Home Football Oregon State @ San Jose State (Game Thread)

Oregon State @ San Jose State (Game Thread)

By
angry
-
536

I’m sticking with 45-13, Beavs.

DJ with 4 total TDs in his debut.

I think the big thing is to savor this game and every game this year. This season is like sipping a Bailey’s or eating mousse cake. You want to really sit it in and savor this. It’s basically Fall (we have leaves dropping already!), air is cooling, angle of the sun changing, corn and pumpkins ripening, and the Beavs about to go [rage] undefeated…enjoy, savor, and Go Beavs!

536 COMMENTS

  7. 6
    1

    Angry called this shit a decade ago when the OSU administration was content being a football punching bag. Now it bites us in the ass when we are finally relevant.

    Reply

  19. Can’t get much better than that. DJU perfect on the drive. Seems like Tanner Miller was the only weak link? Left side of the line looking iffy.

    Reply
  38. 6
    2

    Got to love the overreactions. First game of the year and we are in control in every aspect and people saying we are terrible.

    Reply
  39. 3
    4

    The mountain west is sadder than I realized. I knew it was bad,…but it’s really bad. We need a Deus ex machina! We can’t play in this conference.

    Reply

    • Agreed. Beavs and WSU should be able to roll in that conference.

      Air Force and Wyoming look to be the top teams.

      New Mexico, Nevada and CSU are a dumpster fire.

      The rest look mediocre at best.

      Reply

    • Yeah so uncomfortable and evasive, doesn’t want to say anything that could get her into trouble or derail anything.

      They’re definitely trying to swing a “reverse” merger.

      Reply
    • 1

      I think it was a good sign G-L-O-R-I-A was on, since she’s the commissioner of our future conference. I read it to mean that CBS is burnishing its relationship with the conference in anticipation of the next media deal. Clearly with its programming this week and next CBS is anticipating the future with late night Saturday games to run against NBC (10) and Disney (12)

      Reply
      • 6

        I was really happy with the announcing crew today. They were actually watching the game and were really knowledgeable of all the players.

        The only time they mentioned other teams and conferences were on the realignment topic and the interview. Other than that, they were on their game.

        Reply
  43. 3

    Low energy, which is disappointing but now wholly unexpected. Hurts after seeing Colorado come out and play with their hair on fire for Deion.

    Reply
  51. 9

    Great pass D by Robinson there.

    2 minutes here. Get points and head to halftime up 21-3.

    Get the ball to start the 2nd half

    Reply
  65. 3
    2

    For the record, I never said the D regressed. Just that the energy was lame to start the game. It’s picked up as the offense scores and allows them to be looser and more aggressive. I have us as a max 1 loss team so obviously I don’t think there’s regression.

    Reply
    • 1
      1

      I think most comments were directed at greatswammi Jr.

      That being said, I didn’t see low energy, I saw conservative play calling by Bray. Expect that to change this half, with the lead and after getting a feel for SJS. I felt like that’s what Bray did all of last year.

      Reply
  67. 13

    This will be the struggle all year as OSU is just going to do things different than USC, UW, Oregon and even Colorado. Those teams will be all flash and explosive plays but Beavs and Utes will grind on teams and it will not be hyped as much.

    Beavs are right on schedule for both offense and defense. Great steady mistake free first half to start the season. No turnovers, no missed field goals, no fumbles, no sacks on DJ. Lots to be happy with and not much to lament.

    Reply

  70. that slide CBS just put on for next week is the shape of things to come for our new conference. With their 10 rights they pull the game at Michigan (coincidentally against a MW team). For their night game, they have SDSU at home (coincidentally against a Pac team–UCLA).

    Reply
  72. 4

    With the new clock if a D can’t get third down stops the game flies by and O does not get many possessions. Some of the games are going to be more like NFL games this year. Having a D that can get turnovers is going to be even more important.

    Reply
  73. 7

    CBS going out of their way to tout Navarez and the future of the MW with OSU and WSU in it. In fact, Navarez effectively opened contract negotiations with the network with her brief interview. Not coincidentally, Neuhiesel mentioned she was in Fort Collins yesterday. This woman has showed more vision and energy in one weekend that Scott and Georgie K have in 10 years combined.

