Home Football Oregon State @ Utah (Game Week)

Oregon State @ Utah (Game Week)

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Obviously the focus will be on Chance Nolan. I went back and read my report on him, and after watching his film again, I think it’s accurate.

**** Chance Nolan — I really like this guy, and he should give Gebbia a run for his money. I see a guy with legit wheels, a strong arm, and a fluid throwing motion. He had offers from Oklahoma State, UCLA, and Utah.

So, I had him just a notch below Gebbia.

Gebbia is a crafty runner, but Nolan seems more like a legit big play running threat, ala Jake Locker LE. He looks bigger and stronger than Gebbia, too. You can see his film here. I’m curious to see what he can do.

My early prediction: Utah 27, Beavs 24

Subject to change before the final game thread.

356 COMMENTS

  1. @Angry Curious on why you think they lose? You seem to like Nolan. You thinking the chronic coaching mistakes cost us another one?

    • More that Utah + the refs when we play at Utah are never kind.
      Can’t stand Utah so I hope to see something this week that makes me change my mind.

      • Totally spaced the refs, good call… I hope it doesn’t happen again. I love how the pac 12 has literally done nothing to discipline the refs for clear gaffes. I know they have done it in the past so this seems really suspect that they aren’t in this case.

  2. This has been a terrible season for reffing. OR and WA were absolutely awful and stacked the games against us. But the other two games (esp WaSt) had really bad reffing too. It was just less one-sided, and more equal-opportunity incompetent.

    It’s an embarrassment. I didn’t know you could screw up a conference commissioner gig this badly. Reffing is just one of many things in the PAC-12 that he’s screwed up or driven into the ground.

  3. The CW seemed to reflect what I’ve seen the rest of the season: Bradford and Taylor are our top two WRs. Beason is interesting and seems to show potential. Fleming is not good enough to make up for his physical limitations and should stop getting PT. Lindsay and the other WRs have been invisible – not sure if they’re not getting open or if Gebbia just isn’t seeing them. He definitely hasn’t done a very good job of going through reads.

    TEs have been disappointing – Musgrave is good but can’t catch; Quitoriano is pretty average but can. Nothing exciting with either guy at this point.

  4. Regarding Utah, they outcoached Riley often. We lost a lot of games we should have won. Remember that game where they had a star RB but had been decimated with QB injuries and were down to their 4th string? And we never stacked the box all game and got predictably gashed in the run game? And Whittingham laughed at Riley in the post game for it? Yikes.

    It was a home game vs Utah that made my Dad give up on Riley. We had a strong lead and we choked it away on a steady diet of prevent defense and ultra conservative offense for most of the 4Q. Let them back in the game and then just rolled over and gave up. Pathetic but unfortunately unsurprising at the time.

  5. Gebbia has the POTENTIAL to be a crafty runner but he has been too hesitant to tuck the ball and run. In such case, he’s no better or worse than having Mannion or Luton back there. EXCEPT, in the Civil War he did just that and converted some key third downs. Not surprisingly, every other aspect of offensive performance improved. IF Nolan starts then for once OSU has the first time QB lining up in the backfield. It’s worthy of remark that perhaps the most startling QB performance of the last decade is when an unheralded Cody Vaz started his first game and just lit up BYU on the road. It was one of the greatest OSU QB performances in the modern era.

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      That Vaz game was great, but calling it one of the greatest OSU QB performances in the modern era is a bit of a stretch (20-32, 332 yards, 3 TD).

      Also, Vaz is a major outlier in that regard. We’ve had way more first starts that have been pedestrian or just plain bad. Don’t expect much.

      Canfield: 18-31, 131 yards, 3 INT
      Moevao: 15-28, 202 yards, 1 TD
      Katz: 9-25, 159 yards, 2 TD
      Mannion: 25-38, 244 yards
      Collins: 9-16, 79 yards, 1 TD (crazy that he’s still playing at TT and could potentially play another year!)
      Mitchell: 9-24, 122 yards, 1 INT
      McMaryion: 11-21, 151 yards, 1 INT
      Garretson: 25-40 228 yards, 3 TD
      Luton: 27-47, 304 yards, 2 TD, 3 INT
      Gebbia: 26-40, 243 yards

      • However, most of those appearances were under an offensive philosophy much more complex than JS. It often took Most QBs under Riley 3 years to get comfortable and productive. I think chance is a pretty intelligent kid too so we shall see. I think he’ll surprise us much like Gebbia did in 2019 vs ducks.

      • That’s some good sleuthing, BiOH, but I look at that catalogue of performance and it makes Vaz’s numbers vs. BYU all the more remarkable because they were against a good team on the road. Many of the other first-timers you cite had games at home vs. low-level competition. Among Riley’s other great mistakes was bringing Mannion back too soon for that game in Seattle vs. UW. Vaz should have started.

        • Actually, Luton and Vaz were the only guys who played non-P5 opponents and they were both on the road.

          Mannion’s first appearance was in the embarrassing loss to Sacramento St. Katz basically lost that game for us, then Mannion came on in the second half and went 8/11 and brought us back even (only to lose in OT). Mannion’s first start was the next week against Wisconsin.

          To your point, Vaz had the best first start for a Beaver QB since at least 2007, by far. He was below average in pretty much every other game he played, so you could probably say his performance was one of the most remarkable ever by a Beaver QB in that it was so anomalous on multiple levels.

  6. I don’t think Nolan will run much given the risk of injury. Smith doesn’t call qb runs or read option type plays. I hope Nolan runs as often as gebbia did the cw. Run when the locket breaks down. Lindsey has made plays when he is in. Fleming’s had passes knocked down twice when gebbia tried to get to him. Agree too small.

    • I disagree (respectfully of course).

      Every single play is an injury possibility (especially for QBs). I think they need to play to his (Nolan’s) strengths. Now, that doesn’t mean going full blown option. But when you have a RB like J2 and receivers who can put a horizontal strain on defenses (which will take some pressure off of Chance) this can be a very effective package to use to make the defense play disciplined (assignment) defense. Read Option (out of the gun or pistol) are very safe considering Chance ran a similar style O at JUCO. The read is actually a little slower than a typical Triple Option (done from under center, usually).

      I could see Read Option being a great play to run on the first play of the game. Again, it will put Utah immediately on alert and thinking more on defense. You want a defense to be thinking more! Then you can use that action to open up other plays (playaction, horizontal run game, inside/outside zone running game). Plant that seed early! Keep the Utes off balance. They have seen none of this on film so, it would definitely get them thinking more versus reacting.

      Go Beavs!

  7. Agree on the Lindsey point above. He was on my starter list, and I think that’s proven to be correct. Took Smith five games to maybe realize that…

    • Not sure what either of you are looking at…dude has had exactly one reception this year. Vs Washington 2 weeks ago. He’s tied with Gebbia for fewest receptions on the team. He’s been invisible.

      He’s had a few fly sweeps (3) where he’s looked pretty good and he had the TD pass on the trick play, but he’s still averaging one touch per game. And only one of his touches involved running a route or catching a football- the rest are gadget plays. Sure it’s possible he’s being underutilized, but it’s also entirely possible that he’s just not getting open or making plays as a WR. I’m inclined to suspect the latter since he didn’t look good last year.

  8. Flemings seems to have pretty questionable judgement on returns as well as not living up to the “starter” label as a WR. Who knows, maybe he’s coached to be “aggressive” on returns instead of read the situation.

    How is Utah’s D this year? If they too focus on Nolan, could the Beavs get a steady, successful dose of Jefferson/Baylor, and maybe using some lateral speed on fly sweeps?

    Does Utah have one or more imposing D lineman as usual? If not, this emerging OSU offensive line may build on their confidence.

    The refereeing has been terrible obviously this season, but there’s no or not enough fans in the stands to affect the calls, and Utah isn’t someone the league is trying to protect for the playoffs, so hopefully the refereeing won’t be such a factor.

    • Utah’s defense to me has looked basically the same as the past few. Big dline, big linebackers, press lockdown corners. I think it will be tough to score points.

