I am bitter and in pain, and Nick Alliotti is the worst defensive coordinator in the United States

The Ohio State dominated Oregon in the Rose Bowl today. Give credit to the Buckeyes, but Nick Alliotti continues to confound Oregon fans by rushing three on third and long and letting opponents drive the length of the field. Oregon needs a new defensive coordinator. They have for years. He's predictable and stupid. Ohio State had the ball for forty minutes. The Ducks lost contain on Pryor and failed to pressure him consistently.

Nick, here's a new concept: three and out! Give the ball back to your talented offense.

There is too much talent on the Oregon defense for them to continue to play so poorly. They are taught a system that undermines their aggression and athletic ability. It's both too complicated and too predictable. Under Alliotti's tutelage they got worse as the season went on. Year after year Oregon only wins when they outscore people.

What an agonizing, dissatisfying way to end a lovely, memorable season. The coaches failed the players today, particularly on defense. Sadly, all the breaks and bounces went the other way: a tipped pass for an interception just before halftime, a fumble that bounded 20 yards down the field when they were driving for a go-ahead score, a field goal a yard right. It was too much to overcome.

Ohio State played well and they were better prepared. The Ducks lost and deserved to lose, playing one of their worst games of the year on the biggest stage. They didn't block, tackle or think like PAC-10 champions. It's a defeat that will sting a long time. I'll remember the bad start and the lost composure, and the phantom face mask penalty that sustained a key drive (teach Brandon Bair to drive and wrap up rather than reach, and the officials don't have the opportunity to blow that call.)

I was an embarrassment to myself watching that game, raging and out of control. I screamed, I swore, I threw my hat. I feel as low and defeated as I did after the first game, as I if was the one who both threw and took a punch to the jaw.

My head is full of random bad thoughts. I kept waiting for Jeremiah Masoli to assert himself in the second half, but he didn't get enough chances. I wish they had gone for it on the fourth and one late in the fourth quarter. All night long the blocking was terrible.

What a disappointing way to end a good season. It isn't enough to get to the Rose Bowl, although that is an accomplishment. The Ducks have to take the next step. Maybe next year. But next year they will be targets and an object of national scepticism. They have an early road game in Tennessee, and critical senior leadership to replace. They need an upgrade in the defensive line.

Most of all, they need to replace Nick Alliotti. There's no questioning his heart, passion or commitment. He just doesn't teach, game plan or manage defense at the level needed to compete at the highest level. He never has.