    Reply
  76. 9

    Concerns about low energy are a bit overblown for this game. I doubt they will be low energy going to Pullman or Utah at home etc. These first 3 games are going to work out the kinks and they hit their stride with rotation and scheme by conference play right on schedule. Plenty of time to build without being overly emotional etc in the opener.
    JS isn’t going to let emotions get out of control. He prefers low ego/high output & intelligence over emotions. JS may be the best coach to navigate this type of season.
    Low energy concerns are simply a byproduct of Riley era ptsd.

    Reply
  77. 5

    heard a bit of the Barnes interview. It’s clear OSU is going to pitch athlete well-being (the anti-travel school) as its recruiting pitch going forward

    Reply
  85. 2

    I understand the momentum could shift but I would have went for it too. Low stakes game that you are in control of, you can afford to take risks. Now in a competitive game, that would have been a huge mistake.

    Reply

    • it seems we’re destined to play in this conference. I’ve reconciled myself to it. The point going forward is to dominate the conference in the short term, hoping to cadge a CFP bid along the way, and play a strong hand in building it up competitively. The new CBS contract (starting in 2024) I predict, will give the conference members Stanford and Cal level funding, and even if it’s short of that, lot’s of early evening (eastern time) late afternoon (pacific time) kickoffs and attendant visibility.

      Reply

    • Just like the 80s and 90s 49ers couldn’t play in the NFC West?
      Just like 80s and 90s Florida State couldn’t play in the ACC?
      Just like Tom Brady couldn’t play in the AFC East?
      Relax.

      Reply
  131. 9

    DJ is legit. Clemson screwed up his potential and now we get to enjoy the resurrection of his talent.

    Incredible arm and he isn’t really needed to air it out yet. He can throw 85 yards in the air and JS is letting it flow and pacing the playbook for sure.

    Reply
    • 1

      Boy, if Chiles can catch he could be pretty dangerous down the field with the speed and long arms.
      But he’a too valuable as a QB to risk injury

      Reply
  154. 8

    I will say that this is the least stressed I have been during a game in years. Team looked good, few kinks to work on, especially in the secondary. Excited to see where this team can go.

    Reply
  168. 4

    DJ looked great. Chiles can sling that ball and is mobile. Outside of the PI by Ivy the D looked good. CUSJ put up 28 against USC in the Coliseum so they don’t have a bad offensive.

    All in all lotta bad start. But if this is MWC competition it could be some boring games in the near future.

    Reply
  169. 7
    2

    Bolden and Gould will have their day against Utah, UCLA, UW and Oregon. The teams that decide to sellout and stop the run will be asking for DJ to drop a 50 yard go route off play action.
    Today all the receivers were merely contributing to the balanced attack. Martinez is the straw that stirs the drink but DJ is going to be the difference maker over the course of the year.

    Reply
  171. 2
    12

    Definitely a lot to clean up in the secondary that will get us burned against better teams, especially penalties, and I would have liked some more sacks or turnovers, but overall a good first performance. I’ll wait to give a full analysis of the team until conference play.

    Reply
    • 1

      Against Boise State in the first game of the season last year, the Beavers committed…

      10 penalties for 100 yards.

      All the rest of the Beaver stats for that game (w/ exception of turnovers/sacks) are comparable. And, we opened at home.

      That same Boise State team proceeded to a 9-3 record & finished 8-0 in MWC conference play in 2022.

      Reply
  172. 10
    1

    Studentbeaver had to resort to criticizing the commercials when the narrative he was trying to paint didn’t come true. Haha.

    This team looks solid. They used a measured approach that limits mistakes and keeps them in control. A few things to clean up obviously but man for a first game on the road this looks like a mature football team.

    Reply
    • 5

      What narrative? All I’ve said is that the defense regressed in my opinion, but a good win overall, which I still feel to be true. We lost a lot of play makers on D. It’s not a sleight at you or anyone, but a team that loses a lot of key players on a side of the ball is expected to regress in that regard.

      Reply
      • 4
        1

        Lmao! You said that the Beavs defense had regressed after two series where we held the opponent to zero points.

        That’s the part that you don’t get, it’s not about the players we lost, it’s about the players we have. Holding them to 56 yards rushing is a huge improvement. Hell Corderio put up 48 yards rushing by himself against two years ago when he was with Hawaii.

        Again you are pushing a narrative the we regressed when the evidence points to the opposite.

        Reply
  173. 2

    It will be interesting too see peak viewer numbers for a non-con, college game on a sunday…

    Maybe DJ will give Beaver viewing a bump?

