Saturday's game features two coaches at risk of losing both their teams and fan bases. Welcome to the Desperation Bowl, folks.
The Beavers have performed dreadfully under pressure and desperation. And while most fans consider this game winnable, I have doubt for one simple reason: The Beavers now have a mark on their backs; they are thee winnable game on every crappy team's schedule.
You know how the Ducks will get every decent team's best shot? Well, equally, the Beavers will get every crappy team's best shot. There's blood in the water. We already saw this play out versus Sacramento State, and we are going to see it again on Saturday (and vs WSU). Bad teams know they can get one of their few wins versus the Beavers. This has been happening for several years now. It's time we acknowledge and admit it.
So, how do the Beavers counter this? Well, my guess is they won't since they'll be blindsided and clueless that opponents see them in this light. In other words, mentally, the Beavers won't be prepared for their opponent's mindset. No shocker there.
However, emotionally they have an edge. The return of James Rodgers (and Joe Halahuni) should fire up the fans, and that will translate onto the field, for a little while at least. I'm not convinced emotions win games, though. In fact, I'd say emotions tend to lead to irrational or distracting behavior that's counter-productive.
In terms of football matchups, I think the Beavers advantage is at wide receiver. The UCLA corners tend to play off the ball, so quick passes with run-after-catch could be effective, especially given the Beavers speed at the position. However, I can also see the Bruin corners showing that look to bait Mannion and then jumping the route. Dare I predict the UCLA secondary returns an INT for a TD? Hmm not quite, but watch out for it. Additionally, will Langsdorf even have the awareness to take advantage of soft corners? It's hard to have faith in that.
The Beavers run game is shot. Jordan Jenkins isn't a legit Pac-12 back. Ward has shown nothing. Clear advantage to UCLA's run game and their defensive line here. The Bruins issue is at QB, but the Beavers aren't much better there. UCLA is also considering using their mobile, redshirt frosh QB. Ruh roh.
I think the Beavers can ride the emotional high for a quarter or two, but in the end the lack of preparation and mental fortitude once again prove the bane of this team's existence. The Beavers simply don't have tough players. They don't have leaders. They've assumed the identity of their coach. As bad as Neuheisel is, he has more passion and intensity, and thus I give him the edge. The Bruins secondary will bait Mannion and his slow delivery into several interceptions, and their run game will produce just enough.
Until the Beavers show me discipline and mental fortitude, I cannot predict a win. The Bruins come to Reser confidently believing "Hey, we can win this game" while the Beavers are hoping for the best while thinking "we don't want to screw it up and choke again", and that difference in mentally is all it takes to determine an outcome.
20-17, UCLA.
By the way, what I am hoping for: Beavs come out with fire ala USC 2008.
If the line gets that kind of push…game over. It’s hard to believe that will happen, but I’m crossing my fingers they’re pissed off after two terrible losses. Expecting that sort of passion honestly feels insane, though.
You’re missing a subject and a verb in that sentence.
Lol! I luv this site. Who’s going to be at the game this weekend? Maybe we need an Angrybeavs meet-up.
We need KKK style cloaks and hoods, with a cool AngryBeavs logo on them….
I’ll be at the game, I’m at every OSU home game and some road games as well.
SilStm — Still love you…you’re the best and this is the best site around!
Beavers 5,000, UCLA -15
That’s a little ridiculous isn’t it? I mean… how do you get negative points?
Beavs 5,000 – UCLA 0
Biggest impact player against UCLA?
Wheaton or Rodgers?
http://beaverbyte.com
Enger
Dominic Glover
Kuli.
video of Rodgers talking about coming back today at practice.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QiV7KTnl4A&feature=youtu.be
Love the grin he flashes towards the end of the video when the reporter asks if he’ll be returning punts at any point this season. This guy is hungry and he was our best player last year. He will make a big impact, even if he is a little rusty and gimpy. He looks confident, something I haven’t seen from other Beaver players this year. The guy is a stallion and it will be great to have him back.
That said, with no run game and shaky quarterback play, we will struggle to score against UCLA Saturday. Our best shot at setting up a scoring drive will be negated if Poyer and company continue to fair catch every kickoff/punt return. It’s time to start taking chances because we aren’t solid enough fundamentally to play it safe.
Rogers is back. Beavers win.
Angry, I’m having a little trouble squaring your comment that “emotions tend to lead to irrational behavior that’s counter-productive” with your hopes that the Beavs “come out with fire…”.
I vote for the fire and passion, and James surely brings that. Without Agnew or any other serious running threat the game becomes much more challenging but I continue to hope Langs (or better yet, Riley) can open the playbook a little and score more than 21 pts.
Lets see how Banker’s crew does against the run, if they push UCLA into a passing game and counter with some blitz’s………..aw shucks.
Rodgers coming back is a sappy, inspirational type of emotion that will fade as the game goes on.
Here’s a list of emotions: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_emotions
As you can see, most aren’t beneficial to playing a football game. Notice “confidence” isn’t on the list. It’s the byproduct of positive results. Beavs need to move into that arena before they’ll have success.
Angry, Aggression is the #1 emotion needed to play football. If you can’t play aggressively during a game, you should not be on the field practicing. Like wise, if a player is more aggressive in practice than he is in a game, than said player is considered a ‘practice’ player. If he doesn’t have that fire or aggression in practice, but in a game he does so he can LEARN what he’s doing against the opponent of the week, then he’s considered a ‘game’ player/changer. If the player goes through the motions in practice, he’ll do that in games. So to me, aggression is the most important emotion in the game of football.
On another note, Playing with intelligence doesn’t mean he’s not going to be aggressive in games, but it might mean he’ll be thinking too much in games to react because he didn’t work on his mental game during practice to know exactly what to expect from the player(s) he’ll be lined up against in the game. OSU needs to find a new OC and DC because they don’t teach each position players their opponents weakness of across the line from them. This to me is the biggest issue. We start slow because we don’t prepare our players in what to expect from the player lined up in front of them that week. Point out the opponents weaknesses and figure out your own players’ weakness to counter that for the week! That’s what we are seriously lacking in with these coaches!
Leadership and emotions are a huge deficiency on this team. Katz is in his 4th year in the program, his second year as the expected starting QB, and he’s not elected a team captain?!? WTF. Having a receiver and lineman as team captains is a shortcoming.
James can only provide so much. He and Quizz showed up up at OSU talking about WANTING TO PLAY IN JANUARY; when’s the last time you heard freshman Beaver FB players talking like that? Plus they worked their asses off every day. The problem is, they are/were in supportive roles, even if key roles.
Your best receiver can go out and bust his ass. He can pull a double move and embarrass a CB and be wide open, but if his QB misses the throw (a la Katz on the opening drive of TCU game), what can he do?
This is not a knock on James, who should end up in the OSU Hall of Fame with Steven Jackson….this team does not possess the emotional leaders in the right positions. A 4th year QB should be leading the team. A MLB should be leading the D. Players in positions to read the opponent and correct and motivate their teammates when necessary should do that. Rodgers can’t do that, but he’d sure as hell make a QB look good if the QB could do that.
This game is scary, and Riley goes soft when the cameras are on with expectations. If he were in porn, he’d never get a job. With the cameras off and no one around he’d be the guy going, “Look, I’m doing it” because he beats USC once in a while when really, OSU’s lost enough games to take itself out of consideration for meaningful bowl games (e.g. they’ve already lost three of their first four games).
