The biggest stories so far this week:
1. Malcolm Agnew making a push.
2. Trevor Romaine's inconsistency.
3. Kevin Frahm on crutches.
4. Brandin Cook's domination.
5. Zimmerman's shift to safety.
6. Lamb beating out Ellis.
Seriously, why has it taken over a year for somebody to unseat Ellis? Let's not get too excited. Lamb is almost as bad…though, to be fair, he is a slightly better run blocker.
Fans on other sites were raving about McCants since camp began. That to me comes off as wishful thinking, especially since a freshman is making a legit bid for the job. McCants was given the starting job with the hopes someone would unseat him. Can't blame Riley there, it's a smart move. Fans love to rave about McCants frame and potential–we go through this every year. My conclusion: McCants is simply not a winner.
I never thought I'd say Kevin Frahm being injured is a big deal. But, that's what it's come to. We actually need Kevin Frahm. That was painful to write. I really don't want to witness Ben Motter (who??) trying to tackle LaMichael James. God save the queen.
Oh, and on the topic of inadequate backups…if Romaine can't get it done, Max Johnson is next in line. Reports are that he's missed almost every FG attempt this fall. I saw him kick in pre-game warmups once. He looked like Charlie Brown trying to kick Lucy's pigskin.
The good news is that the defense is ahead of the offense.
Anyone have an update on Glover?
Mike Riley said that Dominic Glover has not been cleared yet. That’s all I know.
From what I’ve heard Glover has said that he should be eligible and should be cleared soon. I hope that’s the case. The Beavers need all the help they can get at DT, especially if Frahm’s injury is serious.
Grades hadn’t been posted for his class as of Tuesday. Think I read that on Cliffs twitter feed.
Mike Riley said today that Malcom Agnew is a potential “1st down Running Back” and that
Storm Woods was a potential “3rd down Running Back”.
I have an off topic (somewhat embarrassing) question to ask: What is an ideal 1st down back and/or an ideal 3rd down back? Could someone with football coaching knowledge, help break this down and explain this? For example, you don’t hear about 1st down or 3rd down back kind of language from the team down south, and other spread offenses. But it is very common to hear about 1st and 3rd down running backs whenever someone is talking about a single set, pro-set offense.
To my knowledge, an ideal 1st down running back is shifty, elusive, and quick?
An ideal 3rd down running back is one who can block, has good hands, and is a home-run threat/breakaway speed?
Is this accurate or am I way off?
Basically, a first down back is a guy who gets the bulk of the carries. You want him to run it 20+ times a game usually. You want him to get the tough yards. A third down back is a guy who’s usually your best pass catching and pass blocking running back.
Oregon doesn’t really have these roles defined like the Beavers do because of the offense. The Ducks spread is not based on the running back catching a lot of passes so they don’t need a third down back exactly. They just bring in backs to give LaMichael a breather.
lst down, 3rd down is really more of an NFL concept, but it may speak to what Riley has for RB talent this year. An effective, 3rd down RB really needs to be in there on 3rd down and not just play 5 or 6 plays in a game in my opinion.
I’ve always considered a third down back to be that guy who can convert a third and short.consitentely. He can get you 3 when you need 2. Or 2 when you need 1. Not the homerun, but the hammer. But I guess that’s just me.
You bring up a good point, I was thinking more of the 3rd and 7 situation where a back must have good hands to catch an outlet pass and make someone miss to get the first down. Then there is also a short yardage back like you are talking about. Some teams employ both.
Forgive me if it’s been covered, but what of this Aussie punter that is supposed to come over and push Hekker? Any scoop. Buker keeps tweeting about him, but more in reguards for his love of Fosters I think.
His name is Tim McMullen. He’s walking on this season and then supposed to receive a scholarship for 2012. Not sure about pushing Hekker.
http://www.times-standard.com/sports/ci_18690487
http://youtu.be/iX15L0mJSOo
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/08/day_8_notes.html
Olive commits to PSU. I think the Beavs missed the boat.
Academic issues.
We may have missed the boat, but it’s clearly not our fault. Barring having some engineering student take his entrance exams for him, there’s nothing we could do. Not that that’s ever happened in the state of Oregon.
Ah, it makes more sense now.
Cheeze, Angry, that’s old news – it was on the last angry thread . . .
I’ve been vacationing so still catching up on things myself…
Also in the process of putting in an offer on a house, so I’ve been swamped with research etc.
It was blogged in jest – good luck with the house deal – now’s the time.
If that deal falls through, I’ve got an overpriced condo with siding issues in Tigard. Let me know.
Frahm down two weeks with a knee strain according to Buker.
Cliff reporting that Josh LaGrone has “retired” due to knee problems.
I think the fact that McCants not grabbing and running away with the starting RB speaks volumes on his progression as a player. But I think something else that is becoming apparent is that Riley is more open to giving time to younger players. I’m sure some of that speaks to the poor recruiting a few years ago, but I think also shows how much better this year’s recruits are. There is quite a bit of talent that came in and 2012 recruiting has already looked promising. Maybe a step change in the program.
Good post.
Recruiting has clearly turned a corner. It’s amazing what you can do when you try. I don’t think the coaches were lazy…”comfortable” is probably a better word. They were definitely behind the times in terms of technology and modern day recruiting. When they decided to change, it only took a short time to see results.
I wish McCants would have switched to D. I used to think that was pointless too because he’s so upright most of the time. I just gotta think that body can do something on the field of value. Maybe a special teams phenom? For some reason I’d like to see the kid be able to contribute this year – if not at RB, somewhere.
Does this free-up a scholarship for Tim McMullen, the new punter from Australia? Just wondering whether there might be any connection….
BTW, based on the practices I’ve seen, Josh LaGrone wasn’t going to play much this year anyway….
Everything that I’ve seen says that McMullen is a walk-on until Winter Term. Basically using the Grayshirt pattern, but with access to play.
Didn’t that article in the California newspaper quote him as saying he had a full scholarship?
Could be. As sparkyd73 says, he’s supposedly getting a scholarship for winter term and lagrone is only 1 class away from his degree.
Too bad for Josh, I don’t like to see anybody get hurt, but we’ve just gotten a lot more athletic at the S positions going forward.
Lance Mitchell, Zeke Sanders, Anthony Watkins and Ryan Murphy joined by Peter Ashton and Tyrequek Zimmerman.
Next year could be interesting for those positions. I’m still a bit concerned about the CB spots though.
Firstly, Just a quick post to tell everyone that I love the great information and chatter. It’s hard to stay focused on work but worth it. Thanks everyone for the great comments and interaction. Keep it coming! Angry – Keep up the great conversation starters & work with the site overall.
Secondly, I wonder if anyone from OSU monitors this site for Riley and the staff?
