To me, Utah fans are the worst in the conference (yes, worse than Duck fans — at least they earned their bragging rights). Utah fans are a bigger-than-their britches and delusional fan base from all the years of bullying borderline D1 teams. Can’t stand them, so this game means a lot to me on an emotional level. If the Beavs lay an egg and get blown out I’m going to be an unhappy camper.
On to the game. GA says in the press conferences that he doesn’t see the Beavs having much running room versus Utah and the pass game will have to click. That sounds about right. There’s more to it, though, as readers here have pointed out, in that the short to intermediate passing game is the problem. It shouldn’t be so difficult to complete those passes. The Beavs can also try to use Lucas on the outside/sweep plays if they can’t get anything going up the middle. IMO Arizona is about as good/bad as the Beavs, and they averaged just 3.4 yards per carry. However, they averaged 22 yards per catch.
So the game plan should be pretty obvious: throw a lot of 10 to 15 yard routes and have the WRs block like crazy to get extra yardage, run sweeps or jet sweeps with your speed guys, only pound up the middle when necessary in short yardage or to test the D/wear them out a bit, throw in a trick play with Collins (why nothing yet? This is a good week to try it), and if momentum is going against you have a fake punt package in place. Then it’s just who wants it more in the trenches. The Beavs will want it badly after getting a taste of victory, and that can be contagious. Utah will just do their bland thing and hand the ball off, run with the QB a little, and stop the run. No surprises. So the Beavs need to just out will them mentally and then execute the pass game here. Both are keys to winning. Can they do it? Yes, but until they do, why think they will? I expect a close game that the Beavs can (and will) win if they get 300 yards passing, otherwise it goes to Utah.
Utah 24-17
And as I finish up the post, NiceBeaver gives the weather forecast:
Sounds like the weather will be pretty bad Saturday in Corvallis. About an inch of rain in the forecast for Saturday, with winds around 20-40 MPH.
100% chance of rain, and 24% chance of thunderstorms. Have fun out there guys. I’ll be watching this one from my couch.
The rain helps the Beavs, the wind does not, since they’re going to need passing yardage. Any creative workarounds? Maybe put Seth at QB a bit more….run wildcat or just play him there. They won’t do that, but it’s a way to combat high winds.
Make sure you have the wind at your back in the 4th quarter.
That sounds like something Red Green would say.
Pasting the same weather info here. Of course alot can change between now and Saturday, but the rain, wind and t-storms seem to be in the forecast all weekend, so doubtful we dodge it this time.
Sounds like the weather will be pretty bad Saturday in Corvallis. About an inch of rain in the forecast for Saturday, with winds around 20-40 MPH.
100% chance of rain, and 24% chance of thunderstorms. Have fun out there guys. I’ll be watching this one from my couch.
I really see the Beavs executing more like the Patriots offense with a mix of run and short lay up passes with the odd ball deep route to a TE or receiver. The beavs need to get more of the receivers/TEs moving horizontally to try to get coverage breakdowns. Need more slant routes on second and third down. We are going to have to keep trying with the run to help manage the clock which puts more pressure on Utah and provides the D more time to catch their breath.
I will say that the Beavs have impressed the heck out of me on shutting down the passing the last two games. If we get a little more pressure on QB we are going to see a lot more turnovers.
It was a fun win, but we have to build off of momentum. Keep it up Gary!!!
Sloppy weather usually means turnovers. Team that turns it over less has a huge advantage.
Really?
I want the Beavs to win, just so we can get some more goofy post game moments from Gary Andersen. Happy Gary is much more fun than mopey Gary.
https://twitter.com/Rivals_Singer/status/784983761880571904
https://twitter.com/CoreyBushmaker/status/785004892884570116?s=09
There’s no way the Beavs will get 300 yds passing in the impending weather. Well executed and creative run plays will be needed. Execution is key. We don’t need any fancy plays that gain -2 yds. Traction is also going to be important. Running backs won’t be able to cut as hard, so opening holes in the middle will be critical. I can see the fly sweep being ineffective if Bolden or Lucas start slipping when they turn upfield. I’m expecting a low scoring game. 13-9 Beavs.
There’s no way they get 300 yards under good conditions.
When I wrote that I thought there would be good conditions, in which case it’s definitely possible for them to get 300 yards. In the wind, not likely.
They’re probably not going to get 100 yards on the ground vs Utah, so they better get something significant through the air.
Anybody know how many scholarships we have available this year?
ESPN lists 16 seniors and I believe Ian Crist is the only one not on scholarship, so 15 open spots. Attrition will happen, but probably slower than last year. We’re also probably under the limit as is, but I’m not sure by how many.
I’d still like to see us take the full 25 with at least 5-6 more JUCO kids if we can.
Flip a coin….23-17, pick a team.
