-Akronite-
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- Jul 3, 2008
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Well that was one of the easier losses to watch IMO. We were getting outplayed, especially in the trenches, and the comeback couldn't fully materialize. For a second there it looked like we had a classic on our hands, but a real whimper to go out on. It wasn't like some of our past losses where I wanted to stop watching altogether. And I'll definitely take it over a conference loss or an SEC/Clemson loss. It's Oregon, who was frankly "due" a win against us (now we're 9-1, we suck!). And as they are a playoff contender, that means our season isn't over. We will drop further than Clemson's TD-less going, which makes sense given the reputation of our opponent, but our window is still open.
That said, I think our aspirations for a national title are on life support at best right now. The defense is as bad as advertised last week. No pressure on the QB and spending way too much time on the field. Coombs clearly doesn't have answers and I pin this loss on the coaching moreso than the talent we have.
Stroud had a really good game statistically, but it started to come apart toward the end when they needed to force the issue. Before the season, although a win was absolutely expected in this game, we all could've foreseen some struggles. Oregon is a good team and this QB is new, so expecting him to cover for the failings of the defense is asking a lot. We will see how they respond. It's cliche to invoke our 2014 loss to VT, and this doesn't look like a defense that can take us all the way, but it really is just one loss.
I think people are overestimating the field to think we are a "bad" team (maybe I'll eat those words). Bama is the only team that looks like a juggernaut. Stroud will continue to develop. If he fails to and it's a mediocre season, we have the recruiting to bounce back.
On to Tulsa!
That said, I think our aspirations for a national title are on life support at best right now. The defense is as bad as advertised last week. No pressure on the QB and spending way too much time on the field. Coombs clearly doesn't have answers and I pin this loss on the coaching moreso than the talent we have.
Stroud had a really good game statistically, but it started to come apart toward the end when they needed to force the issue. Before the season, although a win was absolutely expected in this game, we all could've foreseen some struggles. Oregon is a good team and this QB is new, so expecting him to cover for the failings of the defense is asking a lot. We will see how they respond. It's cliche to invoke our 2014 loss to VT, and this doesn't look like a defense that can take us all the way, but it really is just one loss.
I think people are overestimating the field to think we are a "bad" team (maybe I'll eat those words). Bama is the only team that looks like a juggernaut. Stroud will continue to develop. If he fails to and it's a mediocre season, we have the recruiting to bounce back.
On to Tulsa!