Lastly, I’m thinking that this might be a good forum (because I don’t have FB or any other social media attachments) to discuss road trip flash mobs (hate the term, but it works here) at college bars/tailgates in order for OSU fans meet up at away games. Or are there other sites/thoughts that address this?
Thanks everyone!
I used to beat the bushes for a site for a gathering place for OSU fans to meet up at away games too.
What I’ve learned over the past few years as I’ve traveled to away games is that a vast majority of travelers are older, retired folks who really have no interest in putting any effort into getting together, or partying/tailgating of any kind. They all will meet at the “tailgate” that the alumni center organizes. Fine if you’re 60+
Exceptions are closer games like Boise, Washington, Spewgene, etc.
To address all this I formed the Flat Tailgate Society early last season. We tailgate at the fairgrounds every home game, then travel to a few away games also. We post all the latest travel info on our facebook page, but you can contact me directly for the latest info if you wish. (Jasonthebeaver@gmail.com)
The group is still small due to:
a) the small number of people who tailgate with a passion, even at road games
b) are computer saavy enough to use social media (under 50 yrs generally)
c) have the means to take time off to travel
But the partying and fun we have at these away games is off the charts!
Please, somebody, post good links to the Miami mess.
BTW, DU1266 – I, personally, believe that both oregonlive and the OSU coaching staff – football and men’s bb, especially – do monitor this site, although they’d be loathe to admit it. As for players, I hope Keith Pankey didn’t ever read it.
The site grew 500% from year 1 to 2, which is really cool. On the Beaver’s staff, I know Bob D and Gunderson read the site. The Oregonian writers do read it. We’ve conversed via email here and there, and Buker said I can email him for info any time. Lindsay actually wanted me to call her to discuss the marijuana story, but I had to respect privacy on that one and couldn’t go on record. Too bad.
One of the wonders I find on here is the virtually total lack of UO Trolls, that are so effing obnoxious on O-Live blogs.
Duckies tend to shy away from inimical sesquipedalians who suffer from perspicacity.
They also don’t like mean people who efficiently use big words against them and their wonton arguments.
But I would argue that the big words save space on the page, and, therefore, in the mind.
Not to worry, we can all outrun him if we want…
Meant for response to “hope Pankey didn’t read site…”
if nobody from the coaching staff reads this site then they should.
Here’s three on the Miami mess:
http://sports.yahoo.com/investigations/news?slug=cr-renegade_miami_booster_details_illicit_benefits_081611
http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/feed/2011-08/um-violations/story/impermissable-benefits-rampant-miami-yahoo-report-nevin-shapiro
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/08/16/miami.hurricanes.yahoo.investigation.ap/
Many thanks – and each of those links leads to others. One such suggests that the NCAA will never be able to manage college sports (football, specifically) and that the top 50 teams should have their own league, pay the athletes, forget scholarships and college itself. . . at least that’s how I interpreted it.
The defense v the offense in practice … I have seen the comments, at least on O-live for recent years, and the positive things said proved to be illusion. An offense going against a poor defense and a defense going against a poor O-line, can make each other look good at times, better than they really are. Hopefully, this year the O and D are both relatively better and show it in real games.
Bailing on work to head down to the scrimmage at 2pm tomorrow. Will provide thoughts and observations after. Anyone else going?
Points of Interest:
1. Running backs – Does Malcom Agnew stand out from the pack?
2. Cooks in real life. Are the reports true?
3. Oline v Dline.
4. Linebackers: Better than 2011?
I hope to attend the scrimmage tomorrow (and possibly tonight’s practice, too).
Meanwhile, regarding Brandin Cooks — to paraphrase Seinfeld — he is real, and he is spectacular. You’ll see for yourself tomorrow….
Is Cooks as fast as a healthy james rodgers?
I don’t know whether Cooks has as much flat-out speed as a healthy JR (in terms track-meet type speed). But Cooks is fast enough, and also looks to have elite quickness and acceleration (as good as JR in his prime). More important, as you’ll see when you watch him in person, Cooks is one of those guys who just “plays fast”. He accelerates quickly off the line of scrimmage, he shakes off attempts at press coverage, and then he runs his routes at full speed. He is one tough cover….
….and the kid loves being a Beaver. BC is going to do great things for/at OSU. Including bringing other top recruits to Corvallis. Flat out stud, and I’m stoked to see him suit up on saturdays.
So if players do read this blog….Glad you’re a Beav man.
I second that. BCooks has me as excited as the preseason when James was a frosh.
Just got a commitment from OL Chase Eldredge.
We’re his first offer, and he has 0-stars. I can’t find any film on him.
What do you think of him fellas?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6RgNXLP0F9w
3-stars.
A lot of pancakes and looks to have a mean streak.
yeah, apparently he goes by Dirk…
Seems athletic, has relatively long arms. Needs to put on at least 30 pounds though. Looks like he could be a good tackle. I trust Cav when offering schollies to OL, I’m just glad we’re finally getting some committed!
4 Olinemen now, can we take on any more/should we?
Hopefully this doesn’t mean we’re out of the running for Garrett Weinreich. He’s the only guy on our list that seems likely to commit and I think he’s pretty talented.
Normally 4 would seem like the max we could take, but this makes 3 OG prospects to just 1 OT prospect. I think with the weakness we showed on OL last season, we might take one more OT prospect to help make sure it doesn’t happen again.
I’m confident we take 3-4 more offensive lineman.
heck, it seems to me that we need just as many O-liners as we can get due to injuries and such and there is always the chance that some don’t pan out. as many say it all starts up fount
If the only OLineman we sign here on is Weinreich I’ll be one happy Beav. That guy is a beast!
I love Weinreich too. Next to Gavin Andrews, I think Weinreich is the most underrated o-lineman out there.
I should say that he is of those that I can find. If there’s another who has not been seen up to now, he would qualify.
2 or 3 more, please.
It’s obvious the coaches learned a hard lesson.
Now I’m getting greedy and hoping for some beefier/physical lineman. Jeremy Perry types, please. Of this bunch Issac probably fits that mold best.
i’m worried about the CBs as we move forward they seem a little thin here also to me. because of the island D that the beavers use with those guys we need some players that can step in and play well and not get bet by fad route or knock WR out-of-bounds and not finish plays for example
Garrett Weinreich would definitely fit the beefier mold. Listed at 290 Lbs. He’s a big guy. Hopefully the Beavers get him.
I’ve been a long time reader of this site I love the non-orange colored glasses approach to this site; thought I might not always agree with some of the ideas( but hey that not always a bad thing right) at any rate thanks for the great up dates. many of them seem better than the pros at the O-live or outlets.
oh, by the way I love the spell chack, I have a BS in history but can’t spell to save my life.
Bad news. Brandin Cooks hurt his left ankle or knee and is being tended to by trainers.
Eh….he’s bionic. Any torn ligaments will regenrate by morning and he’ll be torching secondaries right on schedule.