On the new side of the stadium, are you under cover starting at row 23 in the lower section?
barely. If the wind is coming from the southwest or northwest you’ll still get wet, though not as wet as the row in front of you. I know, because I sit in row 22. If, on the other hand, the wind is from due south or the east (yes, that’s rare) you’ll be dry.
Thanks.
Layers my man, lots of layers… of alcohol pre-game is how you’re going to stay warm.
The weather will only be a factor in this game if the winds really pick up. I’m talking 30mph +. The field will drain the rain quickly. Footing won’t be a factor on turf.
Both teams can deal with the rain. Utah had no problem moving the ball in the rain vs USC. Utah’s QB threw for 270 yards that night.
Utah’s MO is to control the clock and in the three conference games so far they’ve had the ball for 37, 42 and 35 minutes. This means limited possessions for the offense. Any turnovers will be extremely costly.
Beavs will need to try to own as much of the clock as they can to limit Utah’s offense.
Keys –
1. Stretch the defense sideline to sideline by attacking the edges with sweeps and screens.
2. Pierce and Nall will need to be bruisers between the tackles.
3. Turnovers – Can’t have them and need to force a couple.
4. Will need to get pressure on the QB. Sacks will be a critical stat this game.
5. Force Utah into long passing downs.
6. Really any passing from Garretson will be a bonus.
If the winds pick up this will be a slow moving game. If the winds don’t pick up, expect Utah to air it out.
If Nall is out, the Beavs will need a miracle. Pierce and the other runners can’t handle that kind of load. Garretson will likely get spied this game so his running will be much more limited which means his passing needs to improve dramatically.
When it comes down to it, there’s just too many questions on the Beav’s offense to see them winning this game. Don’t think they’ll get blown out but Utah’s just a better overall team.
GA was just on Canzano’s radio show, said one day he’ll win 10 games in a single season at Oregon state. Let’s hope it’s sooner rather than later! Go beavs
Possible upside to weather: Headwind might make Garretson’s overthrown balls catchable.
or interceptable…
I would like to see a lot of quick wr screens to try and spread out the d. Im not sure we can’t run decently against them. I know they are a lot more stout then cal but it was also a school record rushing. It will be this o lines third game together so think they are really starting to click. I guess we’ll see.
Nall still in a boot today so I think they should be cautious with him and give Cook some carries. Give Cook a role and challenge him I think he responds effectively. Pierce and Lucas get the majority of carries, Collins some wildcat.
At this juncture in time I think I agree. Give Nall the game off and rest/heal. Go with the 3 headed monster of Pierce, Cook and Lucas. Throw in some Collins wildcat. I’d be ok with him even throwing a few passes from the trickeration department. Maybe take a fly sweep and look to throw downfield. Going to take a much better effort to beat Utah than Cal. Their offense is no great shakes but their D is pretty stout as usual. The predicted weather is not going to help the Beavs cause. I think it favors a grind it out team and well, Utah is certainly better in the department right now. I still believe they can pull this off.
I hope it is all a case of coach speak misdirection. Nall questionable, can’t run inside, going to have to stretch side to side etc. I’m looking for the beavs to come out and run right at Utah and test the Utah line early. I hope for early success and that they can trust the O-line even more in the first half than they did last week. What I don’t like is for all of the coaches to sound like they’ve resigned themselves to not even being able to run inside on Utah. They’ve psyched themselves out before it’s even started, if so.
Wait… you’re saying our dinged-up secondary wasn’t just barely grasping at a tiny thread of diminishing hope going into last week’s game?
Well the weather forecasts for Corvallis have changed mightily for Saturday.
Weather.com is showing wind up to 60 mph!!! With Gusts of 80 mph!
Accuweather says gusts up to 70mph.
This really will mean the game will be on the ground. Punters will be key in this game. Porebski can punt rugby style which will be more effective with the wind. Getting Nall back would be huge.
One more from weatherunderground.com
“Windy. A steady rain early with showers and perhaps a rumble of thunder developing in the afternoon. High near 55F. Winds S at 40 to 60 mph. Chance of rain 100%. Winds could occasionally gust over 80 mph.”
I dont even care who wins, that sounds chaotic and fun to watch.
And this was specific to Corvallis.
At some point though where Re we going to draw the line and say this is going to be too unsafe for everyone involved? I mean 80mph winds??
Agree, that would be pretty dangerous. If there’s a threat of flying debris the game will likely get delayed a few hours. Good luck setting up those tailgating tents.
I left a beautiful weekend in the Twin Cities for a monsoon. Luck O da Gopher!
I think only lightning stops the game. I mean nc state and nd played im a torrential downpour.
Only upside is the game goes quickly since both teams are running the ball.
BG… you chose the closest home date to Columbus Day.
