[Goose]

Fewer downs played by DLine.  We squeeze teams like a boa constrictor with time consuming drives.

Agree. That has to happen, and is basically always part of the plan with our offensive approach. If we can run the ball on most downs, we WILL win. If we can run the ball in spurts, we CAN win.

So, teams that run well pose biggest challenge:  WASH, UTAH, maybe NDAM.  Not SC nor UCLA, WAST, or CALSucks.  Ducks? = TBD

Mostly agree, except I think USC may be capable of running the ball if they try. The Ducks have a very good back, but their offense is more geared to wide line splits and getting the backs out in space. That is what our linebackers feed on, so I am less worried about the DL there. I don't think Oregon either wants to or can grind it out with anybody. SC on the other hand has an inexperienced line, but a line that at least on paper could grind with most people. They have shown, up to now, a marked lack of wanting to do that. Probably this is because it doesn't play to Darnold's strength and certainly with their great wide receivers last year it made less sense. However, if they do commit to the run against us, it could be interesting. OTOH, I don't, in my heart of hearts, expect them to do that.

[Goose]

Fewer downs played by DLine.  We squeeze teams like a boa constrictor with time consuming drives.

Agree. That has to happen, and is basically always part of the plan with our offensive approach. If we can run the ball on most downs, we WILL win. If we can run the ball in spurts, we CAN win.

So, teams that run well pose biggest challenge:  WASH, UTAH, maybe NDAM.  Not SC nor UCLA, WAST, or CALSucks.  Ducks? = TBD

Mostly agree, except I think USC may be capable of running the ball if they try. The Ducks have a very good back, but their offense is more geared to wide line splits and getting the backs out in space. That is what our linebackers feed on, so I am less worried about the DL there. I don't think Oregon either wants to or can grind it out with anybody. SC on the other hand has an inexperienced line, but a line that at least on paper could grind with most people. They have shown, up to now, a marked lack of wanting to do that. Probably this is because it doesn't play to Darnold's strength and certainly with their great wide receivers last year it made less sense. However, if they do commit to the run against us, it could be interesting. OTOH, I don't, in my heart of hearts, expect them to do that.