Viewer - Preview the Pac-12 championship with Goe and Reid

Preview the Pac-12 championship with Goe and Reid

Wednesday November 30, 2011

12:28

The Oregonian:

Welcome, everyone. I'm Joel Odom, your moderator today, and we will be joined by The Oregonian's Ken Goe and the Orange County Register's Scott Reid to preview Friday night's Bruins-Ducks game in the Pac-12 title game.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:28 The Oregonian

12:28

The Oregonian:

Please add your questions, and note whether they are for Ken (Ducks-focused), Scott (Bruins-focused) or both.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:28 The Oregonian

12:29

The Oregonian:

We'll get started soon.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:29 The Oregonian

12:29

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Hello!

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:29 Bryce

12:29

Ken Goe:

Hi. The sun broke through during our media availability with the Ducks late this morning. What kind of omen is that?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:29 Ken Goe

12:29

Who will win on Friday?
Oregon in a rout

( 94% )

Oregon in a close game

( 0% )

UCLA in a close game

( 0% )

UCLA in a rout

( 6% )

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:29

12:30

The Oregonian:

It never rains ...

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:30 The Oregonian

12:30

Ken Goe:

Don Essig has been silenced

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:30 Ken Goe

12:30

Scott Reid:

We've been hearing reports of temps in the mid-20 range Friday night.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:30 Scott Reid

12:30

Ken Goe:

Well it does cool off in the evenings

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:30 Ken Goe

12:31

The Oregonian:

Brrr.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 The Oregonian

12:31

The Oregonian:

OK, on to some questions ...

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 The Oregonian

12:31

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

Football is a game of emotion. With the coaches removed UCLA players will play for themselves and for their school. That’s more powerful than playing for a coach. Do you think it’s possible for an upset if Oregon opens flat?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Duck Booster 1980

12:31

Ken Goe:

Bring your long undies

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Ken Goe

12:31

Scott Reid:

The Bruins did so well in the snow and cold in Salt Lake City.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Scott Reid

12:31

Scott Reid:

No chance.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Scott Reid

12:31

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Too late late to swap to Rose Bowl for venue?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Bryce

12:31

Ken Goe:

Upsets always are possible. Ask the Russian hockey team

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:31 Ken Goe

12:32

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

Do you think it will be a sell out...How many actually in attendance. I'm seeing lots of tickets selling for $25 bucks.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:32 Duck Booster 1980

12:32

Ken Goe:

I don't think it will sell out, and I think some people with tickets might not come

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:32 Ken Goe

12:33

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

Did UCLA team quit in the USC game?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:33 Duck Booster 1980

12:33

Ken Goe:

I don't think it will sell out. And I think some people with tickets might not come

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:33 Ken Goe

12:34

Scott Reid:

I don't think so. They gave up a score on the opening drive and came right back and got it to the 1 and couldn't punch it in. It was just a case of inferior talent and a poor defensive game plan.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:34 Scott Reid

12:34

Ken Goe:

Sorry. Didn't mean to post that twice

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:34 Ken Goe

12:34

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Ken - What, if anything, about UCLA defense might give Ducks fits?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:34 Bryce

12:35

[Comment From drb1986drb1986: ]

Any idea of what the UCLA locker room is like with Neuheisel on his way out? Was he popular with his players? I haven't heard a lot on that.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:35 drb1986

12:35

Ken Goe:

I can't think of much. The best defense for UCLA will be to control time of possession with that pistol offense and keep the UO offense on the sidelines

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:35 Ken Goe

12:36

Scott Reid:

He was and is popular with the players. They're upset with the firing and a lot of them feel guilty about it. But the program has had a discipline issue and next coach will need a firmer hand..

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:36 Scott Reid

12:36

Ken Goe:

Looks like Mike Leach is going to be WSU's coach. That's one less candidate for UCLA

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:36 Ken Goe

12:36

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

What's your thinking on why they fired him before the Pac 12 championship game.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:36 Duck Booster 1980

12:37

Scott Reid:

They were never interested in him this time around. Too many quirks. They've really put all their eggs into the two baskets--Petersen and Sumlin although I think Bellotti would be a great hire.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:37 Scott Reid

12:37

Ken Goe:

Probably didn't want him twisting in the wind for five days. Plus AD Dan Guerrero now gets a jump on the hiring process

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:37 Ken Goe

12:38

Scott Reid:

They had to fire him because it was already out. I had a story Saturday night saying that he was gone and that they wanted to talk to Petersen and Sumlin. I think Rick, being Rick, the great optimist, was the last guy to figure out he was gone.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:38 Scott Reid

12:38

Scott Reid:

They're nervous that if they can't get Petersen then Sumlin could be gone if they waited too much longer to get in the game.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:38 Scott Reid

12:39

Ken Goe:

Who is the third option?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:39 Ken Goe

12:39

Scott Reid:

Butch Jones Cincy. Tom Cable's name keeps coming up but I think he has too much baggage for UCLA. June Jones could be a dark horse, same with Bellotti.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:39 Scott Reid

12:40

[Comment From LawDuckLawDuck: ]

Should we expect to see some creative play calling from UCLA, considering that this will be Neuheisel's last game as coach?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:40 LawDuck

12:40

Scott Reid:

Got any suggestions?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:40 Scott Reid

12:40

Ken Goe:

If June Jones and Mike Leach are both in the league, it will really open up things

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:40 Ken Goe

12:40

Ken Goe:

I like June Jones

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:40 Ken Goe

12:41

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Chances of Peterson to UCLA?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:41 Bryce

12:41

Scott Reid:

Video game numbers. Yeah, I think June Jones would be a great fit.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:41 Scott Reid

12:41

Scott Reid:

I would say 50/50 at best. Boise State is a better job.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:41 Scott Reid

12:41

Ken Goe:

I don't think there is any chance Chris Petersen goes to UCLA

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:41 Ken Goe

12:42

Scott Reid:

You're probably right but they feel they at least have to make a run at him.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:42 Scott Reid

12:42

[Comment From Silver DuckSilver Duck: ]

What a shame that this is the first PAC 12 Championship and the national talk is more about firing the UCLA coach and not match ups of the Ducks and Bruins. What effect does this have on PAC 12 national standing?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:42 Silver Duck

12:43

Scott Reid:

I don't think it has any impact. The league pretty much lost any chance to influence the season when Oregon got the late wake-up call against USC.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:43 Scott Reid

12:44

Ken Goe:

I think most people understand the situation. Obviously, Stanford and USC are better teams, and nationally competitive. It's unfortunate that this thing worked out this way

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:44 Ken Goe

12:44

[Comment From CurtisCurtis: ]

Assuming there is no mega upset who should the Ducks want to face in the Rose Bowl?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:44 Curtis

12:44

Scott Reid:

You're right because this conference is a lot better than the rest of the country thinks it is.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:44 Scott Reid

12:44

Ken Goe:

Mich State

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:44 Ken Goe

12:45

Scott Reid:

They can't play UCLA twice?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:45 Scott Reid

12:45

[Comment From LawDuckLawDuck: ]

Mich State has a great defense. I'd love to see that match up

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:45 LawDuck

12:45

[Comment From MaristDuckMaristDuck: ]

Is this LaMichael James' last game in Autzen?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:45 MaristDuck

12:46

Ken Goe:

Undoubtedly

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:46 Ken Goe

12:46

Scott Reid:

The Rose Bowl is a big game for Chip Kelly. He's rolled through the conference but has struggled when Ohio State and Auburn had a lot of time to prepare for the spread.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:46 Scott Reid

12:46

[Comment From drb1986drb1986: ]

Who is hurt most by the short week? UCLA, right? I only ask because Oregon is portrayed as fairly methodical in its practices and has a pretty strict practice routine. Any way they're hurt by the Friday kick-off?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:46 drb1986

12:46

Ken Goe:

Aaron Fentress did a nice job of wrapping up the reasons why LMJ won't be back in this morning's Oregonian

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:46 Ken Goe

12:47

Ken Goe:

Yeah, I think UCLA's preparation this week had to be difficult.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:47 Ken Goe

12:47

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

MSU doesn't have the defense that gives Ducks problems is my assessment. Wisconsin is pretty big up front.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:47 Bryce

12:47

[Comment From micki.bmicki.b: ]

Seems like most of the talking heads at ESPN etc are all SEC alums. Given that, how do any other conferences get a fair shake in the media?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:47 micki.b

12:48

Ken Goe:

Disagree with your premise. The SEC has earned its respect

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:48 Ken Goe

12:48

Scott Reid:

No. I covered Georgia for the Atlanta Journal Constitution for six years and I can tell you the writers in the South and East Coast are generally clueless about how tough this league is. The SEC is the best league in the country no doubt. But the gap isn't as large as its made out to be.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:48 Scott Reid

12:49

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

Is there a chance the Ducks can come out flat? How much influence does a coach like Kelly really have on a team to be up in a game like this.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:49 Duck Booster 1980

12:49

[Comment From micki.bmicki.b: ]

should have said: In the media and the polls.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:49 micki.b

12:49

[Comment From micki.bmicki.b: ]

Thank you!

