Autzen Audibles

I'll be honest, this might be USC's year. Too much leadership lost in key positions to beat Barkley & Co. Still the future is very bright with Bennett or Mariota at the helm.

Thank you, Matt for being honest with us. When everyone was calling for Bennett to replace DT, I kept raising the questions about REAL pressure situations. Like you said, it was easy for BB to come in and save the day against inferior teams--those teams were precisely why Chip let him play--but could he do what DT did against Stanford twice, USC last year in the Colliseum and even in near comeback win this season, Auburn (despite the loss), Wisconsin, and so on? We just don't knowxand no one can really say either way; however, history dictates that few sophomore QBs have come into any starting lineup and handled the pressure cooker. I just hope BB--MM for that matter--can take confidence in the experience that will surround them and give us what we need to Win The Day.

Lets not get too sentimental here guys. Thomas was really good in a lot of ways but Bennett did every bit as good, in his limited time, as Thomas did.

Remember when we looked like garbage against Washington State and Thomas got put on the bench for Bennett? I do. Bennett is electric; a real difference maker. Thomas had his moments but I'm not too sad to see him go. His leadership will be missed but I think Bennett is every bit as capable. I don't think it's time to conceed the Pac-12 to USC just yet.

So you are comparing OS hoops with Oregon football? They are not in the same universe!!! One thing people forget to talk about is the real lack of the true zone read with Thomas.....he is simply to SLOW to run the football with consistent effectiveness. With the weapons DT had around him he was very successful but to think Bennett cannot have the same success is crazy talk, an athelete with BB or MM's skill set gives us a better chance against those teams who have superior defensive lines! The speed factor was not there against Auburn and LSU so they were able to key on the running backs and knew they could catch Thomas because he's SLOW this is not the case with either Bennett or Mariota. I agree some experience is lacking but it won't be by what should be our first and possibly only test against SC! It won't hurt with what should be our best defense unit in years.
Go Ducks!

Bennett will be just fine. I feel that he is more tuned for this offense. Even more so than DT. It may take him a few games, but the good thing is that we have a great starting schedule for that. We are not throwing him in against LSU or another powerhouse. Anything that is not there will be worked out in time for the meat of our schedule. I am ready for the BB era.

I know one group of people who 100% disagree with you Matt, our WR's. Bennett throws a perfect ball, and IMO will have a year much like Price at UW. BB will get 3 games to get comfy being the leader for UO, and by the time we roll down to LA, he will have had 2 months under his belt. Yes BB was 54% completion rating this year, but a lot of that had to do with his not practicing with the 1s much. Remember how much chemistry he had with the backups? He hit our backup WR in stride, he just needs to get that same thing with the starters and he will also be a 60%+ passer.

One of the things I love most about college football is the hope that springs from essentially rebuilding the team each year. Seniors graduate, some kids flame out, some go pro unexpectedly (Javes Lewis) some get hurt and "retire," unheralded recruits become stars (LT) and five star recruits can disappear, poof, without a trace (Seastrunk). Sure, the QB play over the course of the entire 2012 season is now a big unknown. Darron Thomas was at his best in big games ... Stanford the last two years, Wisconsin and even Auburn. As time goes by we'll love DT more and more.

But its college. We all get a year older each season but somehow the kids stay the same age ... except for Grampa Asper. Hope springs eternal. Can't wait for the season to begin!

Last time I checked Oregon still has a guy named Chip Kelly. So best of luck to Darron...

Well Oregon still has that guy Chip Kelly.....

as of now, I hope there isn't more meaning to DT leaving