And that is my prayer tonight.
so just an idea if the beavers are so stacked up at WR could they become secondary players ie CB or are the skill sets for that position that much different?
Puker via @brandonsprague tweeting Cooks went down with ankle injury in the evening practice
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker/status/104017646118379520
&
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker/status/104017805359321089
Cliff too: http://twitter.com/#!/CliffGT/status/104019008210223106
NOT WHAT I WANT TO HEAR.
knock on wood that this is not too bad of an injury but I work with injury clams for the NG and ankles can be as bad as a broken bone some times and they seem to linger which would not bode will for ones psyche even more so for a young guy
Cooks caught a touchdown pass from Mansion during a red zone drill. Cooks tumbled backwards over the db after the catch. He came up limping and was helped to the corner of the endzone. Trainers worked on him there for 10 minutes. Then he was helped to a cart on the sidelines where trainers wrapped his ankle (as best I could see …. He was all the way across the field). He is still on the cart, half an hour later. Does not look great….
Early signs are good, probably just a sprain and nothing more.
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker/status/104023357397286913
I think you mean Mannion and not Mansion. I hope it’s not serious. Last thing Oregon State needs is Cooks to go down.
He’s fine.
He’s fine.
He’s fine.
I was at practice, trying to watch while posting the update from my smartphone — that’s where “Mansion” came from….sorry about that.
Cal can keep him.
Really bummed.
Catchings to start at flanker now?
Obviously not, when the hell has he EVER been healthy the last 3 years?
It’s my fault…..I’m a Blazer fan and a Beaver fan. For some reason the star players on the teams I follow always get injured. In fact, even the backups start getting injured. I’ve decided to defect and start following Oregon, in hopes that I can help level the playing field. Farewell angry Beavers…..
Back home. I left practice early, after Brandin Cooks got hurt. Just wasn’t in the mood to watch after that.
When BC went down, not everyone on the team was aware of it. To be specific, James Rodgers was tossing the ball back and forth with Darrell Catchings on the sidelines, and didn’t see BC get hurt. It was at least 5 minutes — maybe more — before someone told James that Cooks was down in the opposite corner of the endzone, and being tended to by trainers. JR immediately ran over to Cooks — who was still lying on his back, being treated — and then stayed with Cooks as BC was moved to the cart on the sidelines.
After the trainers wrapped Cooks’ left ankle in a cold pack, everyone left him alone. BC spent at least 15-20 minutes alone in the cart — no one within 15 feet of him — half sitting, with his leg stretched out, staring ahead, blankly. Tough break for BC and for the team. Hope it’s not serious, and that he recovers quickly….
People are saying it’s “just a sprain”, but from the sound of it (cart, long time on the ground, etc) it sounds worse.
The Beavers have more injuries than any team…ever. I don’t quite understand it.
ASU sounds like they have their practices in a hospital. We might consider holding practices at Corvallis Hospital. I think we are catching up to them.
Sprains can be bad, and they can seem life-ending the first time one happens. But so long as it wasn’t a high sprain, he will be 100% in two weeks, if not sooner. The most important thing to do was to get ice and compression on the ankle immediately, and everything else would take care of itself.
I remember my first. Within four days I was picking up my crutches and running down the halls when my teachers were letting me out five minutes early… you know… since I had crutches and all.
Nowadays I wonder if fishing has more to do with standing knee-deep in cold water than it does with catching fish….
Belay my last. That was silly talk.
Players who get injured easily are never of much use. If Cooks is one, might as well find out now.
I keep reading how Blake Harrah has done nothing in practice…
…DUH!
How is the expected or obvious = news??
Has he even practiced yet? He hurt his knee at some point.
Anyone catch the “air raid” comment on OregonLive? Buker, et al. need to start giving Angry some credit!
Question…was it common knowlegde that Darron Thoman was part of the “cannabis posse” cruising down I-5 at 118mph? I can’t remember. That angle blew up big time on the local news in PDX the other day, Kelly is pissed. Canzano took him to task and also Riley a little bit with too light of a “sentence” for Castro.
Seriously though, Castro’s sentence was too light.
As a fan who wants to see wins, I like it, but objectively speaking it should have been much worse. It is hypocritical to base Chip Kelly for light punishments and then go silent when Riley does it.
Didn’t Riley fall back on his “protocol” of a misdemeanor being a one game suspension? That is a nice out for Riley to have set up. Afalava got one game for running over a bus stop, right? Castro was more serioius and beyond stupid. At least Riley isn’t babbling about his players “leadership skills” even though they keep make bad personal decisions like Chipster.
I think every coach misses the mark when they suspend a player to start the year. There are too many patsies on too many schedules for a non-con suspension to mean anything. I think the NCAA and the conferences should mull over the eligibility rules and individual team rules so that they might suggest that individual suspensions would take place when league play begins. Sometimes, players end up missing compelling games to start the season, but most of the time there is no sting to a suspension.
Maybe a better measure would be to apply suspensions to away/neutral games and league games only? So even if a half-suspension like Castro’s one game came down, it wouldn’t be for Sac State, but Wisconsin intead.
I read somewhere that Riley won’t suspend Connor Hamlett and Tyler Perry (MIPs) at the same time because they are so thin at the TE position. If this is true then here’s what I think; if we can’t beat Sac St without those 2 players then THAT should be the wake-up call to the rest of Beaver nation as to the chances of breaking .500 this season.
There’s some logic to the idea since suspending both would punish the team more than the individuals. I don’t think anyone thinks we would lose to Sac State without both. I think they’re looking at the need for the position to be in place and working for the development of the RB’s, QB, WR’s and offensive line. If we feast on gadgets against Sac State because there’s a hole at the TE spot, then a meat and potatoes team like Wisconsin will chew us up and spit us out since our offense is stuck in installment mode.
But it is sort of what I was talking about. Which player would you rather be? Would you like to be the one suspended for Sac State, or would you rather miss out on the trip to Camp Randall?
It’s a tough call when deciding which game would mean more to these players. One the one hand, the trip to Wisconsin is a once in a lifetime event for a guy in the Pac-12. So missing out on that opportunity would hurt.
On the other hand, since these are Freshman we’re talking about, they would probably get some playing time at home against Sac State, so by suspending them from that game, you’re taking away their best shot at major PT this season. I know the TE spot is thin, but after Tank comes back, these guys probably won’t get much run this year.
This does not instill confidence:
http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story_2nd.php?story_id=131361652882708600
Banker: “If someone is better than Brandin Hardin at corner show me who” I think this is a secondary that’s going to still give up big pass plays over the top because of: the need to provide run support; subsequent bites on play fakes; and Hardin.
I look forward to the development of Murphy, he’s a player I was happy to see commit to the program and I think he has a lot of potential.
Am I the only one thinking 3-9 or 4-8 when I read the articles everyday? Sorry to be a pessimist, but I was looking at a WSU story and if I was a fan I might be more optimistic about their chances to win 5 games than the Beavers at this point. I hope I am wrong.
