Home Athletics General Discussion (Christmas Edition)

General Discussion (Christmas Edition)

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Merry Christmas, Beavlettes. Lady Beav's mom is coming here tomorrow and we're all going to be doing sight seeing, so I'll be MIA until the 26th. At that point we can analyze the bowl. BTW, I'm so sick of the QB circus. Every freaking game. Gun to my head (probably not the best time for this phrase, but we're PC insensitive around here) I'd go with Mannion in this game, mainly because Texas has athletes, and I think his size will come in handy versus that front. Big Vaz fan, though, because the kid has moxie. I just see a lot of batted balls and disruption if he were to start this game. Or since neither guy is a clear cut start, maybe go with Harrington? ("Hello, Doc…it's Angry again")

Just received this email. Shows possible motivation, contract structures, and conflicts of interest. Sad that OSU's only chance against Oregon is sanctions that drive Chip to the NFL. I do think that's what will happen, for the record. It would be nice to have beaten the guy once, though. Or to just see how long Riley could have gone without beating him.

Looking through the comments, you guys seem to have recruiting tidbits all covered.

Discuss anything else. Be back the 26th. Peace.

229 COMMENTS

  1. Thanks for everything Angry. Happy Christmas you scum bags! Anyone have access to this article, RE: Khari McGee? http://oregonstate.rivals.com/barrier_noentry.asp?ReturnTo=&sid=&script=content.asp&cid=1451627&fid=&tid=&mid=&rid=

    I *like the idea of trying this kid out at QB; his film seems good. Who was the last black QB at OSU any way? And, pardon me for saying, but I think it hurts our national perception–in a way–to not recruit/land black QBs (if they are quality players/people of course). This is the position you entrust to run the offense; I don’t think race is factor for coach and staff, but it would be nice to have some evidence proving that.

          • I wonder if Ashton was recruited to be a quarterback, or they had planned to move him. He switched to defense really soon after he arrived.

          • Wallace ran into academic problems which disallowed his eligibility for a ship, a lot like Berto’s academic problems. At the same time, I believe his mother had extreme health issues. So he not only couldn’t participate, he also couldn’t afford school on his own.

            Otherwise, he probably would have played his way into the QB position, and we may have never heard of Jonathan Smith.

            After his academics were cleared, he was able to go to ISU full ride, and the rest is history.

  2. Beavs got a commitment from…….. Michael Greer???????
    LB from palm springs. Highlights look decent on YouTube. The beavs were in a hard fought competition with….. Illinois state?????? Idk what to think, grade issues. At least he’s an LB

    • If Danny L sees that first sequence, he will offer the QB. Dude can already chuck INT’s as well as Mannion. Imagine after Langs gets him coached up!

  3. Anyone else see how bad SD State got jobbed tonight in the Poinsettia bowl? Had an int for a TD called back on a bogus chop block, then a horribly blown replay call on a fumble in the endzone for a byu td. Seemed to really take the steam out of them.

  4. A few random thoughts on beating the Ducks. If the Ducks hold, and they do, why not have the Beaver defensive linemen three or four hold the five offensive lineman for a three count and then release? The Ducks are in better cardiovascular shape. Think of them as high capacity batteries or fuel cells. The Beavers are not out of shape but have less capacity. The Beavers expend 5-10% of the individual and collective fuel capacity running guys in and out every single play. Multiple substitutions also mean more potential errors in positioning or in reaction and shorter time for players on the field to process information about the other team. How do you counter this and expose the flaws of the other guys?

  5. Looks like we picked up another commitment

    @kerryeggers: Oregon State gets verbal commitment from Manase Hungala of Kailu-Kona, Hi, 6-2, 225, projected to be middle linebacker

    And possible another

    @kerryeggers: Oregon State believes it has verbal from 6-4, 270 defensive end Lyndon Tulimasealii, though he may want to take visit to Utah

    • Just how many open scholarships do we have? Seems like the verbals are coming fast and furious. Guys must be getting concerned their offers will be pulled as more players commit.

  6. No surprise here…

    kerry eggers ?@kerryeggers

    Rudolf Fifita, Mana Rosa & Dyllon Mafi will remain suspended and will not play for Oregon State in Alamo Bowl.

    Fifita has played his final game at OSU

      • I agree they were numbnuts, but it’s funny 30 years ago some drunk college football players smack around some other drunk assholes at a bar and nobody gives two shits.

        • Yep … I miss those days. But any fight that isnt someone jumping someone else, unsuspecting, is called “mutual combat” (I was told by the cops who I thought would arrest me) and they dont give a shit, and DA’s dont want to touch it.

