I've never seen a team collapse over the loss of one player like Oregon has after losing its star quarterback. It suggests a mental problem, not just the loss of talent, a lack of preparation for this possibility -- and, in the final analysis, a failure of coaching. The hot shots in their designer uniforms suddenly aren't so hot. In fact, with mental toughness, they had a hell of a lot they could have accomplished, still. The coaching staff failed to prepare the team for real adversity.
When Dennis Dixon went out, the explosive Oregon offense became average, at best. When his backup at quarterback was injured as well, the Ducks had no chance. So now, unlikely as it might seem, the once-reeling UCLA Bruins have a shot at playing in the Rose Bowl game. |
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