I think Angry’s point falls on OSU’s inability to capitalize on emotion, which is their best hope right now. The coaching staff doesn’t know how to capitalize on this consistently or predictably. So, while one can hope emotions guide OSU to a victory, its just as easy to see a repeat of WSU last year because they’re so goddamned fragile they could just cave.
Remember against WSU Quizz was tackled 5-7 YARDS out of bounds, not feet. Riley and staff did nothing. It was strange. The next game or two, Riley got emotional, and OSU had a good showing and won. But its not something the guy can do both naturally and strategically, and neither can his team.
I think Angry’s point falls on OSU’s inability to capitalize on emotion
I sort of regret bringing up emotion. I’ve had two people now question what I’m talking about.
Basically, my point is that the kind of emotion the fans and team will have when James returns is sappy. Not exactly ideal for playing a football game. Also, I don’t feel emotion sustains over the course of an entire game. It usually lasts a quarter max. So I don’t think a team can win a game on emotion alone. And finally, many emotions (e.g. rage, sadness) lead to undesirable results.
Point being: take emotion out of the equation entirely. Play with confidence, which is a more rational mindset derived from positive past experience. Beavs need to go in believing they can win and then reinforce that idea on each play.
I can agree with that for the most part, because I think this team lacks confidence based on demonstrated play last year against USC, WSU, Cal, Stanford. Each a contrast in confidence. Against USC for example, the lineman should have understood “We CAN do this.” but they lacked confidence and against opponents of varying quality, their play quality varies. I think this gets to your expressed need for this team to get a sports psychologist.
But in this case, with the team in disarray, and the return of Halhuni and James, they DO need to capitalize on emotion. There are a number of fans that will bring emotion (while sitting throughout the game), Riley and the team need to sustain it with play and make it a positive feedback mechanism throughout the game.
Then they need to understand (not believe) what they are demonstrably capable of, and play with confidence thereafter, because right now, they’re not playing with either emotion or confidence.
Remember the story of Sammie Stroughter in the locker room speaking of David and Goliath. Why does a player have to get these guys amped up and ready to play emotionally? Why can’t the coaches pick up their voices, think intelligent thoughts about what to say in the motivation category and just do it themselves?! The entire coaching staff needs to take notes from Lou Holtz and the greats of motivational speeches. The tone says it all. I remember my Varsity coach say cuss words and what not in the locker room and use the old, “They think of us as dumb damn farmers and hillbillies! Let’s show’em how Farmers and Hillbillies hit and play!”
Lou Holtz sounds like he’s drooling whenever he gives those “Ask Doctor Lou” segments on gameday. Listen between the 1:00-1:15 mark. Poor guy sounds like Daffy Duck…
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=noOfuUG_3dA
I meant when he was actually the head coach at ND and what not. I don’t mean these cheesy “pep-talks” he gives on tv for entertainment.
You better hope he doesn’t pep talk us. ANY TEAM LOU HOLTZ PEP TALKS IS GURANTEED TO LOSE. (There is factual evidence to back this up).
We wont know what kind of emotion they will have until game time. The team last year, a lesser team by many accounts, got it going in a couple games. Trouble is, the coach is unable to inspire and motivate on a regular basis. If the team has players who can do it, then it might do well consistantly. But right now we dont seem to have such players.
I see where you are going. But at this level of football that little bit of extra effort can totally make the difference between a win and a loss. Also, if they can take that 1st quarter of emotion and use that to build confidence, then it can make a difference.
Correct, I am hoping they use the first 5 minutes of emotionally charged football to create positive plays, build confidence, and set a tone. I just have seen enough Beaver football to know what is more likely is this: 5 minutes of emotionally charged “isn’t it great James is back, he will lead us to victory” mentality, a feeling the win will just happen on its own accord without max effort, and then when things start going against them they go fetal position.
As always when I predict negative results, I cross my fingers I’m wrong.
“…If he were in porn, he’d never get a job….”
Don’t do that!!! I almost choked on that one. Luckily the drink in had in my mouth didn’t end up on the monitor.
As sad as it is and as much as I hate to say it, I completely agree with Angry’s assessment of the game. Anybody who doesn’t agree is looking at the world through some heavily orange tinted glasses.
As a side note I was looking at some videos and saw USC’s intro video for this season:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7VnYyTPs-VU
Pretty good. I realize it’s just a video that they’re acting in, but the whole time I watched that I couldn’t help but think, “man I’d kill to have our team walk around with that kind of swagger.” I’d do anything to make our players hungry, confident, heck even borderline cocky. Sorry I know I’m preaching to the choir here…
I agree, OSU’s entire aura is just laid back and: “I think … I think … I think …,” -Mike Riley
I’d hate to see the video that was used to motivate OSU prior to the Sac State game. Usually, those get posted somewhere. I haven’t seen them for either game this year.
Wait a second…
Coaches use videos for motivation before games? I think I’m understanding a part of the problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a2BWd0e986E
Our response to I love my Ducks?
not if the team doesn’t live up to the hype. that songs been out for a while, but still no video. i’m guessing Hurd and Jones think it will be a waste of time.
They said the video will be out in the fall sometime
Quote for Cliff’s blog:
Coach Mike Riley has given up on DT Dominic Glover (academics) being eligible. “There’s no word on Glover,” he said. “I don’t think we’ll ever get one. I think this is a cruel joke on everybody.”
How does this happen? Has anybody ever not gotten their grades from a class they took in college?
http://cliffkirkpatrick.mvourtown.com/2011/09/21/midweek-practice-report/
He failed the class, from what i heard. OSU can’t talk about it but that’s the rumor.
What’s the saying? Once a Duck, always a Duck? Not a huge surprise.
This pisses me off.
“And if we can get this thing rolling a little bit, with those guys and making plays, then we’ll be a lot better for it.”
No faith
Hey, maybe it’ll piss off our players as well!
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mark-axelrod/once-upon-a-time-in-the-f_b_973668.html?ref=football
Haha. The writing is horrible, but the idea is spot on.
FYI, Mannion threw 5 Picks in practice today.
Can’t wait. Saturday just can’t get here fast enough.
Mannion threw 5 PICKS against who’s defense? It couldn’t have been the Beavs, their defenders don’t look back for the ball. :-)
Seriously, did they get an ass chewing for doing INTs instead of PIs?
No seriously, how come there were so many PIs? Were they all tipped balls?
That is interesting…
Gotta wonder if there’s been a coaching adjustment with the DBs.
Collins got 60% and he isn’t a db. Likely was not covering anyone.
Well..I’ll be the one with orange colored glasses-UCLA is in disarray, they have a suspect coach with a target on his back, quarterback issues, injuries and on the road. OSU has two of the four, and I will be laying the 3.5. There’s a gambling theory that has helped me through the years that considers the bounce back effect and associated perceived value.
I think OSU is the better team. Let’s talk Sunday….
Its easy to talk defeat … the team lost to Sac St and got whipped by a top ten team. But imo its not hard to be optimistic.
First, we have two stars back in the lineup. And the team is apparently improved from last year in some respects. And the season can be salvaged if they can do well in conference play. The starting QB did well in both the Sac State and Wisconsin games.
Second, its a game at home and nothing beats home cooking. Furthermore, the team coming in was lucky to beat us last year at their place, and is not looking very good so far this season.
This is a very winable game. I would think the coaches and players know this, and will go into it with a good attitude.
If they dont, its gonna be a VERY long, dreary season….
“First, we have two stars back in the lineup.”
