Viewer - Rose Bowl preview, with two weeks to go

Rose Bowl preview, with two weeks to go

Monday December 19, 2011

11:25

The Oregonian:

Welcome, everyone. We will get under way shortly. In the meantime, please feel free to load in your Ducks and Badgers questions, and note whether they are for Adam (Wisconsin-related) or Lindsay (Oregon-related).

Monday December 19, 2011 11:25 The Oregonian

11:28

The Oregonian:

Lindsay and Adam, holler when you're on board and we'll get started. Meanwhile, readers, go ahead and send us your first questions.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:28 The Oregonian

11:30

Adam Mertz:

All set from Madison ... glad to be here today. Just wrapped up a lengthy and enlightening press conference with Badgers coach Bret Bielema.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:30 Adam Mertz

11:30

The Oregonian:

Hi, Adam. Thanks for joining us. OK, let's get started and Lindsay should be with us soon.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:30 The Oregonian

11:31

The Oregonian:

To set the table, can you tell us about the Badgers' schedule between now and leaving for Los Angeles.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:31 The Oregonian

11:31

The Oregonian:

The Ducks practice today-Wednesday. Then break for the holiday before flying to Los Angeles on Dec. 26.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:31 The Oregonian

11:31

Adam Mertz:

Will do. Badgers are front-loading their practices this week but will go through Friday before flying out Dec. 26.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:31 Adam Mertz

11:32

The Oregonian:

OK, to some readers questions...

Monday December 19, 2011 11:32 The Oregonian

11:32

[Comment From them ducks them ducksthem ducks them ducks: ]

what did bret have to say.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:32 them ducks them ducks

11:32

Adam Mertz:

Probably the biggest news nugget to come out is that center Peter Konz, Wisconsin's top lineman and a potential first-round draft choice should he come out a year early, still hasn't practiced with the team after dislocating his ankle Nov. 12 at Minnesota. The outlook doesn't sound great. He MAY get a look this week but might have to wait til L.A. to see if he's a go.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:32 Adam Mertz

11:33

The Oregonian:

Who is his likely replacement and how does that leave the line?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:33 The Oregonian

11:33

Adam Mertz:

If he's out, they'll stick with the still very top-notch group they've had the last two-plus games. But they have little for depth.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:33 Adam Mertz

11:33

The Oregonian:

Beat me to it. Thanks

Monday December 19, 2011 11:33 The Oregonian

11:33

Adam Mertz:

Coming back with that here.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:33 Adam Mertz

11:34

[Comment From DuckManDuckMan: ]

over/under on yards the Ducks hold John Clay to this year?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:34 DuckMan

11:34

Adam Mertz:

Travis Frederick will start at center after moving over from guard, where Ryan Groy takes his place.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:34 Adam Mertz

11:34

Adam Mertz:

I would put all my money on ZERO. Clay left school a year early. It's all about the Montee Ball Show this year.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:34 Adam Mertz

11:34

[Comment From DuckManDuckMan: ]

Just how good is Jeff Duckworth?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:34 DuckMan

11:35

The Oregonian:

Can tell we all have some brushing up to do on the Badgers.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:35 The Oregonian

11:35

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Adam: Looking at Oregon, what does Wisc. view as their greatest opportunity to exploit vs. UO defense?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:35 Hank

11:35

Adam Mertz:

He's aptly named for this game, if nothing else. Maybe a secret agent? He's been off the radar most of the season. I would speculate that 8 of 10 Badgers fans hardly would have known his name before the big catch in the Big Ten title game.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:35 Adam Mertz

11:36

[Comment From DuckManDuckMan: ]

What uniforms will both teams be wearing?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:36 DuckMan

11:36

Adam Mertz:

Hank: I would say the interior. Expect a lot of dead-red runs. Ducks' speed on the perimeter is worrisome and TCU exploited gaps on the spread runs last year.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:36 Adam Mertz

11:36

Lindsay:

Hey everyone, sorry I'm a little late

Monday December 19, 2011 11:36 Lindsay

11:36

The Oregonian:

Regarding the Ducks uniforms, no word on that yet that we're aware of. Given their history, wouldn't be surprised to see them roll out another new one.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:36 The Oregonian