    Reply
  174. 5

    Really a dominant performance. I think there was that disrespect narrative out there that because SJSU hung with USC for a half and had impressive offensive totals they would give the Beavs a game.

    As we know, OSU can’t possibly compare to USC (sarcasm intended), but the Beavs did not come close to letting that happen.

    Reply
  176. 2

    I’d like to think OSU will move up in the rankings, but I could see Colorado jumping them, or one of those SEC teams that walloped a juco yesterday.

    Reply
  177. 10

    I’m going to get killed for this take but I still have huge concern about our WR get open quickly and DJ holding the ball. He was great when he had all day, but that will change as we get into conference play. Didn’t see many timing throws today.

    Reply
    • 2

      Agreed. Bolden is the only receiver who has consistently shown he can release and get open. Velling is going to be seeing a lot of action this season.

      Reply
    • 7

      DJ does need to stop throwing high on those short timing passes. Somewhat joking, but is he not used to such tiny receivers? Beavs still need a 6’3 stud WR at some point, sort of unicorn for the program.

      Reply
    • 4

      I thought Gould was open several times, DJ just missed. I’d like to see a little more touch and accuracy on those very short throws. Literally, the only thing I can criticize of DJ today.

      I agree it would be nice to have a bigger target, but these guys are quick, we run the right routes and they get open. It’s like having three slot receivers at all times.

      Reply
      • 2

        Brandin Cooks was only listed at 5′ 10″, yet he got separation regularly. I suspect if upper classman version played today w/DJ, he’d have had 6-8 catches, over 100 yards, and at least one TD.

        Then sat in the 4th…

        Would love for 1-2 WRs to be reliable, go-to guys. Its been a while. Hodgins?

        Reply
      • 3

        I agree Jack. It was weird, with DJ I didn’t see any of those “oh shit” throws where a defender drops a pick. We all knew but having a real QB changes this team’s dynamic 100%.

        Reply
        • 2

          Right?
          We heard on two of his five incompletions that “Accuracy was a problem at Clemson,” yet… what?
          One of those incompletions was a WR screen that was blown before the pass failed to get to the WR. He would have had negative yardage on the play, if it was completed.

          Reply

  178. Some key things I noticed that we usually suffer from early on in the season for past years are dropped passes and false start penalties. I don’t think we had 1 of either in this game?

    Reply
  179. 14
    1

    I’m going to make a sign that says:

    “Studentbeaver

    Angrybeavs.com”

    to hold in the student section this year to disprove all of you non-believers

    Reply
  180. 7
    1

    It’s an odd feeling when you feel like there’s a lot to cleanup but the game was never in doubt.

    Streaming thoughts about the game,
    – DJU showing why a talented QB can thrive in JS’s offense. When the Beavs enter the redzone, it’s going to seem like it’s an eventuality the Beavs will get a TD with his throwing or run threat. 80% completion rate on the day. Mannion was the last QB to have an 80% + completion rate with a significant amount of attempts.
    – Offense showing why every skill player is a threat to catch a pass
    – DM with the easiest 145 yard game you’ll see and couple of nice catches
    – Surprised Newell didn’t get any touches
    – Defensively, it just seemed like there were lapses even though they only have up 17 points with 7 being on a short field and 7 in garbage time
    – Jaden Robinson showed why he can be a top corner. 3 good pass breakups
    – It was nice to see the defense make adjustments late and collapse the pocket for consecutive sacks
    – Made the SJSU short field TD really hard and SJSU lucked out with the fumble recovery
    – Would have loved to see the offense take more shots downfield but there weren’t too many situations to do so

    The cleanup items –
    – Ivy – I’d say one PI call was ticky tack but the others need to be cleaned up
    – Missed tackles/poor angles happened a few times when the pass rush got the QB scrambling that would have resulted in TFL
    – Punt protection. that was just bad
    – Felt like DJ missed a couple throws (a massive stretch)
    – 9 penalties. Need to halve that.
    – Pass rush felt very vanilla
    – Defense did not feel fast. Gang tackling was limited.

    Hard to say how much the coaching staff held back. No trick plays today.

    All in all, a good solid win with room for lots of improvement

    Reply
    • 2
      1

      Great summary, I agree with most of your takes.

      This may not be a popular opinion, but I thought the tackling was better than we’ve seen in the past. Now, on a small amount of big plays it was terrible. I am talking about overall, I felt like guys were in position.

