashed right or not.

          Even missing Whittley, he could have schemed around that. And in the first game, he tried to play it straight up and it didn’t work.

          Lets look at it this way. The d coordinator job is open after this year since Tibs isn’t under contract. Do you hire him or another candidate? I don’t think he’s proven in the last 3 years that he can take the defense to another level.

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          • 3

            You cannot scheme around not having big enough bodies in a 3-4. In that defense, it is all predicated on the 3 lineman tying up offense of lineman so that the LBs can make the plays. Losing both Whittley and Reichner hurt the defense tremendously this year. Neither is guaranteed to return. So they really need to hit the transfer portal hard for some bigger bodies upfront. However, in looking at the transfer portal today, there are not many good ones available. And if some become available after the season, they are in super high demand. Tins may need to see if they can switch positions for certain players like Sio (has the size) or Quillen (he shows up as a DL in the transfer portal but is only 277 pounds).

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        • 1

          That’s the big question if JS decides to make a change. Mason will have to take a pay cut regardless even if he takes another HC job.

          Tibs is the highest paid assistant coach. Didn’t know that. He makes about 600K so 200-300K more per year to land a top candidate. Sitake made near 1M when he came to OSU right? I recall it was a lot.

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          • 1

            We are also in the middle of a pandemic as well where revenues are at an all time low. If we are going to make a change, then we should be looking for candidates who provide the best deal. If Tinkle is also let go at the end of this year or next, then that makes the financial situation more difficult.

            Three potential candidates are Liberty’s Scott Symons, UAB’s David Reeves, and Brad Lambert’s Dale Jones, or bringing in an overachieving position coach from a top tier program. Lovie Smith might be a reach, but he’s available too.

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      • 2

        Late to the party here but, I don’t see any particular problems with those stats, after correcting for the lack of lower competitors this year. Once you’re only looking at P5 teams the stats are the same or better for 2020. Plus, beavs opponent red zone td conversions are only 56%, good for third best in the conference (P5 only);
        2019: 66%
        2020: 82%
        To have done that with a too small/light DL is a feat, speaks to the prowess of the LBs and CBs; Tibs gets an extension. Keep recruiting stud LBs!

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  11. Eggers up with a piece on several topics, discusses the future for Beavs RB’s, says:
    “I won’t be surprised if Newell and the 5-9, 185-pound Lowe see some time in the finale against ASU.”

    The big question, for me, is whether or not we see JJ. He’s a competitor but with a tweaked ankle and looking ahead to the NFL he may decide to stay out.

    https://www.kerryeggers.com/stories/on-beaver-and-duck-football-reffing-in-the-nba-this-season-keanon-lowes-movie-terry-baker-and-the-heisman-and-death-of-a-champion

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  13. Washington won’t be playing in the P12 “Championship” game. So it will be UofO vs USC pending more COVIDs. Not sure if there is a backup for UofO or if Colorado is the backup plan for either team.

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  15. 2

    Colorado should schedule non conference game.. I think the PAC 12 should let all of the teams schedule a non conference game seeing as how almost all the PAC 12 affiliated bowl games got cancelled

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  16. 1

    BREAKING: Avery Roberts not listed on depth chart for ASU game, per Daschel tweet
    Broken arm per JS
    Also, Kolby Taylor has medically retired from OSU

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      • I wonder if the timing of the medical retirement is to help open a scholarship spot before winter term?
        Like mayne he already wasnt intending to return so retired early to help coach Smith?
        Seems like a quickly made decision.

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        • 2
          1

          Smith’s explanation regarding Taylor was vague. Has he been injured? The only thing I noticed on Saturday was fewer snaps, maybe? He had a nice “mini-season”, but if he wasn’t returning next year it makes sense.