          So it really depends on the circumstances and having some good, your-side witnesses.

          ..or wear black face at a Beaver blackout and they wont be able to id you from the other blackface fans…. lol

  7. Listening to Bob deCarolis on the radio right now. He just said that when they finish the old side of Reser (probably not beginning until 2019 though) their current plan is to mirror the student section on the new side, but it would be marketed for the younger post-college fans who want to stand for the whole game. Sounds like an interesting plan.

    • What if we want to stand AND see the 80% of the game that’s not right in front of our section….?

      I never liked the student section for that reason…the atmosphere is cool but you miss so much of the game. You need to be up to ~row 25-30 to get a decent football experience.

      • Then you need to step up and purchase a regular seat. Of course they’re gonna give the students the cheaper sections.
        I love the new side of Reser and how they’ve located the students. Compared to many other stadiums I’ve been to it’s much better than sticking them in a corner end zone far from the field and player’s sidelines.
        Our students get to yell their heads off, stand up the whole game, easily be seen on TV and show their enthusiasm, and they’re not detracting from everyone else who paid more money for their tickets.
        At Camp Randall they stuff the students in the far corner and sure everyone gets to watch them and their choreographed antics but people hate sitting in the sections adjacent to them and they don’t get the sideline TV exposure.
        Just my 2 cents.

  8. Some notes on the young players performance in recent practices:

    http://www.gazettetimes.com/sports/beavers-sports/football/osu-football-younger-players-get-extra-practice-time/article_94e68b40-4ad5-11e2-bf20-0019bb2963f4.html

    “Riley expects young safeties Cyril Noland-Lewis, Kendall Hill, Zack Robinson and A.J. Hedgecock to make a quick impact. They’ll be used on special teams and one must step in for Anthony Watkins.

    Hill has looked athletic, particularly since he missed most of the season rehabbing a knee injury…

    Lavonte Barnett looked impressive at defensive end, but it’s the defensive tackle position that’s of most concern to Riley….Noke Tago is someone Riley expects to move into the tackle rotation next season.

    …Receiver Malik Gilmore showed his off his combination of speed and size running routes. He’s someone who could quickly step in with the departure of Markus Wheaton.

    ….”The line is solid and (running back) Chris Brown is a good runner,” Langsdorf said”

    • Brown will be all-world.

      Noland, Hill and Robinson are prime. Hedgecock was nice, and he’ll remain nice if he keeps his head and works.

      Barnett could be a quick strike off the edge. We’ll see. But I have to wonder where Jashwa James went. He’s a great player who may not be able to hack the academic side.

      And I mean he’s a GREAT PLAYER. He’s an NFL talent. He’s better than that. But he has to go through school.

      These are the stories I hate. I love the extremely limited tape I’ve seen of James.

      And I may never see any more.

        • Despite the depth, I’m still hoping they get that other Texas RB, Lawrence Mattison. Not sure how may scholarships are left, and there’s a need for another DT and LB, but I think Mattison could bring a physicality OSU hasn’t had at RB since probably Jackson.

          Woods, Ward, Brown, Haskins, Mattison….Ward may surpass Woods this off-season, but I’m also thinking Woods is going to hit the weights hard this off-season – he’s had Quizz in his ear about the need to bulk up (“you got arms like a wide receiver!”) and he seems to get dinged up quite a bit. Ward’s already compact and strong. Throw in Browns speed, and the coaching staff has an opportunity to play multiple backs like they’ve never had in Riley’s tenure(s).

          Also, if there are some good recruits willing to commit as the scholarship limit approaches, I wonder if that might influence Riley’s decision on punishments?

          • I like Mattison’s red zone runs around the 2:57 mark – he moves well laterally while facing and moving forward. Also like that highlight soon after where takes the pitch out to the left and shows some speed. He could probably be turned into a good LB, but I’d rather see him carrying the ball.

            Given some of the deficiencies at QB, the improvement in the Oline, and the increase in RB depth, I’d like to see OSU run more. They don’t have the mindset for it, but I think the Oline could achieve it.

            http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhSCJc47wc

    • I’m surprised that in the interview of all the players that rueben Robinson could only think of one bare embarrassing moment on the field.

      • I missed that part of the interview, but it makes sense that Rueben wouldn’t find much fault with his own play. After all, one of the traits of players who excel is their push for perfection and the fact that they are often their own most severe critic.

        Regarding Trent Bray, anyone else look into his eyes and see the same intensity we recently noticed in Dylan Wynn? I fear we are all gonna miss Trent. It will probably take something unforeseen which creates an opening here for him, doubt MR will be proactive on this one.