The Pro Scouts will show him pretty soon. If BH gets drafted, it’s becuase someone wants to make a safety out of him.
I’m willing to give Banker the benefit of the doubt here. At least he’s doing this in the context of supporting his players. Our argument against Hardin is not that he’s pathetic, or even that he should be a back-up at this point. The catch-22 is that experience is essential for the position, and he was given that experience before players we think might be outplaying him now had they received that time. Part of that was a failure to recruit more clearly talented CB’s. Part of it was the decision to give him the time over others in the first place. But now we have a situation where he is the lesser of several evils. We should see a more liberal sub pattern this year if the back-ups are to gain the same type of experience Hardin did two years ago and Poyer did last year.
And Hardin also needs to dump the cheap shot pro wrestling attitude after plays. The reason I would get on him most is the stupid “look at me” posing he does after mediocre plays. I thought this was a team sport.
A lot of the other problems in his game were about some of the fly pattern techniques (playing the man, not the ball) taught as a default to our CB’s for any play. That in conjunction with a free safety who was never in play over the top and an OLB who was so slow that he was still moving inside on an inside-out scheme when the ball came to his side may have made for some bad habits in his game. If he’s dumped most of the bad habits and worked on his physical limitations so that he can be smarter, not more athletic, then we’ll see.
I expect any CB to be burned/make dumb plays every now and then. It’s just a fact of life at that position. But I think the supporting players in his vicinity will make him the better player. What was bad about him getting burned over the middle last year was that nobody made the opponent think twice about going over the middle again to burn him again. The same can be said about deep outs. We know that Hardin is not a ball hawk, so he just looked really bad when he was living on an island.
Bingo: “needs to dump the cheap shot pro wrestling attitude” is spot on (and perfectly expressed).
Beaver philosophy is to stop the run and sack the QB, so that one on one secondary coverage is under limited pressure, when you can’t do either very well then you’re screwed. P-10 QB’s have a world of options on 2nd and 3 as opposed to 3rd and 8.
Buker tweeting that LJ Westbrook committed to the basketball team.
Oregon preps profile: http://tinyurl.com/3l74zpf
Dunk: http://youtu.be/we0U3hc1xcc
Some high praise here: http://tinyurl.com/3erxstw
I think that’s a pretty good get. I like getting an in state kid.
If they’re calling him the best JR in Oregon, that’s a pretty good sign because I don’t think he was anywhere near the best SO in Oregon when I saw him play last year.
I was just about to post that we were getting a commitment, but I couldn’t get a name last night. Coach Rob started me asking some questions with his tweet on Tuesday night:
http://twitter.com/#!/OSBeav_CoachRob/status/103684393998098432
But all i could get was someone who told me to “look for a rising guard who will fit well with our other 2013 targets.”
Coach Rob confirms a commitment:
http://twitter.com/#!/OSBeav_CoachRob/status/104241302316662785
Westbrook will be one of the top players in the 2013 Class. Great local get for Coach Rob.
Is this guy a good get?
Edit: Never mind. My buddy just said he’s a potential Rivals 150 guy.
Robinson is the man. Now he needs to coach.
Ducks are sad we got LJ.
Wow! The national sites have lit up for Westbrook’s commitment. Ostling got some attention when he committed, but everyone apparently has to comment on this one today.
Slow hoops day?
I was also about to say that I’m getting some really good vibes about Weinreich becoming a Beav. Most of those vibes come from all the other boards out there who were once high on him now saying he is likely ours to lose.
But I’ll take what I can get for now. :)
Man, what an OL class this could turn out to be. Kyle Murphy also said we’ll be in his top 8 (we owe this to Seumalo)
Guys on twitter saying BCooks was walking in shoes without a limp today. Very good sign.
who are you following that said that Ucanny?
NM, just saw it via Buker
Blake Harrah torn ACL.
*bites tongue*
Am I thinking what you’re thinking? :p
Why are you biting your tongue? His knee injury was pretty old news, which is why I was wondering why you were complaining about his lack of production during fall camp.
At practice awaiting start of scrimmage. In putting drills, Hekker boomed one punt 57 yds from
Line of scrimmage and next one 58 yds. New punter Tim McMullen is wearing number 26 on sidelines but did not punt at all.
Brandin Cooks walking around with no limp at all in shoes , as reported by cliff a.d buker.
Vaz is not in pads and won’t be playing today…
Forgive typos for reports from practice. Smartphone issues…
Anew looking good. Just had a 30 yd run from scrimmage for a td.
Earlier had 9 yd gain on a draw play. I think he is looking like the guy.
Is it safe to assume the line is actually run-blocking?
Thanks for all the updates. I wish I was close enough to see some. I’m in the Navy stationed at the academy. I watched the midsipmen a few times this week. The triple option gets boring real fast.
Sounds like the line and Agnew are the stars of this scrimmage. Really good to see, but makes me nervous about our defense…
SS, was this just great blocking or poor D?
Just got home from scrimmage.
I spent a lot of time watching the o-line and d-line battle each other during the scrimmage. I thought the o-line did a good job, overall, protecting the QB. Run blocking was more of a mixed bag (d-line held their own against the run most of the time).
Agnew had some good holes to run through (which is part of the reason he did well today). But he also broke some tackles, and seemed tougher to bring down than McCants (or Storm Woods, or Malcolm Marable, or Jovan Stevenson).
More soon….
What would you say are the chances Agnew is the starter against Sac St?
If decision were made today, I would guess that Agnew would get most of the minutes against Sac State (although Riley might start McCants just out of loyalty and seniority).
Clute with a 40 yard TD. JackBeav is going to be ecstatic.
Only if he was carrying two defenders on his back while stiff arming another and stepping on three on the way into the endzone.
As I recall, here’s what happened. Jack Lomax threw a 20 yard pass to Kellen Clute down the left side line on an out pattern. The DB tried for the ball and couldn’t get there. Clute made the catch, quickly turned upfield and went down the left sideline untouched into the end zone. No defenders on his back, and no stiff arm needed, but Clute did make a nice catch with a DB diving in front of him to try to knock away the pass, and then showed poise and agility to turn around quickly and head for the end zone.
This is good to hear about Clute! Plays like this are what he needs to improve his confidence. When I saw him practicing Friday (12th) he reminded me of some of the young, teenage employees we hire. They may have the skills and ability, just not the confidence. It only takes a couple good plays and some public recognition to really bring out a budding player/employee’s ability and confidence. I hope we see more to come from Clute.
Terron Ward do any damage?
Nothing noteworthy. He had one run that I recall where he gained good yardage, but I also recall that there was a big hole. I don’t particularly recall TW making people miss, or breaking many tackles.
Singler with 95 yards and a TD. He should get some time in the slot. The guy seems to produce every opportunity.