11:36

Adam Mertz:

DuckMan: Stunningly, Wisconsin will alter its jerseys for this game. They'll apparently be wearing some fashion of white as the road team, but Bielema said today they'll incoporate a rose theme.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:36 Adam Mertz

11:37

The Oregonian:

Welcome, Lindsay. Know anything about your favorite question: Ducks unis?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:37 The Oregonian

11:37

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

I know no one at Oregon speaks about injuries, but I know from talking to people in the program that the Ducks were very beat up this year, and with numerous starters more or less taped together. This month of no games has to be a huge break for them to heal up. Do you see evidence of this healing, and are the coaches or players making any mention of it?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:37 Guest

11:37

Adam Mertz:

Bret pointed out that this is a Nike vs. Adidas battle, and I'm not surprised that Adidas wanted to step it up against the flagbearers of fashion.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:37 Adam Mertz

11:38

Lindsay:

Haha, someone stopped me in the mall the other day and asked me this same question. I'm not sure. They'll aim to surprise us all again, though, that much we can count on.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:38 Lindsay

11:38

The Oregonian:

Adam: Similar deal happened last season with Oregon (Nike) vs. Auburn (Under Armour)

Monday December 19, 2011 11:38 The Oregonian

11:38

Adam Mertz:

Hopefully, adidas will be more tasteful than Under Armour. I hate those things. And I admit to digging Oregon's threads.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:38 Adam Mertz

11:38

The Oregonian:

We'll let Lindsay hit that injury question and then press on to some other topics.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:38 The Oregonian

11:39

The Oregonian:

Meanwhile, here's one for Adam.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:39 The Oregonian

11:39

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Is it safe to assume no team compares in team speed (offensively) in the B1G like Oregon?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:39 Guest

11:39

Lindsay:

Re: injuries: Yes, players have mentioned it quite a bit (though I was off last week, so I'm not sure if it came up then) just that the rest will be good for them. I think you're right that lots of guys were pretty banged up, though I'm not convinced it was any more than usual. That being said, taking all this time to heal is definitely going to help. Kenjon Barner also mentioned something one day about how much it helps for players to be able to sleep in a little bit, and how far that can go in terms of restoring their bodies.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:39 Lindsay

11:41

Adam Mertz:

Correct. Nothing equivalent. Although Michigan State's receivers and DBs are amazing athletes and were a great test -- often to good results for the Spartans. Speed is certainly an area of concern for Wisconsin, but so is Oregon's penchant for slipping tackles in tight spots. Form and finish is a huge emphasis.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:41 Adam Mertz

11:41

[Comment From darkwing duckdarkwing duck: ]

If UW is having Melvin Gordon impersonate LaMichael James, who is impersonating Cliff Harris? Who is the Badgers' best troublemaker?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:41 darkwing duck

11:42

The Oregonian:

In regard to Darkwing's question, is everyone academically eligible for Wisconsin, Adam?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:42 The Oregonian

11:42

Adam Mertz:

Darkwing: Great question and I don' t have a great answer. Antonio Fenelus isn't fast but he's feisty and a great cover corner even in the air despite being 5-8. They have to match up with him every day.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:42 Adam Mertz

11:43

[Comment From Boise JimBoise Jim: ]

Rahsaan Vaughn's playing time seems to be getting shorter. Is there an injury issue?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:43 Boise Jim

11:43

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Adam: Is there as much joy/excitement in Madison about returning to the Rose Bowl, or is it tempered with urgency to win and maybe concern about a tough opponent that may ruin the fun again?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:43 Hank

11:43

Adam Mertz:

In terms of being eligible, there's been no indication that Wisconsin will be without any players because of grades/off the field issues.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:43 Adam Mertz

11:43

Lindsay:

No injury that I'm aware of (though it's always possible with these guys, given how quiet they keep everything) I just think other receivers have emerged. I still think he can come in and make some big-time catches, though, if needed.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:43 Lindsay

11:44

[Comment From DuckManDuckMan: ]