      Very few big plays given up today. I remember us getting burnt in the past for several big plays a game. Terrible tacking from the gate. I see improvement.

      Reply
      • 5

        I agree, it was on a small amount of plays but it just seemed to look really bad when it happened. Outside of that, it was solid tackling.

        Also agree, I don’t recall any real broken coverages. Some the completions downfield by Cordeiro were just great throws.

        Reply
    • 3
      1

      – Pass rush felt very vanilla
      – Defense did not feel fast. Gang tackling was limited.

      It felt like the plan wasn’t to blitz/overload the line to rack up sacks, but more to contain? We did get gashed by the screen call a couple times, or when we happened to lose discipline.

      – Offense showing why every skill player is a threat to catch a pass

      I hope we get to see more TE involvement in the passing attack; today showed some genuine potential there.

      Reply
      • 5

        It’s interesting, you talk about the pass rush. Did anyone else notice, that we were intentionally not rushing the qb and just containing him. Less sacks, but we pretty much held them to zero touchdowns. Prevented any big runs by Cordeiro.

        Our special teams led to one TD and they got one in garbage time. Other than that we dominated.

        Reply
    • 8

      I know there’s no transitive property in football…..

      We were better defensively vs SJSU than USC was

      Held Cordeiro to 143 yards passing and only 26 rushing.
      I only recall one good run he had late in the game.

      Quail Conley ran for 108 yards vs USC on only 6 carries. SJSU had 198 on the ground.

      Vs OSU he only had 34 yards and OSU held them to just 56 rushing yards.

      Beavs D did much better against Cordeiro than I honestly thought they would.

      Perfect? Not at all. But solid for a first game.

      Reply
      • 1

        “We’re not comparing ourselves to nobody else. We’re the Oregan State defense. You can see it on film. We put it on tape, the way we fly around, with the energy we bring, like, that’s… that’s who we are. I think that’s what we got over every other team in this conference, and that’s why we stand to win.”
        Easton Mascarenes-Arnold

        Reply
  181. 3
    2

    I was honestly pretty disappointed for the first 2 1/2 quarters. The defense looked kinda slow to me, especially the LBs/EDGEs, and the pass rush was underwhelming after hearing reports about how much pressure they were getting in practice. You’d hope against SJSU’s O-Line they would’ve got consistent pressure. And after reading about how deep the D-Line and LBs/EDGEs are, I was expecting more rotation and impact from guys like Thomas Collins, Nikko Taylor, Takari Hickle, and Olu Omotosho (Did he even see the field? Is he injured?). I also thought Chatfield was just kinda ‘eh’, which I was hoping he’d be more of a disrupter in pass rush than he was today. Offense was pretty slow to get going too, and DJ had a few “misses”, or at least as much as one can “miss” on a completed pass, where WRs could’ve had YAC if the pass was more on target.

    That said, by the end of the 3rd I was feeling pretty good about this team. The DBs are better than I expected and the lack of sacks/pass rush didn’t lead to big pass plays for SJSU because the secondary is so solid. If Ivy cleans up the penalties and Julian gets back to form, they’ll be even better. The O-Line and running game asserted itself, though I wish Newell had a few carries. I would’ve like to see more deep ball throws by DJ, but I understand Lindgren/Smith not wanting to give away too much of the playbook Week 1.

    All in all, I’m willing to give the benefit of the doubt and say that a lot of my disappointment in their play can be attributed to it being Week 1. Although, I’m a bit nervous because most of the PAC teams came out and played faster, more aggressive, and with more energy in Game 1 than OSU did today. You’d think they’d have enough ‘bulletin board’ material to motivate them to play extra energized. Here’s hoping they pick it up from here on!

    Reply

      • Personally, I was hoping to see a 40-50 yard bomb to Gould or Bolden. I’m sure we’ll see more down field attempts as the season progresses.

        Reply
        • 5

          His all day to throw pass was from the 40 yard line and was 5 yards deep into the endzone! The velocity of his throws made it seem like a 20 yard pass compared to Sean Mannion throws. It was a dart and not arching throw. Just incredible arm strength.