If a team’s success hinges on two stars, then they’re not playing the game. I think Angry has been using the word “depth” now for, oh, a few years, in his reasoned critiques. While I will concede the point that a single player or two can make a big difference, it’s another thing altogether to hang your success – or turnaround to success – on select individuals. It needs to be a TEAM thing.
“Second, its a game at home and nothing beats home cooking.”
Been to Reser lately? All the good cooking been outside the stadium… I have to lay part of the blame on the team that is not on the field; although, to be fair, they now play that godawful traffic video after the clock hits zero. But. let’s face it, if the team isn’t performing on the field, there’s not much entertainment value in the bowl. Even when the team is performing – SacState second half, too many games last year – the atmosphere leaves a lot to be desired.
Something has to be done to end this on- and off-field funk NOW, against UCLA, or it will snowball more quickly than can be easily recovered.
I read we went 2-5 after James went down. James also led us to our last Civil War win. He’s the heart, soul, and fire of the team, and I believe that, with him back on the field, we have a shot again this season…
If our corners get to look back at the ball. Seriously, how do we hear about INTs in practice all the time, when our corners are never ever looking for the pick?
Collins got 3 of the picks, and he’s not a db. If you notice, LB and safeties get most of our picks, and they are almost always a player who’s not having to cover someone.
That’s not necessarily true. CB’s had six last year while Roberson had one, Tui had one and Mitchell had two. The year before, CB’s had three, Mitchell had three and Kristick had two. 2008: CB’s had six, LB’s had five and S had one. 2007: some 23 (?) INT’s are scattered all over the place.
The point is that it’s not the position. It’s the personnel.
Career INT’s:
Mitchell – 5
Poyer – 2
Hardin – 1
Roberson, Pankey, Tui, Unga, Robinson, Wilson – 3
Yeah, I think what is skewing Alex’s perception is ratio.
It would be interesting to see “thrown at/interception” ratios for LBs, S, and CBs. I bet the LBs and S have a higher ratio, though the CBs naturally have higher pure totals since they have many more chances.
Some other points:
LBs and S face the QB more often.
CBs tend to have better hands than LBs and S. So, how many dropped INTs?
I think we are all frustrated our CBs don’t play the ball. It doesn’t really matter what the numbers say. We just want the CBs to turn their head to have a shot at making a play.
Remember Sabby had about a million picks. So, we’re slowing unravelling our secondary’s gameplan; CBs stare at receivers and hope the safeties pick the ball off?
You’re right- position isn’t the real issue. But, with the exception of dockery’s controversial game-ender vs az state last year, I can’t remember a single int that occured while a player was covering someone. I speculated on position assuming CB would usually be in coverage and therefore unable to intercept.
Our ints come when someone does not have a coverage assignment of their own, and are able to make a play on the ball. Think poyer’s pick 6 on usc last year. Hardin was covering that receiver that poyer picked off.
Off topic, but Thomas Tyner’s latest pic on twitter, he’s wearing swag from the team down south. I know it’s much too soon for predictions on where he ends up. He is getting hounded by their fans & sports writers, they need to leave the kid alone and allow him to make his own decision.
Hes gone to ducky land
They may not have a scholarship for him in 2013 :-)
He also has new offers from USC and UW. I’d expect him to change his mind several times as more offers roll in. The kid will be popular and I can’t blame him for being indecisive, he’s only 16.
I was on the fence about applying to UO vs. OSU when I was 19. I could easily be a dOuchebag Oregon fan today if their application hadn’t asked me for an essay to be included, haha.
I agree with Angry that the emotion from James return and standing ovation will do little to motivate the team. But has been mentioned James is the heart and soul of the team. He brings something to the game that inspires. He was the play maker against Boise, and I’m convinced after his punt return, Boise couldn’t risk having him in the game any longer. In slow motion there appeared to be premeditation on the hit he took. I think Stoops saw the same thing. Take out James and you cut the legs out from under the Beavers. I just watched part of the Arizona – Stanford game and somehow key Stanford players were out with injuries. On a side note I would like to know how many injuries are inflicted by AZ and Stoops.
In my opinion Riley doesn’t do the Knute Rockne speeches. He rely s upon team leaders to motivate. So we will know better Sunday if there is anything to the “Rogers Effect”.
“…In slow motion there appeared to be premeditation on the hit he took…”
That’s just it. In slow motion it looked like he pre-meditated it. He didn’t. In full speed, the tape showed a vicious, unsafe and some would say (including me) a dirty hit, but his intent wasn’t to injure JR. His intent was to hit him as hard as he can, which he did.
As for the Arizona play where James was injured, same thing. Over time, this play has morphed in to he was several yards in to the endzone. The defender hit him at or very near the goal line and a couple steps later, riding on his back, James crumpled. Was it dirty? Maybe. Late?… maybe. Intentional, not a chance.
I wish the average person knew just how hard it is to intentionally hurt someone. Most injuries are accidental.
“I wish the average person knew just how hard it is to intentionally hurt someone. Most injuries are accidental.”
John Kreese and Johnny Lawrence would have to disagree with you on that:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kr24G8jQpM&feature=related
But for the record, I think the Boise St hit was intentional and dirty. Venable lowered his head and went helmet to helmet. That’s the definition of dirty.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiE50J4HH1s
The Arizona hit wasn’t dirty in my opinion though. James just let up early and wasn’t prepared for the hit. First contact happened at the goal line. The defender did hang on too long though, considering James had already crossed the line. It’s not like you can force a fumble at that point.
Yes, Venable’s hit was intentional and dirty. It wasn’t premeditated in that he had any clue who he was hitting. But he had to alter his angle to hit a James who had just been shoved in the back and was not set for any kind of hit. Venable had done it before, and if that cheap-shot shit is still playing football he will do it again.
And I get no joy knowing that Venable will have pudding for brains in ten years. He will be violent, paranoid and demented, and no shitty Boise fan who cheered him on or tried to justify any one of his cheap shit hits with any of their stupid rationalizations will care one whit about him and his condition, which was derived from that type of play.
And I will never accept Chris Petersen as a coach who cares about his players’ health because of this and many other plays which show that this shit was planned and practiced.
Petersen and his Boise State Shits will go the way of Fresno and Pat Hill soon enough. And I will say good riddance.
Jack, at least you and I agree on one issue 100%
Watching this video of James, can’t help but think he’d make a good assistant coach somewhere down the line.
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/09/thursday_rundown_in_progress.html
That is just a perfect attitude.
His confidence to make direct eye contact is telling. Love that. Most athletes, amateur and pro don’t make eye contact. This man will do great things after his football career is over.
I have a bad feeling about this one too Angry. We simply can’t compete without any running game. I think even UCLA rolls on us. They played Houston tough and beat San Jose St. Althouugh they got crushed by Texas, that is by far a much better performance than we have put up this year. At least when they got pounded by Texas, they put some points on the board. Here are some numbers that concern me and should worry all of beaver nation: OSU is just 5-11 in its last 16 games and just 2-7 in the last nine. The Beavers missed a bowl last year. And OSU has lost the last three Civil Wars. We lost to UCLA with Quizz last year for crying out loud. This one just does not feel good to me.
Even if we put aside the Beavs’ mental impotence, UCLA averages 220 yards/pg on the ground. They mustered 141 yards and a 4.1 avg in a blowout loss to Texas. I think UCLA wins this game on the ground via the pistol formation and read/options. Couple that with DBs who don’t turn their heads…I think we might hear “fire Mark Banker” cheers now that the students are back in town.
