Oregon Purdue Preview

Courtesy of DDubs at "As Seen By Dave"....great read Dave!

What if? What if is the mantra of a weakling. What if is the regrets of an individual that cannot stand by the decisions they’ve made. What if the line held? What if we played faster? What if we took advantage of turnovers? What if the game hadn’t ended in the way it did? To live your life by what ifs, you must first be willing to drown yourself in your own pity. You must live your life not looking at the future, but miring yourself in mistakes.

In the wake of a defeat at the hands of Boise State, Oregon has avoided what ifs. Chip Kelly, humbly acknowledged that we were beat—out-coached, out-played. Chip Kelly has not bemoaned not having our tailback, but rather, in every opportunity given, has shown confidence in our ability to put quality backs on the field. We are not swimming in a pity pot, but rather, looking to our future.

And what does that future hold? We’ll know more about that today. Oregon has far superior athletes than Purdue. We are at home. It is the home opener. All of the cards are stacked in our favor, if we can play looking into the future, not worrying about the past. Today we have an opportunity to establish dominance and leadership on the field, on the sidelines, and in the stands. We have an opportunity to present ourselves as a class program.

When I walk into Autzen, I’m going to shake the hands of Purdue fans. I’m going to focus my energy forward, not backward. And by the end of the game, I’m going to be singing the praises of LaMichael James...the fast back that despite a weakened line, found a way to scurry to the outside, and gain positive yards. I’m going to relish in the poise that Masoli brings to the field for the second game of the year, and begin to drool at the prospects of a Rose Bowl season.

It’s easy to bring negativity with you following disappointment. But what will that get you? How will it help you? It’s time to begin a new season. It’s time to bring energy into Autzen. It’s time to represent the Ducks the way we expect them to represent us. Scream with me.

Do or do not, there is no what if.

GO DUCKS!