The Anticipation Level

[wheaton4prez]

It seems like anticipation for this season is at an all time high.

Am I wrong?

If not, what is the reason? High pre-season rankings? Coaching changes? Certain players? The increased use/buzz of the internet during the off-season?

[duckgrad99]

All of those are good reasons. I would also say the unknown factor is probably greater for this coming season than in years past. Oregon has the potential to be really good, but I think they also have the potential to be closer to average. There has been so much going on since Oregon played their last football game.

[echo31]

I think a lot of it has to do with how well we did last year with so many questions going into the season. This time last year the media was pointing out how we had lost Dixon and JStew and we had serious question marks on our D-Line. We proved the naysayers wrong and ended up with 10 wins. This year could answer the question of whether we have the talent to reload or if last year was a fluke and we have to rebuild.

[woundedknees]

Even in the transition from Brooks to Belloti, I don't believe there was this level of positive energy... At that time, there was quitie a bit of bitterness toward Brooks for gutting the coaching staff on his way out the door, and there were quite a few so-called fans (Many of whom I suspect were calling for Brooks' head on a platter just a couple seasons before) who resented the fact Brooks bolted for the NFL after what many peceived to be his first really good season.

There is definitely not that level of angst in the Belloti-Kelly transition.

I think most fans expect at worst, a brief hiccup as the team adjusts to the new scheme.

[GoDucksIn09]

I have been a duck fan for many many years. I think the only time can remember such anticipation was pre 2001. We had Harrington being a senior that year. That summer they had very high emotion workouts much like they are having this summer. I am not saying other years they have not because not been there and can not measure that from year to year. I know from a fan's perspective the anticipation is high. Think with the recruiting and the possibilities and the favorable home schedule.. makes this one very anxious season for duck fans to see if they reach the high lofty goals the fans would enjoy seeing. I just hope are not as man down to the wire games we had in 2001. Those truly had to be the cardiac kids.

[woundedknees]

Just once, I would love to see the Ducks have a season where the defense plays well enough for these huge point totals the offense generates result in a series of big blowouts by Oregon... Stick the knife in, twist it a couple times, and stick it in again, just to make the point!

Killer Instinct is mot necessarily a bad thing!

[freedjr]

With the importance of QB play and how newcomer sophomore Masoli was playing at the end of the season, it's hard not to be excited. Plus, we're getting some national recognition, which seems like it hasn't happened too often. And, everyone is saying USC is actually vulnerable. I think it's a combination of all of that.

The nice thing is we'll know pretty much off the bat how justified the hype is.

The worst part? We actually have to wait another month and a half for college football to start!

[uodux1212]

Season opener on the road at BSU probably has something to do with all the buzz as well... considering everything that happened in the game last season, payback is on the minds of A LOT of fans (and players too!)...

I agree with Wounded, how about putting away some teams this year?!? That comeback by AZ last season was WAY too close for comfort!

45 days
5 hours
53 minutes
45 seconds

GO DUCKS!

[duckstheword]

Just once, I would love to see the Ducks have a season where the defense plays well enough for these huge point totals the offense generates result in a series of big blowouts by Oregon... Stick the knife in, twist it a couple times, and stick it in again, just to make the point!

Killer Instinct is mot necessarily a bad thing!

Completely agree, wounded. I think that is what my anticipation is... I think Kelly is the guy to take us to the next level with his killer instinct. Someone who is not afraid to continue to pour it on and not let the opposition back in the game. Bellotti seemed to do that more times than I would have liked him too. He did have a few 3rd quarter on side kicks that were cool!

I also truly believe we will beat Boise by at least 10 points.

[NCDucks09]

Anticipation Level = High

Expectation Level = BCS Bowl Game

Reasons:

1. 2008 Holiday Bowl Highlight Reel Smackdown Vs. OSU (Big 12)
2. 10 Win Season in 2008
3. Head Coach Switch MB to CK
4. New Rivalry Game Top 15 Season Opener Vs. BSU
5. Strength of Schedule if Ducks run the table = National Championship Birth
6. Favorable Home Schedule = Utah, Purdue, Cal, USC, ASU, OSU all @ Autzen Stadium
7. New Uni's!!! ;D

GO DUCKS!!!

[ncduck]

^^^

Yes, the new uni's are the last part that puts us over the top!!!

The funny thing is, new uni's give us a higher profile in the media to some extent. It's concieveable(SP?) that at least one voting AP member has Oregon top of mind when doing the ballot and puts Oregon maybe a spot or two higher than they would have otherwise.

If that even happens I bet it would be only a couple of points overall. But hey, you never know when a couple votes can change the world. Ask Al Gore.

[UofDuck]

Anticipation Level = High

Expectation Level = BCS Bowl Game

Reasons:

1. 2008 Holiday Bowl Highlight Reel Smackdown Vs. OSU (Big 12)
2. 10 Win Season in 2008
3. Head Coach Switch MB to CK
4. New Rivalry Game Top 15 Season Opener Vs. BSU
5. Strength of Schedule if Ducks run the table = National Championship Birth
6. Favorable Home Schedule = Utah, Purdue, Cal, USC, ASU, OSU all @ Autzen Stadium
7. New Uni's!!! ;D

GO DUCKS!!!

Well played my friend. Well played.