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:49 micki.b

12:49

[Comment From LawDuckLawDuck: ]

I agree. I'd hate to see LMJ go, but his "shelf life" is limited in the NFL. Then again, it'd be nice to see our other RBs get a chance at running the ball.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:49 LawDuck

12:49

Ken Goe:

Sure. I think the Ducks could be flat. But I still think they win.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:49 Ken Goe

12:50

Scott Reid:

I could see UCLA having an emotional edge early because of the Neuheisel situation but eventually talent wins out.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:50 Scott Reid

12:50

Ken Goe:

Oregon's cupboard is not bare at running back

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:50 Ken Goe

12:50

[Comment From South Coast QuackSouth Coast Quack: ]

The SEC is a hardcore conference where even their mediocre teams can beat the top of many other conferences (Boise State, I am looking at you.)

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:50 South Coast Quack

12:50

The Oregonian:

See Boise State vs. Georgia, though.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:50 The Oregonian

12:50

Ken Goe:

Boise State is pretty good too.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:50 Ken Goe

12:51

Scott Reid:

The SEC is just a different culture.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:51 Scott Reid

12:51

[Comment From DuckzilaDuckzila: ]

How can you tell if you end up with a National title game that pits to SEC teams?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:51 Duckzila

12:51

[Comment From South Coast QuackSouth Coast Quack: ]

A few years back, this would have been considered a great season – do you think that after last year’s national championship appearance that this season has been somewhat of a let-down?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:51 South Coast Quack

12:52

Ken Goe:

First off, I would love to see a playoff. But it's hard to argue with Alabama and LSU. I've seen LSU live. Very impressive.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:52 Ken Goe

12:52

Scott Reid:

There's no way Alabama should be able to play for the national title. If you don't win your league, or in Alabama's case even your division, you shouldn't play for the national title. What happened to Oregon in 2001 was a sham.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:52 Scott Reid

12:52

Ken Goe:

Not to me. Oregon is playing for the Rose Bowl. That's pretty darn good

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:52 Ken Goe

12:53

[Comment From OSDOSD: ]

Only ones "Let down" are the band wagon UO fans.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:53 OSD

12:53

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Based on Utah's play and comments regarding the difference in competition do you think BSU would handle the pac 12

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:53 Guest

12:53

Ken Goe:

Agree with OSD

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:53 Ken Goe

12:53

Ken Goe:

I think Boise State would be representative and competitive in any league

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:53 Ken Goe

12:53

[Comment From OSDOSD: ]

Another Rose Bowl is awesome. Lets win it this time. I think UO will.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:53 OSD

12:54

[Comment From LawDuckLawDuck: ]

Three BCS bowl games in three years? How can that be anything but incredible?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:54 LawDuck

12:54

Scott Reid:

Utah is a good example. They would be competitive but they wouldn't win 10 games year in, year out like they have.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:54 Scott Reid

12:54

[Comment From Mr.DuckMr.Duck: ]

Ken, a lot of questions have been raised about the status of Josh Huff... He had his Twitter blow up this weekend. Does he plan on leaving the program?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:54 Mr.Duck

12:54

[Comment From LawDuckLawDuck: ]

How does UCLA rebuild from here? Neuheisel mentioned in an interview(?) that the school needs to finance its expectations. Is that all that's lacking?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:54 LawDuck

12:55

Ken Goe:

He has not told me that. I would take with a grain of salt what any one player posts on any one week on twitter.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:55 Ken Goe

12:56

[Comment From Duck Booster 1980Duck Booster 1980: ]

Any update on injuries of key players on both sides?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:56 Duck Booster 1980

12:56

Scott Reid:

UCLA missed a chance to get traction with USC's NCAA sanctions. Their practice field is not even 100 yards long. You can make a case that they have the worst facilities in the league. But USC also has poor facilities and that didn't seem to hurt the Trojans. There is also the academic argument and there are kids that UCLA can't get in that other schools in the league can. But again look at Stanford. Tough academic standards don't seem to be an issue there.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:56 Scott Reid

12:56

Ken Goe:

From Oregon? Are you kidding? ... I haven't seen anybody not already known to be out appear to be seriously hurt.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:56 Ken Goe

12:57

[Comment From Silver DuckSilver Duck: ]

If this is his last game at home I want to thank LMJ for the all the great memories and His leadership and character will be missed by his team mates as much as his play. And huge props on graduating on time in 4 years! He will turn heads in the NFL

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:57 Silver Duck

12:57

[Comment From BryceBryce: ]

Ken-KB stay and be the #1 RB next year?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:57 Bryce

12:57

Scott Reid:

Strong safety Tony Dye is out. There are a couple of other kids banged up. Nothing major.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:57 Scott Reid

12:57

[Comment From OSDOSD: ]

Imagine the pressure at Corvallis and Pullman to compete and survive in Pac-12...Pac-16...Pac-?? Long run will be difficult if not impossible. A little off topic , I know.....

