18 Comments
User's avatar
Bowlesman 80's avatar

WTF?

"[N]o quarterback battle."

Gee, not from where I sit.

Oregon's second string defense is likely as good or better than our first string. Moreover, do we know for certain it was second-stringers Kai was up against? Oregon desperately needs to make a case for the CFP, why would they take their foot off the gas?

Either way, maybe Kai does not have a long ball and, maybe, an opponent is usually caught off guard when up against a new, untested QB, but Kai sure as Hell looked good out there!

There is precedent for a two QB rotation. Why not? Honestly, at this point, what do we have to lose?

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

If we're being honest, and that's what we do here on W4C, Jack Plummer has been spotty from the opening kickoff v UC Davis...Woodson's pick-6 and another INT on our own 3 really skewed that performance. He was disappointing v. UNLV...even the offensive explosion v. U of A was aided by a record breaking 277 yard FR RB performance by Ott.

Have their been contributing factors? Absolutely, we've discussed them often. BUT, from a strictly performance standpoint, Jack Plummer should definitely not be an "unquestioned" starter, especially in the midst of a 4-game losing streak. And now we have some tangible evidence of Kai Millner.

Expand full comment
Bowlesman 80's avatar

Yes, Plummer is reminiscent of Bowers- fits and starts. And, also like Bowers, maybe a bit gun-shy, now. Remember how Bowers changed after the USC hit?

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

Absolutely. And I loved Bowers - he was a gamer. Again, it's nothing personal v Plummer - totally dig his toughness. But have we seen enough from him to anoint him a lock as a starter? After he lost the gig at a similar program for the Boilermakers? Dunno.

Wilxcox is absolutely loyal. Sometimes too much so. And he's not going anywhere.

Expand full comment
Bowlesman 80's avatar

Loyalty makes everyone feel safe in their job/assignment. That relationship between coaches and players is VERY important. He's a players' coach. But... competition brings out the best in people.

Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

I'm absolutely counting on that if we're to keep Ott, J Mike, Hunter, Mavin, and others in the fold.

Expand full comment
goldenone's avatar

Also, we had some of our 2nd/3rd string receivers out there including Christakos and Baker. Baker managed a 55 yard TD, and Latu was suddenly catching passes. That's execution.

Expand full comment
O.Overall's avatar

JFC. We know we will lose with Plummer behind center. Not entirely his fault but he is a statue, and that is less than ideal with a porous line. Also not the greatest decision maker. Let’s play the guy with the bigger upside who we recruited out of high school.

Expand full comment
O.Overall's avatar

As a corollary to this, if we come back next fall to find Plummer our QB again, I might lose my mind.

Expand full comment
goldenone's avatar

Yup. No more Plummer.

Expand full comment
Alan Schnur's avatar

This was yet another thoroughly disappointing performance by the Bears. Granted, the Ducks are in another league, but the Bears offense was predictable and, for the most part, boring. The defense was put in the unenviable position of trying to stop a brilliant Duck offense without many of its starters. What is particularly annoying is that the Bears offensive showed nothing new, nothing innovative, nothing clever. Did the coaching staff really believe that the Bears could keep up with the Ducks without something 'up their sleeve,' so to speak? Not one fake punt, not one gimmick play, not one on-sides kick. Not even a hint of creativity. Sad.

One other thing: What's up with the band? While the Oregon band played throughout the game with enthusiasm and spirit, our musicians sat on their hands in the stands -- and not in any particularly attractive way. It looked like a fully dispirited group. Even when the Bears were truly putrid, we could always count on the band. I guess those days are long gone.

Expand full comment
Rick Chen's avatar

Plummer did have that Statue of Liberty-like trick play

Expand full comment
Alan Schnur's avatar

Yes, but I don't think it was a 'trick' play. A great fake, but not what I'd consider a trick play. Even so, it was a good play.

Expand full comment
ak_A_bear's avatar

For sure, upon myself finally seeing Kai in action for first time, I have similar positive views regardless of whatever stringers were opposing. If I were HC, I would not reveal much whether I intended starting him or otherwise inserting him in the next game.

Expand full comment
User's avatar
Comment deleted
Oct 30, 2022
Comment deleted
Expand full comment
Jimmy Chitwood's avatar

Hate those!! Means we're garbage.

Expand full comment
goldenone's avatar

The 2022 Tidy Bowl...

Expand full comment
Stanfurdstinks's avatar

Mega Bowl!

Expand full comment
Stanfurdstinks's avatar

If Cal scores over 50 everyone gets a free corm dog.

Expand full comment