Viewer - Live chat: Bring your Ducks, Civil War and BCS questions for Aaron Fentress

Live chat: Bring your Ducks, Civil War and BCS questions for Aaron Fentress

Wednesday November 21, 2012

11:57

Aaron Fentress:

Hello..hello..

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:57 Aaron Fentress

11:57

The Oregonian:

Hello and welcome to the living-room edition of The Oregonian's live chat with Aaron Fentress. I'm sitting in the blue chair, and Eli, the thumpy dog, is at my feet. Aaron is in the house. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:57 The Oregonian

11:58

The Oregonian:

Let's get to questions. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:58 The Oregonian

11:58

The Oregonian:

Actually, I think Aaron is at his house.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:58 The Oregonian

11:58

The Oregonian:

Our chatters are shy, right off the bat, so Aaron, what's up with the Ducks this week?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:58 The Oregonian

11:59

Aaron Fentress:

Yep. Kids are off today so it's LOUD in the Fentress household. School really should be at least 300 days a year.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:59 Aaron Fentress

11:59

The Oregonian:

I'm with you on that.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:59 The Oregonian

11:59

Aaron Fentress:

Well, they are hoping to shake off Saturday's awful performance and return to the form that led them to 10-0 and ranked No. 1.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 11:59 Aaron Fentress

12:00

The Oregonian:

Chances the Ducks could squeak back into the national championship?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:00 The Oregonian

12:00

Aaron Fentress:

Need to win Saturday, hope Stanford loses to UCLA, hope USC bumps off Notre Dame. Then win the Pac-12 title game and maybe, just maybe, the Ducks would face the SEC champion in the BCS title game.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:00 Aaron Fentress

12:01

Aaron Fentress:

I don't think an 11-1 UO team gets in without winning Pac-12 title. At least, it shouldn't.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:01 Aaron Fentress

12:01

The Oregonian:

See? "Mostly dead" isn't dead.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:01 The Oregonian

12:01

The Oregonian:

All right, chatters, this will be a very short edition if y'all don't start asking questions. Bring 'em.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:01 The Oregonian

12:01

[Comment From DarDar: ]

Hey Aaron, is anything being said about the reffing during the Stanford game? That seemed like a pretty blatant false start on 4th and 1 during the game tying drive. I'm probably overlooking some calls on the other side, but the reffing seemed atrocious throughout. Thanks

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:01 Dar

12:01

Aaron Fentress:

but I have a feeling that the Stanford lost is going to cost Oregon that opportunity.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:01 Aaron Fentress

12:02

Aaron Fentress:

Dar ... the pass interference call on the pass to Will Murphy was as perplexing a call as I've ever seen. So, UO has no real gripes. Stuff happens. Make a field goal. Block for your QB.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:02 Aaron Fentress

12:03

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

"I don't think an 11-1 UO team gets in without winning Pac-12 title." (Alabama, last year; can't way for playoff)

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:03 Michael

12:03

Aaron Fentress:

Alabama and SEC > Oregon and Pac-12

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:03 Aaron Fentress

12:04

The Oregonian:

That's a fact.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:04 The Oregonian

12:04

Aaron Fentress:

Alabama's only loss was to LSU.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:04 Aaron Fentress

12:04

The Oregonian:

Even if Pac-12 fans don't like it. Credibility is growing, though.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:04 The Oregonian

12:04

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

That's perception

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:04 Guest

12:05

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

Is The Oregonian answering questions? Or Aaron?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:05 Michael

12:05

The Oregonian:

Call it an observation.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:05 The Oregonian

12:05

[Comment From DarDar: ]

You're right about that Aaron. Bad calls all around and UO lost on fundamentals. Can't argue that at all. Do you think the offense will come out that flat 2 weeks in a row?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:05 Dar

12:06

Aaron Fentress:

Guest..that's fact! why can't Pac-12 fans face facts. SEC rules. Better recruiting classes, more players to the NFL and more national titles.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:06 Aaron Fentress

12:07

Aaron Fentress:

Dar ... I don't know. Oregon State is tough. One has to wonder if UO is messed up psychologically by that loss and beat down of the offense. If things start poorly on Saturday, Oregon could struggle.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:07 Aaron Fentress

12:07

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

bama's schedule last year was weak.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:07 Guest

12:07

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Aaron, one of your colleagues seems to believe the Stanford game is representative of the team Oregon really is, and is therefore predicting a close game or Beaver win Saturday. Do you think the Stanford game was an abberation or the team the Ducks really are this season?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:07 positivewins

12:09

Aaron Fentress:

positivewins ...... Oregon has played 11 games and stunk in one. So, that's 10-1 ratio. Oregon had a bad game in 2010, as well, but pulled it out, 15-13 at Cal. Was that representative of who Oregon really is?