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        • 2
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          I recorded it and watched it. Pao-Pao is very talented. They can all shoot from the perimeter. Sedona Prince is a gifted player and very smooth. Sabally nice player too. I can’t recall the young lady hitting all those 3’s but she was impressive. For cuteness I’ll award that honor to to Jaz Shelley and not a bad player either. OSU has lots of work to do and I predicted before the season they’d finish 5-6th in the conference. Goodman’s game has not really progressed much since her freshman season and her shooting is too inconsistent. She shouldn’t be the starting PG. I’d sit her and have her come off the bench and start Savannah Samuel as SS is much more athletic and quicker too and probably a better defender (she can’t shoot worth a lick but that could be set for most of the entire team). This could be one of the worst shooting teams that Rueck has fielded at OSU. Taylor is solid but w/out Brown in there it makes defending Jones a little easier not to mention the Beavers miss KB’s defensive skills. I like Mitrovic as she’s got some skills for her size. Certainly, she’s not a silky-smooth player or poetry in motion, but she’s got some skills. She’s a very good passer and runs the floor pretty well for her size but needs to improve her hands. I don’t want to see her taking 3’s and neither should Rueck. Simmons is a decent player but too inconsistent. Taya is a good player but coming back from missing all of last year she appears a little rusty. Goforth is solid but didn’t do much in the 1st half. She started to assert herself in the 3rd quarter with her moves to the basket. She needs to get that aggressive mind set though. Pao-Pao in my mind was clearly the best player on the floor and when it’s all said and done, she’s going to have some impressive stats. I don’t know how many times I said “wow” watching Pao-Pao make shot after shot. She is the real deal. This Duck team could very well challenge for the national title next season….I think this season they’ll be tested by the likes of Stanford and Arizona. The Ducks certainly have a nice roster and their court awareness, perimeter shooting and ball movement was impressive. It’ll take some work but Rueck will have OSU improving over the course of the season but this team is a fringe tournament team anyway unless they dramatically improve between now and March. I could see the Beavers going something like 13-9 in conference or 12-10. We shall see. The Ducks will have a few losses (Stanford, AZ and maybe even ASU or UCLA)…..19-3 or 18-4 is very realistic IMO. I don’t see them going undefeated although it depends on the health of the entire league with Covid and injuries. I think it’ll be a strange season with cancelled games, players out due to Covid, etc.

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            Very diplomatic of you swamms. Not a disparaging word or passive aggressive back-handed compliment in there anywhere surprisingly. Proud of you. I agree with your assessment of Pao Pao and talked to Mark about her this morning. She is going to be special. Goforth is athletic but seemed pretty timid in the first half. I think they will do well in the Pac if they can knock down their 3s like last night. Won’t be able to guard from Arizona but nobody will. They match up nicely with everyone else. Agreed on Goodman as well. I always thought she was the 2nd best guard at Lasalle anyway and she has hasn’t really changed since her frosh year. For that matter, haven’t really seen any of the guards at osu improve all that much but the posts have over the last 5 years. Scott was the post developer at GFU when he was the assistant. Maybe that’s why ??

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          • 1
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            I wouldn’t pat him on the back too hard. Usually his posts towards anything Duck are laced with back-handed, passive aggressive innuendo but he did get this one right

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          • Yeah, sure thing. When was the last time you posted anything positive about the Beavers in any sport? Pot meet kettle. You posted last year that you hate everything connected with Beaver sports. LMAO again.

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    • I enjoy several of the tracks. Nice production, singer sounds good, always some good guitar hooks and I love the Young bros guitar tone above all others. Lyrics as usual are an afterthought…but, 20 seconds into “Shot in the Dark” I was just in a better mood.

      Been listening to The Kills a bit lately. i also like their guitar tone and some of their chunky chords like on “Heart of a Dog.”

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  19. Hey Angry, who do you think the Jets should draft #1? Or should they trade it and get more picks? It won’t likely matter until they get competent management, but its kind of a fun question.

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  21. 2

    Cristobal is playing oregon off auburn to get a payday.
    Seems if oregon was intent on locking him up long term, they would have done it sooner. No reason the reigning Pac12 Rosebowl champs should have one of the lowest paid coaches in the Pac unless they don’t think he’s worth long term money.
    Auburn has deep pockets and the whole SEC allure.
    Mario might actually get to focus on improving his coaching if he went to Auburn where it’s easier to attract the big name players he wants without spending so much of his time recruiting.
    Hope he stays at oregon, but also fun to see them shuffle the deck every couple of years in Eugene. Phil ain’t getting any younger.