If Oregon loses, would it be the longest BCS losing streak to date? Would they even want to go back to a BCS bowl after that?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:44 DuckMan

11:44

Adam Mertz:

Hank: I think people are pretty psyched about this game. There was a HUGE letdown after the two late-game losses because this was Wisconsin's best chance to put itself into the national title conversation that anyone could ever imagine. But the chance to play Oregon has been a great sell in these parts. Doesn't hurt that Badgers are underdogs for the first time this year -- that's a role the team, and its fans, embrace.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:44 Adam Mertz

11:44

[Comment From PurdueduckPurdueduck: ]

Adam, most of the Oregon faithful I talk to are guardedly optimistic about our chances in the Rose Bowl. What's your impression of the attitude among Badger fans?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:44 Purdueduck

11:45

Lindsay:

DuckMan, I'm not sure about losing streaks but I don't know why on earth they wouldn't want to go back. They have to break through at SOME point, right? If not this year (and I think it will be this year, for what it's worth) why not next year? Barner admitted shortly after the Pac12 title game that the Rose Bowl is a slight disappointment after the title game last year, but like he said, are you really going to be upset about going to a BCS bowl?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:45 Lindsay

11:45

The Oregonian:

Adam: To Purdueduck's question, what's the perception of Oregon there?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:45 The Oregonian

11:46

[Comment From PurdueduckPurdueduck: ]

(Thanks Oregonian, that's what I was getting at)

Monday December 19, 2011 11:46 Purdueduck

11:46

Adam Mertz:

Purdueduck: Can I counter with guardedly hopeful? The vision is that Russell and Montee can go score for score with Oregon through three quarters, get the lead, and then turn to a grinding run game to limit possessions and dare the Ducks to stop them. The nightmare is Oregon racking up about 41 points by halftime against a defense that has been magnificent at times but spotty at other and prone to breakdowns on the back end.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:46 Adam Mertz

11:47

The Oregonian:

One more for Adam...

Monday December 19, 2011 11:47 The Oregonian

11:47

[Comment From them ducks them ducksthem ducks them ducks: ]

who do you think other than james is wisconsins bigest concern on O

Monday December 19, 2011 11:47 them ducks them ducks

11:47

Adam Mertz:

Follow up: Impossibly speedy but with a soft underbelly.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:47 Adam Mertz

11:48

The Oregonian:

OK, one for both Adam and Lindsay...

Monday December 19, 2011 11:48 The Oregonian

11:48

[Comment From darkwing duckdarkwing duck: ]

Who would win a staring contest between Bret Bielema and Chip Kelly? Better yet, worse time management: Bielema vs. Michigan State or Kelly vs. USC?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:48 darkwing duck

11:48

Adam Mertz:

Two guys: Josh Huff and De'Anthony Thomas.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:48 Adam Mertz

11:49

Lindsay:

I still don't think Kelly's time management was bad against USC. I think it's easy to nitpick after a loss, but if they had made that FG and won or lost in OT, what would people say? As for the staring contest, I wouldn't bet against Chip.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:49 Lindsay

11:49

The Oregonian:

To Darkwing's more amusing question, Adam, what's Bielema's interaction with the media like? Folks here are interested given Chip's sometimes testy exchanges with reporters.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:49 The Oregonian

11:50

[Comment From Boise JimBoise Jim: ]

On a scale of 1 to 10, what are the chances the Ducks will get Ellis McCarthy?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:50 Boise Jim

11:50

The Oregonian:

Lindsay, can you speak to that recruiting question?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:50 The Oregonian

11:51

Adam Mertz:

From afar, Chip's pretty amusing. Bret got off to a smart-aleck start -- his first year he said that an injured QB had made the last throw at a Thursday practice before the game, but neglected to say it was with his left (non-throwing) hand. But he's pretty much open and talkative and approachable, especially after getting some humble pie a couple years ago, so all in all I'd say media gets along quite well.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:51 Adam Mertz

11:51

[Comment From DuckManDuckMan: ]

Did Russel wilson ever think about transferring to oregon?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:51 DuckMan

11:52

[Comment From Rocky B.Rocky B.: ]

Well Lindsay, your insights and solicitations for comments are appreciated. But have to disagree- the time management against USC was one bad judgment call among many good ones.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:52 Rocky B.