Angry, do you think UCLA is more potent on the ground than Wisconsin? I think so much of the analysis for this team is so much more based on last year’s performance. Our LB are much better in run support this year that I’m cautiously optimistic that this will not be our issue this year against UCLA.
From what I saw last week with Texas is that we need to bring pressure. Force Brehaut or whoever they end up with back there to beat us through the air. That is a scary proposition with how spotty our secondary has been, but I think it is the right gameplan.
Angry, do you think UCLA is more potent on the ground than Wisconsin?
They’re different styles. Wisconsin is straight ahead, which the Beavs defend better than pistol/option plays.
The LBs are better this year. I’m bearish on the Beavs stopping the run because I see this is as a style mismatch. I believe UCLA is going to use their mobile, freshman QB for some plays as well.
I dunno if you you can really say the Beavers are better against the straight ahead run. Last year we were but last year our strength was at DT and our weakness was speed on the edges. This year our weakness is DT and strength is speed on the edges… so it might be the case that we do well against teams that don’t run north-south… then again it could be more scheme related than personnel related.
That reminds me of when Pettibone took over, and we were #3 in the nation in rushing.
Weasel has lost his team. And those he hasn’t yet lost are going down to injury. The loss of Sheller is HUGE. And that team is really, really bad.
http://insidesocal.com/ucla/2011/09/-i-know.html
That being said, a team who plays for itself rather than for their coach can still pull one out now and then. Still, I don’t expect it from them at all. They can’t even get the right formations or personnel on the field after a time-out. Times are not happy in Westwood, and even a win against us won’t save Weasel’s fur. I know it. You know it. His players know it. Their fans know it.
Weasel might not yet know it, but that’s his nature.
You and Angry bring up very salient points – and remember Riley has a lousy record in Conference openers. This squad, with Mannion/Jenkins is no better than last year’s, and Banker has yet to demonstrate any improvements in stopping these kinds of schemes. Why should they beat UCLA?
I point to Buker’s point (posted below) as important: If OSU loses, will it do so in ugly fashion, or will they demonstrate improvement in any phases of the game and be competitive?
Riley may have a lousy record in conference openers, but Weasel has never won one.
Some actually decent comments from Buker in an exchange with an LA writer:
“3) UCLA has had good success against Oregon State, which is going through some similar early season issues. Do you think the Bruins are catching OSU at a good time, or is this Beaver team acting/talking/walking like they’re going to turn things around?
Right after the Wisconsin game would have been a great time. Team questioning itself, two straight losses, indecision at quarterback, etc., etc., but the bye week allowed the Beavers to catch their breath and they’re getting huge emotional boost from the return of Rodgers and TE Joe Halahuni, who is coming back after spring shoulder surgery. I do know one thing, things will get ugly if OSU loses Saturday, especially if OSU loses and looks bad doing it.
4) How hot of a seat is Mike Riley actually on? UCLA fans hold him in high regard and are certainly interested in his future.
No hot seat yet, although I notice Riley is No. 7 on that Coaches Hot Seat website. I really believe Riley could go 0-12 this season and still be safe, he is held in such high regard by A.D. Bob De Carolis. But a lot of fans are restless, wanting Riley to wield the hammer on his coaching staff (offensive coordinator Danny Langsdorf, defensive coordinator Mark Banker) if things don’t turn around. If this season turns out to be a grease fire and NEXT season (when OSU should be better) starts out badly, then yes, Riley would be on the hot seat.”
http://insidesocal.com/ucla/
“…I really believe Riley could go 0-12 this season and still be safe, he is held in such high regard by A.D. Bob De Carolis…”
FIRE Bob De Carolis!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
“Bad teams know they can get one of their few wins versus the Beavers. This has been happening for several years now. It’s time we acknowledge and admit it.”
Serveral Years now? Seriously…WTF? Sometimes you’re spot on, other times (like with this gem) I wonder if you even watch OSU football or just type random things on here to see people’s reactions.
Anti, I also rolled my eyes on that one and was getting ready to post a similar note to the one you wrote. But as I began to form my thoughts I realized that Angry may be right, but not the way I originally read it. If Angry is saying that we have not been competitive enough to expect to beat bad teams for several years, then he is out to lunch. But, I do think that OS has consistently played up or down to the level of many of their opponents. Think about how many head scratching losses or even near losses we have had during the years. I was at the Washington State loss a few years ago when the CAN RILEY/ CANFIELD sign came out. That was a game we should have won and that was the game that it finally clicked for Moore.
Yes, several years. I remember reading WSU (pre-game) quotes last year where players said they felt the Beaver game was one they could win. Sac State said the same thing this year. UNLV had similar quotes, but fell short. I can’t remember UCLA’s mindset going into that loss last year, but probably similar to those other teams. I realize all teams say they think they can win, but you could tell those crappy squads truly believed it, and then executed it. Those games all had that Appalachian State feel to them.
The Beavers have been losing to some horrible teams and now there’s blood in the water. Crappy teams realize this is one of their few victory opportunities, and the Beavs cling to just enough prestige to fire them up even more. Open your eyes.
I believe Anti’s beef is with the “several years” part of your statement Angry, and I agree with him. Your examples are from last year. Show us “several years” worth of examples and you’ll make your point.
This year (Sac State) and last year (WSU/UCLA) = two years. AKA several years. I think you can put UNLV (2009) in that list, too, even thought they eked out a win.
That’s actually not even one year
(I really hope this isn’t turning into the Oregonlive comments/forums sections)
It seems like YEARS. :-(
Would you prefer “seasons”?
A football year is a season. Why the ridiculous semantics?
Two is not “several”.
Until last year, it was only in Sept that there was blood in the water, and bad teams knew they had a shot against us. The question now is, can we reverse the loser trend of last year. Or will we get it together as the season progresses, like in previous years.
It looks now like the Sac State loss might have been prevented, just with Mannion as starter, and now he is. The guy who many say was the heart and soul that went out of the team last year, is back. Its a home game (where we can expect to do better) and the team coming in has real problems. Yes, they may be more optimistic this year, on coming to Reser, but we should be a little optimistic also.
I say give it one more shot. If we lose to UCLA, its all over. But lets wait and see.
You guys are really harping on semantics here.
From Webster’s:
2 (a) more than one.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/several?show=0&t=1316721815
Definition 2 (b) conflicts. But, it can clearly mean two. We’re both right. So, given the context and my subsequent explanations, I’m having a hard time understanding why you’re making me do this much defending. I clearly stated (imo) the target on our back goes back to UNLV 2009, so that should eliminate the people who want to argue two seasons isn’t “several”. Three should be. Can we move on?
In other words, quit being dicks. We’re all here to read the comments and we know they’re just opinions. You waste everybodies time when you start being smart ass and nobody thinks its funny or clever. I’ve never understood why people enjoy using message boards for that reason. Not enough attention at home?
If you mean two, say so. I dont care what Websters says, most folks think several means….several, a few, more than two. Several meaning two makes no sense, and I suspect you know that. Citing WSU isnt even a year.
The fact is, playing OSU in Sept has been know for many years to be a good thing. But until last year, you didnt want to be playing them later in the season. So losing to Sac State and Wisconsin can be considered typical. The question is, imo, if the team can get back to coming on as the season progresses. Yes, its still September. So it should be no surprise that UCLA should be coming in with a very positive attitude. But the Beavers should have a positive attitude, too. Players dont automatically assume the attitude of the adults around them. They have egos and are young and likely imagine themselves as world-beaters. I know I did when I was a kid, and it didnt matter what adults thought. But maybe the Beaver players are a bunch of pussies and have a loser mindset. If they do, they shouldnt have been recruited.