      • Regarding Reuben, you have to keep in mind that for over 50% off his snaps he was face down in the turf, so he really couldn’t tell whether he was embarrassed or not!

      • He was rarely in position to be embarrassed. He was always the guy who showed up after the tackle while standing over the guy. The real tackle occurs at his feet, he leans down and touches him, and that’s an assist.

        Woo hoo! That’s a tackle! Nobody has tape!

        What’s that?

        People have things called memory?

        That’s silly.

        • I’ve probably watched 90% of the games over the last three years and I was just trying to think how many times I’ve heard Reuben’s name called out by the TV guys for making a play. For as many snaps as he has played, I think it’s amazingly few. He had an interception so I remember that one.

          • He did play better this year. I think he was as productive this year as he was for the rest of his career combined. That’s not saying much. A couple years ago, I was so pissed at his play that I went through the tape and counted his eight supposed tackles. Six of them were as I described above. He was either just standing there (or giving a lineman an eternal hug) and the play fell at his feet, or he ran to the play after the tackle and leaned down to touch an already tackled player.

            I literally could not fin the other two credited tackles.

    • Bray’s comment about the defense going in and out hitting Wisconsin is important; I think the Beavers need to recapture that attitude and out hit Texas. I think Texas would be surprised.

      • With the exception of a few positions, Texas will have better players. It will all be about attitude. If we come out and stuff their running game, I think we will win. We will not out talent them for sure. Texas
        has a rep as a soft team with an entitlement culture that they should win because of the logo on their helmet. These are the top of the heap prima donnas of Texas HS football. The one factor is that could upset the applecart for us is Applewhite taking over as playcaller. He is Texas’ version of our
        Jonathan Smith. I hope our guys come out angry like against the Fadgers.

    • I hope they aren’t making texas too big in their own minds. Understand the need to respect the opponent, but don’t over do it, particularly when its essentially a home game for Texas.

  9. letter to whoregon donors from the AD

    http://www.kezi.com/uo-donors-get-letter-about-ncaa-inquiry/

    “The agreed-upon findings and self-imposed penalties were submitted to the NCAA Committee on Infractions, which requested to discuss the matter in person.”

    Boy they must be reeeeeeaaallllyyyyy stupid if they expect people to believe that line of horse shit. Sorry but UO was DENIED summary disposition for multiple reasons. Number one being a repeat offender. repeat offenders must go before the infractions committee. Number two, the NCAA isn’t buying your bullshit story. If it was a legit service why did the UO try to cover it up by asking for said service over a year later. And it was outdated information and one of the players was FUCKING DEAD. Nice try though dumbshits. I sincerely hope the NCAA drops the hammer on these fucktards and they get the dreaded lack of institutional control. Why? Because that’s the truth

          • So I’m not quite tracking “Duck Soup”…..did all those well paid Quack lawyers propose a “settlement” and were turned down by the NCAA or is the NCAA saying this is “too f-ed up we need to ask some questions to some real people”?

          • whoregon thinks their shit doesn’t stink and they are above the NCAA and everyone else………………

            The sources said the committee ultimately did not accept Oregon’s presentment, disagreeing with “various aspects” of both the infractions the school believed occurred, and the sanctions the school deemed appropriate.

            So basically the fighting liberace’s are saying what they did was very minor and no big deal (cough, cough). The NCAA believes otherwise. If it was no big deal, why did whoregon attempt to cover their ass almost a year later? That tells you all you need to know right there. They knew what they were doing and that is was against NCAA rules. Nice try FUCKTARDS!

            http://sports.yahoo.com/news/ncaaf–oregon–ncaa-reach-impasse-in-football-investigation-215913743.html

          • So that is a big chunk of either state money or donor money, for the cleaner to come in and try to get that summary disposition. Nice going, UO. Really makes you look shady. But then that whole business of buying off Bellotti was shady as hell and also blew off a chunk of money.

            Not sure I like FUCKTARDS over ASSCLOWNS, though… Gotta give that some thought….

    • I do remember lots of talk (at least here) on the lack of focus and desire of the ’11 team. While much was made of MR’s seeming lack of involvement, notice was also taken of the demonstrated attitude of several players….for example: Remmers “I don’t care enough to cut down on my false starts” and Frahm “all talk and little performance”.

      Seems, at least on the defensive side, that the “want to” last season resulted in players trying to do everyones job or trying to be the single star on the squad. This year the “want to” grew from serious off season work and more of an “assignment football” way of playing. Seeing your teammates training with a serious attitude makes it less likely that you’ll flub your own job while trying to cover for them in the game.