11:52

Adam Mertz:

Not that I had heard ... with Darron already there, not a good fit. I did hear that Ohio State was the darkhorse choice, but UW won out over Auburn.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:52 Adam Mertz

11:52

Lindsay:

Boise -- I really have no idea. I think at this point, Oregon's odds of getting just about anyone are high given their success and the facilities. But there are SO many things that factor into a kid's decision that most of us couldn't even begin to understand. I think the fact that he visited in October is a good sign though.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:52 Lindsay

11:53

The Oregonian:

Adam: Thoughts on the clock management question? I'll press on after giving you a chance to get to that.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:53 The Oregonian

11:53

Adam Mertz:

Darkwing: As for time management against Michigan State, are you speaking more to the decision to call a run on 3rd-and-6 with 2+ minutes left? If so, I think that was playing it too safe, but not egregious.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:53 Adam Mertz

11:53

Lindsay:

Rocky B, how can you say that? The Ducks' offense is all about go, go, go -- a timeout could have interrupted that flow. And really, if they had won in OT would you or anyone else be saying this?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:53 Lindsay

11:54

The Oregonian:

An off beat question for Lindsay, who is a huge basketball fan...

Monday December 19, 2011 11:54 The Oregonian

11:54

[Comment From CunnighamTheSkyCunnighamTheSky: ]

More fun to watch, the Oreogn football team or the OSU basketball team??

Monday December 19, 2011 11:54 CunnighamTheSky

11:54

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Adam: has Wisconsin played any defense as fast as Oregon's?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:54 Hank

11:55

[Comment From darkwing duckdarkwing duck: ]

No, first Michigan State game, where Bielema used timeouts at the end.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:55 darkwing duck

11:55

Adam Mertz:

Darkwing: Oh, that one. Brutal, especially #2.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:55 Adam Mertz

11:55

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Adam: Does Wisconsin look much at the Stanford/Oregon game as a similar match up?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:55 Hank

11:55

Lindsay:

Haha, I think it would depend on which sport you like more. They are both explosive, that's for sure. And it's fun to watch any team that has crazy crowd support. As a hoops junkie, I would personally pick OSU basketball but if anyone picked Oregon football I would completely understand why.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:55 Lindsay

11:56

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Lindsay: Since you've covered both UO and OSU, what are your overall impressions of the character of the programs. They're pretty equally full of good people? Which was more fun to cover?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:56 Hank

11:56

Adam Mertz:

Hank: Ohio State and Michigan State have some great athletes on that side of the ball, a good mix of speed and quickness. Honestly, I'm so enraptured by the offense when I see the Ducks that I don't have as great a handle on their team speed and structure.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:56 Adam Mertz

11:57

[Comment From DLBDLB: ]

What's different about this match up versus when tOSU took them down. Back then oregon's speed was touted like now as the key factor...

Monday December 19, 2011 11:57 DLB

11:57

Adam Mertz:

hank: Yes, Bret brought up the Stanford game particularly. But he also mentioned LSU.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:57 Adam Mertz

11:57

The Oregonian:

DLB talking about 2010 Rose Bowl, in case that's not clear to anyone.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:57 The Oregonian

11:58

The Oregonian:

I'll let both Adam and Lindsay speak to DLB's question and then we'll take some more.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:58 The Oregonian

11:59

[Comment From Rocky B.Rocky B.: ]

Well Lindsay, when you you run out of time and lay it all on the kicker, tempo means nothing. The O was moving the ball really well on that last drive, could have gone for the win in regulation or closer for the FG. The USC d was obviously on their heels, and a couple of timeouts wouldn't allow them to recover to any substantive degree.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:59 Rocky B.

