Ah, what the hell...thought I'd start a rumor...the idea is not completely unfounded.

In 2010, two Auburn D-linemen were suspended for poor conduct. The final penalty was the first half of the Iron Bowl. In 2009, Florida's Brandon Spikes lost half a game, as did Vanderbilt's Udom Umoh.

We know Kelly sets standards for all his players to meet, and we will never know what exactly he set for Harris to earn his way back onto the field. But here is why I think Kelly should let Cliff play in the second half of the LSU game:

* Normally a one game suspension is reasonable penalty for poor conduct. But like the Iron bowl, this game is so much bigger than just one game.

* Cliff was reported a model citizen during spring practice. With any long great human journey, there will be setbacks and mistakes. And Cliff has really come a long ways.

* Cliff settled his legal obligations.

* The ability to earn back a half game seems like a great motivational reward for model behavior during fall practice.

* I truly believe he has already learned his lesson.

Chip meets with Cliff next week to discuss his future. Cliff needs to go into Chips office with a tear in his eye and say "coach I fucked up". "I am sorry for so poorly representing our team, school and fans."

So Chip, for the fans, would you consider a compromise?

Perhaps you already knew that Ducks are #1 in both Scoring Offense and Scoring Defense, nationally for all NCAA div. 1 teams., but did you know they lead in another three categories.

1) Scoring Offense 63 pts per game

2) Total Offense  611.67 yds per game

3) Pass Efficiency Defense  61.2 (not sure what this is measuring exactly?)

4) Total Defense  193.33 yds/game

5) Scoring Defense 4.33 pts/game

See the complete stats at  ncaa.org

Only Miami leads in two categories, the rest of div 1 in one or less categories.

Stanford leads in pass defense at 99.67 yds per game, the only other PAC10 showing

OK, admittingly, the schedule was a bit week, never the less still impressive.  So enjoy it while you can, becasue next week at ASU, Ducks will have a much stiffer competitor....maybe????....

 Like many of you, I was mildly suprised to hear Thomas getting the nod to start 2010.  His body of work so far has been limited...so just for kicks I thought I would revisit some of his feats.  Just in case you forgot, check out these...

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Oregon was critically reviewed by many pre-season reports, for being in the bottom five of all D-1 teams for the number of O-line starts.  With a mere 20 game starts going into Boise State, there seemed to be some truth to the questionable statistic.

It just occurred to me today, though, that with four games under their belt now, the number of O-line starts has just doubled to 40.  I hope that the Ducks continue with the same level of intensity in advancing strength and skill in the O-line.  This is no time to go easy.

So where does that leave us after another 20 starts?  Just about time for HALLOWEEN !!!!

Who's the fastest football player in the PAC10?

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Rumbles 25 yards and takes it to the house.  

Oh...how sweet it is!

On the first drive, Ngata snags a pass in the first minute of play and takes it for six.  Sanchez struggles in his first pre-season NFL start, going 3 for 8, 1 TD, 1 Int.  Could Sanchez be the most overrated QB in football, a by-product of a highly effective USC offense?

Baltimore beats the Jets 24-23.

Clemens goes 5 for 10, 1TD, 1 int

Got Blue?

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Who do you think will improve this year and why?  here's my cut....

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Dont tell me....we don't have a 2 QB system, but a 3 QB system!

Oregon's previous tinkering with the 2 QB system, was let's just say inconclusive.  Though considering the development of the QB's at the time, it was more like a one and half QB system...two partially developed players.

This time its seems a bit different. From the UW game performance, the Ducks showed not two, but three quality QBs. I'll take any one, or all three behind center.  Sure it was only UW, but right now I like seeing all three guys getting time.

Here's my assessment of the trio:

Roper, ironically, though the starter, seems to be an enigma.  I thought his passing was something less than spectacular, and though he is actually pretty nimble, he didn't inspire me as a great scrambler for this spread offense style.  I guess it was the concussion, so implied in the after game interview...some how I wonder if there is more to it?  Get your focus man, you'll be fine.

Masoli, Wow!  After some early disappointing passes, (butterflies maybe?), he pulled it together.  Keep in mind, these are his first plays in big time college ball.    Quick reads, decision making, on the mark passing...and blocking, are you kidding me?  And showed some glimpses of Dixon-like squirrelly-ness in the backfield. Also really like the way he stays with the play after the hand off or screen.  Cant seem to recall the details, but he scooped up a fumble, long after the screen/handoff. (Wish I taped the game).  The play was a disaster, but could have been alot worse. 

Harper,  I had never seen him play or practice until now...didn't understand all the hype.  Now I get it!  A linebacker's worst nightmare.  To bad we didn't see him pass.  I have a suspicion there is much work to be done here.  But I felt the same way about Dixon's pass game, early on.

Tell me I'm a dork, but right now the 3 QB system is working for me.