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:57 OSD

12:58

Ken Goe:

I think Barner stays. It will be interesting to see how the running back position shakes out next year.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:58 Ken Goe

12:59

Scott Reid:

I think Mike Riley has shown that you can surive at a place like Oregon State if you hire the right coach. And here's a major point that gets lost in all the Neuheisel coverage this week. UCLA had a chance to hire Riley when they fired Bob Toledo. Instead they stayed inside the family and hired Karl Dorrell.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:59 Scott Reid

12:59

Ken Goe:

Is Dan Guerrero in any kind of trouble?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 12:59 Ken Goe

1:00

Scott Reid:

Also with the new Pac-12 TV contract everybody is going to have more money. About $20-million per year.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:00 Scott Reid

1:00

[Comment From drb1986drb1986: ]

Any recruits planning on coming to this game? Is that even allowed in a conference championship?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:00 drb1986

1:00

Ken Goe:

I don't see the Pac-16 happening, at least not anytime soon

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:00 Ken Goe

1:00

[Comment From SharkieSharkie: ]

How is the ducks recruiting this year? I've seen the commit's but no OL/DL. Is this a concern?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:00 Sharkie

1:00

Scott Reid:

Not right now. The chancellor has confidence in him but he can't blow this hire.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:00 Scott Reid

1:01

Scott Reid:

I don't see any desire among the chancellors and presidents to sell their souls to the likes of Texas Tech and Baylor just to get to a Pac-16.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:01 Scott Reid

1:02

Ken Goe:

Ducks recruiting is going well according to our expert, Lindsay Schnell

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:02 Ken Goe

1:02

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Ken, you see any Oregon coaches as targets to fill new openings at other schools this year?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:02 Chris

1:02

[Comment From OSDOSD: ]

Expansion is a mistake. Already miss round robin schedule

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:02 OSD

1:02

Scott Reid:

I agree with OSD on the round robin.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:02 Scott Reid

1:03

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

UCLA was forced to hire Rick when no one wanted that job; what's changed?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:03 Guest

1:03

Ken Goe:

Yes. Helfrich's name came up at Washington State. John Neal's has come up at UAB. I think there are coaches in the Pac-12 that might be interested in a UO defensive assistant or 2, to scheme ways to stop Oregon's offense.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:03 Ken Goe

1:03

Ken Goe:

I liked the Round Robin better too

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:03 Ken Goe

1:04

Scott Reid:

I'm not sure forced is the right word but they were running low on choices. And I have to say I thought it was a good hire at the time.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:04 Scott Reid

1:04

[Comment From South Coast QuackSouth Coast Quack: ]

This will largely garner some hisses from the Duck fan base (sorry) – do you think the potential Oregon NCAA recruiting controversy reignite after the close of this season or do you think there are other things that will be focused on that truly should be (i.e. Penn State, Syracuse)?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:04 South Coast Quack

1:05

Ken Goe:

Yes. Something is going to happen.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:05 Ken Goe

1:05

[Comment From NJDuckNJDuck: ]

I hope the powers there be would quit being so greedy and install a playoff system.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:05 NJDuck

1:05

Scott Reid:

Oregon isn't the only school with a Willie Lyles problem. USC has the Willie Mack Garza's dealings with him hanging over it.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:05 Scott Reid

1:06

[Comment From Big QuackBig Quack: ]

So what do you think that it might be, Ken?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:06 Big Quack

1:06

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

How much more will UCLA be able to spend on their next coach in anticipation of the new TV money?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:06 Chris

1:06

Scott Reid:

I agree with NJDuck but they won't until there are only four super conferences. In the mean time there are too many parties with their own agendas working against a playoff.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:06 Scott Reid

1:07

Scott Reid:

UCLA will pay the next guy $3-million and change, almost $2-million more than its paying Rick.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:07 Scott Reid

1:07

[Comment From NJDuckNJDuck: ]

It just seems so odd that College Football is the only sport with out a playoff system

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:07 NJDuck

1:08

The Oregonian:

OK, everybody, we have to let Ken and Scott go. A big thank you to them for taking the time today, and thanks to all of you for the questions. Final thoughts, guys?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:08 The Oregonian

1:08

Scott Reid:

It's odd in a bunch of ways at the top of the list being how the NCAA basically has turned over the running of its biggest sport to a cabal of bowl and network officials and how the national title game is undervalued.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:08 Scott Reid

1:08

Ken Goe:

I don't know. The Oregon people seem very confident that it's not going to be bad. But I've talked with some national writers who are well connected with the NCAA that think there are going to be significant sanctions. I haven't seen anything that I think would bring about significant sanctions based on what I've seen. But I might not have seen everything there is to see.

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:08 Ken Goe

1:09

Scott Reid:

Does this mean we're not going to talk about the Lukas Verzbicas transfer?

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:09 Scott Reid

1:09

Ken Goe:

Thanks for joining us

Wednesday November 30, 2011 1:09 Ken Goe

1:09

Scott Reid:

Thanks guys. See you Friday.