Was Stanford's loss at UW representative of who it really is?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:09 Aaron Fentress

12:09

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

The only disagreement I would have is over national titles - teams get voted into the NC game and only partially "earn" their way there. It's about half merit and half good fortune.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:09 positivewins

12:10

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

That was my take, but I'm a "fan" so I might be biased :)

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:10 positivewins

12:10

Aaron Fentress:

positivewins ....I'm not getting into that. SEC has proven itself. Pac-12 is not as good. End of story. Only folks in the pac-12 want to argue otherwise. 2010 Ducks go 9-3 in SEC. This year's Ducks go 8-4.

Face the facts people, the SEC is better.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:10 Aaron Fentress

12:10

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Aaron. All due respect to the SEC, but Pac-12 fans would like an even playing field, or at least have the postseason rankings to be decided on the field - not in perception. Its good for the sport. If the pac-12 is weaker then they will become stronger by facing stronger competition.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:10 Guest

12:11

Aaron Fentress:

Guest .... a playoff is needed, no doubt. But I can't believe people want to pretend that the Pac-12 is on par with the SEC.

It's not even a discussion. Seriously. Stop already.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:11 Aaron Fentress

12:12

[Comment From Jr DuckJr Duck: ]

Florida vs FSU comes into play as well for Oregon to get back to BCS. Do you agree?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:12 Jr Duck

12:12

Aaron Fentress:

Tenn, Ala, Fla, Aub, LSU have all won national titles in past 15 years. Pac has one title team, USC, in the last, what, 40 years?.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:12 Aaron Fentress

12:13

Aaron Fentress:

I think if ND loses and Oregon wins the Pac-12 the Ducks get in. I think UO would earn back votes in the human polls to get to No. 2 and the strength of schedule would have improved dramatically with wins over OSU and UCLA.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:13 Aaron Fentress

12:13

[Comment From rumor mongererrumor mongerer: ]

so any possibility alleged hubbub over closed practice leaks and timing of Blackmon transfer are linked?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:13 rumor mongerer

12:13

Aaron Fentress:

Sorry, forgot UW's bogus split title with Miami.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:13 Aaron Fentress

12:14

Aaron Fentress:

rumor mongerer ... i have no idea.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:14 Aaron Fentress

12:14

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Wow - that means you think Oregon would play .500 ball in SEC League play (assuming they scheduled the same 4 cupcake out-of-conference game the rest of the SEC does). That's pretty bleak. The way the SEC schedules Conference games, that means at least one loss to a really terrible SEC team like Tennessee or Kentucky. Bleak.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:14 positivewins

12:14

The Oregonian:

I'm going to take a minute to hijack the chat and deal with the Blazers. One moment, please.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:14 The Oregonian

12:15

[Comment From come onecome one: ]

what happened to the blazer game live chats

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 come one

12:15

[Comment From come oncome on: ]

bring back the blazer live chats

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 come on

12:15

The Oregonian:

Come on (or one) I'll be back with the Blazers after football is over.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 The Oregonian

12:15

The Oregonian:

Now, back to the Ducks.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 The Oregonian

12:15

Aaron Fentress:

positivewins .... it all depends on who you play but Florida, LSU, S.Carolina, Alabama and Georgia would be a much tougher group to play than UW, OSU, Cal, Arizona and ASU.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 Aaron Fentress

12:15

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Im not arguing that the SEC has not been dominant. Im arguing against the circular logic that the SEC is the best because it plays in the best conference, the SEC. Id like to see a more equitable measure of teams. Id like to see the SEC play 9 in-conference games and not have 4 games against St. Mary's School of the Blind each year. Id like an 8-16 team playoff race, sacrificing one patsy game a year. IF the SEC is better, then so be it. But at least we will be able to watch it and compete rather than having to take pundits word for it.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:15 Guest

12:16

[Comment From fatonsucksfatonsucks: ]

remember me,,, yea

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:16 fatonsucks

12:16

Aaron Fentress:

Guest ... okay.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:16 Aaron Fentress

12:17

The Oregonian:

I do, Fatonsucks. We'll get going after football. Now, can we also move on from this SEC stuff?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:17 The Oregonian

12:17

[Comment From orlostguyorlostguy: ]

Aaron, do you the reasoning of why Chip called a running play with 53 seconds and had to burn a time out when the run was stuffed? I cannot understand why Oregon did not run more 15-20 yard pass patterns in the Stanford game. The linebackers were never backpeddling.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:17 orlostguy

12:18

Aaron Fentress:

orlostguy ... Kelly said Stanford was in nickle and he thought they could pop one up the middle.