11:59

Adam Mertz:

Like I mentioned before, I think Wisconsin's dream scenario is to only get popped for 1 or 2 quick / long scores, keep score close through 2.5 or 3 quarters, then win the battle in the trenches and try to grind down the Ducks.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:59 Adam Mertz

11:59

Lindsay:

Hank -- The programs are very different. Oregon, overall as an athletic dept, is operating on a different level for a lot of different reasons. I think both departments have good and bad apples. I think the biggest difference is that it's harder to get to know the Ducks better because they limit interaction with athletes and coaches, and the interaction that you have is pretty controlled. Both have been fun to cover for different reasons.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:59 Lindsay

11:59

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]

Adam, some folks I know from Wisconsin have talked of the Badgers' struggles in the kickoff and punt coverage units. How do you see that playing out against Oregon's talented returners like LaMichael James and DeAnthony Thomas?

Monday December 19, 2011 11:59 Jeff

11:59

Adam Mertz:

Difference between this Badgers team and past is that Russell and Co. have proven they can put up points in a hurry, so they won't TOTALLY freak if they fall behind by 10-14.

Monday December 19, 2011 11:59 Adam Mertz

12:00

[Comment From DiverDiver: ]

Does Oregon like to pack the box against running teams or do you see them playing 7 in the box most of the time.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:00 Diver

12:00

[Comment From JeffJeff: ]

Not Adam or Lindsay, but I think a big factor in that Ohio State game was the fact they had a stud d-lineman in Cameron Hayward (like Auburn did with Nick Fairley) who can get into the backfield quickly ... I don't think Wisconsin has that level of individual talent on the D-Line (although they are surely solid as a group)

Monday December 19, 2011 12:00 Jeff

12:01

[Comment From CunnighamTheSkyCunnighamTheSky: ]

(@ Lindsay) I think the Beavers defense played reasonably well against the Badgers in Madison considering they were up against the wall, any reason to think the Ducks can play any better on that side of the ball?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:01 CunnighamTheSky

12:01

Lindsay:

Diver -- I think they'll mix it up, which is what they've done all season.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:01 Lindsay

12:01

Adam Mertz:

Jeff: That's one of the biggest things I'll be watching Jan. 2. Not like a long field fazes the Ducks, but you certainly don't want to give them any yards. It's pretty much assured there will be 1-2 times in the game where Ducks will break off a long return. It's just a matter of how far down the field they get stopped.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:01 Adam Mertz

12:01

[Comment From RyRy: ]

Adam and Lindsay, wouldnt you say both teams game strategy is similiar? Wear the other down. Oregon with speed and Wisconsin with power?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:01 Ry

12:02

Lindsay:

Jeff, that's a great point. I agree that they don't have a Nick Fairley, who was not only huge, talented and quick but pretty dang intimidating.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:02 Lindsay

12:03

The Oregonian:

Adam: Saw someone tweet - might have been you - about Bielema talking with Pac-12 coaches to prep for Oregon. Know who might be on that list?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:03 The Oregonian

12:03

Adam Mertz:

Jeff: Good point on the D-line and the defense in general. J.J. Watt was that disruptive force last year and the Badgers were unable to replace him. Their best rush DE, David Gilbert is out for the year with a broken foot. Chris Borland has been a real threat in his career when he's allowed to blitz gaps, sometimes used as even a DE, but he's been locked into MLB this year.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:03 Adam Mertz

12:03

Lindsay:

I would agree the Beavers plays pretty well at Wisconsin ... but I also think Wisconsin is a much improved team since then, and if the Beavers and Badgers were to play now it would probably be a blood bath. Oregon, quite frankly, has better athletes on the defensive side, so I think they can give Wisconsin more trouble.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:03 Lindsay

12:04

Adam Mertz:

Pac-12 coaches: Guessing Mike Riley, as he and O-coordinator Paul Chryst are old buddies.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:04 Adam Mertz

12:04

The Oregonian:

Speaking of Chryst: Is his candidacy at Pitt - or anywhere else - a distraction for the Badgers?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:04 The Oregonian

12:04

Adam Mertz:

Bret's probably double-dipping by researching Ryan Katz to boot. Some talk lately about him being their next one-year wonder at QB, though no one's comparing him directly to Russell.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:04 Adam Mertz

12:05

Lindsay:

Ry, yes, I would say your comment is accurate on Oregon's side at least, with them wanting to wear down opposing teams. But as we've seen in the past 2 BCS games, opponents are much more ready for the Ducks' speed come January than they are in the regular season. i don't think Chip will change much, if anything, in terms of prep (and he has said as much). They just have to be able to execute, and LMJ needs to have a good game (and if not him, then Barner).

