I've been doing some thinking on the current state of Oregon's program, and what it compares to.  I keep coming back around to the late 80's - early 90's Nebraska.  During that era, Nebraska lost seven straight bowl games.   Four to Florida State, two to Miami, and one to Georgia Tech.

Those Nebraska teams ran a very productive option attack that was fun to watch.  However, as big as they were in the trenches, they were not athletic and got repeatedly exposed when matched up against one of the sunshine state's powerhouses.  Osborne recognized the deficiency on his rosters, and began adjusting his recruiting accordingly.  Over time, the Huskers got more athletic all over the field.

The result was a dynasty.  Nebraska won three titles in four seasons.(very close to a fourth in 1993)  The 1995 Husker squad in particular was the most dominate team in college football history.  I suppose that's debatable, but they are certainly the best my eyes have seen.

Now, who knows if Oregon fixes the holes in its roster.  What I do know, is the Ducks won't win a title if they don't.  Ohio State mauled Oregon in the trenches in the title game, worse IMO than when the Buckeyes took them down in the 2010 Rose Bowl.   This is a pattern for Oregon.  Like the late 80's Nebraska teams, Oregon is going to have to make some adjustments to the type of players they recruit if they want to take the next step as a program.