      The plus side is their offense looks about the exact opposite besides a big oline. Well I guess they just don’t look that good on offense because the qb is average to below average. If I’m tibs I bring pressure and press cover. Make them beat us with passing the football.

      Angry got in on a large amount of SNDL at 0.28 per. Got a decent amount of CGC at the same time that’s grown 15% or so. Which isn’t SNDL good but still happy with it. And no I am not a stoner or even smoke, just was good timing and lucky I guess

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        This^^^^.
        His returns don’t say “TD”, but I often thought they were better than what we’ve seen in the recent past. Sure he’s no Rodgers, but getting to the 30-40 yard line on a consistent basis has been a nice improvement.

      • Do we know his average return, vs what his returns would be if he would fair catch in a fair catch scenario?
        I don’t doubt he has a high average return yard number, but it’s those situations where a fair catch would land you at the 25 yard line vs returning it to the 22 yard line that leave me questioning if this is a good strategy.
        Bradfor has had some pretty nice punt returns the past few weeks. Wonder how he ranks in the league too

  9. Tristan Gebbia’s injury ‘significantly more serious’ than thought, Oregon State Beavers may turn to Chance Nolan vs. Utah

    https://outline.com/WKBnVm

    I’m pissed the refs are too incompetent to protect players. There’s a rule against pulling guys off the pile for a reason, fucking idiots.

      • Yeah, I thought it was pretty lame, but I’m not sure what good it would accomplish to call out McKinley at his presser. I would hope Smith is working whatever back channels are available because it’s not football to pull on someone’s leg five seconds after the play in over. It’s bullshit. My guess is the league will blow it off like everything they do with the officiating.

    • The quack player basically made him do the splits. Totally unnecessary and after rewatching the game there is a clear replay showing what 23 did.

    • I’m betting the entire committed class should be? I really like the rb, qb, wr, and the dlineman and the easton linebacker kid. The 2 lineman and the returning mission linebacker look decent too though.

      I still don’t understand how this year completely works. I’ve heard that its a 95 scholarship cap, and everyone can return. And our senior class is small regardless. So we are only getting 12 or so guys.

      But how does a team like Oregon for example have 25 committed players. They would have 110 scholarship guys next season? Or are they planning to give numerous guys who would return the boot?

      • Well, Oregon already lost 3 or 4 who opted out and will be in the draft. And, yeah, I’m guessing the one-off transfer rule in effect this year means a bunch of guys transfer out of a lot of programs.

    • Wasn’t it basically everybody who had verballed by signing day last year? (Looked it up, 19 guys signed early with Lemon being the only exception I can remember.)

      Quasi unrelated, it’ll be interesting to see who enrolls early. I don’t know the deal in other states, but for guys in Oregon, the high school football season will start in February. Will Vidlak skip his senior season to enroll early or do they want him to get 7-8 games in this year?

      I guess this is the answer:

      “I am waiting to see what happens with the high school season this year,” Vidlak said. “I will either be enrolling in January, March or June depending on the outcome of high school sports, along with what announcements are made for that (high school schedule).”

      If things go on as scheduled, the season runs from Feb. 22 to May 8th including playoffs. I hope they get some games in.

      With the one-time transfer rule in effect this season, I hope we save a bunch of scholarships for transfers.

    • I really can’t put a number on it, but if you look over at the crystal balls on 247, he’s got a ton of predictions added lately and they’re all indicating Purdue(and 1 for Kansas).

      Most have pretty medium level confidence in their predictions though. I wouldn’t count is out just yet.

      The 3 OL i’m mostly paying attention to are Mbow, Dylan Rollins and Conner Jones. We’d have to beat some pretty good teams for all 3, but I think we’ll get at least one of those 3

        • Thanks NB as always. Too bad about Mbow perhaps straying, but he is a Midwest kid after all.

          So weird we can’t seal the deal on some of these OL. Don’t kids want to learn from one of the best?

      • And my bad, Jones is class of 2022. I was thinking he was 2021. So I guess we’re on the Dylan Rollins train now. Seems like every class we end up missi.g out on all of our OL targets and then we end up with 1 or 2 guys we never heard of right before signing day. Wouldn’t surprise me if that happens again and new guys start showing up

        • Thanks Bill. Doesn’t sound like the mission is a done deal quite yet.

          After posting yesterday, I found d this blurb from his local Montana paper.

          Rollins is also thinking about whether he’ll go on an LDS mission after high school, like his brother did at MSU, and he said the schools he’s considering “are open to the mission. They said they want me either way.” So, there are several other factors he’s considering.

          “Just in general,” Rollins began, “it’s the fit of the school and how I feel like I will be successful in their program and their school with getting a degree and how I fit with the guys that are there and the guys I will be with for the next four years and lifelong friends with after that. It comes down to what’s the best fit for me.”

  10. “I felt good out there today and I’m optimistic that I’ll be ready to go. Hopefully I can get to 100 percent by Saturday.… it was nice to be on the field and throwing it and stuff, but we’ll see.” — Tristan Gebbia on his hamstring injury.

    • Just watching Gebbia fall down and limp I’d think Nolan starts, too, but it sounds like he’s practicing so who knows. Maybe it’s all to mess with Utah, but I’m sure they are planning for both guys, so I don’t see the point there.

      • Gebbia interviewed with baldy yesterday. Please don’t ban me for listening to that tool, but I wanted to hear Tristan speak :-)

        One question was along the lines of “kickoff is in 20 minutes? Are you playing or no?”
        After some waffling, Gebbia said he would be playing.

        FWIW…

  11. A sometimes overlooked consideration is the QB/Center exchange and the relationship of those two. Eldridge (PAC12 O-Lineman of the week) seems ready to work with Nolan in this piece from the GT:

    Nathan Eldridge said that Nolan is “calm, cool and collected.” But he and some of the other linemen have gotten on the signal-caller for not being loud enough under center during practice.
    “I think he’s just new to it. We’ve got some older guys on the O-line; we’re all breathing heavy and screaming at him, you know,” Eldridge said with a laugh. “But he’s doing a really good job and he’s getting more comfortable in there as we keep going.”

    https://www.gazettetimes.com/sports/beavers-sports/football/osu-football-nolan-preparing-to-potentially-lead-beavers-at-utah/article_02abd575-1c90-555c-b9da-528bbc22b27f.html

  12. Wilner usually worth reading, tweets:

    The #Stanford football team (no positives since July, 8-9 test per week per player) cannot practice outdoors in Santa Clara Co. But if the players wanted, they could get tattoos or massages, indoors
    Just sayin’

  13. USA Today on winners and losers in college football playoff rankings:

    “LOSERS

    The Pac-12

    It was always going to demand perfection and help. So much for the first part, at least. Oregon’s loss to rival Oregon State dropped the Ducks eight spots to No. 23 and left no Pac-12 team even remotely in the mix for the semifinals. Joining Oregon in the rankings are No. 20 Southern California and No. 22 Washington, both 3-0. ”

    Nice photo of JJ above this quote : )

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2020/12/01/winners-and-losers-college-football-playoff-rankings/3788425001/

  14. 5
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    Trump is now ruining the internet further (giant Reese cup guy was round 1)…
    If the giant dig bag gets his way it’s the end of AB, because I’m not going to be liable for what people post here, and I don’t have time to police it.

    • You don’t think Biden will immediately change it in jan? Also isn’t trump going after social media because they claim they aren’t responsible for posters to their platforms yet use editorial licenses to manipulate what is posted? That doesn’t seem like it will target you since you really don’t edit posts.

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      I don’t get the Republicans end game. If social media platforms are held liable for the content they post that is a huge blown to the fringe elements of society which is who turned out to vote for Trump.

      • Trump supporters are claiming he’s doing a “big ask” to argue from a stronger negotiating point. That might be true; problem is, people who associate themselves with the far left want Section 230 repealed, so he could get exactly what he’s asking for, which would be really bad.

        Or not. Perhaps the end of social media and online forums would be beneficial for society.

        • Yeah, may end up being a good thing. Just a bit of irony that the system he leveraged to get elected is now under attack by him. The Social Dilemma was an interesting movie about this.