What did you expect?
NOAA is showing 20 mph winds with 40 mph gusts. But I think no one knows for certain since being just a few degrees off in predicting the storms path can lead to way different predictions. With it being a south wind though it might not be that bad on the field outside the redzones. It will probably swirl though and be unpredictable.
I read that the kids are for the coast and east of the cascades. maybe that is for the Portland area and not Corvallis but hopefully there won’t be much wind
Does anyone else remember when UW ran the option with Tuiasosopo? They seemed unstoppable. I mention that as another way to stretch the field sideline to sideline….
The wind will probably be a better tackler than Pankey.
Maybe it will tear the roof off the valley center for us.
GA interview: http://ripcityradio.iheart.com/onair/rip-city-mornings-56071/gary-andersen-on-rcm-1011-15192846/
He says once again the pass game down field is key as you won’t be able to run on Utah. We’ll see, but this wind sounds like the ol’ Luck o’ da Beavs. Not that we could have passed without it, but now I’d guess we’ll be under 50 yards passing. GA seems to think we’ll have no room to run.
I guess sweeps and screens will be the only way to move the ball. Collins better have a big roll..some wildcat and trick plays (good situation to try several reverses). Punting/kicks are going to be a nightmare.
With how far Garretson’s long ball has been off, maybe the wind will help blow it into the receiver’s hands?
We just landed that 6’8″ polish girl for the WBB team
Congratulations coach Rueck and the coaching staff!
Looks like she averaged 13 ppg & 6 rpg. Likely a lot of upside with Rueck and staff coaching her up.
Anybody know how much room, if any, is left for this class? Would think Westbrook has a spot saved, just in case. Or maybe this signing is an indication that westbrook is going elsewhere?
Maybe she can play h-back too?
The polish hammer?
The polish sausage?
Already taken, that’s my nickname.
Because you’re greasy and shriveled from being in a rolling cooker too long?
Is that a metaphor for life?
She’ll have to fight Gortot for that one. I was thinking Sledge Hammer since she’s bigger than Ruth.
That’s one big Polish Sausage!
“You will now be referred to as the Big Kiebasa.”
So, what are the odds given the injuries in the secondary that Christian Wallace burns his redshirt?
Hopefully high kid is gonna be a beast
If he’s not gone after his third year, something will have gone wrong. So why not play him for 2.5 years instead of just 2?
Bleacher Report has us winning this game 25-21… lol how the hell are we going to score 25 points?
Same as we scored 47 last week.
One touchdown and six FGs?
Eleven safeties and a FG.
Just read this article:http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2016/10/utah_football_qa.html
I am now hopeful for really high winds. If Utah is down to bringing in a guy off the street to be the RB, then I think that OSU may have an advantage in the running department. This may force Utah to have to try to air it out, which could work to our advantage.
Go Beavs.
Parallels to when Kelly brought in Blount in the Civil War. Desperate times, call for desparate measures.
” Zack Moss and Troy McCormick were injured against Cal”
I wonder if they had foot/ankle injuries from the bottom of the pile like Nall?
Uh, you don’t watch too many Beaver games do you?
We’re the team that coaches purposely bring in guys off the street against to have career days. This RB will go for 300 yards.
It sounds like he is a fumble machine when the game is on the line.
http://www.oregonlive.com/weather/index.ssf/2016/10/potentially_historic_storms_li.html#incart_river_mobileshort_index
Probably click-bait hyperbole but cannot imagine playing in that kind of weather.
Well… we know what that woman did with her last dog.
Time to pull out the wurst puns.
Took me a second……but nice call!
Hey BeavButter and Angry@Angry, you’ll be pleased to know you have more trolling fodder, as I was rejected for a BeaverSedge (lol!) account today. I know you guys are light on material, so I figured I’d throw you a bone.
Speaking of… has anyone tried the Tillamook pumpkin cookie butter ice cream?
Is it good?
That’s what I’m wondering. I bought a carton. I don’t usually like pumpkin when it’s sweet. But this stuff looks pretty good.
It’s okay… nothing to write home about. The cookie pieces are too little to give any real taste and kind of detract by breaking up the texture of the cream The cream itself is good, not overly sweet. It would go well with a real cookie. I’ll probably make ice cream sandwiches out of snickerdoodles this weekend.
My goto is the Marionberry Pie Ice Cream. Though I love pumpkin pie, I’m not a fan of much else in the pumpkin genre (save the occasional pumpkin bread with cream cheese icing).
They won’t let you make an account? Wtf.
OT
Like Anderson saying the Beavs will win 10 games in a season in his tenure;
Riley/Banker’s “breakthrough” victory over UO looking weaker all the time. Riley cries after beating them in a very down year. How did NU not blow out that terrible duck D at home?