"Because we can never be too professional around here" via www.zingerbug.com

We have a great relationship with CGB North (rarely referred to as Addicted To Quack).  Not only do they provide us with all the minerals and nutrients we need to life this leisure life-style, but they tell us things.  Important things.  Like when we have food on our face.  Or we need to brush our teeth again.

But, the most important thing they can tell us is information about our upcoming college football game against the Oregon Ducks.  So, we've done a Q+A with them.  We're posting it now, because we're about to death panel the lot of them and we wanna get this info first.  So, check behind the fold for their answers to our questions about the Oregon football team.  And here are our answers to their questions.  Try to guess which Marshawnthusiasts answered which questions!  Yay for BFFs!

1.  Is the tradeoff for selling your soul to Phil Knight that you have to wear uniforms that would only be seen at a European technobar?
PaulSF: Last I looked, I believe I saw an University of Oregon student-designed Nike Swoosh on Cal's uniforms. At least we got more than a logo for selling our souls.

5.  Often times your secondary receives a lot of hype going into each year.  Yet, each year it never seems to play to the level of that hype.  Why is that?
PaulSF: I actually get pretty tired of explaining this one, so I'm going to substitute my answer with a short quiz: What part of a team's defense determines its success at stopping its opponent's passing game? Is it A) its secondary; B) its pass rush; or C) its scheme. Obviously all three play a factor, but the pass rush would be the correct answer. Which is why, typically, teams with outstanding offensive lines (read: Oregon in 2008) have a lot of success on offense. The more time a quarterback has to throw the ball, the more likely it is one of his receivers will get open. It's a pretty simple equation, really.

The Ducks only returned one starter on the defensive line this year (Will Tukuafu), so we aren't getting nearly the push up front that we need. That said, we're still having success in the secondary this year because we have some great athletes, namely Walter Thurmond III. So, I guess it's not ALL about the line of scrimmage, but pretty damn near.

jtlight: Also, safety play. I can't stress it enough, but early last season, the passing defense of TJ Ward was simply terrible. Our secondary has looked good this year, despite the lack of a pass rush, because it's not all on the cornerbacks. They have safeties that are making plays and can back them up if they make mistakes.
 
6.  How much blame would you put on Masoli for the Ducks awful passing numbers?  How much on the receivers for drops/bad routes?  How much on the offensive line for not giving Masoli time to throw?  The coaching staff for poor playcalling?  Give your answer in terms of percentages, and show your work.
PaulSF: You have to pass the blame around, but I'd rank it like this (in order of biggest effect to littlest effect):
1. Offensive line 40%
2. Timing/execution issues due to the new OC 25%
3. Masoli 15%
tie Receivers 15%
5. Poor play-calling (at least for Oregon's personnel) 5%

jtlight: I am gonna disagree with Paul on this one, mainly because in terms of pass protection, I think that the offensive line has been just fine, and I'd put them to about 15% of the problem, as in most cases, Masoli has had plenty of time.

The rest of the blame can lie on Masoli and the receviers. Both have been put in positions to succeed, and neither have consistently made the plays that are there. Masoli has missed wide open receivers, and when he has gotten them the ball, they haven't held onto it consistently. Masoli has also shown an inability to consistently read his progressions, and has failed to find his best weapon, Ed Dickson.

8.  Tell us of Diante Jackson.  We so dearly miss him!

jtlight: He hasn't seen the field at all in a game, and may redshirt, but he's been doing very well in practice. Our own version of JO can't stop praising his scout team work.