          • So I’ve heard. I’ll have to watch it.

            It seems like news feed algorithms used by these social media companies puts everyone in an echo chamber according to their confirmation biases. I know that the University of Illinois did a study on this that confirmed this “web” of how journalists get their news, and it’s a giant game of telephone.

          • That’s exactly right. It’s all confirmation bias.

            My advice is to load an adblocker/Ublock into your browser so you don’t have to read a lot of that crap. I get zero political stories unless a friend posts something on their feed.

          • I think understanding the law more would help you guys. It’s BS that companies can filter content based on politics, Facebook and Twitter being prime examples. They filter that while allowing other much more damaging content to be posted. The law allows them to do this currently. I don’t know where to stand on this because if it’s repealed than the government will have more power to censor which I don’t agree with.
            https://www.theverge.com/21273768/section-230-explained-internet-speech-law-definition-guide-free-moderation

          • What political content was filtered based on politics? The Hunter Biden stuff? I’m still not sure how I feel about that. We still don’t know what it was all about, I have my suspicions the information was hacked then imaged onto a laptop that wasn’t even ever Hunters. But I do wonder if the story should have been handled more like the pee pee dossier where Buzzfeed was the only ones that ran it and the MSM held off for a few days then referred to the report as of dubious origins after everyone knew about it.

          • @Ean A ton was, as the election ramped up. To the extent that they were blocking posts containing keywords, especially on FB. If you include words like “Trump” and “Voting Fraud” your post was flagged and blocked. If they would have blocked content on both sides I wouldn’t have as much of a problem with it. Though the battle against misinformation is tough and I don’t believe there is a clear “right” answer due to the human bias element.

          • Yeah tough situation all around. With how new social media is there would be a ton of issues even if everyone operated with honesty and integrity… which is clearly never the case. Kind of the Wild West right now.

          • The whole Kamala Harris saying “I believe his accusers” when talking about the women that have come forth with sexual misconduct allegations against Joe Biden screams of blackmail, considering now she is his VP. She must have something significant on him because the obvious choice for VP was Susan Rice.

            I remember this was a huge issue during the DNC, and Bernie got huge flak for an “anonymous source” saying that he told Warren that a woman cannot win. It didn’t get any coverage from June onwards.

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      You are quickly becoming the new Jack of the board. We can’t have a non-political discussion without you bringing it up in the last few threads. Not to mention your binary take on politics involving Trump. This is no different than Trump saying we should abolish and rebuild the Affordable Care Act. Media (your source: “TRUMP WANTS TO GET RID OF THE AFFORDABLE CARE ACT AND KILL YOU!”.

    • I wonder if it’s for reasons similar to other walkons who have recently left the team. Just my speculation, but their parents probablu don’t like having to pay for tuition/room/board during this time of online learning while their kids ride the pine. Maybe it’s hard for the team to keep the depth chart stocked for positions that don’t have scholarships to cover multiple players? Nelson from Clackamas already left the team

      • *out of state tuition as well.

        I think the place kicker position is a crap shoot initially. You get 4 of them and you narrow it down to 1. The rest move on and try to finding a home. Bring in a new crop to see who is accurate and clutch. It’s the circle of a kickers life.

  15. May have already been answered but I missed it: What is the status of Harrison and Lowe? Will they be eligible this season? Seems like the NCAA drags their feet on Beav transfers while other schools get the automatic OK.

    • I was told awhile back that Lowe wouldnt be available at all this season because of an offseason knee procedure to help fix a nagging issue. Nothing major though.

      Harrison it sounds like will be available soon after being granted a waiver by the NCAA, but likley wouldnt be ready to play till Stanford. I wonder if he will even find a way into the rotation now that Taylor, Beason and Bradford seem to be playing well consistently and we’re passing to our TEs more

  16. So from our current commits we have 3 defensive players (DB, LB, DE) and 5 offensive players, just 1 OL.
    I’m not sure the needs are being addressed.

    The good part is none of the recruits are below 3 stars.

        • Mission guys and Hawaii/Pacific Islanders (often the same) have often produced the kind of bodies the Beavs could use on both lines.
          Have we lost our connection to those areas due to changes in coaching staff?
          Whadya think, NiceBeaver, should JS bring back the old hand jiver? He had island connections, right?

          • We do have Coach Legi, plus several assistant staff members with Poly ties(Thinking of guys like Coach Lose and JR Moala)

            But having Banker back would be good for a few laughs, so I’m all for it. I need to make some banker hand jive gifs but it’s hard to find video footage

          • Eff no! LOL. You’re 100% correct though Oneoldbeav. That loss of the islander connection hurts us. It obviously helps programs like Utah, BYU especially when those huge kids go on a mission and come back as 330 plus pound monster. That islander connection has been pretty strong with some QB play as well! I hope there is a connection made soon.

            Go Beavs!

    • I don’t understand our DL recruiting. We should be offering 20+ dudes that could play NT but we have like 10 across the 2021 and 2022 class.

      • I dunno. I mean you would typically pull the NT for a quicker pass rusher on obvious passing downs. So I’d argue that 1 NT a class might even be too many. Ideally maybe your roster you’d want to have 2 you want to play in games, 1 you could play in games and a guy or two working on lifting for the coming years. So by the time you factor in whiffs maybe 1 NT every class.

          • Yeah you know recruiting better than me. I dunno how many guys you offer if you just want to land 1 or 2. We could probably use a couple next class or maybe 3 or 4 if that includes transfers. Think that is a position group you want some balance in terms of age, like you wouldn’t want to bring in 4 freshman every 4 years.

          • I’m hopeful Smith gets a transfer who can play right away. Bennett has been solid as a young player. And Rawls seems to be getting into the backfield more and more along with Murray.

          • Whitley was supposed to be available at some point this season. Not sure what’s happening on that front. But if he is able to play again, we’d still have him as depth next year too.
            Lots of ifs when it comes to DTs at OSU.

            If they get their grades in order
            If they’re in shape
            If they don’t have injury issues
            If they ever make it to campus

            All reasons why they need to hedge their bets and over-recruit the position at OSU

          • Yeah and NT is probably the hardest position to recruit. Most guys that size are not athletic at all. Guys with NT/DT size that can actually move are rare.

          • It seems like position coach is making offers, we are just not landing commits among better projected players — they choose elsewhere.

            Our position coach was DL at Hawaii & Montana… was he able to recruit talented players to develop?

      • This is a tough front 3-4. No matter what anyone says, “2-4-5” is just a Nickel defense. They announced that against WSU because that was the primary defense used against that Run’n’shoot offense. The base D is a 3-4 though. “Nickel” is more personnel (extra, 5th DB).

        Effective 3 man D Lines have to be; very big 300+ (at least) and athletic. That is very difficult to find. Agreed they should be offering as many DL (with those attributes) as possible but it is a very competitive pool. Some of these guys (especially the guys who have more athletic/better feet and who have great hands*) become OL recruits! So this thins the heard.

        *”great hands” refers to hand; placement, quickness, strength. Great hands are important for both D and O Lineman

        I think the staff should bring in more, in state (preferred walk-ons) that can develop. Other than that, they will probably have to rely on the transfer portal/JC rout or converting OL.

        I know the 3 man front is all the rage but I see a 4 man front working more for the Beavs. It reminds me of Pettibone trying to run a triple option offense. That worked at Nebraska back during that era but you have to be realistic about what you can get.

        Go Beavs!

          • The scheme is great lol! But any good coach is going to tell ya that scheme don’t mean shit without: 1) Good players and 2) technique!

            In terms of whether that DT needs to be “super athletic” or not, it depends upon your philosophy. Erickson/Bray wanted, speed, speed, speed and for guys to not think but just read/react! If you make a mistake, do it at 100%. the downfall- give up big plays at times and PENALTIES! Then there’s polar opposite Belicheck philosophy, contain the edge, do your job, use good technique be disciplined!

            Both of these philosophies work well, although they widely contrast one another! It’s who you have and how you teach them.

            Go Beavs!