Singler made some catches, including one TD. But he also dropped a beautiful 30+ yard pass from Richie Harrington that he should have caught for a TD. And of course Singler only played late in the scrimmage, against the subs. Nothing against Singler, but I don’t think he has the skills or athleticism of other WRs such as Kevin Cummings, Obum Gwacham, Micah Hatfield, Richie Mullaney, or Tyler Trosin (let alone the WRs who are likely to get most of the playing time — JR, Markus Wheaton, Jordan Bishop, and Brandin Cooks). With that much talent at WR, I think there just won’t be much time to give to Singler this season….
I remember last season he put up huge numbers in camp, too. Reminds me of Kjos–a guy with no athleticism who just seems to get open.
Harrington throws a beautiful ball. I actually like him and Vaz more than Mannion. Mannion has “all the tools” and “can make all the throws”, but there’s something off. I think it’s that he doesn’t have control of his gigantic, lanky frame, and therefore is inconsistent. I don’t think that’s something fixable or coach-able.
I watched the entire scrimmage yesterday and couldn’t disagree with you more about Mannion. From what I observed he has more “up-side” than Katz does. Obviously Katz is better today, but Mannion could eclipse him in a year or two. He looks like a rich man’s Canfield. Didn’t get to see Vaz obviously because he wasn’t dressed. But Harrington? C’mon, that’s just a comment with no knowledge behind it. You’re better than that.
I wonder if they try to redshirt Mullaney and Trosin?
Looks like Frahm might be MIA for a while
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker/status/104360552494669824
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker/status/104360713736302592
A Computer to replace Langs??
Just heard that at about 7:20 today on am 860 there will be a discussion of an OSU computer program which has been tested and may be used to “improve play calling”. Bet Langs is shakin’ in his boots….Ha.
If/Since he can’t handle a printed playbook there is little hope a computer will be utilized well!
Maybe the computer’s name is Riley…
Thanks for the practice observations and input, SS etal…..Keep it going!
In addition to points already made about today’s scrimmage (esp Malcolm Agnew), here are some other items that may be interesting:
– On two consecutive passes, with Mannion at QB, Tony Wilson moved to the ball and broke up the pass play. I suspect that Mannion was looking directly at his target from the snap, and this let Wilson anticipate and bust the play. However, on the first pass, Wilson let the ball go right through his hands, failing to make a gift interception.
– Mannion still probably needs work in quite a few areas (better footwork, disguising his intended target receiver, more consistency and accuracy in his throws) but he looked good overall today. In a red zone drill, he threw a tight spiral to Darrell Catchings over the middle on a slant pattern that Catchings flat out dropped. Mannion then came back and threw an even better pass for a 10 yard TD to Connor Hamlett in the back of the end zone.
– As big and strong as he appears to be, Ryan McCants seems to go down too easy, and seems to break fewer tackles than he should. It only seems to take one guy to bring McCants down.
– Obum Gwachum made a couple of nice catches, and I don’t recall that he dropped any.
– Ryan Katz seems more effective — at least to me — when he passes from the pocket. On rollouts (almost always to his right) Katz seems to have trouble dealing with the combination of running away from tacklers and locating open men, all while approaching the sideline. The result is balls that get thrown away, or that get blocked (both of which happened today). Or worse. This puts more pressure on our o-line to protect Katz in the pocket, but I think that’s a better alternative than planning to run lots of rollouts for Katz — he just doesn’t seem to be good at rollouts.
– It’s already been reported that Trevor Romaine hit a 39-yard field goal today. But what was impressive was that it wasn’t close — this particular kick would have been good from 49 yards. TR obviously needs to get more consistent, but the guy does have a strong leg.
– Near the end of the scrimmage, Dylan Wynn got a bunch of reps at DE, and did well. On one of this first plays, Winn threw off a lead blocker and hit the ball carrier — slowing him down so the next defender could make the tackle. Next play was an outside speed rush where DW would have gotten a sack in a real game. On another play, Wynn pushed the OT into the backfield. The coaches yelled out praise to him a couple of times. So far, so good.
great report as always but it still seems to me that this team is filled with mixed results. I think this will be the theme for the year. I know it is early but that is how I feel unless something just switches on with this team to a leave no one knows about. Has any one noticed any indication of the type of leadership this team is going to have. I know about James but are there any others leaders being to emerge and don’t say Frahm
Last year I only read the Buker reports, and he went on about the D with Frahm as a DE. Then the season comes, and the D is nothing to write home about.
I dont mind Frahm injured….he didnt produce last year.
The D sounds faster and that in itself is an improvement. The O line wont be worse, and sounds somewhat better. Katz is more experienced, some very good receivers … seems like the team could be better than last year. The coaches need to keep em motivated!
I was a fan of Dylan’s heading into the season. I felt he would be a big time player in the not too far future. He isn’t disappointing. Will be fun to watch him progress as a Beaver.
As far as Ryan Katz goes, I noticed last year he just wasn’t very effective when flushed out the pocket or rolling out of the pocket. He seems to wanna force things too much out of the pocket. He doesn’t look calm or comfortable and he will throw the ball up for grabs. I think this can be improved but it will take time.
this is too bad because I thought that the beavers might use the roll out to help with the o-line and maybe use it as a run option also due to the running ability we kept hearing that katz may have. by the way was his ability to run just a lie because I don’t think I’ve ever seen it in a game
Any word on our DT’s. Is Glover back? Does Massiani appear to be moving better? Is Tuivallala doing anything at all? I heard some hype about him a year or so ago? Do we have anyone else?
I believe Glover was getting reps today in the scrimmage (although I wasn’t looking for or watching him particularly). I WAS watching Castro Masaniai. He was getting doubled on most plays, and still holding his ground. He is not in playing shape yet, but if he stays healthy he should do a good job clogging the middle this season.
Thanks for all the updates guys!! I keep checking my phone every hour. We cancelled cable and Internet. Comcast sucks when it comes to retention.
Hey Angry et al –
Do you have Bobby D’s email address? I would like to email him.
Thanks!
bob.decarolis@oregonstate.edu
Per Buker…looks like Hardin is out indefinitly while getting screw placed in his shoulder. Malcolm Marble being moved to corner…..
Yeah, out 2 months.
Reynolds is a good prospect. Hardin was ahead of him b/c of experience. Normally that would drive me nuts, but CB is one position experience matters. Or so I think? This will be a great experiment to see if that’s true. My guess? Reynolds holds his own, but gets burnt for some long TDs as he learns.
Marable was a bad RB prospect, but I like him as a CB.
Curious why you think Marable is a better CB prospect than RB prospect? My impression is that he’s short and “slow” (e..g maybe a smaller, slower, less durable Bernard) – does his shiftiness translate well to CB and did he perform at a high level as a HS CB?