Hey, maybe they do. Saturday will tell us.
I think the Beavers win this game.
I liked our D in the first half vs Wisconsin. Had our O given them any kind of support during the game they could have held up longer. You can only ask a D to play its heart out for so long without getting even a breath between series.
UCLA is not Wisconsin. Our run D shows like it did vs Wisconsin without the drop off in the second half. Their passing game is not scary enough to concern me.
Our O is going to come around this game. Mannion is not going to blow the doors off of anyone, but he will have a average game. I’m looking for him to throw at least 1 pick. I have our O scoring at least 28 and us winning comfortably.
I’m not saying there won’t be one of them “lifting” moments when JR takes the field for both the team and the fans so I’m wondering what the effect will be if he goes down with another injury. Seems to me like he’s doing what a lot of athletes do, they come back sooner than they should. He’s had 2 surgeries and a rather short recovery period so by coming back probably too soon it’s logical to think he’s also increasing the chances of his getting injured because he isn’t completely healed.
Imo this is a tough one. Damned if you do, damned if you don’t.
Here’s hoping he doesn’t see too much action and when he does it’s more being a decoy rather than doing the heavy lifting he’s done in the past.
Nice article today in the Oregonian by John Hunt about DJ Welch, a true freshman OLB who will be making his OSU debut on special teams this Saturday against UCLA: http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/09/post_13.html
The last paragraph is the best one:
“Welch, who was rated the 22nd-best outside linebacker by Rivals, holds Palm Desert High School records in the 100 and 200 and ran a 4.5 in the 40 this spring. He’s up to 220 pounds and should grow into a fast, 230-pound linebacker.”
Sounds like Welch could turn into something special….
PLEASE give him Robinson’s reps…
Is Locey being groomed for head coach? If so, sounds like he is A LOT like Riley:
http://www.gazettetimes.com/sports/article_719820d2-e469-11e0-abca-001cc4c03286.html
Jay’s 10-year record as head coach, 84-18. Highest of any Linfield head coach including Rutschman. Also, he’s not nearly the gee willikers type of guy Mike is. This at a very successful school where every coach has a sterling record, even Ed Langsdorf(although his winning pctg. I believe is the lowest, apple really doesn’t really fall that far). Jay’s tenure tops them all.
Would Jay Locey be a better Offensive Coordinator than Danny Langsdorf? Maybe Mike Riley is making this move based on Langsdorfs play calling abilities? This quote from Cliff’s article caught my eye!
“Until this season, Locey was on the field in games with the responsibility of grouping together offensive personnel and getting them on the field quickly. While he excelled there, his offensive knowledge was needed in the coaching booth to help figure out what defenses are doing to help Langsdorf and Riley.”
We will get smoked by UCLA this weekend. We don’t have a running game, our defense has mostly been horrible (except for the 1st half against Wisconsin), and our passing offense is led by a RS frosh. Rebuilding year at best. Look for UCLA to run it right down our throats. I will be there and Its not going to be pretty.
The only way out of this mess is to do a better job of recruiting. Since Riley wont fire his coordinators he better come up with some better talent to excute Banker’s obsolete defensive scheme.
Our run defense is quite a strength. I was at the Wisconsin game, we did a hell of a job. I know they racked up some yards, but they were hard yards. The only way UCLA wins this game is through the air… that was what killed us at Wisconsin.
This is just my thought, but if I were a Head Coach in a BCS conference, I would hire the best offensive minds that I could find! Taking off my Orange and Black glasses, who has the top 6 coaching staffs in the Pac-12? Specfically ranking the assistants. Would anyone honestly put OSU in the top 6 with offensive coaches? Mike Riley is a good coach, no doubt. But he needs to surround himself with greatness, that’s what bellotti, and other great Head Coaches did/do.
Top 100 Offensive Coordinators: (Bueller….Bueller? No Langsdorf) http://www.coacheshotseat.com/OffensiveCoordinatorsTop100AssistantCoaches.htm
OSU used to have #10 Paul Chryst & #24 Tim Lappano as Offensive Coordinators!
Top 100 Defensive Coordinatiors: (notice who’s #1 & #3, especially who’s #1, C’mon Man???)
http://www.coacheshotseat.com/DefensiveCoordinatorsTop100AssistantCoaches.htm
I think Mark Banker is a great Defensive Coordinator,( I know all Hell will break loose from me saying that) Banker is now coaching his natural position, the Linebackers. Maybe Greg Newhouse was getting in the way of how Banker wanted his defense to play? Mark Banker would be noticed (by the fans) as a better defensive coordinator, if the OSU offense didn’t put so much pressure on the defense. They basically play the entire game! However, the defense must play better especially on 3rd down for this season to be a success.
Looking at the team down south, before 2008 Nick Allioti was labled a horrible Defensive Coordinator who didn’t have a decent defense since “Gang Green” of 1994. All of a sudden the team down south has an offense that puts 40+ points per game on the scoreboard by the 3rd quarter and Allioti is labled the best in the Nation. By that time, the game is too far out of hand, most teams abolish their running game, and the team down south plays a zone, mixed with blitz packages. Go figure. They do struggle vs teams that have a great play action, but those teams have outstanding offenses.
That list is alphabetical.
Trev,
Right you are! lol. In complete humility, I messed up.
My “main” point is that Langsdorf isn’t even on the Top 100 list! If I were a Head Coach I would want one of the top offensive minds in college football, not someone I know from association who would struggle at a D-3, D-2, or FCS school. To be the best, you have to have the best!
Just back from Thursday practice at Reser.
– The Beavs were practicing more than the usual number of reverses and end-arounds featuring James Rodgers, Markus Wheaton, and Brandin Cooks. Wouldn’t be surprised to see that on Saturday — a way to juice the running game in Agnew’s absence.
– I wasn’t at yesterday’s practice, where Mannion was reported to have thrown 5 INTs. Today, Mannion did not throw any INTs that I saw. Most of Mannion’s passes were right on target. The exception was the last 10 minutes of practice, where Mannion overthrew a few receivers, and also made a bad pitch to a running back. Looked to me like Mannion was getting tired. Other than that, he looked good.
– Michael Doctor seems to still be first string OLB, with RRobinson behind him. But RR was getting reps with the first team quite often, too.
– Coach Seumalo was working a lot with the D-line on various stunts, and in particular with D. Wynn. Expect the Beavs on Saturday to use stunts to open lanes to the QB (for Wynn and others)
– Halahuni looked good today. In redzone drills, he made an acrobatic one-handed catch for a TD that drew applause from teammates. But Halahuni did have one bad drop later (a pass from Mannion that Halahuni should have caught for a TD) leading to a head shake and some criticism from Riley.
– Speaking of Riley, he was more vocal and involved than I’ve seen at most prior practices. Riley interrupted drills a number of times to provide instruction. Riley loudly criticized gaffes by a variety of players. Riley also was slapping hands with some of the players after good plays. Riley also spent quite a bit of time talking with James Rodgers at various points during practice. Seems like Riley was making a special effort to get James ready for Saturday. Overall, just seems that Riley is stepping up his level of energy and involvement in practice (which is good to see).