  17. Bowl projections are meaningless with three weeks left in the season, but it’s interesting to see many projecting the Beavs slotted against Army in Shreveport.

    • Stinks the pac12 lost a bowl with Sun Bowl cancelling. I don’t see the Beavs being able to play in a bowl. Too many other teams that will have similar/better records that will be more appealing. I hope I’m wrong but I’m not holding my breath.

    • There have to be players on the team who can kick in a pinch. What about the punter? Many of these guys are athletes it doesn’t take much to pouch kick as she did. It’s not like she has any experience place kicking either. It was a stunt for a program going nowhere. None of it really matters with Mason getting shit-canned anyway.

          • If there’s one consistent weakness under Smith, it has been (regular) kickoff coverage. Seems as though Smith should avoid kicking it deep and opt for sky kickoffs.

        • I was watching the Pat McAfee show and he said the whole thing was sloppy, the holder was not even holding it correctly. I assume they only kicked once because they were shut out?

    • “Kirby Smart was asked if he’ll have a conversation with his team on how to handle Fuller if she’s in harm’s way on a kickoff. Publicly, it doesn’t sound like the Georgia head coach plans to give the kicker any special attention.”

      Hahahaha this could get interesting.

    • Well this season will end up being half Gebbia and half Nolan. A little something for everyone and may turn into quite the QB race next year.

          • Pretty nice to have depth for once. From his tape I thought he made better throws then Gebbia. Granted JC vs HS is not the greatest comparison.

          • What I heard was learning the playbook was the big separator of Gebbia and Nolan. Now, a few weeks later, he should have more of it down.

        • If the staff tries to put too much on Chance (because he doesn’t have 3 years in the program like Gebbia), that would be a huge coaching mistake. What most teams that face a young QB will do against a young QB making his first start is; bring pressure from everywhere/often and also challenge them with one on one coverage to force them (the young QB) to win the matchup through the passing game.

          I heard a couple of interviews today, with Chance’s Head Football coaches from HS and Saddleback (JC). Both of them raved and made good points about his stats being lower (although they were still amazing) because he was getting pulled out of the game by half/third quarter. They both raved how Chance was the best QB they ever coached. The guy from Saddleback also raved about athletic ability and his deep outside fade ball. Now this is obviously a great player who is going to get raves from his former coaches but I trust coaches more than film from that level. I have watched a couple of plays from him ( I watch him more than what he does to the competition)and I do like his drops and how quickly he sets/throws. He has a little bounce in his step (that’s a good thing) because he is not flat footing it. He’s staying on the balls of his feet, which helps when throwing (helps drive the ball) or if needing to escape quickly.

          Excited to see what he brings to the table! I’ll be honest, the situation he walked into in the game against Oregon, is about as clutch as a situation gets IMO.

          Go Beavs!

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    I was kind of hoping for a QB that can run too. But because of the Gebbia news I doubt we will get to see Nolan run against the Utes. Smith will protect him.

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    Looking forward to seeing:

    *Seeing Chance Nolan at QB and showing his skill set. Would obviously love to see him be a huge surprise (a gamer, if you will).
    *Seeing how the offensive playcalling/ game planning is adjusted to fit Chance’s skill set
    *To see WR Harrison and where they play T Lowe? I’m not sure if he’s (TL) playing receiver or RB? Anyone know??
    *Can those unsung heroes step up again? Others? (Bradford, K Taylor, A Hughes Murray, etc)
    *LOS play on both sides for the Beavs
    *Beavs physicality in this game A Beaver’s victory:)

    Here’s the scary reality:

    Utah is always one of the best (most consistent) teams in the PAC 12. They started off rough this year but they have adjusted. Their coaching staff is strong and they are a very physical team. Football is based a lot on match-ups! How do teams match-up against one another (strengths vs weaknesses)?

    We do have to ask ourselves, how good is Oregon really? Cal is horrible. It’s kinda scary how this is paralleling 2016 with GA. Beat Cal and Oregon. Still, it was not a good season or a good football team. I’ll just say that as much as I loved that (rivalry) win, the verdict still has to be out on J Smith and staff IMO. So how good is this Beaver team? Actions speak very loudly!

    Britain Covey is still on their team! JHC, that kid has been there for 10 years! LOL He is deadly quick. Quicker version of RB M Borghi at WSU but BC is a receiver. Dangerous player.

    *Their (Utah) RB had 10 totes for 97 yards against UW. That’s impressive against anyone, let alone UW.

    The match-up:

    -Utah will more than likely control the LOS on both sides!
    -Nolan will be an adjustment for Utah, which is good but will the Beavs take advantage while the Utah defense is still trying to figure him out.
    -Utah somehow, always has a QB that isn’t a world beater (this kid has thrown 4 picks I believe) but he manages the game. They often rely on the running game with their physicality. Nobody has tried to ground and pound the Beavs this year. Even the Ducks started throwing more than I thought they would?!
    -Utah’s special teams is amazing bc Wittingham coaches them directly. This has been a struggle with inconsistency for the Beavs so far this season.
    -Utah doesn’t traditionally light up the scoreboard. Oregon State can score 30-40. With a more consistent passing game, they might score more?

    Prediction:

    Being honest, I have not seen much of Utah this season but going off of their past seasons (they-Utah-are very consistent in what they do: run the ball, excellent SP teams, physical in the trenches and manage the clock). I think it will be a physical game with some sloppy plays at times (possible turnovers, self inflicted/unforced errors- who wins that battle?). Hope I’m wrong but:

    Utah 24 Oregon State 21

    Go Beavs!

  20. I hope for a Beaver win, based on Nolan as the mystery that can’t be solved by Utah in time. OSU 38- Utah 24

    I expect, based on prior years of data, a classic Lucy/Charlie Brown routine by the Beavs. Just as I am hopeful, they once again fall flat on national television and face-plant, all momentum right out the door. OSU 9- Utah 28

    Another day as a Beaver fan…I see signs of improvement, but mentally prepare for frustration and disappointment.

  21. Now with Gebbia out for sure, the keys to the game. Utah defense is pretty typical, tough up front and will make you earn a score. However the Utah offense is struggling after losing all their playmakers from last year.

    1. For the coaches, they have to make Nolan a threat to run or seem like a threat to run to help out Jefferson. Every time there is a handoff to Jefferson, a WR should be in motion and Nolan should take off in the other direction to keep defenses honest.
    2. But don’t get cute and try to use Jefferson as a decoy. Give him the ball. He opens up the passing game and wr sweeps. When the defense starts to follow Jefferson then the misdirection can be called. Need to get to short 3rd downs.
    3. Roll the pocket for Nolan. Give him some time and the option to take off.
    4. Nolan needs a countdown on every pass play. At 3 seconds, take off and run.
    5. Defense – keep everything in front. Utah is not a big play offense. Linebackers should have a lot of tackles. QB is no threat to run.
    6. Harass the Utah QB. He is struggling right now. The backup isn’t any better.
    7. Keep penalties to a min. Pretty much every penalty on the defense has resulted in a first down.
    8. Except jump the snap? Offsides is not a penalty this year.

    Clearly Vegas doesn’t know much about Nolan and the line reflects that. I’d take the Beavs to cover and the under. Should be a low scoring game.

    • Or, at 3 seconds, throw the ball, or throw it away. Taking off that quickly could give him happy feet. I think the offensive line performed well against the Ducks, and should have some confidence. Utah’s front should be better, so Nolan and the line we’ll need a good game call from Lindgren as you suggest.

      How are their DBs? Can Taylor and Beason build on their last game?

      Hopefully Nolan is relatively calm given a week of prep. Mix in some Colleto at the goal line to mix it up and take some pressure of Nolan?

      Finally, I think OSU has to allow Nolan to be himself for him to feel comfortable and have success and confidence. If that means giving him the green light for some running, do it.

      OSU’s D has been pretty good in second halves. Hopefully, they don’t wait that long this time. But keep that in mind, be patient, and keep running Jefferson. May be time to mix in some more Baylor runs? He can be sneaky good.