      I thought the article made several good points about vocal leadership; now it is a question of how the team approaches the coming off season. Isaac and Wynn seem obvious as vocal leaders, I was a little surprised at some of the guys Riley put in that same category. Biggest factor?….will Riley stay engaged, that’s the question.

      • I dont think Riley stayed engaged this year. He said he would do the play calling, and I think he did a lot. But apparently not all the time, and it showed. At least that is my impression.

        The meshing of player personalities must have been good this year. I think that has to be the case, since Riley seems to offer little to nothing in terms of strong attitude. He did a little better this year, actually saying, before some games, that we are going to win.

        • I agree that MR wasn’t as engaged as we’d like. He seemed to tail off at the end.

          But, things like changing practice times, playing music, keeping the media out of the dining hall, keeping the media away from players on Tue/Wed, announcing a goal of 1800 (1500?) yds of rushing all were a 180 from the previous years. That penalty called on the bench which was likely on Riley didn’t hurt either.

          He will never be as vocal and charismatic as some would like but, as long as he is here, we have to hope he at least doesn’t sleep through another season as he seemed to in ’11. Doubt we’ll ever know how much the loss of his father and the circumstances of the arrival of his grandchild affected his focus.

      • Yeah, I wasn’t talking about here. I was thinking about the team as this article seems to imply that the effort was lacking in the off season following the 5-7 season, in the weight room and maybe in practice. As suggested, it’s not like Riley to call out his team, but I would have thought a 3-9 season might have called for desperate measures. Comments seemed to suggest lots of things were going on with some individual players last year.

  10. He’s a safety, he’s a linebacker, he is a Swiss Army Knife from Palm Springs. The other guy is a tackle, defensive end, a linebacker and a Leatherman from Hawaii. Finally, some imagination. Guys, this is how you build a tool kit to defend against the Ducks. Please do not bulk them up too much. That is so 1990’s.

  11. I find the selection of Vaz interesting on a few different levels. We’ll likely see video of the announcement soon but for now I like it. I think it shows Riley is focused on winning this game in that, it seems to me, this is not the decision many expected and demonstrates that MR really used the last few practices to make a decision rather than letting inertia do the thinking.

    Is this more about: Riley?, the Longhorns? Vaz’s leadership? Mannion’s recent history? And, does this indicate more balance in the offense?

    We can say that Mannion is not now the annointed one for the next two years and is now facing a real test of character.

      • That will be the eternal question for the 2012 season. I’m sure Tree fans feel the same way. It helped Shaw realize he had to change QB’s and at least it showed Riley that Vaz is a viable alternative.

      • Price looks like he doesn’t like his team very much. Or maybe just his o-line. They showed him on the sideline between series with his helmet off and his mannerisms said “this is not awesome”. Didn’t even look mad or upset, more you gotta be fuckin kidding me.

  12. Riley made the smart choice to start Vaz. He’s just the better QB right now and a gamer. I think the issues that Sean has had this year are sticking in his head somewhat. Vaz seems to just shake mistakes off and moves forward.

    I am pleased with this decision. Should give the team the best shot at winning.

    • I think 30 interceptions is a number that figures into Riley’s decision. The is the best bowl game and best opponent Riley has led the Beavs to and he wants to win it. He can’t have Mannion misunderstanding the coverage three or four times this game.

  13. Beavers up 44-29 at the half. Executing well offensively and they’re being aggressive. Roberto looking great again and Moreland is playing well on both ends. Perfect at the foul line and pretty good defense. Need to clean up the defensive boards a little bit, but that’s pretty much all there is to complain about. Great passing on offense. Running some great high-low offense and finishing well. Beavers playing at a high level and playing with some high intensity. Beavs are looking good.

  14. Jarmal Reid with the big time drive and in your face throw down!!!!! and gets fouled. This is what he needs to do to step up in place of Brandt. Be aggressive

    • I don’t watch but half of the CR-coached bb games but when doing so, I’ve often wondered why other teams could drive to the basket and score. The Beavs always seemed to let up as they approached the basket and, oftentimes, the next part of the sequence fizzled. I think last night’s drive by Jamal Reid was a first for me although I’m sure there have been others. And, I had the uneasy feeling that wasn’t something CR and assistants had coached — rather something Jamal Reid does – may he continue to do so. Otherwise, I have a feeling it’s going to be a long season.

  15. CR has no idea what he’s doing. This team is not coached to play defense and they play rat ball on offense , going to be a long pac 12 season and the pac 12 is weak.