– At the end of practice, Riley gathered all the players around him (as he always does) and told everyone that it had been a very good practice. Seemed that way to me, too. Good energy level, lots of reps, upbeat attitudes.
Have to run out to my son’s high school JV football game, so no time for more….
Good to hear.
Halahuni had a pretty fancy one-handed TD catch Wed. too
Thanks for the report, you provide the best practice reports available to us.
SilverStream…WTF, want to post video of any of the plays…come on, no reason to say WHAT we are working on…duh
I’ll be you’re one of them morons that’s over on this blog from PO aren’t you?
When Angry needs a board monitor he’ll ask for one until then shut the fuck up. jmo
lol..short fuse anyone?
@what!: Just back from my son’s game, and saw your post. LOL at the thought of UCLA coaches basing their strategy on revelations in angrybeavs.com posts. You are joking, right?
No, he’s “super, duper cereal. Manbearpig is real!”
Of course opposing coaches ignore hours of edited, organized video they review and instead rely on fan blogs for REAL insight to opposing team’s game plans.
Next, a discussion on Reser Etiquette: “Is it o.k. to stand and cheer during the game?”
Define “o.k.”
Most teams have open practices! If ucla wanted a scout at practice they would have one. This forum/blog is not going to give away plays. Do HS coaches still exchange playbooks?
Will James Rodgers score one or more TDs?
http://beaverbyte.com
Possibly.
Quit spamming your site here.
Seriously. Who cares how many TDs James Rodgers will score.
At least say something on topic if you’re going to try to solicit hits.
If OSU were to hire a new Offensive Coordinator, who would you like to see as the new O.C. ?
Does anyone know if former Beav lean, Owa, has gotten any playing time for UCLA? I hope he does play on Saturday and he gets a little something special coming his way for his antics he pulled on LOI day.
Read somewhere he’s second string.
I’d like to see one of our nine walk-ons pancake him and then poop on his face.
Not sure I understand definition of pancake – if he’s pancaked wouldn’t his face be down? In which case he would need to be rolled over for the remainder of the process? Perhaps I am making too much of this.
Most times with a pancake the O-lineman puts the D-lineman on his back. Though, sometimes he winds up on his side or face down. In that case they can poop on his helmet.
Whew – thanks for the explanation.
He got some time as a true freshman last year but hurt his knee, that limited his playing time. Not sure if he has done anything this year, but I share your opinion.
We’re all a little chippy around here but remember we are Beaver brothers and sisters. One more day until we can go nuts discussing Saturday’s result.
Until then, since we’ve hashed out the possible outcome of the UCLA game 47,000 different ways, you should now be thinking about what kind of beer you’ll be drinking before the game, or if you’re going with bloody marys or Spanish coffees first thing Saturday morning… THESE are the important topics the day before a game!
Will you mow the lawn one last time before or after the game? (it’s going to start raining Sunday until about late May by the way).
Regardless, don’t let the outcome of the game determine your happiness for very long. Give yourself an hour to mope around after a loss, but then turn it back on to the usual happy-go-lucky self all of us really are ALL the time!
Go Beavs!
Snow Cap is out.
Fall & Winter Seasonal time is one my favorite times of the beer year!
The Ninkasi Sleigher is a great way to warm up at a November/December tailgate…
If you’re going to tailgate, then you might as well go talk to Dave at Oregon Trail and just pick up a pig of their Brown Ale.
Jack, you are already my favorite angrybeavs poster… but this suggestion puts you into hall of fame contention. Great idea!
Jackbeav is not a person. It is a nom de plume for an enterprise. The Jackbeav staff includes (I know I’m leaving out something) statisticians, researchers, grammarians, opinion writers, a 24-hour internet monitoring division, on-the-scene food, drink, restaurant and bar critics, not to mention the OrangeExpress subsidiary.
Haha.
This is the kind of spontaneous publicity I need… my name in print. That really makes somebody. Things are going to start happening to me now.
JackBeav has gone viral.
Ok Jack, went to Old World Deli with the Flat Tailgate gang last night and tried every Oregon Trail beer. Nice line up! Brown ale def my fav, but I think the Gringo was the crowd fav. Thanks for the suggestion.
Great choice. I’m thinking I might have some beer issues since the name Ninkasi Sleigher made my mouth water a little bit. :)
Sorry man. Can’t support beer made in Eugene. Go for a 22 of anything made by Pelican Pub in Pacific City (IPA is the best!!!)
Drink free since 2010! But, what the hell, I’ll fire up some gin for this one. It’s not like I had a drinking problem; I just got bored with the (lack of) buzz.
We performed a 6-way blind tasting of gin in preparation for 2011’s tailgates. The winner was Portland’s own Organic Nation, then Sapphire, then Tanqueray(sp?), can’t remember the other 3. LOVE gin!
Is the reason you can’t remember the other three the “first three”? :-)
Maybe Beefeater?
Seagram’s makes a good, cheap gin.
I lived in England for a long time where I was told by several people that the secret to a good G&T wasn’t the gin but the tonic water. It’s hard to find a good one in the US. Ideally, no high fructose corn syrup, but not the diet kind either. Also, best in small bottles or cans.
Highly recommended by a friend. I’m thinking of getting one.
http://www.sodastreamusa.com/penguin.aspx
They sell all the flavors you could want, but fresh fruit squeeze tastes best.
And yes, their tonic mix is good.
I’m not sure why the penguin is supposed to be better than their fountain jets though. I need to read up on why I shouldn’t just spend 40% on the lesser model.
Wow Jack… are you me? I just bought a sample pack from soda stream at Bed, Bath, & Beyond about 4 minutes ago.
I’m a home beer brewer so I’ve got all the equipment to carbonate, just need the concentrated syrups. My plan is to mix the energy (Red Bull clone) with vodka so I can have vodka-Red Bulls on tap at our Flat Tailgate parties.
Yeah, a co2 system would be the other way to go. But this one was enticing because it’s counter-top. I’d end up with a co2 system if I didn’t rotate my beers. All I make now is ginger beer, but when one batch dries up, that leaves room for the next batch to go in. So bottling doesn’t bother me that much.
FWIW, Aviator Gin is downright AWFUL.
Gin reminds me of Pine-sol, which reminds me of cleaning toilets during field day. First thing we’d do is dump pine-sol in all the shitters. Pine tree air fresheners are the same thing. Reminds me of dirty toilets.
Heh… pine-sol and folded shit-paper.
Seriously?! I just bought a bottle of Aviator and was planning on sharing with tailgaters today. Oh well.
Let me know what you think about Aviator. My brother and I think it’s awful but who knows, others may like it.
Anyone else going to the Beaver chalk talk with Mike Riley today at noon at the MAC club downtown?
UCLA beat writer Jon Gold thinks Rick Neuheisel is very close to losing his team:
“The UCLA locker room on Saturday afternoon after a 49-20 loss to Texas was not quite a morgue, but it wasn’t too far off. When we were finally allowed in after a double-length cooling-off period, those who were left hadn’t cooled off. Tony Dye, a stand-up guy and someone the media has always been able to rely upon for a level-headed response, completely brushed us off. “I’m not talking today, guys.” That was a first. Then you had players bashing each other and questioning the coaches and coaches nearly in tears. It was the locker room of not just a defeated team, but a DEFEATED team. Neuheisel needs to know that the message that no one has given up, that no one has lost faith, does not play well when players are so openly upset. Things need to change, and they need to change now.”
http://insidesocal.com/ucla/2011/09/-i-know.html
If the Beavers can come out strong this Saturday at Reser, UCLA is likely to fold.
