Eating the Young

There is a truism regarding college football that has me concerned about how Oregon might weather its Thursday night game at Tempe against a more veteran ASU team, as well as Oregon's campaign for a fourth straight PAC title.

Young players are prone to hit a wall at some point in the long season, particularly true freshmen. Their adaptation and acclimation to the rigors of the college regimen is key as fatigue begins to settle in.

True freshmen are particularly vulnerable, which is why coaches would rather red-shirt a frosh if possible.

Oregon is playing a lot of true freshmen now, relying on them in fact, due to some off-field issues and injuries.  In the near future this will help them; right now it is a dangerous scenario.

Young minds begin to wander (some of us old guys' minds do as well), and the Zen-like focus that is required to maintain a top-notch performance level is prone to compromise.

Adjustments to the school schedule, the pressure of expectations, the new girlfriend, the growing yet immature body--all of these things factor into the performance of youngsters.

We'll see, but I won't be shocked if Oregon loses Thursday night.  Tempe is tough in 90 degree heat against a solid veteran team, and in front of 70K hostile fans.


TS