  16. This is pathetic basketball by the Beavs and I put it squarely on CR’s shoulders. This team does not even attempt to play defense. Burton might score 20 but he costs you 30, Starks should sit until he gets his head out, he’s not even playing def. Nelson needs more touches and Collier and Moreland need to block out on the def. boards.Any body could do what Robinson does, throw the ball out and say go get em boys, rat ball offense and hope somebody gets hot so we win. It won’t work vs. better opponents

    • Yes… nobody read your coments here or everywhere.

      Just call him Injun Joe and get it over with already.

      Throw in a “dirty injun” for effect.

      Go ahead… do it.

      Or did you think anything you’ve said actually makes sense?

    • yup. this is not a good defensive team. several times USD had a guy take it right down the middle for an easy layup. Not one guy picked him up. It was a pathetic defensive effort. Combine that with 17 turnovers and 12 offensive rebounds for the opponent and against a good team you have a recipe for disaster. If this team manages to go .500 in conference play I will be completely shocked. Hope we like the CBI again.

  17. Point margins I’m putting in my pipe:

    Beavs lose by 6 to Kansas.
    Ohio State loses by 8 to Kansas.
    Beavs beat San Diego by 7.

    Which one matters the most?

  18. #1-means they have the talent to hang qith a top ten team in what was essentially a roadie…this team is going to surprise and disappoint no doubt.

    The last two games there have been passes/sequences that Ralph Miller would smiling about….

    • I notice Perry actually says, “I have no desire right now to go back to the NFL”. That “right now” part could be troubling.
      I believe Rod has at least one child enrolled at OSU. If a coach has kids in school who aren’t already on scholarship I believe tuition and fees are reduced for them as a benefit to OSU Staff Members. Hope Rod gets comfortable enough to stick around after that benefit no longer applies to his situation.

    • Perry may indeed stay, but every college coach and their mom uses the phrase “settled in”. It doesn’t mean much, it’s not like they can’t be off to a new job in a couple of days with the right offer. He has made a difference, I hope he stays.

  19. Oregon State faces a worthy challenge in playing the Longhorns deep in the depths of Texas. With Vaz starting it will be paramount that the whole team gives him continual help and doesn’t put too much only on his shoulders. Ward and Woods need to secure 150 yards between them. Wheaton needs a couple fly sweeps and Cooks needs to do whatever it takes to find room for catches and secure first downs. Bonus for getting chunks of yardage after catches. If OSU holds Texas to under 20, as they are very capable of doing, then we should win this game. Time of possession and hearty performances all around will allow us to have success moving the ball, keep scoring drives going and ultimately leave the Lone Star state as winners.

    OSU ready for Alamo Bowl!
    http://beaverbyte.com

  20. I’m waiting for the first poster to ask the question:

    Why can’t Craig Robinson pitch a shut-out?

    It’s coming. I feel it. Moronity is bubbling up to the lip of the cup….

    • You’re the only person on this blog who thinks this team is any good. So either you’re some kind of hoops expert (which you aren’t) or you’re “moronity” bubbled over a long time ago.

      It’s disappointing because I know (or at least assume) you’re a smart guy with a lot of knowledge about OSU athletics and with that you could have helped Angry run this blog during basketball season, but you’re completely incapable of being objective when it comes to the basketball team. So instead the readers who like basketball don’t get much of a write up of pregame and postgame analysis because Angry isn’t much of a bball fan and you might as well be Craig Robinson’s agent.

      This blog could really benefit from your knowledge and insight if you just took off those orange colored glasses and tried not to be so condescending all the time…

      • I may be a Beavs hoops fan, but it does seem I am the only one objective here. I don’t whine about moral victories or moral losses. I take them all as they are.

        We’re 9-2 against the best schedule we’ve had in a while, and I don’t hate the players or the coach just for the sake of hating them. This same program and coach were consistently beginning seasons at 0-4 against weaker schedules not too long ago. And they aren’t doing so now. The loss of Angus is major for this year. Daniel’s injury is also important, but the effect is less since he’s an unknown commodity thus far. So I’ve had to adjust my expectations accordingly. But we still have more good talent on our roster than we’ve had in a long long time. And they’re getting the job done despite all their faults.

        There are many faults to comment about. But lacing them with hatred does not make one objective. It actually displays one’s bias and makes any discourse impossible. So why try?

        Some of the minutia you all are complaining about on this blog is tantamount to questioning the honor of Pat Casey for having someone who bats .290 in the lead-off spot when there’s a perfectly awesome .310 hitter on the bench… who’s hurt and can’t play. But you all make it sound like the kid’s a car thief who bats under the Mendoza Line instead. And then you blame the coach.