Importantly, I think the CB issues informs the recruiting process; pick up a few more O-lineman – recruiters are on a roll here and need to get even more depth and competition, some big DT;s- always a need, and 3-4 CB’s if possible.
Because he’s frail, small, quick and has fluid hips. You can be a good corner with those traits. But, that skill set doesn’t translate to running between the tackles. At best he’d be a specialty back (3rd down, edge plays like sweeps, etc). I think it’s smart to move him to CB.
During the past week, we got three young, athletic, talented defensive backs through roster moves:
Peter Ashton: QB –> safety
Tyrequek Zimmerman: WR –> safety
Malcolm Marable: RB –> safety
These moves significantly upgraded the talent-level and depth of the Beavers’ DBs.
Now, with Hardin’s shoulder injury, backups Rashaad Reynolds, Sean Martin, and Ryan Handford will get a real chance to play, to get experience, and to show what they can do at cornerback in game situations. Fingers crossed that at least one of them steps up and does a great job. That way, when Hardin comes back around the end of October, he can be used as a backup and nickel-back and kick coverage guy (where he’s probably more valuable to the team).
I’m sorry when anyone gets hurt, but I think this may work out okay (or better than okay) for OSU…..
oops — I meant Malcom Marable RB –> CB
I think you meant Marable to CB, not safety, right?
I’m not big on Martin, and I don’t know what Handford is at this point (he has no film, and the reports I’ve read haven’t been glowing). Didn’t we sign a JC guy named Cummings? I remember him being thick and only having average speed, but he also seemed to have good ball skills.
Kenyan Parker is the other CB. Intriguing guy, but his speed hasn’t translated to results, apparently.
I love Reynolds. I think he’ll be solid.
I like Reynolds but he’s been practicing with knee pain according to Cliff. Crap.
How does Sean Martin look?
I think a bigger issue is why we’re having so many injuries…
Not sure I have a theory on that. I’ll have to think about it some more.
I would guess there are a lot of reasons. Cooks probably came down on a foot or the side of his foot and rolled his ankle. Ligament tears and strains on linemen’s knees are just a way of life at the position. They should all be wearing some kind of braces as o-linemen and DT’s if I had any say. My wholly layperson assessment of Hardin’s injury is that he likes to hit people instead of tackling them.
I don’t know what the ratio of strength to flexibility to endurance training our guys are doing. If strength outpaces the other two, it could lead to a lot of problems. That’s one of the problems PED users have when their muscles become too strong for the rest of their body parts (ligaments, tendons and bones). Another factor in training is knowing how to do the little things correctly. Do our guys actually know how to fall? Do they work on their balance? Do they have the proper eyesight (20/20 or better), or does pride keep some of them from going that route?
There are too many factors to consider, but I would start with flexibilty and simple tumbling exercises. Then I would work on endurance and education about “playing tired/playing smart.” Some of the problems might be related to the way they used to train with Graff running things. If he increased strength without consideration for all the necessary counterbalances, our guys could be going through a sort of detox from that program.
I guess you could think of that theory as similar to a winner/loser mentality. Once an idea is ingrained in the mind, it flows like water into all the cracks and crevices in one’s psyche. Reprogramming can take a physical toll as well as a mental one.
I was going to say some smart-alec thing asking if they had bad shoes of if their kneepads were too rigid to flex or pointing out that well, duh, it’s a rough game, but JackBeav came through with his usual erudite analysis.
Shoes could be a problem as well. Nike is known in the athletic world for providing shoes created by designers and marketers, not orthopaedists. Poor footwear can lead to all sorts of performance and physiological problems. In fact, a lot of these physiological problems didn’t exist in the high percentages we see them now before Nike began “engineering” performance footwear.
I know several runners who were so gung-ho about it that they ran through pains caused by their footwear. The “science” led them to keep upping the “engineering” on their feet until they were wearing monstosities that caused pain at levels high enough to make them give it up.
Recent science has pointed to a “less is more” ideal for them, so they tried the minimalist idea. Now they’re back into running ten and twenty years after giving it up, and they are pain free. I had the same problems, and I tried all the same things (corrective insoles, shock protection crap, etc.). I even tried different mattresses, thinking sleep might have caused the problems. One pair of shoes which allow splay in the toe-box, hold the heel in the cup and have zero heel-to-toe differential made all my knee, hip and back pains disappear.
Apparently, the corrective technology weakened my feet to the point where my whole body was working to counter the corrections. It caused atrophy in feet which should have been doing what they were naturally evolved to do all along.
I was open to this idea because pediatricians told me that my kids would be best served with wide, flexible-soled shoes for the development of their feet when they were learning to walk. I asked one why that would change as they grew older, and the answer was that musculature was able to correct deficient footwear when they were older. When I asked why I should put defective footwear on their feet instead of caring for them throughout their lives, I got no answer.
So it’s not so smart-alecky to suggest such a thing. And if Nike’s involved, I can find more than human rights violations (that they know fully and still deny/mitigate in the press) to dislike them.
I doubt anyone who read your post hasn’t experienced the bad shoes syndrome(s) you describe. Thanks, however for enlarging upon the business of shoes.So, it’s possible – how many knee injuries now on the team?
I don’t think these injuries would be caused by Graff. His job is to treat injuries, new injuries related to conditioning would be due to our strength and conditioning coach. He runs other programs too and we don’t see this stuff. It’s just football and we have bad luck. This is why Riley normally has us do less hitting, we lack the depth to overcome this bad luck most times.
That’s not exactly what I was saying. Graff obviously had problems (in our coach’s opinion) with his system causing and then ignoring injuries. That system comes with a mental conditioning as well, or the players would never have accepted it. There’s a lot of “bulking up” done to make weights in the NCAA. And strength training is the primary focus of that trend. I’m not suggesting PEDs are used by anyone. But dietary supplements and training techniques have come a long way in the last 20 years, and their successes almost emulate what PEDs used to do. The problem is that when strength is the primary focus, the athlete loses other capabilities associated with being an elite athlete. Flexibility, endurance and balance must increase to handle the increased strength and speed, let alone just using them efficiently.
You can’t just drop a Chevy big block in a Miata carcass and expect it to run without tearing the chassis apart.
If Graff’s system is what I’ve heard it is, then it will take some mental reprogramming for even those players who despised the system. Old habits die hard, and the mental stresses of change often cause physical stresses or just a lack of focus which leads to physical mistakes.
Again, athletic trainers treat injuries on the field. Also, nearly everything is banned at the collegiate level, more so than the NFL. Although, I don’t believe that they test as often as the NFL.
The flexibility, endurance and balance aspects are the job of the strength and conditioning coach. Graff may not have been good at his profession but he has little to do with current injuries.
Wow, Hardin done for the year.
that sucks. I know there are quite a few Hardin haters on here, but I really thought he was poised for a good year.
