SB Nation User Blog: JShufelt

I'm unable to make it to the WSU game (1 Free ticket!)

JShufelt — Sat, 03 Oct 2009 14:45:13 -0000

I'm incredibly sick today, and driving down to Eugene, hitting a ducks game, and driving back isn't exactly the doctor's prescribed rest. Especially with how the weather is shaping up to be.

I've tossed and turned around about this all last night and all morning, and it for me going down is just not gonna happen today. I'm sure everyone in section 19 will appreciate me not spreading my germs.

It's a pretty fantastic seat. Section 19, Row 21. There is only 1 seat though. Great view of Duck Vision, and a good angle on the field. You can see straight down the northern sideline. I'll even pay the forwarding fee.

Just send me an email if you're interested.

Poll

How lame is this guy?

On a scale of 1-10, about a 13.

4 votes

It's understandable. If you're sick you're - wait... THIS IS A DUCKS GAME WE'RE TALKING ABOUT!

8 votes

I hate polls. Especially this one.

4 votes

It's spelled "S-H-U-S-U-C-K"

7 votes

23 votes | Poll has closed

thatoneguy REALLY DOES deserve a lot of credit.

JShufelt — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:49:03 -0000

... for allowing other blogs show the quality of their content and running their respected communities. And that you can do it openly and without narcissism. It gives a great baseline to judge other blogs by.

jtlight has done a great job at keeping the AtQ engine running strong. His game analysts are some of the best in the country, and he keeps his pulse close to just about every team out there. With 120 teams to keep track of, that's impressive.

Recently promoted manager Dominic has been impeccable with keeping us surviving the off season. It's good that he often takes the devils-advocate side against Jared. It helps balance the discussions and keep perspective.

ntrebon, "Nico", is generally one of the first and few that will chime in to keep us informed of the finer details of college football. He'll keep folks in line when they become openly rude, but usually would rather folks see the finer parts of life to enjoy - like Mitch Hedberg.

PaulSF - Always an insightful editor. Of all the jersey contest bloggers, I enjoy reading his perspective the most. Grade A writing, research and commentary. He could excel in a lot of areas, but instead, he decides to give us our quack.

JConant reminds me of the guy that everyone wants to be around. Always up for a good laugh. He likes to chill around. But he shines when he lays down the quack.

And our founder, Dave, isn't freakin' great to see him back? When I originally came across AtQ - I stuck around because of his opinion pieces. He can examine, formulate, express, and persuade an opinion unlike anyone else I've read. His game-by-game break down was of the best I ever came across. I stopped reading the Oregonian garbage, because I knew Dave would deliver something better.

And then there is the atmosphere they allow to run though. People from other blogs, teams, and fanbases frequently come here and state their opinions. If they are stupid, they let people call them out. If they are smart, they get credit for it. Even if it is against their own opinions, they'll let people express it.

To CGB, I'm happy for you, I'm gonna let you finish - but Addicted to Quack is one of the best blogs of ALL TIME.

I feel ill and ashamed.

JShufelt — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 14:56:00 -0000

So I got back home last night. Overall, I enjoyed myself.

My impression of the fans is - there is a serious mixed bag. You have both some of the greatest fans, and some of the rudest fans.

The minority:

Some didn't trash talk Oregon - instead - they went for personal attacks. That was really the sharpest blade. I heard some clever stuff, but overall it was something lame like "$#@% the ducks!" (Like I've never heard that one before). I enjoy a good jab. Aside from that, one person behind us in the stadium was a Grade A asshole - even at the end of the game, I shook the hands of a lot of Boise fans around us, except for that bad apple. A couple of the Boise fans even agreed that he was a prick, so, while he tarnished the experience, I don't hold him as a real representative of the fanbase.

The other thing I didn't like was the glares I got when I went somewhere the next day. Older folks were far more welcoming, but those that looked to be around high school age glared at me as if I were Dr. Punch himself. I've never gone through something like that - not even in Seattle where the hate is palpable.

The majority:
Walking to the stadium, I got the chance to talk with a few students. They were just good quality people. While most tend to ignore "the guy in the Oregon Jersey", a couple people made sure I felt welcomed. Definitely the best reflection of the fan base was after the game, as I had to make the embarrassing walk of shame, down the steps, through the stadium - around campus, to my car. Why was it so bad? I was wearing No. 9 - the only thing missing was the word "Blount" on the shoulders. While nobody was happy with the reaction, people were empathetic for Oregon, and Blount himself (The guy ruined his possibly bright NFL career). Things like "That's really sad" were a common phrase.

Anyway, while trying to get out of the Southeastern side of the stadium, and having this discussion about how I believed Blount's career is done, with one of these people. I tried to lighten up the moment by acting out my shame. I covered up the numbers as best as I could. When I took off the jersey, the whole area erupted in applause and laughter.

Though, my favorite fan award goes to this young lady. I forget the restaurant we stumbled across, but as we were waiting to get a seat, she was walking out. She looked at me and my friend and just shook her head in grave disappointment. The look wasn't just a look - it was a look that delved into our souls. She didn't say any words, she didn't make any noise. I felt like my mother disowned me through silence. She said so much, with out saying anything at all. Major kudos, to her.