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    • 1

      Doing what any coach is supposed to, when you’re a hot commodity, milk it for all it’s worth. If Auburn rolls up with a dump truck full of money, better ask Oregon for two dump trucks full of money. Taggart took the dump truck money.

      I think Auburn will make a heavy play for Cristobal. The recruiting aspect is too much for them to pass up. They can afford to hire big money assistants to help Cristobal’s coaching shortcomings. To me, it’d be good if he leaves. His recruiting has been nothing short of outstanding. If he ever figured out the coaching part, they would have dominate run for a while.

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        Coaching shortcomings. He has one year with 75% of his team underclassmen, a Rose Bowl and a pack 12 championship and now he has coaching shortcomings? You’re a beav fan, it’s very clear that you have no room to talk about coaching shortcomings. It’s sadly comical to see beav fans try to disparage another coach in the Pac12 when they have a 9-21 coach sitting in front of them that they think is somehow a world beater. Hysterical really.

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            Sadly, that’s a beav fan in a nutshell. It’s your Super Bowl every year. Well, every 4-8 years really at the rate your team wins. Such lofty expectations. Lmfao

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          • 1

            And that loss digs at you so much you spam a beaver site because you know deep down Cristobal is severely underachieving with several top 10 recruiting classes. Your world is going to come crashing down when SC puts 45+ on the board and your team can’t make it passed midfield. National tv embarrassment number 3. At least that will quiet the Cristobal to Auburn talk, so you got that going for you which is nice.

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          • 2
            1

            Eats at me? Lol. I’m ok with giving one away every 4-5 years. It’s bound to happen. You do realize that those top 10 recruiting classes are still freshman right? Most only see special teams if they are lucky in Oregon’s system. Troy Dye, Royce, Kayvon and the Sewell are some of very few position players that start as true freshman in recent years. They would all immediately start at osu however. And usc should win as they are older and more talented this year. But we all know how badly Helton underachieves

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            That’s 2 in the past 5 years. You should check your math kid….40%. Why do I choose the last 5 years? Because it’s the most relevant given all of the coaching changes at both schools. What happened for the past 10-15 years has nothing to do with JS or MC and the programs they’ve inherited. In fact, it’s very obvious that MC inherited a great situation with the Ducks whereas JS inherited a horrible dumpster fire. Yet, JS has turned this team around in 2.5 years and made them very, very competitive while MC really has had very mediocre-like two seasons 9-4 (5-4 in Pac) and most likely 3-3 in Pac 12 after loss to USC and one great season 12-2. Given all of the recruiting exploits and resources 9-4/5-4 and 3-2/likely 3-3 is subpar. And, don’t try to compare what I’m calling “mediocre” two seasons suggesting the OSU fans would love 9-4. 9-4 for Oregon is the equivalent of 7-6 or even 6-7. 3-2 is horrible given this team’s talent. OSU will surpass the Ducks next year in the North Division especially if Double J returns and even if he doesn’t, they’ll still do it.

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          • 2

            Too much to expect the turd to consider the level of competition nike faced this season. Objectively, anyone really think Tree would not have whipped ’em with Mills at QB? Facing teams w/o their first string QB was a trend this year, may not repeat next.

            SC will be w/o their best RB if reports are correct, gotta wonder if that and the extra prep time will be enough for the luck ‘o the duck to continue.

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          • Here we go with all the excuses and what if’s. What a joke you beaver fans are. Always an excuse for something and always would’ve been a different outcome if so-and-so would’ve played. You play the players you have, you are what your record says you are. Your record says you stink. Swammi mentions two wins since 2016 but doesn’t mention the eight losses before that. Go figure. There were coaching changes then too. It’s always about Nike and uncle Phil but it’s never about shitty coaches and two star players. Comical

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    • Not sure who the few would be. Only have room for a couple more guys, unless they pull some offers. I’d watch for WR and OL mainly. Been getting a few people asking me about which WRs are leaving the team. Obviously Kolby Taylor is done now, but if people are asking, there must be rumors out there of some upcoming turnover.
      Vidlak has been a very active recruiter for us, so I wouldnt be surprised if he has someone convinced to flip to us but they’re keeping it quiet for now.
      No matter what, not alot can happen on the early signing day other than signing most of our main 2021 guys. From there, we’ll see how much room is left and which transfers leave and who becomes available.