      Finally, Smith will go for it on 4th at least 4 times, but I think FGs will be important and if the weather/wind are good, put some trust in the FG kicker about <=48 yards.

    • I think one of the major keys to this game is to keep the Utes off balance on defense. I’m guessing/hoping on either; read option or RPO (Run Pass Option) to start the game. If Utah is always guessing what they’re going to get; option? Pro style? That just opens up so much! And… they have to worry about J2, which then keeps playaction.

      RPOs and Read-option also can help Chance settle in with some immediate familiarity. Then he can relax and run teh offense. That’s really what is needed IMO.

      Hopin’ for a win!

      Go Beavs!

  22. I’m hoping Nolan can get the O rolling early, that has been the main issue (slow starts). He is a good runner as well and looks like he has a good ball when he rolls out either direction. He is the key to W this week.

  23. I didn’t see it mentioned or maybe I missed it, but their QB was a two-plus year starter for South Carolina and had decent stats. He was the QB for their nine-win 2017 team. I almost think something is wrong with him or he doesn’t know the playbook well. He couldn’t beat out the guy who got injured and he has not looked great in his two games with the Utes. Knowing Luck O’ the Beavs, he will break out on Saturday.

    • It all depends on next 2 games.. those are the ones that decide who plays in PAC 12 championship(every teams gets 7th game but first 6 determine Division Champs).. and the 7 will be N2 vs S2,,etcc
      .. Currrently Washington is 3-0.. lose next 2 games(Stanford, at Oregon).. makes them 3-2.. and Oregon needs to lose at Cal and beat WSH..makes them 4-2 but lose tie breaker to OSU.. and WSU has lost 2 games already and plays USC and Cal next 2 game.. lose one and they are 2-2..
      so if everything plays out that way.. assuming OSU doesn’t lose game standings in north would be….. OSU 4-2.. Oregon 4-2 Washington 3-2.. WSU 2-2.. could be wrong.. but i believe thats OSU’s path

      • Do the games against South teams count in the Pac12 north race? Like do the UW and OSU games vs Utah even matter?
        I dont remember how they’re counting these things this year. It could be that the no contest between Cal/UW earlier in the year could help us.
        In fact, UW only has 1 Pac north win and Oregon has 2. OSU with 2 Pac North wins and the tiebreaker against oregon could currently be leading the Pac north, if they’re counting division games only.

        Anybody know where we can find the 2020 Pac12 Covid standing rule book?

        • Nevermind, found it. Cross division games count and head to head os the first level of the tiebreaker. So we’d need more total wins than UW and at least tie oregon to win the North.
          I like how the tiebreakers evenentually go to a literal coin toss if all else fails.

          ?————-
          The winner of each Division – North and South – will be determined by the best winning percentage within the conference, including the crossover game.

          Two-Team Tie:

          Head-to-head results

          Record in games played within the division

          Record against the next highest placed team in the division (based on record in all games played within the Conference), proceeding through the division

          Record in common Conference games

          Team with the highest College Football Playoff (CFP) ranking

          Cumulative winning percentage of each tied team’s Conference opponents

          Highest ranking by SportSource Analytics (Team Rating Score metric) following the last weekend of regular-season games

          Coin toss

  24. I think a big key will be turnovers. The Utah d is good at creating them. Lindgren needs to make sure and get nolan comfortable. Don’t ask too much from him in his first start. If they can limit turnovers and continue to create some I think they’ll win.

    28-24 Beavs!

    • Remember when Utah nearly broke a GA qb in half in his first start? Horrific home game that comes to mind.

      Utah will be predictably aggressive on their rush and pressure. Perhaps a perfect set-up for a running qb in his first start to step in and finally give us one of those wins. I hope Nolan and JJ have been working on some zone read and option stuff. Misdirection and roll-outs will likely be the plan. Although, this might be the year to run straight at them and power running game to break their will since all of those d-line guys are in the NFL now.

  25. Big game for the mens team tonight. A follow up win after beating Cal would be a good indicator that this team won’t finish in the bottom of the standings.

  26. Thompson is no better his senior year than his freshman year. He can’t carry this team. Lucas was just awful.
    Hollins contributed nothing, and they lost by 4 on the road. The new players look like players and the returners
    except Reichle looked like shit.

  27. Well, after the debacle tonight maybe they are the 12th place team. Ethan misses a game tieing free throw and ugliness ensues from there. No rhythm on offense, almost 20 turnovers.

  28. Hollins shouldn’t see the floor. I’ve watched all three games–he’s either jacking threes or making stupid turnovers. Really like the team overall–but Calloo has a bad habit of putting the ball on the floor and losing it–think I’ve seen that 4-5 times already. Should have kept the ball out of his hands in that last possession-same thing again.

    • 2
      2

      Hollins has been such a disappointment. He’s had times where he looks like a legit starter. Most games he just negatively impacts the team.

      That last possession was garbage and all on Tinkle IMO.

  29. 4
    4

    I saw a much improved MBB team last night. They are playing with much more effort and speed. They are long and athletic and really can match up well with most teams on the defensive end. However, once again they are so streaky on offense. They had some really good sets that led to wide open looks. Then they would flat out miss. Sounded like the first two games they were knocking it down so I am hoping this was more related to travel. This was the first game since COVID that was away from home.

    Wayne Tinkle cost us the game. When you are down 1 and can take the last shot in the game, you do it. You don’t rush a terrible shot in the paint and give it back to the other team. Take your time and get a good look. This should have been a W but we Tinked it like usual.

    The Alatashie pickup was huge. He’s a fun skilled player that plays with a lot of effort. Probably the best athlete MBB have had in a while.

    Overall after last night I probably will watch another game. I actually felt like they had the better talent for once.

  30. Havent watched the b-ball team yet only listened to the Cal game on radio. Between that and the comments here it sounds like the team is still missing a reliable steady PG, is that the case.

    • No doubt. If anyone hasn’t seen it, it was one of the more puzzling plays you’ll ever see. Thompson is standing directly under the hoop and sits there at least 5 seconds waiting for Reichle to get open. Reichle got a good look but I don’t think any coach would not take the easy two there. Tinkle overthinks things, in those situations, you should be making the correct basketball play not trying fancy unconventional stuff. I thought he read that coaches book, he needs to go back and read it again.

  31. Utah will be playing only it’s 3rd game of the season. Beavs are playing better and better but now the wildcard is the qb starting his first div1 game.

    • 2
      1

      If Gebbia is healthy by all means play him. But if he has a limp at all I think you got to take a chance on Nolan. I mean all preseason the story was how close the competition was, so if that was true then a health Nolan should play over a limping Gebbia that gets cleared anyway. I mean it is not like Gebbia is Russel Wilson where you play him with a limp anyway cause that is still your best option.

    • Any competitor will always think they can give it a go. Only the doctors/trainers can really stop them. I’m sure the MRI came back saying there’s no way for Gebbia to play again this year.

      When the coaches say he’s day to day, that’s the mind games there.

    • Nice. That’s a guy who had massive potential and never lived up to it. I notice TEs excel at never living up to potential. Very strange phenomena with them. I think agility might be the most important trait in a TE. Big reason most fail is they look maladroit out there trying to catch.

      • didn’t that dude almost die a couple years ago in a car wreck? I seem to remember a gofundme going around because he just got demolished and was in critical condition for awhile.

      • Just quickly browsed through it. Some interesting tidbits.

        He got cat scratch fever from a stray cat he adopted his senior year and it took him out the entire year and rest of career.

        He questioned GA about having Collins start.

        Riley is exactly who you think he is. No front and parents love him. Surprised as anyone that he left for Nebraska.

        Coach Locey shows tough love with bear crawls and will walk with you the entire way. That was real old school coaching right there.

        GA seemed fake. Smith wouldn’t make any comments on GA’s departure other than there may have been some funny business. He wasn’t there when GA left so what he knows is probably hearsay. But his wife was a cheerleader so maybe its not.

        Ziggy Ansah was so much of a beast he knocked out an OSU player on three kickoff returns.

        Too bad they didn’t ask him about the Vaz/Mannion start at the Alamo Bowl.