        You magnify the mistakes and ridicule the good play as if the bad play is the rule, not just mistakes which always happen. Can some of those mistakes be lessened? Sure. Will they go away completely? Never.

        It’s hoops. It’s a game of mistakes and runs and constant intensity. And when you overcome your own mistakes to win, it should be celebrated.

        I’m not going to give a Duck much love, but Bill Grier is a good coach who has a team who plays up to the opponent’s level more often than not. They are still inconsistent since they continue to lose to lesser teams. But they are consistent in that they can play with the big boys as well as they can play with the scrubs in any given game. Grier was the defensive mind for Fitzgerald, Monson and Few. He will force turnovers at a high rate. It’s what he does. I’ll still be upset that our kids play into his hands. But I can hardly come on here and call them the scourges of the earth and blame our own coach for that which is normal.

        And it’s doubly difficult to do so seriously when our kids do other things very well and ride those skills to overcome their mistakes to consistently win. I would be a fool to act that way, as would anyone who does so.

        • “We’re 9-2 against the best schedule we’ve had in a while”
          -It might be the best because of the presence of Kansas and ‘Bama, but we lost both of those games (If you laugh off moral losses, don’t even try to bring up playing these teams close as moral victories). We had a better quality win last year (Texas) than we do this year (Purdue).

          “You magnify the mistakes and ridicule the good play as if the bad play is the rule”
          -You magnify the good plays and write off the bad play and mistakes as happenstance…

          “But we still have more good talent on our roster than we’ve had in a long long time.”
          -Obviously we can all agree on this, most of our bitching is directed at the coach, who can’t coach this talent (Which is NCAA tourney caliber) to even .500 in conference play and anything more than the CBI. You say these players are so talented and our coach is terrific, so where are the results? CBI? Playing on the first day of the Pac tourney?

          • Have I said our coach is terrific?

            Or am I sitting here in the middle of the spectrum?

            You’re way out there on the fringes throwing out weird rants seething with more weird hatred than anything resembling hoops criticisms, and I’m just calling them what they are. I haven’t said much regarding the players’ or coaches’ abilities, because neither have you.

            According to your rants, it’s all about you and how you hate everything Beavs hoops.

            So I’m just sitting here wondering wtf you’re actually watching which makes a couple turnovers or defensive lapses look like armageddon on a steaming pile of crap. There are some valid discussions to be had about some things. But verbal immolation isn’t necessary and looks pretty silly.

          • Ah the classic jackbeav response! “This guy doesn’t agree with me so he must be crazy and hate me for being so smart!” It must be tough being you and I apologize for wasting your oh so important time. Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go throw eggs at all the basketball players that I hate so much.

          • Btw… you are an outlier. I’m not anywhere near as giddy about this team as the national media is. And Coach Rob is unexpectedly happy with the team even without Angus. That’s unusual even for him.

            I mean… holy crap! Even Doug Gottlieb says he has warm fuzzies for the Beavs this year. And he NEVER says anything nice about OSU. It makes me wonder it’s an ESPN thing since he’s now at CBS.

            So you just go along ranting about unicorns and little people, and I’ll just continue to make fun of you.

    • Come on, we all know CR hangs way too many sliders to ever throw a shut out. I’d settle for nine wins and keeping the fastball on the corners (something he has not been able to achieve as yet).

  21. Greetings from sunny Maui! After two non-bowl seasons I felt that a bowl in 2012 was about as likely as catching polio, so I agreed to leave the mainland for the Holidays…even with 20-20 hindsight it was the right call.

    Decision now is watching on the small 36″ in the condo or seek out a sports bar…like Cheesburger in Paradise. Decisions…decisions…..

    Speaking of decisions, I’m not crazy about the pick of butterfingers Vaz-o-line as starting QB. Mannion is predictably unpredictable but at least his turn overs occur 30-40 yards down-field.

    Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all AB’s… on to basketball maybe CR can upgrade the post-season from the CBI. JB

    • The game will be on at 1:45 there, so a bar might not be where you want to be at that time. But I guess you wouldn’t want to sit in a hotel/rental either. I’d see if you can get the bar at Kimo’s to have the game for you, and you can sit on the water until sunset. I’d love a Sloppy Jack, some Hula Pie and a bunch of mango coladas… and I don’t have a sweet tooth.

      I think Moose’s still has Steak Saturdays, so that would be another option while watching the game and then cruising into happy hour.