Monday December 19, 2011 12:05 Lindsay

12:05

The Oregonian:

Ah, nice. Katz was a popular QB here. Lots of surprise with how his season unfolded.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:05 The Oregonian

12:06

Adam Mertz:

On Chryst front, he's a pro so I doubt it's a distraction for this year's team. But losing him would be HUGE loss for the program. He's one of the best assts in the country, an offensive genius, and a big reason why Russell came to Madison -- and why Cali prep QB Bart Houston committed for next year.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:06 Adam Mertz

12:06

Lindsay:

There is NO WAY Ryan Katz winds up at Wisconsin, and I will bet just about anything on that.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:06 Lindsay

12:07

[Comment From Vegas DuckVegas Duck: ]

What's your take on the confidence level of both fan bases on producing the win on Jan. 2? (both writers)

Monday December 19, 2011 12:07 Vegas Duck

12:07

Adam Mertz:

Follow-up on Lindsay's point about prep time for Oregon: Bielema basically acknowledged today they'd be limited in stopping the Ducks if this were a typical regular-season game with just one week's prep. Sounds confident they can come up with a good plan to at least minimize damage.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:07 Adam Mertz

12:07

Adam Mertz:

Lindsay: Got a guess where?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:07 Adam Mertz

12:07

Lindsay:

I think it's safe to say that Duck fans are always very confident about their team's chances. In pretty much everything.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:07 Lindsay

12:08

Adam Mertz:

Confidence: Not high. 50-50 at best. I think most people figure this would be a nice head to mount on the wall if it comes to pass.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:08 Adam Mertz

12:09

Lindsay:

It will be somewhere on the West Coast. Personally, I still think Portland State has a good shot.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:09 Lindsay

12:09

Adam Mertz:

Good to know.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:09 Adam Mertz

12:09

[Comment From CunnighamTheSkyCunnighamTheSky: ]

(@Lindsay)I hear the defensive back field for UW is exploitable as it is 'slow', is that really something Oregon can exploit? Even Mr Fentress thinks the WR/TE core for the Ducks has well below average speed. Seems UO is running on myths and past perceptions this year at those spots

Monday December 19, 2011 12:09 CunnighamTheSky

12:10

[Comment From stumptown stevestumptown steve: ]

Adam: has Wisconsin played any teams this year that run the spread? MSU kinda, but other than them? How'd Wisconsin do?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:10 stumptown steve

12:12

The Oregonian:

Folks: Lindsay has to go in about 10 minutes to get to Ducks practice. Any more questions for her before then?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:12 The Oregonian

12:13

The Oregonian:

Adam: We can wrap it up then if you'd like, or if you're up for a few more we can keep going.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:13 The Oregonian

12:13

Lindsay:

Cunningham -- I'll be honest and say I have seen very little of Wisconsin this season, so I can't tell you with any sort of authority if the UW defensive backfield is "exploitable." I would agree that the receiving corps for Oregon isn't going to win many track meets (with the exception of DAT, of course) but I wouldn't necessarily say that UO is running on myths. I think that overall the offense isn't as fast as it was last year ... or maybe it's just that I've finally learned how to keep notes at the pace they play.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:13 Lindsay

12:13

Adam Mertz:

No one played true spread throughout the game ... there were bits and pieces by several teams, including Northern Illinois, Ohio State, Purdue, but really no one went wild on them as had been the case in the past. Best comparison might be Nebraska, just because of Martinez's abilities with his feet. But he's not a huge threat to throw.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:13 Adam Mertz

12:13

[Comment From stumptown stevestumptown steve: ]

Adam: Russell Wilson is a relatively short QB. Have any D's had success keeping him in the pocket, and knocking down passes even if they don't actually get a sack? Or is he so elusive he can break containment anyway?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:13 stumptown steve

12:14

The Oregonian:

And related to Stumptown's question...