        • Cats are so nasty. I got an infection from our cat in the area of a small hangnail on my finger. It ended up making my finger swell to almost double in size. Had to have a doctor scalpal it open and drain it and follow up with antibiotics. Good times

        • Speaking of “cats”, they should’ve asked him if he knew what Riley did to Ryan Katz? We all know what happened, but what a “nice guy” was to Jovan Stevenson? Mr Nice guy my ass!

          I don’t know how many of you know where Mike Riley got his start in Football coaching but it was at Linfield with the Great Ad Rutschman!

          Go Beavs!

          • The Jovan Stevenson thing, IMO was ridiculous. I could see if the guy raped his daughter or something but that obviously was not the case. Saint Mike held a grudge which took one of the more talented tailbacks they had, basically off the team (didn’t play). Again, JS didn’t break the law (that I know of). It takes two ta tango in that case and Mike put his feelings ahead of the team.

            I’ll be honest, I don’t know what truly happened to Katz but I have heard it was a feud with Riley that kept him off the field after the injury. Who knows?! I know I don’t trust Riley for many reasons though.

            Go Beavs!

        • His wrist is after a surgery he had took him out. He had it the same year as the fever. Said in hindsight he would’ve never gotten the surgery and that he couldn’t ever bench press or anything after.

  32. 10
    11

    Just listened to Trump’s 45 minute speech from last night. Holy shit. How is the 25th amendment not being discussed more? The guy belongs in a straight jacket.

    It literally is not much different than this:

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmJaba9awL4

    What’s also incredible is the same family produced Mary Trump, who is absolutely well-spoken and brilliant. She seems to be the only one who got out of that upbringing alive.

    • 3
      10

      >Just listened to Trump’s 45 minute speech from last night.

      You have a high pain tolerance, I made it maybe 15 minutes.

      To be fair, the YouTube guy actually makes some decent points. The run defense is a fucking embarrassment. Everything about them is a disappointment. They are a trash as fuck and garbage as shit.

    • 8
      11

      Yeah. He is absolutely batshit, and anyone buying what he is saying is dumb as a rock. Period. But what’s interesting is you can see him breaking down. In the speech from last night his voice is getting higher and he’s more and more desperate as the narcissism breaks down. His followers are dumb as shit, but at some point even they will see the fraud and weakness in that.

      • 9
        15

        Imagine if he spent this energy on Coronavirus? 100 people die per day from flu in a bad year, and we have 3,100 people dying per day. And he’s out there whining about an election even Barr confirmed he lost. Just despicable. Republicans are dead to moderates, so it has consequences.

          • Easy-get the best doctors on the case and execute.

            Likewise, how hard is it to put a mask on your face?

            When was the last time you heard of Trump “governing” the country? 100% pardons, grievances, blame and denial. (and fundraising). Quite a gig if you can get it.

          • 1
            2

            Trump should have initiated the National Security and Homeland Security Presidential Directive (Directive 51) which gives him unquestionable power over all government functions.

            That way, he could have cancelled the 2020 election, ordered the Treasury to print money to buy the world’s debt, and threatened military intervention if countries did not give up their medical supplies and gold. That way, every American can stay home indefinitely and never have to work again, and the virus would have never killed anyone.

          • Let’s see pardoning cronies and family-Why? have they committed crimes? maybe we should know about that. Today he purged the Pentagon business advisory board and named Corey Lewandowski and David Bossie to the board.

            PLEASE NOTE: neither have served in the military or have any apparent experience with the defense industry.

            FWIW

          • 2
            4

            Homefry, he’s rearranging the pieces since the court route failed, and now he’s trying for the military coup, etc. Just amazing people are supporting this.

          • The lawsuits have actually been a really successful investment. He spends a few million to gum up the works in the courts, and people have donated a couple hundred million to support the effort. Over $200M in pure tax exempt profit in 1 month.

    • “and when we disagree it will just be like… Like I told Barack, if I reach something where there’s a fundamental disagreement we have based on a moral principle, I’ll develop some disease and say I have to resign.” -Joe Biden, sitting next to Kamala Harris, who is struggling from bursting out in laughter on a CNN interview with Jake Tapper.

      Sounds like the 25th Amendment is gonna come sooner than we expect under a Biden presidency! lmao

    • lol @ Biden supporters saying Trump will implement martial law, when we’ve been under martial law since 2001.

      People forget that the US has been at war for the past two decades.

  33. 6
    2

    I was out on a bike ride earlier today, and I had a revelation that this Utah game might be the biggest in the Smith era. It’s imperative, in terms of changing the narrative about the program and actually proving we’re an upstart, to win this game. The one step forward, two steps back phase is over. We need two steps forward.

    • 1
      2

      Watched the last 4.5 minutes so didn’t get to see much of it. Goforth is the real deal based on the first game I watched vs. MT Western and she had 24 today. I’m still not convinced this team is very athletic or quick but Rueck will get the most out of them. I wish we still had Destiny on the team as she brought that extra element (speed and quickness) to the floor. We’ll see how the PAC-12 season goes. It should be fun.

    • 1
      1

      @BeaverBill

      This was good to read; reassuring in one sense. Hopefully it translates to a well executed game for him.

      I enjoyed how he first came to the notice of the Beavers interesting as well.

    • 1
      2

      Check out Nolan’s highlights on YouTube and that will give an idea of his skill set. There’s a reason Oklahoma and UCLA and others offered him…i think he’s going to surprise a lot of people if the O line gives him protection. and they open some running lanes for JJ.

  34. 2
    1

    This is a tough game to call. Utah is going to game plan to shut down the run and I think they’re coaching is much better than the Ducks. If they can prevent the big play from Jefferson, I’m concerned with our ability to move the ball and score. Especially with new QB. Banter about Nolan is encouraging but P12/Utah defensive schemes are a step up for him. I see a low scoring game… 21-17 Utes. If we can get some big plays in running game and special teams, I could see Beavs pulling off the upset. Officials are the wild card but hoping the conference won’t have any motive to stack the deck for an 0-2 Utah team… for once, it may be best for the conference to have the Beavs win so let’s hope we get the benefit of the doubt on some spots/calls.

    • OSU’s results are inconsequential to the conference at this point. Purely from a media market standpoint, they will always prefer Utah to OSU, as long as Oregon is saturating the Portland market. OSU will only matter to them if they manage to be in the CFP picture or they somehow overtake Oregon in in-state popularity.

  35. 2
    1

    Utah is likely going to load the box early in the game. With a running quarterback and lack of playmakers at wide receiver, there is a combination of plays that can counter this (citing Chip Kelly vs. a physical Stanford team in 2010):

    1) Inside Zone Run
    2) WR Screen (Play Action)
    3) Tight End Fly
    4) (Some) Read Option

    The objective is to utilize the screen as a running play to get the outside linebackers towards the edges, then use the tight ends to get large chunks of yards. This is a one or two read offense. What made it so effective was that Darron Thomas was able to run the ball 15 times; if Chance can run it 10 times for 5 yards or more consistently, OSU will be in very good shape to pull off the win.

    • 1
      1

      I worry about Chance getting hit hard running that many times. I’m looking for if the pocket breaks down, no short outlet, go get 5-7 yards. Other than that, no designed runs because the speed will take Chance some getting use to. At times in the CW, Lindgren and JS seemed to make play calls that set up the offense for later in the game. Will have to be patient in the first half. 0 turnovers last game was huge for field position (other than the boneheaded 4th down call on own 45 ish).

      • …Lindgren and JS seemed to make play calls that set up the offense for later in the game
        ^^^True, a characteristic of good tactical coaches.

  36. 1
    2

    I think Nolan can be fine if he takes care of the ball. With him I’m worried about fumbles and interceptions. Afraid they might pressure him and instead of playing it safe he might force some plays.

    Here are the biggest keys IMHO:

    Take care of the ball. They can’t afford to lose the turnover battle.

    Good special teams play. Field position will be huge this game. If they can control field position and get field goals that could be the difference as I see this as a fairly low scoring game.

