Every week writers write about the pressure of a top ranking, the dangers of being the hunted, about expectations and trap games, but the Ducks keep winning. They’ve won on the road. They play loose. They’ve won at night and in the afternoon, in packed houses, big games, versus ranked opponents and teams that didn’t have a chance. They’ve embraced challenges. They’ve been physically dominant. They start strong. Now they’re 8-0 and ranked #1 in the country.
It leads you to ask why.
This is a brilliantly constructed roster with great balance, internal leadership and talent. Dillon Gabriel isn’t a perfect quarterback, but he’s perfect for this team in that he brings a steady island cool and a love of the game, a devotion to the guys that surround him. The media wants him to gush or deep-think about career passing yards or the NCAA record for touchdowns (he’s in sight of both) and the senior transfer from Mililani says firmly but quietly, “I’m chasing wins, Dude. That’s where I’m at, you know. And I don’t wanna not give you an answer but to be quite honest that’s been the goal of mine for a long time but now more than ever.”…