http://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/hiestand-tv/2010-12-29-mike-belotti-espn-bcs-championship-game_N.htm
Nice. I think he's a great commentator and he obviously knows what he's talking about, unlike 80%+ of the color commentators out there today.
don't the people who call Saturday night football for CFB on ABC usually call the MNC? they did last year...
yeah, as I read it he won't be one of the guys calling the game for the main telecast. I wish he were as it sort of drives me nuts when talking heads perpetuate half-truth talking points/misconceptions about the Ducks, and Mike is pretty good at clearing those up. An example of this is the oft repeated take of how Oregon's light DLine will get worn down by a heavier Auburn OLine. While it's true that Duck starters are lighter compared to theirs, they counter this by rotating in a whole fresh line (Jordan, Hart, Heimuli, Hanna) each opponent's possession resulting in their starters playing a little more then half the snaps that their opponent's starters play. Giving up a grand total of four 4th quarter TDs for the season speaks to who has been getting worn down. STOMP
Did you guys read the article? I found this part especially interesting: I see a reason why you wouldn't have led the team to the brink of a championship, Mike: you suck. That's just my personal opinion, and I realize he got the team to #2 overall with Harrington, but I don't think Bellotti could have coached the team to an undefeated season with his conservative play calling, which means we wouldn't be ranked #2, which means we wouldn't be in the BCS NC. I think he would have lost at least a couple of those games. Again, just my opinion.
I respect the hell out of what MB did for this program.. but This team would not have gone undefeated with him at the help. I think 10-2 MAYBE 11-1 at very best (what that would have taken a lot going this teams way.) These Chip Kelly teams believe in themselves way WAY more than MB teams did. These Chip Kelly teams can get punched in the mouth several times and they dont get rattled. I cant say thats the same with MB teams. an MB team would have mailed it in after Boise St last year, or down in the 4th quarter at Arizona last year. MB's teams would have rolled over after being down to Stanford this year, or even possibly Tennessee. The MB teams didnt lack talent, they lacked the mental toughness to get over the hump. Chip Kelly has added what this program has lacked. And thats why the program is taking the next step, whereas it plateued after The Fiesta Bowl under MB.
I agree with all of this, and I would like to add that Chip is great at calling a gutsy play at the right moment of a game to get the Ducks back into the thick of things. Bellotti would never have done the fake punts or the trick plays that have worked so well for Oregon this year.
I don't really understand this MB disregard. He's the winningest coach in Oregon HISTORY, at 116-55. 85% of the team you're enjoying is the result of his staffs recruiting - as is CK. From 1977-1994, Rich Brooks came in with 89 wins. I specifically recall MB having a bit of a 'wild-card', risk-taker, tough-guy persona, compared to Brooks. It's difficult to recall all the times MB showed me personally, through his actions, coaching and leadership with players, just how dedicated and ethical he was. Several situations stand out, and I've discussed them on the board before. I think it's careless and nearsighted for any fan not to recognize that MB is the coach that took Oregon from OK and GOOD to BCS/National Title Contender. What you see on the field is a direct result of MB and stating Oregon would not be in the NC if MB was still HC is pure speculation and no more factual than me saying a MB team would have been better prepared for Boise St and Stanford, last season, and would have taken Alabama down to the wire, instead of getting run out of the Rose Bowl. disclaimer: i do respect your opinions, just think they are, well, for lack of better words, horse$*%@!
Sorry man, but I didn't like him back in 2001 when the team should have played for a NC, so I don't see how it's near sited at all. I just didn't like his style. It's a matter of opinion. Recruiting has nothing to do with it. Sure, I respect the hell out of his recruiting ability. He was good at snagging JC guys and developing diamond in the rough players. I definitely think he was quality in those areas. I just felt that his play calling was too conservative at times and it bugged me. If you disagree that's totally fine, but I find myself identifying with CK much more than I ever did with Bellotti. Regardless, I think the thing I appreciate most from MB is hiring CK and then having the.... honor?.... intelligence?.... God I don't know what word would be best to describe what he did when he stepped down and promoted CK.
It's cool. MB was around Oregon since 1989. If CK is involved with Oregon for 20 years, I'm sure something about him will rub you wrong. I didn't like the Rose Bowl game plan and calling - or his bright red lips and mouth. But, I do think, so far, he's the best HC in the nation based on performance.
The problem last year was Masoli. It's funny... once Masoli left the team got so much better with a REAL QB.
Hehe... I don't want to split hairs with you on this issue, because I agree -- in part. Masoli is not the leader to deliver in a huge bowl, IMHO. However, he did have an impressive 2009 season and was expected to be a Heisman front runner this year. If we're discussing the RB, Oregon was NOT prepared and Oregon did NOT execute - not just Masoli, and I would wager staff and players would agree. The defense allowed 10 first quarter points and played on their heels. We were something like 2-12 on third downs where tOSU converted on over 50% of their 3rd downs. We were outplayed and outcoached. Period. Masoli was only allowed to throw 20 times - he connected 9 times and matched Pryor on INTS. Flint missed a MAJORLY HUGE field goal when the momentum appeared to be changing - and we totally deflated - as a team, not just Masoli. I watched Chip, front row. He just stood there. Man, Masoli was part of the blame - but, not all. The team was not prepared. If I recall, we had half the time of possession (not a big deal IF Oregon is scoring) but we also had double the penalty yards. * It was miserable. We were flat, winded, gassed and looked slow -- not just Masoli. I do not believe Thomas would have delivered different results given the pressure and lack of options (WR's were not getting open) Masoli was presented with. It's cool, it was Chip's first bowl appearance. Jan 10th is a new day with a team who knows the system better. I think a Mike Bellotti team would have been better prepared for the Rose Bowl. Ok, I put that last sentence in there just to be, well, full of horse%^&*#.