    Good offensive line play. If they show up this week like they did last week the Beavs are in good shape. They need to be able to run the ball even against stacked boxes. Also need to protect Nolan in his first start.

    Stop the run. The Utah qb is prone to picks. They need to force him to try to win the game. If they’re able to run the Defense is in trouble. Hopefully they continue to make strides.

    Although utah always seems to have good physical defenses I don’t see them as having a more talented front 7 than Oregon with scott, Thibodeau, and sewell. Probably play tougher tho. I’ll stick with my 28-24 Beav win tho!

  37. Remember GA simply avoided running at the Utah d-line? I think JS and Lindgren will test Utah from all directions with a variety of runs and blocking schemes to see if JJ can bust a couple of big runs against Utah as well.

    Utah QB is quite unimpressive and can be limited.

    If JJ gets 125+ yards, Beavs win

    • Beavs can’t go away from what they are best at. And that’s getting the ball to Jefferson. I do think they could get him the ball on swing passes and let him run in space a little more.

      I would guess the defense will try to rip the ball from jj after seeing that sometimes he can carry the ball a little loose. Need him to secure the ball.

      • @bill, you bring up a good point with Jefferson catching passes out of the backfield. That doesn’t seem to be a component of this offense or maybe he isn’t good at that yet?

        • He gets a screen pass every once in a while but when the defense starts to crash down on the line, swing passes are great counters. It also opens up the middle for the TEs when the LBs have to chase JJ.

          I’d say he’s an above average pass catcher.

          I would say the reason he doesn’t go out on a route is because of his blocking. He’s a pro when asked to block. One of the many reasons why his draft stock will be elevated.

    • I would hope you are right! Unfortunately Utah doesn’t win games with their passing game. They win with; solid defense, controlling the LOS, good special teams and an effective running game.

      One thing that is worrisome! According to a Mike Parker interview, Utah was one of the hardest to come after Chance at Saddleback (according to his HC). UCLA and Oklahoma St were also recruiting him heavily.

      One thing that I was thinking of today about Utah is, I don’t think they have had a losing record in a season since they have joined the PAC, have they?

      Go Beavs!

    • OhioBeav c’mon! It’s going to be freezing! In a freezing game, it effects the pass and run game and the most physical team and the one that makes the least mistakes will probably win! Not saying the Beavs can’t do that but J2 getting 125 rushing won’t win this game. Chance has to connect downfield in order to make a dent. Utah is going to load the box! Wittingham is the best coach we have faced to date. They disguise coverages well and their players are very disciplined. This is an absolute fact: If Nolan helps the Beavs win this game, he’s the guy, period! He and the Beavs will face more adversity than they have all year. Utah is going to absolutely force Nolan to beat them!

      I think he might do it (in my heart)! Beavs D has to play lights out too!

      Go Beavs!

      • So JJ needs 225+ for the win? If JJ can move the chains in a grind out possession game, he needs 125 for victory, which is consistent with Utah’s style and your point of cold weather tends toward running game and fewer amounts of plays due to a running clock.

        This game will be about turnovers, JJ and field position. Perhaps this is where the JS gambler pays off with trick plays unexpectedly giving the Beavs a big play or two that seal victory.

  38. 10

    I wanted to give a HUGE shout-out to Jaydon Grant! He is absolutely lights out this season! Around the ball and making some huge hits! Re-watching the Ducks game, he made some big hits in that game and the pick. For a original walk-on, he is killin’ it! Nice job JG! Your dad was a stud too! All love and props to you both!!

    Go Beavs!

  39. So: you guys who think Smith makes crazy 4th down decisions, in tonight’s game, Louisiana, leading App State 24-19 with about 1:45 left in the game, on a 4th and 2 on their own 35, decides to take a safety. That brings App St. to within 3 points, 24-21. Then, Louisiana gets a so called free kick from its own 20 (not much different from where they might have punted but without giving up 2 points for the privilege) which App State returns to their own 45. Thus, the safety obviated the prospect of Louisiana converting on 4th and short to win game by running the clock out, or punting without yielding points and not much field position either.

    Predictably, App State moves quickly into the Red Zone, with a chance to win outright or go for the tie. With time running out, they go for the tie with a FG but the kick is abysmal. Louisiana beats App State 24-21.

    Moral of the story: you can make an absolutely crazy decision, like Louisiana did and win, or make the right call, like Smith did in Pullman and lose. The universe can be unkind.

    • Don’t get me wrong, I thought it was a bizarre decision also, but you left out that the Louisiana long snapper was in the throes of a complete mental breakdown and had already snapped it over the punters head three times, leading to a previous safety and one of the App. St touchdowns. Another poor decision was to pass it on the 3rd and 2 when they could have run it again and caused App to burn their last time out. For a Saban disciple, Napier’s thought process was not very Saban-esque.

      • Thank you as that’s exactly what I was about to post. He had at least two snaps that sailed well above the punter’s head and ended 20+yards behind the LOS. That said, why not bring in your backup LS?

        • Yeah, that was my thought….where’s the back-up? He snapped over the punter’s head three times and was badly off the mark on a botched extra point. Amazing that Louisiana was still able to win.

    • 5
      3

      You can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a bull’s ass, but wouldn’t you rather take the butcher’s word for it?

    • Can’t wait to watch OSU steal Utah’s virginity tonight.
      (Although didn’t that happen to them already twice this season? I want to say some Trojans and some dogs were involved somehow)

    • Not that losing is any comfort, but I’d like to at least see a competitive game. I think there were some comments in here last year about the Utes being beatable and the game ended up being the only truly non-competitive game of the year. A total beat down in every sense.

      Utah has an experienced QB who had a lot of success against the “non-elite” SEC teams in his career and the Beavs are starting a QB with zero experience. It seems like a game where the defense really needs to perform for four quarters. I’m not sure they can. College football is full of upsets and unexpected performances, it would be nice to see the Beavs on the positive side of one of those tonight.

  40. 1
    1

    Word from Eggers is that Jermar Jefferson won’t play tonight. Not yet confirmed.

    This bites. But Baylor and Chance would have to play lights out. Same with Defense. Have to be 15-16 point underdogs without Munchie.

    • If Covide reacted then could be out for Stanford too. I think they slightly lessened the 10 or 14 day requirements, but coming this late, Saturday morning means he might not have the 7 nights think is required now. Think they make you wait 7 days and then have to have 1 night cleared. If this was known yesterday with a test then think he could play, but late story makes me think this was discovered today and think that could jeopardize Stanford game too. Unless it is some kind of injury. Seems more like a morning test based off late development of story.

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        Of course it would be JJ and not the 3rd string cornerback…Luck o da Beavs strikes again…

        Likely a duck player was positive and played anyway, then coughed in JJ’s face after chasing him for another 20 yard gain.

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          Why not? I mean McKinley jerked and twisted Gebbia’s leg, which should have been a Personal Foul, and injured him. So why wouldn’t a Duck player cough all over the best RB in the conference and expose him to Covid? Duck players will resort to anything to try and win. Dirty programs do dirty things…..

    • Who will share the most reps with Baylor? Calvin Tyler Jr?

      Is Trey Lowe available tonight? Isn’t he a speed guy?

      Looks like Nolan will have to do some running tonight.

      • Tre’shaun Harrison (Florida St.transfer) is the one who is healthy and waiting. Eligibility doesn’t kick in until next week. Maybe he can help the passing game next week or fly sweep? I haven’t heard how he has been practicing, but he has experience.

        • I don’t think his value is in the fly sweep we have plenty of fast quick guys for that. They need him for his ability to be an every down receiver.

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      Beavers have ZERO shot at winning now. With JJ, they still had a fighting chance, but w/out Gebbia and JJ, yikers! It’s a tall order now for Chance Nolan making his first start at the FBS level, on the road vs. a historically physical defense and minus JJ. UnBeaverable! Next man up is the mantra, but when you’re missing JJ and Gebbia, it’s the equivalent of missing four players. Oh well, I’ll still watch with my hands covering my eyes peeking in between my fingers. Utah 27 OSU 10.