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  24. 3
    2

    Just watched the highlights of Sam Vildak and he looks very, very good. Gets the ball ball out of his hand quickly and he has at least 3 release points and for a kid in HS, that is pretty impressive. Plus, he has ability with his legs. QB position might a crowded position for him though and I could see a potential RS situation, but it depends if all the current QBs stay at OSU. If Nolan takes QB 1 position next season, I could see the potential for Gebbia transferring again. Plus, there’s Ben G. still in the mix too. It’s a nice problem to have I suppose especially with Gebbia and Nolan showing some really strong potential production in the future. If Nolan has a strong game vs. ASU to close out this season, it’ll make for an interesting competition this spring. Anyway, Vildak looks to be a nice looking prospect…..

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  26. Arizona Coaching Search:
    Behind his paywall, Wilner mentions only two candidates for HC at Ariz: Brent Brennan and Joe Salave’a (nikegon associate head coach and co-defensive coordinator).
    He says this in relation to Ariz’s position in the PAC: “It’s not quite as difficult to win consistently in Tucson as it is in Pullman or Corvallis.
    But for the foundational elements (resources, recruiting, tradition), Arizona football is closer to Washington State and Oregon State than to, for example, Arizona State, Utah and UCLA.”

    He advocates for building around Arizona’s history of (sometimes) very good defenses and for a full three to four year timeline for success (undefined).

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    • 2

      The Coach Joe to Arizona rumors seem to be gaining traction. (Or writers just like to post rumors cause people will always click amd read them)

      Per Adam Rittenberg:
      “Hearing #Oregon assistant Joe Salave’a, the team’s co-defensive coordinator and D-line, will get a close look for the #Arizona job. He was an All-Pac 10 defensive tackle at Arizona under Dick Tomey. Arizona folks definitely looking for stronger connections to the state/school.”

      Losing coach Joe to Arizona would be a pretty big blow to Cristobal’s staff. He’s the guy who has enabled them to pick up so many of the key Poly guys on that team. He was a great recruiter at WSU for Leach too.

      https://247sports.com/Coach/Joe-Salavea-1502/AllTimeRecruits/

      Reply

      • Ya it would be nice to get him away from Oregon but kind of suck to have him at Arizona. Not sure if he would be a good head coach but is a great recruiter.

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  27. 5
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    OT. If you have young kids into STEM type stuff and are still looking for a Christmas gift I highly recommend the Lego Saturn V rocket build. It was released on a limited run several years ago and they decided to do a re-release this Oct. I bought one for my 9yo daughter for her birthday. She was kind of on the fence about sciencey type things until we built this thing over the last 3 days. Absolutely fantastic fun, 1969 pieces and stands 40 inches tall and each stage separates from one another like the real thing. She wanted to see one get launched so we went to YouTube and watch several videos about it and what it took to build the real thing. She’s hooked now, I just need to get her on the b-ball court and I might have a Ruth Hamblin on my hands.
    Forgot to add, we also looked a model rocketry videos. She thought those were cool so now I’m getting her a rocket luanching kit for Christmas. I used to do that in middle school and always wanted to get one as a kid but they were too expensive. $30 and you get every thing you need including a rocket.

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      • 1

        I said the same thing when they first released the Saturn V. Then over the summer I looked around on ebay and they were going for $250+. Regular price is $125. It was pure luck that they re-released it this year, I got an email from Lego saying it was in-stock and the credit card flew out of my pocket. Funny thing is I don’t remember signing up for email alerts from Lego, but still got one for something I really was just mulling over. Google shopping algorithms are scary.
        If anyone is intrested they are on Amazon and the Lego site, I ordered from Lego directly to make sure it wasn’t a scam and received it in about a week.