      I would stay away from Cheeseburger though. I don’t know why anyone thinks their burgers are anything special. In fact, I’ve never talked to anyone who does. Even if Cool Cat wasn’t on Front Street, Cheeseburger still wouldn’t be the best over-priced burger on the street. And the one time I went there I got crappy service, which was normal for friends who also went there.

      • Btw… if you really want a good burger in Maui, you have to go to the Ulupalakua Ranch. Not even Cool cat comes close, and Cool Cat uses their beef. And their elk burger outdoes any of the other burgers on the island as well. Hell, all their hot sandwiches are stellar food.

    • Yeah, I’m not keen on the Vaz call either. I like him better as a change-up or relief; I think his skills and mindset are appropriate for that role.

      Many say the Texas D has underperformed, but I think Vaz’s level of athleticism will likely be brought into specific relief against Texas’ athletes.

      I’d rather have Mannion in their with his height and ability to see the field, then bring in Vaz if needed. Your point about Vaz’s TO’s being downfield is a good one, and I think Vaz is due for some INTs too because he’s really not great at pass placement.

      If one of OSUs QBs could consistently hit receivers in stride this season they’d have put up a lot more YAC and some more TD’s.

  22. Quote from Jack (above): But we still have more good talent on our roster than we’ve had in a long long time.

    Homefry endorses the same sentiments…I’ve already enjoyed watching some great plays this year. Very excited about Moreland, Collier taking (and hitting) outside shots against USD. Reid finally started to be agressive on the offense. If the bigs can hit the 10-12 foot jumper, guards are going to get much better looks.

    Brandt’s injury is really goiing to hurt this year…he could have generated a good outside-in passing lane.

    Defense is painful~who will be the next lengthy guard (ala Tarver)? LMW has shown good energy on the D-side.

    Happy holidays to all posters, and a lump of coal to all the posers…

    • I always worry about that 1-3-1. I think this is Coach Rob’s worst scheme because he doesn’t focus on the most important position in that defense. The best defender on the floor has to be the baseline runner, not the point man. Go back to the one year the 1-3-1 actually worked, and that player was Jared. The next year, Jared moved to the wing, and all our baseline defense broke down. And it’s stayed that way ever since. LMW needs to go to the baseline and Coach Rob needs to force those same lobs which are currently wide open. I guarantee he would shut that game down fast.

      Until then, I just grit my teeth when we set up in that D.

      I am happy with increased mid-range shots and a much higher proficiency from beyond the arc. When Olaf’s shot starts to drop, we’re going to be scary good from long range. Even with his slump and no Angus, we’re shooting better from trey land than we ever have. And the numbers aren’t close to previous years. Our bigs are drawing a lot of defenders despite this, and Berto has really stepped it up because of this. Moreland and Collier command double coverage, and Joe always draws down the guards because he can pass. But I think Joe suffers most with Angus’ absence. Some of his easy dimes with Angus on the floor look like boneheaded passes to nobody because Moreland doesn’t read the same plays. If Eric continues to mature in the next couple games and sees these plays, he’s got an additional two easy buckets, and Joe has two less mystery passes per game.

      Or maybe Reid steps into that role. It looks like Joe is starting to read him better and gets him the ball in space. I think both his drives in the USD game were set up by Joe seeing him open on the backside. It would be nice if he cut to the rim a couple times now that Joe’s looking for him.

      The one tendency I do hate is for Berto to pass in the same direction as he’s driving. Nothing good ever comes of that. He needs to stop and pop or return the flow to the short or deep corner. His drive is stopped because all lanes forward are shut down… including passing lanes.

  23. Thank you Jake Locker for sucking really bad. Thank you Sark for your excellent coaching of Jake,
    so he can’t hit the broadside of a barn. Keep working your magic with the fresh Prince of UW.

  24. Merry X-mass! For those going to the Alamo Bowl, don’t forget to pack my presents. I asked Santa
    for 350 yards, 4 TD’s for Cody and 185 yards for Storm. The three of us have all been relatively good boys this year.

  25. Relatively is a rather broad term…have fun! I went to the last two final fours down there. Take a cab if you need to, and don’t stumble into the river!

  26. Summary of the secondary’s 2012 season:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Zo5iXfJkksA

    And looking back to fall camp:

    http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=Wh7m9wK607s

    Coach Perry’s influence brought clear, demonstrable results on the field this year, and the secondary will need to be solid against Texas’s athletes.

    With the incoming secondary recruits, OSU is looking better here than they have in quite some time.

    • Thanks for the links ObjC, and Merry Christmas to you and all the AB’s here; you’ve each in your own way added to my enjoyment of OSU athletics.

  27. Riley tweet: Great practice today, it’s a great day to be a Beaver! Merry Christmas! #GoBeavs

    This could very well mean we got Edwin Delva, since he’s announcing today.