          Reply

      • I didn’t mean to imply they should be playing solely out of emotion for what’s going on. I thought being the first game, the fact they’re a good team and are PAC-12 contenders, on top of “nobody wants us, nobody respects us”, they’d come out and play more fired up. Compared to the other PAC teams I’ve seen play, OSU wasn’t as energized. Obviously it didn’t hurt them this game, I’m just weary that against tougher competition if they don’t play with more energy from the start, they could find themselves down early and often in those games.

        Reply
  182. 3

    I always go back to the Fiesta Bowl season where we had to eek out a 21-19 win vs Eastern Washington at home.
    1st games are pretty meaningless and just there to shake the rust off

    Reply
    • 5

      I think that’s the same post FNemac had on the pre-game thread. The scheduling alliance with the MW allows for a one or two year courtship or discernment process, basically buying time so OSU and WSU can wait out the other 10 until the current conference year is over and they can “seize” control of the assets (that stupid TV network has oddly never been more valuable) and the March Madness credits.

      By the way, I’m also of the opinion that AAC turning East (as opposed to the direction of OSU and WSU) is a Mike Aresco cover story because the Beavs and Cougs told them they were going to the dance with G L O R I A.

      Reply

      • Yeah, there are good reasons to wait. The MW will always take us and there are plenty of things that get easier to do with time (buyouts get lower, we take control of assets, maybe we make a miracle CFP run or something and get an invite from the Big Ten).

        The one thing that will take a hit is recruiting because of the uncertainty of the final outcome.

        Reply
        • 4

          If I’m understanding it right, beavs and wsu have a 2 yr window and still be a power 5. Now if beavs have a great year in football, which I think they will. A great season could catapult beavs for a invite to another power conference or maybe a rebuilt pac might be able to keep power 5.

          Reply
      • 2

        I thought the comment from Gloria about the Mountain West being a “young league” was interesting and odd. Was she telegraphing that the Pac has more name recognition and value? Mountain West also tried their own network and failed as I recall.

        Reply

        • While Jack below is right that given current position it’s best for Oregon State to wait and see, I feel more comfortable with the ongoing discussion with the Mountain West Commissioner. From the broadcast, it was made clear she had been very active in meeting in person with WSU/Oregon State. And I like that she has Bay Area roots in addition to having served in the PAC during its expansion.

          Irrespective whether joining the Mountain West will be a step down, or alternatively, we manage to reconstitute the PAC-2 into a PAC conference (I understand how this would transpire would be more difficult, but remains a possibility) — I feel more optimistic that heart is in the right place vs. who was involved before (BIG/AAC & everyone who flocked to them).

          Reply
      • 3

        I’m thinking the AAC would have stuck around, if we were still the Pac 4.
        But only two teams out west means that much more headache and spending on travel that we just couldn’t justify.
        I imagine they’re still paying attention, but need to watch it all unfold first.

        Reply
    • 4

      He did.
      He just needs to clean it up.
      He probably saw last week’s tape and thought he could be as handsy as USC.
      That likely will be the case, with Pac 12 refs.

      Reply

  190. Pac-12 has gone 13-0 in the first week(ish) since USC has played 2 games. Things going to get tougher in week 2. Games of note (all on Saturday)

    Utah at Baylor
    Nebraska at Colorado
    Oregon at Texas Tech
    Wisconsin at Wazzu
    Arizona at Mississippi State
    Auburn at Cal
    Oklahoma State at Arizona State

    Reply
      • 1

        Yeah. It will be interesting to how TCU and Colorado looks the next couple games. There is no denying that Colorado has some play makers on offense. Will be interesting to see how they play against some of the tougher teams.

        Reply
      • 2
        1

        I don’t think it will be close, but the Beavs don’t run a high octane spread offense. Their more like an Alabama or Michigan offense that wants balance and wants to bludgeon you to death. The themes that I/we continue to hear from opposing coaches is how physical the Beavs play. They would rather run and pass for 250 yards each. The nice thing about having DJ, is we have a legit qb that can sling it, when we get into high scoring shoot outs. I wish we had a couple 6’ 3” or 6’ 4” wr’s. Its tough to score 80 points when you run the ball 30 times a game and control the clock.