The stadium:
I'll be honest. It wasn't what I expected.

First, I was amazed that the color scheme worked out. I gave that a 99% chance of failing (Though, I found out it was continually being shown on the news for weeks.) Most teams can't get the majority of their fans to wear a single color - you guys got it coordinated.

Second, while I didn't find it to be nearly as loud as advertised, but when you put it into perspective of the size of the stadium, it was extremely loud. I still will put up Autzen as being louder per person, Bronco Stadium isn't that far behind.

Third, I hate tracks around football fields. A lot.

Fourth, this might sound pety, but for me, it was a huge issue. I'm not gonna say the field is ugly (Not nearly as bad in person), but I found it difficult to watch the game and follow the ball. I don't know why, but about a 1/4 of the time when the ball was passed, I couldn't tell where it was going, or if it had been caught.

The Game:
Now the important part. Boise State is clearly the better team. The team I thought I knew, the players I've seen take over 1800 snaps, weren't there. I know the talent is there. I know what the players are capable of doing - but they just didn't have it. Oregon has a lot of wrinkles to iron out and Boise State has a couple left on the sleeve.

Tell me Oregon will give up 16 points to the Boise State offense, I'd have a big dumb grin on my face. Tell me Oregon got 6 first downs, all in the second half, I would have called you a liar. But I saw it with my own eyes.

Did I over-hype Oregon? Sept 3rd stats say "Yes". My confidence for the season is shaken. But it's only been one game against a BCS-Caliber team. I think a loss, like this, can really help Oregon. They didn't deserve to win, for how they played on the field. Boise State came ready and prepared. Oregon came in, brain dead and flatfooted. I wish we could have given Boise a better game. Even if it were a loss. I was more impressed with Masoli against USC last year - and he was fairly laughable there.

Boise State deserves a better conference than the WAC. Everyone in Oregon probably agrees with that. Hopefully MWC can soon be a stepping stone to bigger and better things.

I've enjoyed reading OBNUG, and going back and forth with you guys. I've never had the intention of sounding like an arrogant, demeaning, asshat. If I have, do apologize. Kevanlee and writers have a great community. And the community has one of the best bloggers.

Good luck with the rest of the season Go Broncos and Go Ducks.

Poll

So Boise State fans... Are we cool?

Yes, and here is $20.

31 votes

Maybe, if you give me $20.

24 votes

No. Invest $20 to get your head out of your Blount.

8 votes

I think this is stupid. I want to give Mikrino my life savings.

9 votes

72 votes | Poll has closed

Mix and Match your favorite combinations!

JShufelt — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 00:58:34 -0000

Mix and Match your favorite combinations!

Found this on the Oregon Live.

I keep hearing that Oregon players are going to be going into Boise with a chip on their...

JShufelt — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 15:46:52 -0000

I keep hearing that Oregon players are going to be going into Boise with a chip on their shoulders.

Someone tell me... is that legal field personnel? Does Chip Kelly know no bounds?

NY Times: Spread Forcing Fundamental Changes on Defense

JShufelt — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:08:43 -0000

NY Times: Spread Forcing Fundamental Changes on Defense

An interesting article about how teams in the NCAA are being required to change even their most basic coverage schemes.

Visitor Suggestions - Places to hit while in Boise

JShufelt — Sat, 29 Aug 2009 18:19:06 -0000

So, I guess there's this football game in Boise in a few days. In the sea of Orange and Blue, there will be spots of yellow and green. I'll be one of those spots. While I've been to Boise before, that schedule was very packed. This time, I anticipate having around 4-5 hours to just kinda kill while we wait for kickoff. Our hotel is about a tiny 20 minute walk from the stadium, though other locations would be welcomed too.

What I'm looking for is the "Visiting fan's guide to Boise". Specifically around Bronco Stadium.

What are the "must visit" eateries? Where could a couple of guys dawning green and yellow have a good time, possible talk football with a few fans, and maybe have a couple beers?

Any other sites to visit? Any pregame activities that might be enjoyable? How's the tailgating scene?

I'll likely be writing up a FanPost of the visit. I want to give a glowing review! So far I've been in Husky country (Ugh. Awful.) for a game, and I've been to Purdue (One of the best groups a visitor could hang out with).

Just thought I'd share my favorite Pat Chung college highlight. While it didn't turn out the way he...

JShufelt — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 17:37:45 -0000

Just thought I'd share my favorite Pat Chung college highlight. While it didn't turn out the way he would have liked, you got to admire his desire to give 100% on every play - including punt returning.

Off the Pond: Coaches Awards

JShufelt — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 17:11:59 -0000

Off the Pond: Coaches Awards

An entertaining article by fellow duck blog Off the Pond.

Clemens not making it so easy for Sanchez

JShufelt — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 22:43:20 -0000

Clemens not making it so easy for Sanchez

I decided to check up on the QB competition in New York.
Clemens looks to be getting most first team snaps. Can the Cowboy get it done?