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    Well did you see that celebration video last week? They were screaming all over one another. I commented on it, and people told me to shut up and let them enjoy it. Cool story, bro. But now we have this.

    As Sean Doolittle said, sports are the reward of a functional society.

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      Your comment was the first thing that came to mind after I saw it was Covid for Mccarten and Jefferson. Unnecessary risk having all those guys celebrate witha locker room orgy after playing the game.

    • I mentioned how absolutely none of them had their masks on in the locker room and Angry made the “strippers ” comment. Just curious, are he and McCarten roomies?

    • Are JJ and McCarten room-mates? If it was from that locker room celebration then there should be more cases. Keeping young men from socializing at college is like asking cats to obey like dogs.

      • That was my point. If the post-game celebration was the spreader event, there was the possibility for more cases. Maybe the team dodged a bullet in regards to having to cancel the rest of the season? I don’t know the threshold for that.

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      I suspect the Rromans would have disagreed with Doolittle, sports are a great way to distract society from real functional issues and keep society dysfunctional. Look how Trump wanted the B10 to play so he looked good in battleground states.

    • On protocol means they both could of had a tutor come down with it and they are quarantined for it. Its not indicative of a positive covid test.. Just assuming its from a celebration in a locker room is a giant leap.
      And ill add, if it was from that celebration this game would be canceled 100%. Pretty obvious its not from that.

      • Ya guys are huddling and tackling each other the whole game. It would be highly unlikely it came from player interaction with protocol. Most likely came from an outside source interaction. They probably don’t even have covid but are contact traced.

  42. Sounds like they didn’t travel and went into quarantine this week… so perhaps the coaching staff was able to make some adjustments for this? They really have to let Nolan go crazy now. Personally, I’ve always wanted to see a dual threat QB. I want to see what this kid can do. Where’s Tyler and that Walnut Creek RB? Curious who we got besides Baylor?

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    OT- Syracuse is playing out of their minds in the first half so far. Ahead of the Irish 7-3 with five minutes left. I don’t think ‘shrooms or pot are legal in Indiana. Well, so much for that Irish up 10 now.

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    Some good news at least…..it’s now two top recruits that have decommitted from the Schmucks since OSU’s beatdown of the Schmucks in the game formerly known as the Civil War, and I’m sure there will be more to follow. Let’s go Beavs 41-38!

  45. PHIL STEELE REPORT:

    Last time here (2015) Oregon State was travelling for the third time in four weeks and Utah was #13 in the AP Poll. The
    Beavers were held to a Pac-12 season low 108 rushing yards. Oregon State trailed 14-6 at the half & 24-6 mid 4th quarter
    but only lost 27-12 (+27). In 2016 Oregon State at home got a TD with 1:40 left and only lost 19-14 (+7).
    Last year Oregon State was in the midst of its best season in a long time and was at home and only +14.5.
    Zach Moss returned for Utah and they dealt Oregon State its worst home loss since 1991. Utah led 35-0 at halftime
    despite Oregon State having a 12-10 FD edge. Jake Luton had 181 passes without an interception but Lloyd got a 64 yd interception return
    TD and Oregon State trailed 52-0 avoiding the shutout with a TD with :56 left. Oregon State is 8-1 ATS their last 11 Pac-12
    road games with 4 outright upsets. Utah is 13-4 ATS as a home favorite the last 4 years. Utah had their opener
    cancelled and was the last team to open a season when they lost to USC at home 33-17 only being
    outgained 357-335. They had their game vs Arizona State cancelled then quickly scheduled a road trip to
    Washington (not on schedule) and Utah led 21-0 at halftime (221-127 yd). Washington opened the 3Q with a 72/6 TD drive, a 19/7
    FG drive (after int), a 58/3 TD drive (after SOD) to pull within 21-17. Washington was intercepted with 6:47 left but Washington with 4:21 remaining went 88/12 for a 16 yd TD pass with :36 left for the comeback win. Oregon State opened 0-2 with a tough loss to Washington where RB Jefferson
    looked like he got a FD on 4&1 at the Washington 7 late but was ruled short. They upset Cal as a Best Bet for me the
    next week. Last week they hosted Oregon and it was very Foggy. Jermar Jefferson ran for 226 yards
    including a 82 yd TD run to tie it at 7-7. Oregon appeared in control early up 21-10, 21-13 at halftime, and 31-19 in the 3rd quarter but
    Oregon State went 92/16 and after an interception 33/2 for TD’s to lead 34-31. Oregon went 75/10 for a TD then Oregon State went
    55/12/6:09 but was stopped on downs on 4&7 at Oregon’s 15 with 2:28 left. Oregon State forced a 3&out and went 52/10 for TD with :33 by bkp QB
    Nolan on his first ever snap for OSU with Gebbia injured on the previous play. RB Jermar Jefferson has rushed
    for 675 (7.4) and QB Tristan Gebbia is hitting 62% with a 3-3 ratio but is questionable here. This is a must
    win for Utah and Oregon State is off a big upset won over their rival and traveling. My computer only has it 28-24.

    UTAH 34 OREGON STATE 28

    POSITION BY POSITION EDGES:

    WHEN OREGON STATE HAS THE BALL:
    Oregon State QB/WR’s vs Utah DB’s: UTAH +1.03
    Oregon State RB’s vs Utah LB’s: UTAH +0.54
    Oregon State OL vs Utah DL: UTAH +0.92

    WHEN UTAH HAS THE BALL:
    Utah QB/WR’s vs Oregon State DB’s: ORST +0.70
    Utah RB’s vs Oregon State LB’s: UTAH +0.94
    Utah OL vs Oregon State DL: UTAH +0.88

    MISCELLANEOUS:
    Special Teams: ORST +1.89
    Kicking: UTAH +1.85
    Coaching Staff: UTAH +1.65

    POSITIONAL EDGE AWARDED TO: UTAH +3.33

    PROJECTED BOX SCORE (ORST-UTAH)
    Projected Rushing: 116-213
    Projected Passing: 188-230
    Projected Yardage Total: 305-443
    Projected Final Score: 24-28
    Experience Rankings: 99-127
    Team Schedule Strength: 38-2

    LAS VEGAS LINE: Utah by 11
    LAS VEGAS TOTAL: 55.5 Points
    +/- RATINGS: Utah by 3.6
    GAME GRADE: Utah by 9.7
    COMPUTER YARDS: Utah 443-305
    COMPUTER POINTS: Utah 28-24

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    Interesting dialogue by the Indiana-Wisconsin broadcasters on the value of sideline demonstrativeness by the Indiana head coach, on how it can motivate his squad. Smith needs to work on this. The lack of it was one of Riley’s greatest deficiencies. Not crazy stuff like that Stoops guy at Arizona, just showing enthusiasm and an awareness of when one’s team is getting jobbed.

  47. Davis Mills and the Stanford O with an impressive first half vs. UW. As big a lead (21) as Utah had last week but without benefit of 3 turnovers, which is why Utah’s lead was so deceptive. Once UW got its act together they just dominated the Utes. By the way, isn’t Jet Toner, (the Stanford kicker) a great name.

  48. So they’re without their starting qb, star rb, starting rg?, rotation olb. I wonder if utah is missing any important guys? The deep OLB is down to 3 guys with experience. Is Gumbs back yet or is he done for the season? Sure could use him this game.

    So Baylor will start but who else do we see? I think someone asked above. There is Tyler who just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. Then you have the young big backs in Madison and Newell. Might be a good opportunity to see what you’ve got in them if you can trust them to not make a mistake.

    This game will definitely show how improved the depth chart really is. Obviously you’re going to have a drop off from Jefferson tho.

  49. So, is J2 out for the Stanford game too or will he be through the protocol by then?

    I’ve heard 10 days and 14. Not sure what the current time frame is?

    Go Beavs!

  50. Huskies victimized by two bad spots this game. It will be interesting to see if Shaw goes for it on 4th. maybe he will take a safety?

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    Good news is Washington lost. Bad news is Stanford looked stellar. They controlled the game on both lines and very balanced and good pass-run game. We might be in big fat trouble next week.

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