Monday December 19, 2011 12:14 The Oregonian

12:14

[Comment From stumptown stevestumptown steve: ]

What's the best way to control Russell Wilson, who is completing 70% of his passes with an astronomical passer rating?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:14 stumptown steve

12:14

[Comment From tomtom: ]

What is going on with Tra Carson? Injury?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:14 tom

12:14

Adam Mertz:

Cunningham: I would say that reason Wisconsin's secondary is exploitable isn't speed per se but rather communication breakdowns. Plagued them all year. Not a lot of burners in the Big Ten but it's not like guys were running free deep, except when errors occurred. Oregon's lateral speed is more worrisome I think.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:14 Adam Mertz

12:15

[Comment From HankHank: ]

Lindsay: Will a healthier Darron Thomas run more?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:15 Hank

12:15

The Oregonian:

I'm going to pop the questions for Lindsay in so she can get to as many as possible before practice.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:15 The Oregonian

12:15

[Comment From Rocky B.Rocky B.: ]

Lindsay, you don't think Huff has excellent speed!?!?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:15 Rocky B.

12:15

[Comment From stumptown stevestumptown steve: ]

Adam: to follow up, has Wisconsin's D had trouble w spread offenses in the past? Do they have the same defensive coordinator?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:15 stumptown steve

12:16

Lindsay:

Tom -- I think Tra is a freshman, and sometimes it shows. I also think that the Ducks have quite a stable of RBs and don't need him. Fentress and I were talking last week about if they should have redshirted Tra. He (Tra, not Fentress) sometimes comes across as frustrated at his lack of playing time. Also, he's not that fast and while he's bigger and built differently than LMJ, DAT and KB, he's not strong like Blount was, which I think is what a lot of people expected.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:16 Lindsay

12:16

Lindsay:

Rocky -- I think Huff shows up in some games and falls asleep in others. But yeah, he's got wheels -- when he's awake.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:16 Lindsay

12:16

Adam Mertz:

Stumptown: Talked to an NFL draft analyst late last week and he said biggest reason for Wilson's improved completion rate -- he was high 50s at N.C. State -- is play-action that is staple of UW's offense. Michigan State was the only team that really flustered him, especially in that first game. Big, quick, aggressive D-linemen. Trouble is, Russell's great on his feet, too -- so if you don't keep someone in the middle when you try to collapse the pocket, he'll shoot that gap.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:16 Adam Mertz

12:17

[Comment From Rocky B.Rocky B.: ]

Switching gears-- Interested in Lindsay and Adam's thoughts on both teams' defenses vs. very potent offenses. Frankly, I don't see either defense slowing the others' offense. How can Wisconsin neutralize Oregon's speed, and how can Oregon stuff the Wisconsin power running game without giving Wilson endless 1x1 matchups against Oregon's relatively inexperienced d-backs?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:17 Rocky B.

12:18

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

is Wilson a stay in the pocket passer? With an O Line that big why run?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:18 Guest

12:18

Lindsay:

Hank -- No, I don't think DT will run a ton more. He made a comment this year, after getting hurt, about how he recognized maybe he needed to not run so much or be smarter about when he did it (as in, he needs to be more aware of when he's about to get flattened).

Monday December 19, 2011 12:18 Lindsay

12:18

[Comment From RenoReno: ]

Play action is how LSU walloped the Ducks. I think a repeat

Monday December 19, 2011 12:18 Reno

12:18

[Comment From tomtom: ]

Lindsay, I wondered that myself esp when Forde is in the stable. Maybe theyre trying to keep him happy by having him hit the field early?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:18 tom

12:19

Adam Mertz:

Stumptown: The short history is that Wisconsin's two-time Rose Bowl champs got their drawers pulled down by Northwestern in the 2000 Big Ten opener and that really set the program back for years. But since Bret's been in charge, they've recruited a lot more speed, especially at LB. Still susceptible, no doubt, but no one has a conniption the week before spread foes anymore. And yes, different coordinator -- Chris Ash in first year after taking over from Dave Doeren, who headed to N. Illinois; both those guys were good at scheming against spread.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:19 Adam Mertz

12:19

Lindsay:

Rocky -- I agree about potent offenses ... but isn't that what we were all saying last year before the title game? The long layoff can do wonders for health and getting in shape, but man, it can kill any sort of rhythm you had during the regular season. Personally, I'm picking it 31-28 Oregon, but it both teams score in the teens I won't be terribly surprised.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:19 Lindsay

12:20

Lindsay:

Tom, maybe ... but I'm not sold. Coaches will never admit these type of things publicly, but maybe Tra wasn't what anyone expected, including the guys who recruited him.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:20 Lindsay

12:20

Adam Mertz:

Rocky B -- lot of jokes around here that there will be all this fretting, and then it'll be 10-7 in the third quarter or something. But I'm with you -- I don't see it happening. I haven't made my pick yet but I think Lindsay's in the ballpark on total points. Maybe a touchdown higher.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:20 Adam Mertz

12:21

The Oregonian:

Lindsay, last year, picked Oregon 45-42. So interesting to see her predict a potential game in the teens this time...

Monday December 19, 2011 12:21 The Oregonian

12:21

[Comment From DonDon: ]

Why is Vegas taking the Ducks by such a wide margin?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:21 Don

12:21

Lindsay:

Ok all, I've gotta jet. Anyone have any pressing questions for players or coaches?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:21 Lindsay

12:22

Adam Mertz:

Russell a pocket passer? Yes and no. He's content there when things are flowing but Badgers like to roll him out, as he's accurate on the run. He's truly a pass-first guy -- and was even at N.C. State, which is why he got sacked so often there -- but is very decisive when he does tuck and run.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:22 Adam Mertz

12:22

The Oregonian:

Thanks for joining us, Lindsay.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:22 The Oregonian

12:22

The Oregonian:

Adam: How are you on time? We have more Wisconsin questions if you're up for them, but I know you're busy.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:22 The Oregonian

12:22

Adam Mertz:

I've got to wrap it up as well ... shoot me a couple more.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:22 Adam Mertz

12:23

The Oregonian:

OK. We'll be fast...

Monday December 19, 2011 12:23 The Oregonian

12:23

[Comment From stumptown stevestumptown steve: ]

How fast is Nick Toon and how good is he going deep? Same question for A (can't remember the rest of his name, sorry)

Monday December 19, 2011 12:23 stumptown steve

12:23

[Comment From HankHank: ]

For Adam: How much depth does W have on D? Can they keep up, or substitute fresh bodies if they have to chase Oregon? What would they hate more, quick option plays, or having to cover bubble screens and drag routes? If Oregon comes out throwing, does that totally negate W's size and strength?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:23 Hank

12:24

[Comment From RenoReno: ]

Who's better Oregon or TCU last year?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:24 Reno

12:24

The Oregonian:

OK, we'll led Adam answer those three and have to leave it at that for today.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:24 The Oregonian

12:25

Adam Mertz:

Toon is NOT a burner. When he's on his game, he's getting himself in position to use his big body to shield defenders. He's done a much better job of attacking the ball in the air this year -- stole one from two defenders against Nebraska. A deep threat only in the sense that he's a tough matchup individually.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:25 Adam Mertz

12:27

The Oregonian:

Up for those other two questions, Adam?

Monday December 19, 2011 12:27 The Oregonian

12:29

Adam Mertz:

Depth at secondary nonexistent, thanks in part to an injury to DEvin Smith in Oregon State game. At linebacker, not much behind the big guns. D-line is pretty good -- they;ve been able to rotate bodies through there all year. Worst fear is bubble screen, especially if they keep going away from Fenelus. Passing definitely is a good option just because of lack of pass rush, but linebackers are pretty decent in space so it depends what areas they can exploit.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:29 Adam Mertz

12:30

Adam Mertz:

Oregon or TCU? I'll reserve judgment until Jan. 2.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:30 Adam Mertz

12:30

The Oregonian:

OK. Thanks for the time, Adam. We'll look forward to more chats with you and your colleagues soon.

Monday December 19, 2011 12:30 The Oregonian

12:30

Adam Mertz:

Oregon's going to be more talented, but TCU was SO well-schooled that I refuse to slight that team.