I have done more than my share of Hardin-bashing. Let me say again that I’m sorry Hardin got injured. And I’m sorry to lose Hardin on special teams, where he was valuable.
But having watched Hardin closely in practices this year, I think he was going to drive us nuts again this season with the same kinds of dumb mistakes he made at CB last season.
Yes, Hardin’s replacements are mostly unknown and untested at this point. But we have five weeks to address that before our first PAC-12 game against UCLA on September 24 at Reser. Someone may be ready to step up and do a good job (perhaps better than Hardin would have done). Let’s get going and see what the other CB’s can do….
The depressing part is that his career is over even though he didn’t play a down this year. I feel bad for the guy.
Anyone know what the injury is and how it happened?
You can read his quotes here:
http://twitter.com/#!/Pnbuker
He’s hoping to be back by ASU…rivals is reporting he’s done for the year.
This really blows! Secondary was supposed to be the strong point of the D. It is really bad when this happens to a senior.
Is the whole team going to be injured before camp is over? Hardin is a huge loss. I am aware of his limitations in coverage but he was an animal on special teams. Experience is huge in CF and we just lost a lot of it. MR needs to take a long look at the S&C staff.
Ryan Handford anyone?
hardin is a big loss on special teams, but i’d much rather watch a prospect like reynolds/handford/parker/martin/etc. struggle because they are young at CB than hardin struggle…
plus it sets the team up for a run next year even more w/ having two returning starters at the corners (reynolds and poyer, presumably)
Agreed. I don’t like seeing Hardin out. I wasn’t against him playing, just wanted others to get more reps. I’d have preferred him to see some time as a “rover,” and love his ST play.
Zimmerman is already the #2 Free Safety. Had a pick 6 this morning and forced a fumble yesterday.
Silverstream – doing a great job with the practice updates. Keep them coming.
I also attended the scrimmage all day yesterday. Here’s a summary of what I observed. I’ll try not to be redundant with what has already been reported.
Special Teams: Hekker did show some serious leg on his punts yesterday. Can confirm that he had several deep kicks with nice spirals. Sorry to report that he did shank one pretty badly also. During special teams practice at the beginning he hit two decent punts and I found myself wondering if this was a new improved Hekker. The very next punt he shanked right for about 25 yards – same old Hekker. He also looked a second slow still on getting his punts off.
Romaine has a big leg, but lacks accuracy. He made from deep but missed from short. He has some Kahut in him.
Saw Poyer, Ward, Stevenson and Troison back returning. Thought Troison back there was interesting.
QB: Katz looked okay. Seemed like 60-70% of his throws went to Wheaton. Looks like he still has some issues with targeting one receiver and not spreading the ball. Also accuracy seems worse than expected. Receivers have to make plays on the ball instead of being able to just catch and run.
RB: Found it very interesting that McCants received ONE rep during the bulk of the scrimmage. He didn’t see more until they started practicing red zone. Otherwise it was all freshman. Would rank them like this:
1. Agnew
2. Ward
3. McCants
4. Woods/Stevenson (I don’t think Stevenson has a future here.)
WR: Good good good. Obum looks very physical and will be a great possession guy. Uses his body to shield the ball from the defender. No drops that I remember. Wheaton, strong as ever. Had some great catches that had the crowd applauding. Catchings had a blatant drop on a great ball from Mannion – more of the same. I don’t remember Bishop getting any catches, but I think this is because Katz focuses on his primaries too much. Wish I could have seen Cooks. Good news was he was not taped or wearing brace on his ankle.
TE: Didn’t see much from Prince. Connor Hamlett made some good catches and has the build to be a beast. I think we see big things from him soon – maybe even this season.
O-Line: Silver reported that he thought the O-line gave good time to Katz and Mannion. I don’t necessarily agree. Early on in the scrimmage it felt like Katz would have been sacked a number of times, and fairly quickly too. Several throws were even under heavy pressure or just continuations of plays after pseudo-sacks. Hard to tell because they can’t bring him down. Most of pressure seemed to come off the ends – good sign for our D Ends or bad sign for the Tackles and RBs? You decide.
D-Line: Starters look good – Glover, Masainai, Crichton, and Henry. Also felt like the second team ends were getting some good pressure. Overall I thought the D-Line won the battle against the O-Line.
LBs: Fair to Good. No issue with Doctor or Unga. Robinson, bottom line, just looks slow out there. Looking forward to Collins getting back. Can confirm that Wilson dropped to absolute gifts from Mannion. The first drop was especially terrible. Wilson and the receiver – can’t remember who it was but want to say Catchings – both had opportunities to catch the ball and looked foolish.
Secondary: I think the secondary is going to surprise some people this year. Poyer, Mitchell and Watkins all look the part and play fast. I have no concerns there. Not sure about Martin, but didn’t watch him that close because I expected Hardin would be playing. Was impressed by Ryan Murphy yesterday – he dropped the hammer on Connor Hamlett on a play over the middle. Both were slow to get up – nice collision.
To sum up, I am more nervous about this season now than I was before I watched the practice. One thing that really struck me yesterday was the lack of a vocal leader or two. Coaches were yelling but I couldn’t hear anything from the players. They didn’t even really seem to be enjoying the competition. I question the overall tone of camp and I think that extends to our team’s mentality and how they play. Most concerning thing I saw the whole three hours.
Thanks for the reports everybody.
I’m with you on your biggest concern: One thing that really struck me yesterday was the lack of a vocal leader or two.
On defense, I’m hoping part of the issue is that Collins and Frahm are out. Those are two guys who have shown the most signs of becoming a real vocal leader on the field. Hopefully they get back out as soon as possible and really assert themselves to pumping the guys up.
On offense, I’m not sure what the problem is.
OStateBro — let me return the compliment — great update on yesterday’s scrimmage!
A few comments:
– For some of OSU’s key “skills” players, getting more consistent seems to be the key to success (or failure). To be specific, Katz (passing), Hekker (punting), and Romaine (kicking) each need to improve their ability to deliver consistent mechanics and results. Each of these guys has talent (strong arm for Katz; strong legs for Hekker and Romaine). But each of these guys has to cut down on the misfires (overthrows for Katz; shanks for Hekker; off-target kicks for Romaine). I think that’s what we’ve been seeing at practices so far with respect to these three guys.
– Receivers: Totally agree with your assessment here (“good good good”). And it will be even better when Cooks returns, as soon as next week (sorry you didn’t get a chance to see BC — you will love him). The coaches have been working with Obum on exactly the point you mentioned — using his big body to block the defender from the ball — and he’s making progress. Obum has had problems with dropped passes in camp, but none yesterday, which was also great to see. Connor Hamlett does have “beast” potential at TE — 6′ 7″, 260 lbs, good speed, good hands — and was getting some reps with the 1st string. And of course we will be getting back James Rodgers and Joe Halahuni at some point, to join Wheaton and Bishop. This is a very special group of receivers.