Both of these teams are defeated, so it probably evens out. Our beat writers just don’t cover that angle. The LA writers are more aggressive and confrontational.
I see OSU by 9pts this Saturday. I don’t even think it will be a close game. Beavs get an emotional bounce with the return of leadership players…etc. I think the beavs will turn it around Saturday (or it will be a very long season).
It is clearly time for Rick to go. He has lost his team. Hard to see anyone lose their job, but not quite as hard when the guy’s salary has been in the millions for years. Not quite like the neighbor/dad of 4 kids who is losing everything. I bet Rick will be just fine living in a mansion on the beach for the rest of his life.
At some point almost every team’s locker-room, that houses an under performing squad, comes to this (bickering, blaming, unrest, distrust, and finger pointing…etc). I am not trying to flame here, and I don’t think OSU loses Saturday, but if UCLA beats OSU, would Riley maybe start facing the same situation? Honestly curious because I suspect he might at some point if the season doesn’t turn soon. That being said, Riley seems to be able to avoid losing his team with some slow starts over the years – so Riley might be great at keeping it together until the ship straightens out. But the Sac State loss seems like it could possibly serve as “the straw that breaks…”
For me the big unanswered questions are: 1) has the OL improved and 2) can the DL put pressure on the QB.
During his career Mr. Paea roamed around in the backfield causing all kinds of chaos. How much are the Beavs going to miss him?
The opening loss was seen by many as a continuation of poor and uninspired play to end last season. There are mitigating factors like new personnel and coaches. But those factors are lesser than the huge increase in talent on the field now versus last year. I think a lot of Beavs fans would like to lobby Congress to remove September from the official calendar. But if the rest of this season turns out like last November/December, then fans will be screaming for the coordinators’ heads, not Riley’s. If Riley bucks that sentiment, then he likely keeps his team but loses his fandom. If that happens, then it’s left to the school to just keep putzing along with a coach who outwardly disdains his alumni.
Of course, all that is hypothetical. If Riley pulls his normal rabbit out of this season’s hat, then the pollyannas will be out in full force… as full a force as they are silent at the moment.
Manic depression is a frustrating mess. I don’t know how the polyannas live with themselves.
Here’s a thought…what if the hiring of the Running Backs coach, WR coach, and firing Newhouse was a slow process of cleaning house? It’s Riley’s system that is being run…not Langsdorks. So obviously Langsdorf has had ample time to learn the system in what plays work, what plays don’t work, what needs to be improved, and what trick/misdirection plays to run. We can’t copy other teams’ ideas. I was watching the Cincy game last night and NC St. went offsides on a play and the center snapped the ball and NONE of the lineman moved and it threw the defensive line and defensive backs into a tizzy trying to figure out what was going on. The play ended up being incomplete with nearly being picked off. Why can’t OSU practice something like that?! It’s called being “heads up”!
Gooooooo Wildcats!
Haaaaa
A boy can always dream GreatWhiteHunter. You can keep yours alive for another 28 more hours…
It’s going to be a slaughter…UA looks bad. Not Beaver-bad, just regular bad.
UA is horrible. They have 3 guys who look like Reuben Robinson at LB.
I know, I know, nobody gives a crap about women’s volleyball, but I’m not afraid to incur the wrath – OS WV plays Utah tonight – free video – and when I read about someone like Arica Nasser, I’m ever so proud and delighted to see that someone of her ilk has chosen OSU. BTW, she was Pac-12 conference freshman player of the week recently.
,
Daughter of Austin and Annette Nassar … Has one older brother, Austin … Chemistry major … Valedictorian, Honor Roll, Principal’s Honor Roll, Avid … Chose Oregon State because “I love the area that the school is located in. Nature is something that makes me smile, and Oregon State fit right in that. I also loved the school campus. It made me feel at home, as well as the people around me.”
Women’s soccer is ranked #24 (and suddenly finds themselves the premier club in Oregon despite the loss @UP in OT).
Volleyball has only had two bad days, but they’re going to have a tough haul with six of the top 15 in the nation being Pac 12 teams. Fortunately for them, they start league play against the other five who are not ranked… or not if they lose.
I look forward to the rest of the schedule and hope these women’s teams do well in, what seems to be, a strong conference in both sports. It can only be a positive for OS student athletics.
Any recruits coming tomorrow?
Anybody been paying any attention to the kicking game at practice? How is Romaine looking now that the season has started? Could be an important piece in this game, but we still haven’t even really seen what he can do in a game type situation.
Also, I really hope Hecker has dropped the Rugby style punt. You have to think he started practicing that after the Las Vegas bowl where he kicked high into the wind and the ball sailed backwards on him. Who’d have thought he could actually have a worse result with NO wind?
The game winning 27yard field goal attempt against Sac St. is probably considered a game type situation. Romaine has plenty of leg and appears to have good form, it is the mental part of kicking we need to see this week. If he can bounce back from the easy miss, then our future at kicker looks good. Also, his distance on kickoffs was easily 5-10 yards deeper than Kahut. the last few years.
Hekker is the epitome of the college athlete conundrum, that is, we really shouldn’t hate a player for their on field performance. We can hate the performance but we can’t hate the person.
Hekker’s contributions to the Beavers without Borders program are substantial and documented. He is a good man who, honestly, has accomplished more than my own son of a similar age.
But the SOB can’t punt his way out of a wet paper bag! Why the fuck did he try the rugby style kick in Wisconsin? He actually moved towards the pressure!!! A straight kick would have been fine. It’s all mental because after that record-setting -4 yard punt he boomed every one perfectly.
A coach needs to grab him before every kick and look him in the eye and say, “Focus…. focus Johnny”.
Your fist two sentences describe Hekker perfectly. All of his punts this season have been good to great, except for one and it was worse than terrible. Up until that punt, the Beavs defense had done well and was getting some confidence against Wisconsin. That shitty punt was a killer.
I hate Hekker, the punter. Not sure about the man. But when I saw him smiling after hitting that negative punt it didn’t help the man’s case.
I don’t think you can hate on him for smiling after the crummy punt… we all have our own ways of dealing with adversity.
And if the team leaders and coaches were doing their job, they should have been doing whatever tricks they could to keep him upbeat and engage. Often that would be done with a joke.
exactly… not to mention everyone is motivated to perform their best by different things. Some guys need to be torn a new one other guys are hard enough on themselves. Some guys perform like crap when they get down on themselves. I am not going to hate on Hekker for doing what he has to do to get ready for the next punt. I hope he can find consistency because he can hit some good balls. I was hoping for big things for him but I am now just hoping he doesn’t screw up any more.
My oldest son knows Hekker the man, and likes him. From everything I’ve seen and heard, Hekker is a good guy.
From watching practices, I can say (and have said…) that Hekker has a strong leg. He can really boom punts.
However, Hekker also has shanked punts in games that have cost the Beavers dearly (the latest being that atrocious -4 yarder against Wisconsin). Hekker does seem to lack focus sometimes. No excuse for that. But Hekker is still the best we’ve currently got, and I believe he’s going to do some very good things for the Beavs this season (along with, perhaps, a few more bad things….)
I wouldn’t mind seeing him unleash a pass.
Oh sorry, did I provide scouting for UCLA again?