      • I think they all have 3 years to play 2, so we could redshirt one to help space things out. Or, just recruit three every year!

        I think we maybe still have a few on the radar, especially from American Samoa.

      • Next cycle they can focus on hs DTs, more LBs (including probably a few JCs), a QB, some more OL men, hopefully at least one speed RB, two speed WRs…

  28. I don’t normally reference other sites here, but this Alamo Bowl preview is interesting because the author compares OSU to Oklahoma (non-mobile QB, which I consider Vaz to be too – he’s not a runner), and OSU/TCU defensive similarities.

    http://www.buildingthedam.com/2012/12/13/3761092/assessing-oregon-st-s-matchup-with-texas

    Texas has some serious individual athletes (one WR is apparently an Olympic-caliber long jumper) and some speed (again at the WR spot), but it sounds like they haven’t put it all together.

    I’ve said since the Alamo Bowl announcement I’m looking forward to Cooks/Wheaton running around on turf inside a dome, I think those conditions really favor them. I’d rather see Mannion starting, with Vaz coming in as a change-up, and I’d love to see a few shovel passes to Ward (seems unlikely though). Hoping Vaz gets some rolls and/or half-rolls to separate him from the DL – I see batted passes as a problem (think back to Katz in CW in Quizz’s last year). OSU needs to come out looking to set the tone physically like the did against the Badgers. Looking forward to tomorrow’s new thread on the game preview.

    • Nice write up.
      I too, favor getting the ball in Ward’s hands whether by shovel passes which do seem unlikely or by the more conventional handoff. Seems it always comes down to balance for the Beavs; hope Riley calls a game which results in at least 150 yds for Woods/Ward.

  29. Draft prospects in the Alamo according to S-I – no surprise, Wheaton and Poyer from the Beavers, Vaccaro and Okafor from Texas. Vaccaro sounds like one to watch on D, 218 lb safety that can defend the run, make plays behind the LOS, and cover.

    http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/nfl/news/20121224/nfl-draft-bowl-game-preview-2/?sct=uk_t11_a2

    at the Oregonian match-up segment, San Antonio’s writer points Vaccaro as the steady one in the secondary:

    http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2012/12/alamo_bowl_matchup_oregon_stat_7.html

  30. I have 2 extra Alamo bowl tix, sec 107 row 28. Beaver section corner end zone, but high enough for full field perspective. Asking 70/each. Similar seats over 100 on stubhub. I’ll be in SA tomorrow staying near the riverwalk. Leave a note on the forum if you need tix and we can connect in SA. Go Beavs.

  31. LJ Moore cancelled his OU visit, and scheduled ASU visit on the 19th. Most are saying this is between Ucla and ND, but I think we are still in the mix here, he “loved” the visit here and really likes Perry. But I think there is work to do here still.

  32. Another Texas RB recruit is scheduling a visit with the Beavs. Excerpt from a report on http://www.statesman.com/news/sports/college-football/alamo-bowl-notes/nTgCF/

    “Texas has been fertile recruiting soil for Oregon State, and Mike Riley and his staff might dip into the Lone Star state again.

    The Beavers worked the state for an electric pair of brothers in James and Jacquizz Rodgers and are courting Smithson Valley running back Lawrence Mattison. The 6-1, 230-pound tailback hasn’t qualified academically yet, but Mattison has scheduled a recruiting visit to Corvallis, Ore., in January. Arkansas, Houston and Arizona State is also looking at the running back.

    Both Mattison and his high school head coach, Larry Hill, took in Oregon State’s Alamo Bowl practice Wednesday at Benson Field on the Incarnate Word campus.”

    His video:
    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eMhSCJc47wc

      • What’s the competition level like? I know it’s Texas ball so the level is high regardless. But are we looking at quizz’s compution or hasiaks level?

        • Sounds like the school has recently moved from 5A to 4A but I could be reading that wrong. Here’s an excerpt from their wiki page

          Athletics

          The Smithson Valley Rangers compete in the following sports:

          Cross Country, Volleyball, Football, Basketball, Swimming, Soccer, Golf, Tennis, Track, Softball & Baseball

          “The school is part of District 27-4A. In football, Smithson Valley has traveled to the University Interscholastic League State 5A Championship Game two times and the State 4A Championship Game once, resulting in three losses. The current football coach, Larry Hill, has been head of all athletics since 1993.[6] Smithson Valley also offers band, dance team, cheerleading, JROTC, FFA, National Forensic League, and language clubs along with several interest clubs.”

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