Ok, did the guy get a total slap-down behind Oregonian office doors? Is this like an abusive relationship? What is going on here?? I looked outside and didn't see any flying pigs....made a call to hell and it's still hot and toast... Please talk some sense into me so I don't start liking the guy, lol... It's my job to look closely at a football team. To talk with the players and coaches. To listen. To observe. And most times, you can see an obvious deficiency on offense, or defense, or in coaching. In the last 16 years, I've covered Notre Dame as a beat reporter, among others. Also, I've covered the Big 10 Conference, the Western Athletic Conference, the Atlantic Coast Conference, the Pac-10 and I've worked eight Bowl Championship Series national title games. I believe this year's UO football team could lick any team I've ever been around. It's why I'm picking Oregon to go 12-0 this season and play again for the national championship. Go on. Say it. The Ducks have turned this columnist into a homer. Oregon has a returning Heisman Trophy candidate in LaMichael James. Also, a quarterback in Darron Thomas whose movements on the field were nearly flawless last season. There also are big-time playmakers on defense and special teams, and coach Chip Kelly may have the most gifted offensive mind in the country. This is a team that held the rope for each other in 2010. And there's a pile of evidence that suggests they'll do it again this season. You don't have to like everything the Ducks say, or do, but there's no denying that this is a group that is committed to not allowing anyone or anything to distract it. But Oregon says it has been galvanized by every bit of adversity. So it's 12-0 in the regular season. Then, Oregon hosts the Pacific-12 Conference title game. Then, we spend a month debating how many points the Ducks would put up against the Cincinnati Bengals. Then, we see what happens Jan. 9, 2012 at the Louisiana Superdome against whoever shows up to play Oregon. The preseason predictions are typically all over the place. But I challenge even the biggest Ducks pessimist to look at Oregon's schedule this season and find fewer than 10 victories. Right now, as is, I see 12. I could be wrong at 12-0, but I just don't pick against guys like that. http://www.oregonlive.com/sports/or...f/2011/08/canzano_pieces_are_falling_int.html
the clown is writing the back story for claiming "I told you so" no matter what happens. They win the Pac 12 or possibly even go undefeated... "I saw greatness in this team before the season even started." They lose a few games and whether it's because of poor execution, outstanding performance by the opponent, odd bounces of the ball, or a rash of injuries... "I recognized their lack of leadership back in the offseason. The Ducks need leaders and it starts at the top. Demote Kelly to OC and get a real Head Coach" STOMP
Great point, Stomp. You're probably right. He's all about ego and putting enough out there to have the, "I told you so," in his pocket. Good point.
Well, it's all very calculated. He knows he needs to write a piece like this so he can keep pushing the "I'm a Ducks fan" bullshit. If he only writes negative drivel, people won't buy that line. If he occasionally throws in an article like this, he can say he's just giving tough love.