I was screaming all game that UO needed to send multiple receivers on vertical routes downfield to test that two-deep more. Let DAT run down one sideline, Huff the other and send Colt down the middle, force safeties to make a decision. But UO had trouble with protection, so...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:18 Aaron Fentress

12:19

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

I hate perception and these things being decided by stupid polls. Have a bonafide playoff and let it be decided on the playing field. Then, if the SEC beats everyone they play, there should not be any questions who is the best. But, if someone from the PAC 12 wins out, it should say the same as well. Let it all hang out on the playing field.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:19 NJDuckFan

12:19

The Oregonian:

And one more SEC thing from positivewins

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:19 The Oregonian

12:19

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Well, yeah, those are probably the 5 best teams in the SEC, but Oregon would probably only play 3 of them if they were an SEC team (and of course the ones you listed aren't the best Pac-12 teams). I don't believe for a minute that Oregon would lose to Florida or South Carolina. I think they could beat LSU this year due to their weak offense. Unfortunately, "what I think" is meaningless and I hope they get a shot at an SEC team in a bowl game.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:19 positivewins

12:20

Aaron Fentress:

SEC defenses would maul Oregon's offensive line, as Auburn and LSU did. It's not a good matchup.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:20 Aaron Fentress

12:20

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

chip said that they were in a nickel d, which leaves less defenders to cover the run. Its in line with the philosophy of take what the defense gives you

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:20 Guest

12:20

Aaron Fentress:

And those so-called offensive weakness are coming against rugged SEC defenses.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:20 Aaron Fentress

12:21

[Comment From MichaelMichael: ]

The point is Pac-12 and other teams have to go unbeaten -- which, I don't care how good your conference is, that's difficult -- just to reach the title game. The SEC doesn't even have to win its own conference

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:21 Michael

12:21

[Comment From KirkKirk: ]

So what SEC team is Oregon playing this week? Did I miss the Civil War?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:21 Kirk

12:21

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Enough about the SEC, please? :-)

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:21 Amy

12:22

The Oregonian:

Amy, I agree. Y'all, let's leave the SEC as a topic, please.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:22 The Oregonian

12:22

Aaron Fentress:

LOL I agree..enough about the SEC because there is no argument.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:22 Aaron Fentress

12:22

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Sorry, you've probably written about this (and apologies if so) - but let's just *say* Oregon doesn't get to the Pac-12 CG. Besides it being a travesty (and the fault of the Ducks themselves), what is your best prediction for BCS games? I know it depends a lot on other teams, so it's impossible to know for sure, but many are picking Fiesta vs. Kansas St. Is that your pick as well? A little humorous, given the whole situation with the home-and-home being cancelled.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:22 Amy

12:22

Aaron Fentress:

Molly...you are the one putting the comments in the discussion.lol

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:22 Aaron Fentress

12:22

The Oregonian:

I do, because it's a chat. I am serving notice: No more SEC.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:22 The Oregonian

12:23

Aaron Fentress:

Amy ... I think an 11-1 UO team gets a BCS berth.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 Aaron Fentress

12:23

[Comment From KirkKirk: ]

So what SEC team does OSU compare to this week? :-P

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 Kirk

12:23

Aaron Fentress:

lololol

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 Aaron Fentress

12:23

The Oregonian:

OK, that one was for laughs.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 The Oregonian

12:23

[Comment From orlostguyorlostguy: ]

I'm also curious why Oregon doesn't line up DeAnthony on one side and Huff on the other and have them run long post patterns....ooops...you were responding as I was writing this. I've been wanting to see that route all year!!! Even last year.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 orlostguy

12:23

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Glad to see the Oregonian continuing to give it's readers what they want rather than what you want us to have.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 positivewins

12:23

The Oregonian:

You are reading this, right?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:23 The Oregonian

12:24

[Comment From timtim: ]

heartbreaking stanford loss makes ducks a more or less dangerous team to the beavs?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:24 tim

12:24

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Yes - and being limited on what I can "chat" about based on your wishes

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:24 positivewins

12:24

The Oregonian:

Not just mine.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:24 The Oregonian

12:24

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

Come on, people - I know you want to defend the Pac-12, but how many times can he answer your question? It's not what *everyone* wants, trust me.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:24 Amy

12:25

Aaron Fentress:

tim...it's tough to say. OSU is good and this is its game of the year. UO is coming off a devastating defeat. they were No. 1 and had inside track to national title game. how do they respond to that disappointment? It's a tough call.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:25 Aaron Fentress

