FBS = UFC ?

As we all know by now, LeGarrette Blount socked Boise State lineman Hout right in the face, then at a later time had to be restrained by police after attempting to jack a fan up while leaving for the locker room (where he gave THIS speech).

As a hardcore Ducks fan, I'm a little disgraced and embarrassed by his actions, but I'm also a little upset at the Boise player who taunted him after the final whistle blew. Hout ran up to Blount and shouted "how about that ass whoopin?" while banging on Blount's shoulder pads. The emotions got the best of both players, but Blount's actions were worse. I think the next big question is, what will happen to Blount?

As of right now (1:15 EST on 9/2) the PAC-10 is reviewing the videos of the hit more in depth and will eventually come to a conclusion. In my opinion, Blount should be suspended 3 games. According to ESPN's Sports Nation, Blount should be kicked off the team. I find that to be a little harsh. This brings me to think about a couple seasons ago when Miami and Florida International got into a total melee on the field. I researched the incident and found that most of the players involved received a one game suspension. Even the player that beat the FIU player with his helmet only got a one game suspension from the ACC. Now it brings me to my point: I don't see how Blount should be kicked off of the team for this (even though it was wrong) when much more serious actions have been pardoned or mildly punished. Blount definitely needs to be addressed and I'm interested to see what happens. He's a good player, but his emotions got the best of him. I hope that he can remain on the team and contribute further down the line this season.

References:
Miami vs. FIU on Youtube
Miami/FIU Suspension Article

Oh so close...

Well, very soon, in basically 24 hours and some odd minutes, the Ducks and Broncos will be kicking off! This should be one of the, if not, best opening games of the 2009 college football season. I have been wearing ducks gear everyday since Monday. My manager is letting me leave work early tomorrow to catch the kickoff. I'll be watching this game on my 73" DLP with the Mirage surround sound system....yeah it's going to be awesome : )

But enough of that, let's check out the final release of the depth chart, shall we?

Offense:
WR: Holland, Tuinei
LT: Thran, Weems
LG: York, Carmichael
C: Holmes, Forer
RG: Asper, Golpashin
RT: Kaiser, Cody
TE: Dickson, Paulson
WR: Maehl, Davis
WR: Embry, Cantu
QB: Masoli, Costa
RB: Blount, James

Defense:
DE: Tukuafu, Turner
DT: Bair, Clark
DT: Ferras, Toeaina
DE: Rowe, Irvin
SLB: Pleasant, Kaddu
MLB: Matthews, Alonso
WLB: Paysinger, Littlejohn
LCB: Thurmond III, Peppars
FS: Ward, Boyett
Rov: Lewis, Johnson
RCB: Jackson III, Glasper

Specialists:

PK: Flint, Beard
KO: Beard, Flint
P: Rice, Taylor
KR: Thurmond III, James
PR: Barner, Thurmond III
LS: Clay, Palmer
Holder: Costa, Taylor

One surprise here: LaMichael James will be the backup for the game, I find that odd since he was having only a mediocre training camp/practices. But he's super quick so I'm curious to see what he can do running and on the kick returns as well.

The Ducks will win if:
1. The defense shows up. I'm not talking like, being on the field. I'm talking about them getting out there and getting it done. Our biggest weakness is the spotty play of the D but when they play, they play hard.
2. Boise State starts out slow. If we can keep them from getting big gains right off the bat, and maybe shut down two or three drives and score on ours, we can go up big very quickly. Last year, the ducks were seventh overall on offense in college football and dead last in time of possession. Just something to ponder...

The Ducks will lose if:
1. Anything happens to Masoli. And I pray that nothing does. But in my opinion, Costa isn't ready. I understand Darron Thomas torched them last season in the almost-comeback, but right now I'm not sure if the order of the depth chart can be trusted.
2. Our defense doesn't play (see above #1)

Weather: Weather for the game is going to be a nice 81 degrees with a slight 6 mph wind from the east. No rain, which is good. I've hated rain ever since the Cal game last year.

Bookie and Projections: Boise State over Oregon by 4.5. ESPN Fan Nation is also rooting for the Broncos.

*Sidenote: put up a facebook page, add me!
facebook'in it

Rumor has it: The Ducks will be going with the all white/silver jerseys, but this isn't confirmed for sure. Pics:
Helemt; Jersey (#2 TJ Ward)

This is shaping up to be a great, explosive game. I'll catch everyone over on the ESPN game board tomorrow. Lets Go Ducks!

-Lee

My Oregon Ducks preview is complete!

My in depth player reviews/previews for the offense (2009 season) is complete and available for download here.

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