Helfrich says this is the most talented/fast team he's seen

[Mosster47]

If I had a ready made team like a 2001 Miami squad that just needed a QB I'd take Thomas over Mariota every time. Having a QB that gets better as the situation gets tougher is fucking rare it's ridiculous.

If I had an average team then I'd take Mariota. His running around like a horny gorilla is after him at least moves the chains when nothing else is working.

I don't think the system that Oregon runs is sustainable at the current level without an outstanding coach. It has only been done by three people; Rich Rod as WVU, Meyer at Utah, Florida, tOSU, and Kelly at Oregon. You are asking inferior physical talent on either the size, strength, or speed department to beat better athletes by preparation, execution, and pace. It takes one hell of a leader to do that consistently. I don't think Oregon has that. That isn't an insult to Slingblade. Like listed before there have been three out of the now hundreds that have usedthe same or similar system to become elite.

 

[ntxduck]

DT's two biggest issues as a teammate were both locker room/off the field type stuff.
1. He was not a fan, to put it mildly, of non-African Americans and did not speak with or even acknowledge most of his white teammates off the field
2. He caused a lot of internal drama hooking up with other player's girlfriends

 

[Mosster47]

DT's two biggest issues as a teammate were both locker room/off the field type stuff.
1. He was not a fan, to put it mildly, of non-African Americans and did not speak with or even acknowledge most of his white teammates off the field
2. He caused a lot of internal drama hooking up with other player's girlfriends

So he acted like a rich white guy? Good for him.

 

[ToiletSeat]

That isn't an insult to Slingblade.

Absolutely classic. Do you even bother to read the drivel you post?

"I'm not saying you have bad breath, Martha, but you could knock a buzzard off a shitwagon!"

 

[HFNY]

Oregon's concerns:

1. Now 2nd year removed from Chip Kelly's influence

2. Receiving core (no Huff, Addison, DAT, or Hawkins)

3. Front 7 (lost a lot over the last two years, relying on mostly unproven guys, and Tony Washington isn't Dion Jordan).

4. Marcus Mariota getting beat up on offense. As others have mentioned, he looks like a #1 pick when he has loads of time and can run around but accuracy and mental edge decline significantly as the hits rack up.

5. An OL trying to get bigger and stronger...it's veteran but sometimes trying to change an OL philosophy too much can backfire (less endurance, mobility, or more injuries).

6. Fan apathy? Could be wrong but I feel like I've seen more articles of late of fans losing interest since Oregon isn't in the NC every year.

Still, I see Oregon only losing 3 regular season games if Mariota stays healthy, a young WR steps up (and Mundt develops more), and the front 7 is closer to your 2012 front 7.

 

[RoadDawg55]

I think Mariota is better than Thomas, but I don't think he's incredible.

Oregon's concerns:

1. Now 2nd year removed from Chip Kelly's influence

2. Receiving core (no Huff, Addison, DAT, or Hawkins)

3. Front 7 (lost a lot over the last two years, relying on mostly unproven guys, and Tony Washington isn't Dion Jordan).

4. Marcus Mariota getting beat up on offense. As others have mentioned, he looks like a #1 pick when he has loads of time and can run around but accuracy and mental edge decline significantly as the hits rack up.

5. An OL trying to get bigger and stronger...it's veteran but sometimes trying to change an OL philosophy too much can backfire (less endurance, mobility, or more injuries).

6. Fan apathy? Could be wrong but I feel like I've seen more articles of late of fans losing interest since Oregon isn't in the NC every year.

Still, I see Oregon only losing 3 regular season games if Mariota stays healthy, a young WR steps up (and Mundt develops more), and the front 7 is closer to your 2012 front 7.

It's 5 reasons. Not 6.

 

[Mosster47]

That isn't an insult to Slingblade.

Absolutely classic. Do you even bother to read the drivel you post?

"I'm not saying you have bad breath, Martha, but you could knock a buzzard off a shitwagon!"

Do you realize you haven't fallen into one camp fire and stayed there yet?