12:25

[Comment From AdamAdam: ]

Could it actually be better for the Ducks if they stay out of the Pac 12 Championship and have Stanford win out? That way the Ducks one loss is to a really good team?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:25 Adam

12:26

Aaron Fentress:

Adam ... it's better to be 11-1 than to lose the Pac-12 title game and be 11-2. But that's the wimp's way out.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:26 Aaron Fentress

12:26

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

I am very grateful for the last fun 4 years of fantastic seasons the Ducks gave us. Oregon had a bad game. So did Alabama. It happens. They are giving us a great season. Oregon will have to get stronger against great defenses and find ways to defeat them. Chip Kelly will adapt. He is trying to make changes. Our defense did well. they helped kept us in the game.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:26 NJDuckFan

12:27

Aaron Fentress:

NJDuckFan .. very true.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:27 Aaron Fentress

12:27

[Comment From orlostguyorlostguy: ]

Let's say all the dominos fall in place to let Oregon jump into the NCG against Alabama (ND, Stanford, and Florida lose Saturday). Is there any chance that the BCS still chooses ND over Oregon. I've seen several college football analysts say that would happen.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:27 orlostguy

12:28

Aaron Fentress:

orlostguy ... only if voters do so. a 12-1 UO team should get in over a 10-1 ND team that loses to USC and a backup QB.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:28 Aaron Fentress

12:28

[Comment From TomTom: ]

didnt see who all suited up, and there wasnt an article about it , (or maybe I missed it.) - but who is currently injured on the ducks, and who will miss Saturday?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:28 Tom

12:29

[Comment From timtim: ]

orlostguy that would be a bad loss to sc without barkley

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:29 tim

12:30

Aaron Fentress:

I love how fans support chip and his closed practices and policy on injuries but still want us to report on injuries.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:30 Aaron Fentress

12:30

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

This my hope for this Saturday: Stanford loses, ND loses, Florida loses and we play for the PAC 12 and beat UCLA. Hope things go Oregon's way

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:30 NJDuckFan

12:31

[Comment From TomTom: ]

a bit testy today huh Aaron? Just asking who played last Saturday not asking who practiced

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:31 Tom

12:31

Aaron Fentress:

Wade Keliikipi might still be out. everyone else is back, I believe.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:31 Aaron Fentress

12:31

[Comment From timtim: ]

De'Anthony seemed more physical and quicker up the gut, more courageous, against Stanford, do you agree? If so, do you think Oregon will ride him harder against OSU as it is as big of a must win game for Oregon as I can remember or does chip have a little bit of loyalty blinders to barner?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:31 tim

12:32

Aaron Fentress:

no testy. just amused.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:32 Aaron Fentress

12:34

Aaron Fentress:

tim ... DAT had some holes to work with at times. But not many. I don't think it's that complicated. Both get carries, both can run when there is running room.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:34 Aaron Fentress

12:34

[Comment From positivewinspositivewins: ]

Who was it that posted - "Y'all, let's leave the SEC as a topic, please"?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:34 positivewins

12:34

The Oregonian:

That was me. A sentiment echoed by others in this chat.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:34 The Oregonian

12:34

[Comment From TomTom: ]

What is your crystal ball / best guess about what our coaching staff looks like next year? Who stays, who goes?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:34 Tom

12:35

The Oregonian:

More on this topic. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:35 The Oregonian

12:35

[Comment From DeweyDewey: ]

Looking down the road a bit... What is the likelihood (percentage-wise) that the NFL comes calling to Chip again after the season? If so, what is the likelihood (percentage-wise) that he would take on the challenge of coaching an NFL team next year? Contingent on the getting to the NCG again? Contingent on the offer?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:35 Dewey

12:36

Aaron Fentress:

I think Cal goes after Helfrich and Oregon urges Chip Kelly to either go to NFL or commit long term before letting Helfrich get away. if Chip leaves, Helfrich is the guy, but Chip takes a few coaches with him to NFL.