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      • 3

        My grandson got into legos around 3 or 4 years of age; always enjoyed watching him follow the instruction sheet step-by-step to finish the build. Got to be good for encouraging several worthwhile traits.
        Don’t underestimate kids capacity for this kind of activity, just got to catch them in the right mood.

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      • 1

        Duplos are just as good!

        My 2 year-old plays with his older brothers’ Legos, but he’s never been big on eating things (he sticks them in his ears instead…) so it works.

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  28. @AB, any news of potential flips for recruiting? There was a post made by a guy who’s name I won’t mention. I believe nothing he says but seems interesting he would even post the potential for flips unless they are likely.

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      Does the definition of a flip include guys who decommitted from teams already and were back on the market? Or what about guys from G5 schools who switch to OSU late? I dont consider either a flip. For me, a flip would mean you got a guy who was currently committed to another P5 school to come to OSU.

      So a guy like DT Victory Vaka, i wouldnt consider a flip if he came to OSU, since he left aTm awhile ago. But there are some OL guys like down at UCLA who we like who I could see potentially flipping too. I would consider those types of guys to be flips. But I really dont anticipate any flipping to happen before early signing day tomorrow.

      OSU will sign most of their current class tomorrow. I doubt they end up signing Veikoso(mission OL) but could still sign Semisi Saluni(mission LB)

      Then, the period between early signing day and the feb signing day can be used to fill any remaining spots via flips or transfers. There’s no need to reach out late and use any of the remaining spots on long term project type guys, like we have done the last couple of years.

      I would expect to see some roster turnover with our current players. Guys who arent being used how they hoped will leave and we’ll backfill with transfers. Not anything unusual, just normal movement of guys wanting to get meaningful playing time and who have an extra year of covid eligibility to find it elsewhere.

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  29. 6

    Now that Taylor has retired, I think it would be a good idea to keep an eye on Montana WR transfer Samori Toure.
    He’s a local kid, from Pirtland. One of the top WRs in the FCS, so I don’t see the step up in competition being too big of a leap for him. Also, he follows Chance Nolan and Sam Vidlak on the tweeter. Usually a good sign that these guys are talking behind the scenes about fit, etc.
    At 6’3″ and 190lbs, he would have an immediate role on this team next year as a grad transfer.

    https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=AP39JUnwL6s

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  31. Serious question here, if we lose a coach this offseason, why would we not try to bring Seumalo back as the Dline coach?

    Looks like he had a Dend just was MW defensive player of the year. That and every year with him as our coach it seemed like we had a strong dline, although not super deep, but always good.

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  32. 1

    Seems weird to have signing day during a game week. Seems like the NCAA could have moved it out 1 week, so coaches wouldn’t have to manage game prep while also spending a ton of time communicating with recruits, facilitating signing day, and all of the media that follows.
    I don’t expect teams to be taking this week’s games very seriously. More like an exhibition, unless you’re playing for a bowl spot.

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    • 2

      Do it right…signing day? Announced at random, kids have 1 hour to sign or don’t play in ‘Merica… ..make a choice: now! …transfer portal? The day you enter it you can play for a different team the same day, but if you want to play for the opposing team on the other sideline that day, you have to enter the portal by by end of 1st quarter to play for the them in the second half, do so, your TDs are worth 11 points ea. Any team LOSING a player in that situation gets a 5th down, every drive and TFLs are worth 2 points… Make this shit INTERESTING.

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  35. More on Cristobal-to-Auburn coaching rumors, with some “coach speak”denial:

    ““We seem to get a lot of rumors at this time of year,” Cristobal said when asked about the Auburn job. “This is what I can say: I can say that I haven’t been contacted, OK. I don’t know if my agent is being contacted and I talk to him every single day.

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/12/15/oregon-football-coach-mario-cristobal-addresses-auburn-rumors/3909003001/

    “According to the USA Today coaches salary database, six of the top 10 highest paid FBS football coaches come from the SEC, including Alabama’s Nick Saban (highest salary at $9.3 million) and Malzahn (seventh highest at $6.9 million).