        Reply
  193. 4

    some other notes from the game

    – Beavs had 9 offensive possessions. New clock rules limit Beavs offense? or helps defense with less possessions to defend?
    – The Oline in for Chiles was entirely backups. Saw Voltin, Vincic, Stark, Strand in there.
    – Neither team had any real explosive play. Longest play of the game was the TD pass to Noga. SJSU longest play was 29 yards and that was completed by the backup.
    – Beavs gave up 279 total yards with 75 coming from the garbage time score.
    – 5 of 8 on third down and only one three and out drive. Seemed like they could have been better
    – On the flipside, 4-13 on third down defense. 30%, that’s a top level defense.
    – No faith in the kicker? It would have been a 40-41 yard kick if they didn’t go for it on 4th.
    – 4 for 4 on redzone possessions.
    – Ivy with 4 penalties worth 55 yards and 4 first downs. I think he’s going to get picked on a bit early in the season.
    – Beavs with 6 pass breakups but none by Ivy. SJSU with only 2

    Reply
    • 1

      Good stuff, Bill.
      -9 offensive possessions…….Defense don’t need no help, Offense now more important to score on high % of possessions.
      -5 of 8 on third down….agree, seemed like they could have done better.
      -redzone possessions……..Beavs 4/4, but I was surprised SJSU went 3 of 3 in the red zone, and 2 of 3 on fourth down.
      -Yes, Ivy is gonna get picked on; my money is on Blue educating him; bet he looks better after the next couple games.
      -Pass breakups……nice to see SJSU only got 2, along with zero ints another good sign for DJU

      Reply
  195. 2

    In anticipation of the scheduling alliance with G L O R I A in 2024 and 2025, I went poking around into the 2024 and 2025 MW schedules. I note, first of all, that with a 12 team conference MW schools only play 8 conference games (which would give them more flexibility fitting OSU and WSU during that two year run). Most have games vs. and at least one FCS opponent, and another G5 team, which they could trade out to fit in the BEAVS and Coug; more attractive match ups to be sure. Each has at least one and sometimes 2 games vs. p 5 teams (on the road, uniformly, except for Boise which has UO at home in 2025.) They will want to keep these because of the compensation. Air Force is the only one with limited flexibility because they have to fit out of conference games vs. Army and Navy every year. Utah State has only 11 games currently scheduled for 2024 so G L O R I A’s alliance solves an already existing problem for them.

    Reply
    • 1

      There are several Big 12 teams looking for nonconference games with the new additions to their conference, as well. Utah has two openings.

      We just need to get to 12 games for both years. If the MW alliance works out, we have 10 now.

      Reply

  196. I also went poking around in Coug related sites to see what’s cooking over there. Seems to be rising enthusiasm for what one site–Coug Center–calls the “stall strategy.” The idea is that WSU and OSU would have until August 2026 as a grace period to maintain “Pac” conference status. By which time, the MW TV contract would have expired. I’ll add, what Coug Center did not mention, that given the deteriorating state of conference alignments, 2 years is almost an eternity. The ACC is already toast, it’s just that Condi and W’s boosters at SMU were too dumb to realize it. Coug Center came up with this 10 team conference for the 2026 season:

    West: WSU, OSU, Fresno, Nevada, SD State. East: Boise, CSU, UNLV, Tulane, and Memphis. I don’t quite see the logic of those AAC teams myself. Based on tradition and just this past weekend’s results, I’d favor Wyoming and Air Force instead. My impression is that the “front range” schools (Wyoming, CSU, Air Force,) are pretty tight whatever they will do they will do together.

    Reply
    • 4

      The MW will want to drag everyone in for sure. I think it’s better to have more teams then less. Remember none of this has to do with team strength or trajectory, it’s all about eyes on games through the tv. The more markets you cover the bigger the cash influx. It’s stupid but that the sad reality of the sport now.

      Reply
    • 1

      Here’s the question…with the “stall strategy” could the Beavs/Cougs play for the P-2 championship with the winner going to the CFPs? How much cash would the participant get? I think they have until 2026 to get back to the minimum eight required conference members. I’m sure there is some SEC/B10-dominated committee that would try to prevent this from happening. The other sports would have to figure out some independent schedule also.

      Reply
  197. 1

    More from PFF:

    -Maybe just a function of game flow, but Munyagi actually had more snaps than Irish yesterday.
    -Velling had a rough day blocking. Both Terry and Overman graded much better than him.
    -Miller ranked as the #4 center in the country
    -Fuaga and Gray were both in the top 30 for guards in the country
    -Robinson was the #8 CB in the country
    -Tongue got more snaps than Hart and graded out as the top MLB for us. They seem to be using him as a coverage specialist.
    -Mascarenas was disappointingly low. Only Nikko Taylor (6 snaps in garbage time) graded lower at MLB.
    -DT grades were disappointing, other than Hodgins
    -DE grades were also disappointing. Hickle graded the best (in limited snaps), and McCartan was decent. Everyone else was below average.