This of course is all guesswork and just popped into my head at this very moment.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:36 Aaron Fentress

12:37

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

did I miss something? Did Barkley get injured?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:37 NJDuckFan

12:37

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

lol, well Aaron, we hope you have a crystal ball about those things

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:37 NJDuckFan

12:38

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

Wow. Very sad over that prospect about next year

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:38 NJDuckFan

12:38

Aaron Fentress:

Barkley separated his shoulder and is out for Saturday's game.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:38 Aaron Fentress

12:38

[Comment From orlostguyorlostguy: ]

Aaron, the common opponent of Stanford and USC appears to be the factor that these analysts are holding up to support ND. If USC beats them in a close game they say ND performed better than Oregon against their common opponents. Honestly, I can't stand the ND hype so that scenerio scares me

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:38 orlostguy

12:39

Aaron Fentress:

But don't worry. Max Wittek is on the case. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/usc-qb-max-wittek-going-win-ballgame-150629761--ncaaf.html

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:39 Aaron Fentress

12:40

Aaron Fentress:

orlostguy .... they both would be 1-1 against common opponents and UO would be a conference champion with far more quality wins in terms of point production. ND is the worst national title contender in the past 15 years. look at their scores and opponents.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:40 Aaron Fentress

12:40

[Comment From KirkKirk: ]

Does OSU have to deflate the ball to pass as well as USC against the Duck defense or can they just play fair and still do well?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:40 Kirk

12:40

Aaron Fentress:

If ND wins the national title I will gouge my eyes out.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:40 Aaron Fentress

12:41

The Oregonian:

Nooooo!

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 The Oregonian

12:41

Aaron Fentress:

Kirk .. haha... we shall see.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 Aaron Fentress

12:41

[Comment From KirkKirk: ]

Considering the poor weather conditions at Autzen last week and the forecast for more rain Saturday, do you think their is cause for concern? Does this effect the game planning?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 Kirk

12:41

[Comment From TomTom: ]

everyone take a screen capture of Aaron saying that. We have it in writing.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 Tom

12:41

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

No, we need your eyes and expertise

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 NJDuckFan

12:41

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

LOL

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 NJDuckFan

12:41

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

You and me both, Aaron.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:41 Amy

12:42

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

common opponent and ND loses to USC without Barkely? Not a chance

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:42 NJDuckFan

12:42

Aaron Fentress:

Kirk... if it's pouring, yes. That might favor Oregon. If it's just a drizzle or light rain, no.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:42 Aaron Fentress

12:42

[Comment From timtim: ]

Maybe if Cal hired Helf (unlikely, imo), belotti and tedford will get the band back together in eugene (even more unlikely) and most of the assistants stay

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:42 tim

12:42

[Comment From getadoggetadog: ]

I would rather ND win it than any SEC team.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:42 getadog

12:44

Aaron Fentress:

getadog.. that's like saying you'd rather see Darth Vader win rather than Darth Maul. Both are evil.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 Aaron Fentress

12:44

The Oregonian:

All right, everyone, we're winding up. I'm going to put in comments, and let Aaron answer the ones he chooses. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 The Oregonian

12:44

[Comment From steevosteevo: ]

Aaron--Chip has no intentions to go to the NFL, at least not yet. His mission in Eugene is not completed.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 steevo

12:44

[Comment From JasonJason: ]

If Kelly goes to the NFL, you say he will take some coaches with him. Any idea on who you feel would stay and who would go?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 Jason

12:44

Aaron Fentress:

steevo ... uh huh. Just like LaMichael was going to return for a shot at the Heisman and a national title.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 Aaron Fentress

12:44

The Oregonian:

And this stuff, regarding the coaching staff. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:44 The Oregonian

12:45

[Comment From NJDuckFanNJDuckFan: ]

Ok. I would like the coaching staff to stay the same. This is a very successful team of coaches with Chip at the helm. Please Please stay coaches.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 NJDuckFan

12:45

[Comment From getadoggetadog: ]

Do you really think Cal is an attractive job for a guy like Helfrich? The California State system is making it very hard for programs like the Bears to pay assistants or improve facilities. Do you think Helfrich, young native-Oregonian that he is, might be willing to delay his head-coaching dreams to be the coach-in-waiting at Oregon for a couple more years?

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 getadog

12:45

The Oregonian:

And, about USC. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 The Oregonian

12:45

Aaron Fentress:

Jason .. I think Greatwood was in the Tampa Bay plans. Maybe Frosty.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 Aaron Fentress

12:45

[Comment From AmyAmy: ]

That Wittek is a character. Love or hate the Trojans, you gotta admit that backup QB has confidence. Or maybe he's just trying to build up his own confidence.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 Amy

12:45

[Comment From TomTom: ]

Wittek will look like Namath if USC wins, if they lose USC continues to spiral downwards. Either way win-win.

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 Tom

12:45

The Oregonian:

And I love this, about Lou Holtz. ...

Wednesday November 21, 2012 12:45 The Oregonian

12:45

[Comment From orlostguyorlostguy: ]

getadog, obviously you haven't thought about having to listen to Lou Holtz spit talk about ND if they did.