Oregon Ducks

Oregon Ducks Season Of Progress Continues With Pac-12 Play

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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The Oregon Ducks look to restart winning momentum entering Pac-12 Play.

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Every year there are fans that think if you lose a game, your season is over. Oregon Fans are passionate, and some have choice words. Others remember the days when Autzen Stadium was half empty with teams from across the country coming to Eugene with Stars of their own and trampling Oregon on their home field.

While the team has come a long way over the last 40 years, there is one thing we need to remember. College Football is a game. A game played by kids who are put in the best position possible to win by their coaches. At times accountability needs to be answered which was the case this week in the four point loss at Nebraska.

When the team loses, I always see the same old graphic across Social Media. It’s the one that says, ‘Win or Lose, I Still LOVE My Ducks!’. For fans calling for Head Coach Mark Helfrich to be fired, you seriously need to get a grip. For those clamoring for Chip Kelly to return, that is also a dreamworld I want no part of. I do know that College Football has to do with talent, ability, and innovation. The first two do not lack with the Oregon Ducks of 2016. The third may be cause for concern.

But there is a delicate balance that must be maintained with these elements and with back to back one year Quarterbacks, you can’t really do that much and still keep the balance with the others. On Defense, a new scheme is a whole different animal. Not to mention the multitude of new, young talent that has taken the field. On Offense, the Line is learning on the job and looking pretty good.

In another year or so, if this Oregon Offensive Line stays together, they could end up being the best in the Conference, or even the Nation.

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In the game there are always injuries and Oregon has seen too many over the last few years in my honest opinion. The losses of Devon Allen(I feel for him) and Tyrell Crosby will see others step into their shoes over the coming weeks and months as the team looks to make a push to the Pac-12 Championship.

As some have said, this is somewhat of a year of progress, not rebuild for the Oregon Ducks. The experience on the field learned this year, especially with the Offensive Line will pay dividends for years to come. Patience by fans in 2016 will be worth it.

Oregon wrapped up the Non-Conference slate at 2-1 and the second season begins on Saturday with Colorado at Autzen Stadium. (2:30pm Pacific Time, Pac-12 Network)

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