    Overall, defensive grades were more bad than good. Lots to improve on before PAC play.

    Reply
    • 1

      How is it that PFF is able to find a way to reliably grade every player on the field? Do they have people filming every play of every game and reviewing the film later?
      Asking because there are so many plays that happen off camera there is no way they can grade every play based on the tv broadcast.

      Reply

      • The ratings often get revised later on, so I’m guessing the original ones are based on TV and they have access to more angles that they use later on.

        NFL teams use it for scouting, so it’s actually in the college teams’ best interest to provide them with as much film as they ask for. It’s certainly possible they have access to every angle from the get go.

        Reply
  198. 4

    I’ll put up a new thread tomorrow for game week, but if a mod wants to do that today that’s fine. Finishing up the long weekend and can’t get to it today.

    Reply
  199. 6

    Everyone should go find the highlights and watch DJ throw the TD pass to Noga. His arm strength is just different than anything I’ve seen at OSU. At least a 50 yard throw in a line, amazing to see it again.

    Utah will bring a variety of pressures and try to confuse him. Clemson fans will be watching and expecting the implosion under pressure but I think JS and Lindgren will have the right approach.

    Lindgren surprised me yesterday by easing into the downfield looks and didn’t really get into the 3 passes and punt routine we’ve seen in the past. DJ needs to be comfortable with the check down and audible out of bad plays which means he needs to be seeing the defensive alignments correctly. Clemson fans will say this is his kryptonite but again it is a different offense with different variables from Clemson.

    Game 1 played out exactly how I hoped it would regarding the offensive gameplan. Run heavy and a lot of Martinez so that DJ’s arm strength becomes complimentary rather than a UW all passing attack.

    DJ had the 5 touchdowns but it didn’t seem like he was overshadowing the rest of the offense or that it was a one man show. I suspect the playbook was very vanilla anyway and we will continue to see new wrinkles as the season flows. I don’t remember a very many pass plays off of play action yesterday, it seemed like several were simply a drop back or 5 wide scenario.

    Play action will be deadly later in the season.

    Regarding defensive pressure and sacks, I think this is the subtle element to OSU coaching approach. They have decided to adjust to win the game rather than to chase stat lines. USC/Oregon/UW as teams and programs are glory-hounds wanting to boast in stat lines, but the OSU culture is much more settled and disciplined. As fans we need to appreciate the distinction that JS and Bray are able to create and bring into the game planning and how well the team is willing to buy in to that vision.

    Beavs will be able to control the game and amount of possessions by running the ball. It will become a huge advantage.

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      CBS had a good replay in the first half where the color guy (Ross Tucker?) was pointing this out. His words were something like “They’re not even trying to tackle to him.” I think it was a play where Stover stopped his rush and Tucker thought he was worried about getting disconnected from the rest of the line and losing containment.

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  201. 1

    I was amazed at how it appeared that DJU put little effort into his passes. The CBS sportscaster even mentioned that DJ didn’t step into his throws. I remember Mannion winding up and reaching way back to throw the long ball. Watching the video of DJ throwing 85 yards he didn’t reach way back to do it.

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    • Obviously arm strength isn’t everything. DJ probably has the strongest arm in the PAC. Guys like Williams, Nix, and Penix can sling it pretty good, but I don’t think any of them can throw a nearly flat 50-yarder that effortlessly. Their pass is going to have more of an arc and a longer travel length. A 250–pounder with his lower body strength and foundation is unique….not sure how Terry Baker’s arm strength would have compared. Anderson probably has similar arm strength, but even he did not look so effortless to my (faulty) memory.

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          Yeah you’re fuckin high.

          DJ took about a half a step and threw a perfect rope 45 yards. Dude is a big sumbitch, he has natural power none of these other QBs have.

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            Hmm. Guess Pro Football Focus must be high as well, projecting him as a top 10 pick overall with a main strength being “one of the top arms in the ncaa”. This is no knock on DJ, I agree he’s basically right there. In all honesty we’re probably splitting hairs. But watch the highlights of UW-Boise and the ropes Penix was throwing were absolutely elite. The DJ deep ball was impressive no doubt. But Penix…..time after time….is throwing lasers down the seams and 15-20 yard sideline throws that make him look like a left handed Rodgers. DJ is a bigger dude, but how well you spin it goes a long way toward how hard you throw it. Penix is one of the best I’ve seen.