    Cristobal ranks 57th nationally and 11th in the Pac-12 ahead of only Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith ($2.4 million).”

    Really? the head coach at WSU makes more than Cristo or Smith?

    If Cristo was going to go, wouldn’t sooner be better, to take some recruits with him?

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    • Conzano said today he expects a 6 year, 40 mil contract and talked to his agent today. Said duck fans shouldn’t be concerned unless Alabama or Miami jobs open up and he is offered. Mention oregon gave him a chance when no one else did.

      Seems much more likely they lose their line coach to the Arizona job.

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        • 3

          Wonder how that will go over in the public eye. Same school had to lay off 282 employees earlier in the year due to Covid shutting campus down. This includes other athletic department staff. And the rest of the department took temporary paycuts to keep their jobs.
          Then they turn around and offer a single coach a $40m contract? I get the selling point that he’s a good recruiter, but you don’t think football would survive with another $2m per year coach like a Brian Harsin? Of course it would.

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      He’s a mediocre coach at best, but he’s a very good recruiter. I’d rather see him stay at Oregon as JS will eventually run circles around him in terms of coaching and wins in the rivalry game. Beavers nearly pulled it off in 2019 with a backup QB making his first start and took them down to the last 5 minutes or so. We all know what happened in 2020 in the rivalry game…41-38 with far less talent than Oregon. Please stay Mario, please stay.

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      • “Nearly pulled a 14 point win”. Lmao. Smith has a stellar record at 9-21, soon to be 9-22. Stinkle getting railed 11-0 right now too

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    • Seems like if you were really an objective critic you would be more concerned with ROI. Cristobal ROI versus Smith’s with similar paychecks. You’re not getting anything in return for that 2.4 million. No wins, which is what coaches get paid for by the way, no recruits and transfers that couldn’t make their last squad

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      • Well the schmucks did back into last year’s Rose bowl “win”, certainly not the best team on the day, Wisconsin lost it more than anything.

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        • Sure they did. What a ridiculous statement and so juvenile. Is that similar to the backing in that osewe did when that poor Arkansas player dropped that routine pop up that my 5th grader catches every time? Lmao

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  36. 1

    as your dutiful 4th down correspondent, the following is from today’s WSJ story more largely about how the Eagles, once in the vanguard of football analytics, have been eclipsed because everyone else is now accessing the same data:

    “Other teams had begun to play like the Eagles did, with run-pass options and fourth-down attempts becoming more and more standard.

    In 2017, NFL teams went for it 12.5% of the time on fourth downs. In 2020, that’s up to 19.1% That means offenses are going for it 52.8% more frequently than they did just a few years ago.

    Quants had grown hoarse yelling about this idea. The numbers backed up the seemingly basic notion that offenses with a good chance to keep the ball and try and score a touchdown should do that instead of willingly giving it back to the other team or settling for a chance at three points.

    Today, teams aren’t just going for it on fourth downs when they’re behind and desperate. They’re doing it in more situations when the numbers simply say it gives them a better chance at winning.

    When the Kansas City Chiefs were up six late against Miami on Sunday, they went for it on fourth-and-1–allowing Patrick Mahomes to complete a 22-yard pass that set up a field goal and helped seal a in.

    Earlier in the day, the Tennessee Titans faced a fourth-and-2 in the first quarter in their own territory, up seven points. They ran a fake punt and got the first down.”

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    • 1

      To add to this, heard the argument on mnf last night about going for two. Said if you go for two twice you are likely to convert at least once this making it low risk according to them. I can see it in the nfl where extra points are not automatic. Maybe this is smiths theory as well.

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      1

      I always advocate going for it on 4th and 2 or less, no matter the position on the field. By extending the drive an additional set of downs, it gives an additional 5 minutes of real time for the defense to rest and for the defensive coaches to make adjustments.

      It also gives the offense confidence when they do convert.

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  39. Do we want a separate signing day thread tomorrow or just keep it all here?
    Not expecting a very eventful day. Smith likes to keep signing day boring and drama free

    Reply

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