I don’t mind this video… except someone should ask Hekker if he’s going to be ready.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k9DEE7m7SyY&feature=player_embedded
At practice yesterday at Reser, I watched Romaine kicking field goals in the early part of practice — when the field goal team lines up against the defense and tries about six consecutive field goals from close-in, medium, and long range.
As I recall, Romaine made something like 5 out of 6 kicks, including a 50-yarder that he made at the end of the drill (with a few yards to spare). Romaine seems to be kicking with more confidence, authority, and power now than he was in Fall camp. I think he’s going to be really good. But of course he needs more college game experience, especially under pressure, before he inspires confidence in fans and coaches.
For all his talent, if Romaine needs to make a field goal to win the game tomorrow against UCLA, it’s going to be nerve-wracking — another reason the Beavs need to come out strong tomorrow and make UCLA fold early….
Cruel bottom line..he already lost a game for the Beavs. He better the hell not be Emperor Cesca the Second.
Action/Reaction: Riley #7 on Coaches Hottest Seat List:
http://beaverbyte.com
You are testing my patience.
You are indeed a benevolent dictator. This guy gets a lot of free advertising because of your kindness. He needs to stop pushing it…now if it was thought provoking, inspiring opinion that would be another thing altogether!
Yeah, and I don’t even think he comes back here to read my admonitions.
Might have to do something.
KICK HIS ASS, ANGRY!!
…well, you know, …like figuratively speaking. And advertising is the word…the byte is full of ads.
The only reason I ever found the Angrybeavs site was because links were pasted in Oregonlive articles pretty frequently (I’m assuming by Angry?). The posts were more interesting of course, but isn’t that pretty much the same thing we’re seeing here with Beaverbyte. Main difference is this site has stuck around because people enjoy reading it. The Beaverbyte site won’t last long because nobody gives a crap about meaningless daily polls that 8 people vote on. Natural selection will take its course and that site will die off.
I do that even now. But I don’t comment on O-live just to paste a link and get hits. Always had a topical point there, and posted the link figuring fans who agreed with my perspective would visit the site and be glad to find an objective, constructively critical outlet.
This guy posts random off-topic polls that have nothing to do with the topic, and his site doesn’t offer any outlet that doesn’t already exist. I don’t understand the point of it other than to earn income.
That’s fine, but he should have the decency to post topical replies if he’s going to spam. To show up here with mindless polls pisses me off.
One more thing: a lot of other guys post the site’s link over there. I am “blog beav” on o-live. Haven’t been posting much, just lurking.
So, if FMO doesn’t work for spam, can I give a smart-ass response then follow it with “DBP”?
For those not botting this site, that means “Douche-bag poll.”
My best dream for spammers/trolls would be for everyone to join together in a spam-spoof. When spammer spams, everyone plays off each other to make spammer the idiot.
James Rodgers gonna score?
Response: That is a possibility.
Counter: What do you mean that’s a possibility? Just because he’s going to be in the game and he’s one of their stars on offense doesn’t mean a thing.
Response: I know how to hug… real good!
Beaver Byte is the worst sort of blog. A parrot blog written by a twelve year old
Parrot blog is a great term for it.
I was thinking “it just takes info from around the web and recites it” but couldn’t think of a clever term for that.
I heard some o-line recruiting rumors. The o-live blogger says we offered Nico Siragusa out of Chula Vista (Mater Dei). And I heard we were being considered as one of five officials for Jeremiah Poutasi.
Found this, some guys attempt at a uniform redesign lol, some good things some bad
http://imageshack.us/f/97/unled5q.jpg/
Just… why?
There might be a little karma on the Beavs side, seems like the media sharks are smelling blood in the water for Neuhiesel’s job, so I think a lot of people want “nice guy” Riley to finish off the snake. We shall see. And good lord McCants must be bad.
Did anyone catch that there was even a USA Today article about the game? It was mostly from the “Slick Rick” on the hot seat angle, but there were a couple of bland quotes from Riley.
I will be at the game cheering on the team win or lose because at the end of the day, I’m proud I’m not a duck fan!
I guess this wasn’t worth the forums.
When you market your school, you should have some handle on what some stories tell about you.
http://www.gazettetimes.com/sports/article_7bccc332-e635-11e0-9d33-001cc4c002e0.html
I know, it just doesn’t look that bad. Look again:
Beavers win physical battle over Buffs
Come on!
It’s OSU people! Get used to it. we’re the only ones who like it.
For those of you with DirecTV. The game is on 694, 695 and 695-1.
Poyer to return kick offs again:
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/09/take_5_with_jordan_poyer_orego.html
A little surprised with how thin OSU is at CB. Parker’s gaffe must have been the reason for the change?
AND HE WANTS TO PLAY THE WILDCAT! He’s been trying to convince Riley. For two years, I’ve been advocating for Poyer to run the wildcat. Hope he’s persuasive.
I didn’t think it was worth responding last night. My intent yesterday was too provide an easy link to the Coaches Hot Seat site. I found it to be worth a look with some good info. I think most people read that he was #7 on the list and Neuheisel #2 without checking it out.
Had I not written Action/Reaction I don’t believe one word would have been said. I debated doing it and only reason I did was because it wasn’t new info, but the zeitgeist of Beaver Nation told me few had looked at it. I knew people already knew the number, but I thought more should see for themselves the standings for 30 or 45 seconds. That is it. I didn’t expect a diatribe.
I don’t hate Riley, I just don’t think he is the answer longer term. Angry has expressed some similar sentiments even if we as everyone have some differences in opinion.
There is only so much new stuff to write about. I try to take what is out there and complement it. I don’t make any money from the advertising or the writing. I decided the tiny amount would not be worth it. I do hope people check out my site from time to time as it is only an investment of a minute or less most times. My site is not set up as well for the social aspects so I try to do stories, videos and polls. I have teh ability to organize some videos better and polls are just something my site works well with. My stories come when I feel inspired to write them. I am sorry if I upset you Angry and it is my desire to coexist better and serve the Beaver Nation community.
The project was started to represent Oregon St. in the PAC-12 lineup. It does have easy access to other teams in the Pac-12 North that can help fans stay abreast a little easier with developments at some of our main rivals in division. Again, sorry that the Action/Reaction part was more than you preferred Angry. It was done to imply that there was more than just stating the #7 number but to encourage those interested to go further and check out the page to see where some more coaches were ranked for comparison.
I do have today’s Gameday thread up since it is Gameday. GO BEAVS!
http://beaverbyte.com
The bottom line is that if you’re going to co-exist here and spam you need to at least make your spam comments on-topic and respect this blog. Asking how many TDs James Rodgers will score and then linking to a poll is neither on-topic or adding anything to my site. Worse, it takes away from my site.
I recommend this:
1. Don’t make my blog worse with irrelevant spam.
2. If you want to get people to view your blog, make an on-topic comment and post your link once per topic. There’s now 4 of your links in this post, which is overkill.
3. A better idea is filling in the “URL” feature when you log on. This will transform your username into a link to your blog. People can then click it if they want.
You obviously did not spend time reading the rest of this thread in which these topics are discussed on a much deeper level than some list which looks only to draw hits based on some angst.
It’s cool that Enger is finally going to start. This should have happened last year. It’ll be interesting to see Riley proven wrong once again…especially the media reaction. I bet they don’t ask why he wasn’t playing ahead of Ellis.
It’ll also be cool to see Enger take over for Ellis once Andrews returns. Ideally he’d be a tackle but I’ll take him over Ellis.
Psu and tcu tied in the 2nd. Wow!!