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          • Nobody said Penix didn’t have a great arm.
            He just doesn’t have that arm.
            This really isn’t an argument, btw. Where someone gets drafted doesn’t tell us how much velocity a ball has.

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  203. Sam Vidlak has come full circle and is the starter at Montana now. Rough debut against non-scholarship Butler throwing for 185 yards and 1-2 TD-INT ratio.

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  208. 6

    Just watched the game. Spent the weekend hiking and kayaking so catching up on things. I saw comments on twitter that DL, punting game, and running game was shaky. Totally agree with punting game. Blocked punt and first punt had all sorts of issues. DL looked very strong IMO. Our approach was conservative and the kids executed extremely well. Running game was good but struggled to get push in short yardage situations. DJU and pass blocking was special. Chiles looks dynamic. DBs looked really good. LBs were good and bad. WRs looked fast and got off the line quickly. Velling was not good. Struggled with blocks and was not sharp on routes. Terry looks legit. Play call and game plan was high level. Teams was crisp and prepared. I do not like new clock rules. Only 4 first half possessions. Our style of play is going to make for short games and less possessions.

    SJSU is not a bad team and we dominated on the road. I was nervous about this game but a lot of my concerns and questions were answered. I think we’ll improve as the season progresses. Based on what I saw in the trenches, this team can play for national title IF we stay healthy and IF our kicking game doesn’t fail us. Even though we didn’t attempt any FGs, I don’t think our FG game will be that big of deal. JS has always been aggressive on 4th down and this is a team that is capable of converting on those critical 4th down plays… and the D is good enough to defend when we don’t convert. My concern is blocked punts, short punts, and punt returns. That could cost us

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        Btw, the D was the lede in the local news. They showed D highlights for a couple minutes, then they said, “And that’s not all that showed up.”

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      Easily should drop to #20 down at least 10 spots and make them earn it back. I think same for LSU getting boat raced by FSU. Both should drop at least 10 spots.

      Dabo looks like a deer in the headlights with some tel soul searching happening. DJU is a gift from the spoiled blue bloods and if JS can capitalize on this opportunity with DJU, it will pay dividends in the future with other players looking for better situations. Next up are a couple of big elite wide receivers.

      Ironic that DJU is highest PFF qb for the weekend and Clemson struggled to score 1 touchdown.

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      • They scored 7 fucking points. Against Duke. I know I stated I don’t put much stock in week 1 games, but that is seriously fucking weak.

        They shouldn’t be in the top 25 now

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      I hope we stay outside the top 15 and also dont think anything we do in the preseason should warrant a move up to the top 15.
      Would rather stay under the radar and beating a UC Davis and/or SDSU shouldnt be enough to justify a jump.
      Similarly, oregon jumping several spots for demolishing a bad Big Sky team shouldnt happen.
      80+ is a ton of points, but every play was wide open runs to the house or short fields due to PSU special teams blunders.
      A good high school team could beat PSU these days.

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      Don’t bet on the Beavs getting kudos. The CFB mafia, having put out contracts on OSU and WSU, isn’t going to allow a hint of success, no matter how well-deserved. BTW, re: Pac-12 stalling about rights, I guess Oliver Luck was hired for just a weekend?

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  211. 1

    Maybe the league is a bit deeper than thought. Of the underdogs, Arizona is the only double digit underdog at -10 for week 2.

    Colorado flipped to a favorite vs Nebraska.

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  216. 1
    1

    One funny thing to note coming out of the first weekend of football: Colorado stole all headlines on Friday, Ducks tried to grab the headlines by scoring the most points of the weekend but no one is even talking about them. Deion has sucked all the air out of the PAC12 room in week 1.
    FSU seized the national spotlight after beat down of LSU, SEC in spin control.
    Utah beat down Florida, SEC in spin control.
    Duke beats Clemson convincingly and now national attention given to DJU mistreated in some degree as the offense scapegoat.

    Again, no attention for Ducks is pretty funny.

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    • They played the a bottom tier team from the Big Sky.
      PSU only plays that game for the paycheck. It’s the only way their program survives financially.
      It’s not a newsworthy event

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