– This brings me to the O-line, which is the one place where we probably disagree. Yes, the d-line did get some sacks and hurries on the QBs yesterday. But overall I thought the o-line — especially the first string — did a good job, as a unit, of dropping back into position and forming a pocket for the QB. On many of the passing plays during the scrimmage, that’s what I was watching — to see whether the o-line as a unit was able to drop back and form a decent pocket. That wasn’t happening consistently in camp during the first week. Yesterday at the scrimmage, I thought it looked better. The run blocking from the o-line was another matter — much more work needed there. But the first-string o-line showed signs — I thought — of being able to give Katz time in the pocket to hit downfield targets. If that turns out to be true — given our excellent receivers — the Beavers are going to put up lots of points this year.
– I remember the hit by Ryan Murphy on Connor Hamlett — it was impressive. More generally, I agree that we have some good players in the secondary. I expect that one of the CBs will step up to take Hardin’s place and do a good job, and that our pass defense will probably be better this year than last year.
– You are right that yesterday’s scrimmage lacked any vocal leadership from the players. During the first two weeks of camp, by far the most vocal player was Kevin Frahm (who was injured and not making much noise yesterday). None of the other players tend to yell or shout much. This season’s Beavers seem to be an unusually soft-spoken bunch of football players. Does that mean the players lack competitive fire? Would the team do better with more vocal leaders? Good questions. Personally, I’m not sure that’s right. But not sure that’s wrong, either….
This does not bode well for the game at Camp Randall. I’m going have to take three hours of crap from my high school friend who wrestled for the Badgers. I guess I better make him buy lots of beer before the game to ease the pain. We needed everything to go perfect to have a snowballs chance in hell in that game. Now half the team is injured. They should lock up Wheaton in solitary until Sept
3rd so he doesn’t get hurt.
Two more things:
1. Reynolds did not dress yesterday. Is he injured? I read “knee pain” on here but will he be ready for season?
2. Zimmerman looks more advanced than he should for a freshman. Could be a great add to safety. He was second string all day yesterday. Safety is shaping up to be a strong position again for the beavs….finally.
Reynolds was back this morning for the scrimmage.
And yeah, I’m excited about Zimmerman too.
If injuries compound the problems this team already faced (weak line play, questionable run game, weak d), the challenge will be in not letting them develop/accept a loser mentality. The offensive line already lacked aggressiveness, and the team an identity.
I hate those “wait til next year” quotes, but as discussed on a previous topic posted by Angry, 2012 looks promising. This year’s team looked at best like a 6-win/low tier bowl team; if injuries impact the bottom line for a second disappointing season, the coaching staff will have to keep this team positive and in a winning mindset so the 2012 unit expects to win. Whether or not they do that is questionable given their preference to let the team “find” its identity.
The wait till next year is for losers. MR or someone needs to light a fire under their ass. Where are the senior leaders?
Thanks for all the updates everyone! I read frequently, but rarely contribute thoughts unless I have something pertaining to the mental aspect of the game on my mind. Currently though, given all the injuries, I’m becoming much more worried about our changed schedule since forming the new Pac-12.
Our only BYE is week 3 after Wisconsin. I still believe that our coaches aren’t the best at motivation (i.e. “what’s our identity?”) and worry that the grind of a long season on young guys might cost us a win or two.
My question is (God forbid!), what happens if we’re ineligible for a bowl again this season?
Maybe I am missing something. Last year, with just some dumb luck, could have been 6-6 or 7-5. Now we are looking at an arguably faster defense, a reshuffled OL, better receivers (Rogers apparently healthy, others looking good), a QB with a year of experience, and players who at least know they have to be motivated or they can lose to anyone. IMO, if we arent bowl eligible at the end, it will be another flop season, and presumably due to injuries, lack of motivation, etc…. …seems like they should do better this year.
As folks have pointed out, the coaches are starting to do a better job recruiting, so seems like the long term prognosis is positive.
I like us for 7-5 at the very least. I would expect better, but the increase in talent brings a decrease in experience. At some positions (OLB, SS) the inexperience is far outpaced by talent. I love our depth everywhere except at DT and CB, and I might love those mid-way through the season for all I know.
On offense, the only difference might be the loss of Quizz. If the o-line doesn’t play better, then even the much better defense won’t be able to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat.
But remember that this time last year we were inundated by a media and unrealistically giddy fandom when our offense was shredding our D. The same offense is not doing that this year, and media guilty of praising last fall’s silliness are more subdued this year. I think three things will help our offense improve.
One is the infusion of talented youth at the skill positions. No, Agnew and Ward aren’t Quizz. But they bring game on a level nobody else at RB does at the moment. And they do it against what I think is a much improved D. And Cooks and Andrews will be mainstays for years.
Second, even minimal maturity in Katz’, Wheaton’s and the o-line’s games from what turned out to be a brutal line-up in last year’s schedule should be comforting. When these guys click, they’re world beaters. When they hide in their shells, infants slap them around. Wheaton is light years ahead of this point last year, and Joe and James will be here full strength for league play at the very least. So Katz needs to be the one to take charge and use his tools effectively. He has shown he can do it in spurts, but we’re looking for consistency. He says the game has slowed down, and that typically happens for a 2nd year Riley QB. So I’ll wait for game action before making any detailed analysis of his game.
Last has to do with Katz’ maturity as well. One reason he’s less effective than we hoped right now is that Riley’s immense playbook has been opened up and installed in his head. Lastyear we were relegated to watching stale play-calling because the playbook was pared down to accomodate a first year starter. I don’t expect Ryan to be an all-world hero, but I expect to see a more consistent, more thoughtful QB using a more varied scheme.
I like this team and where they’re headed. I don’t expect a national championship out of them, but I’m not going to sneer at a stated goal of winning the Pac 12 either. My expectations are lower than that, but i wouldn’t mind them proving me wrong.
Amen.
Those are excellent points when you compare OSU 2011 to OSU 2010. But when you compare OSU 2011 to its competition, and you consider the injury bug results in starters coming back into play over time, where do you see 7 wins?
I see 5 probable wins, a few swing games, a few I think are more difficult to read. What do you think the swing games?
SAC STATE- W
@ Wisc – L
BYE
UCLA – W
But may have the pure talent to beat OSU early in the year – we saw what happened last year when OSU wasn’t focused.
@ ASU – L
AZ -W/Swing (I could also see OSU losing to an effecitve Foles)
BYU – I don’t have a read of this game, other than BYU’s dominance of an OSU team that didn’t care about the LV bowl. This will likely be a big game to BYU for which they’ll be prepared.
WSU – W
@ Utah – I don’t think this is a gimme. Their implementation of a more pro-set offense could benefit OSU though.
STAN – L
@ CAL – W But odds alone may be that OSU finally drops one at Cal….
WA – Should be an OSU win, but Polk could give the Beavs all they can handle – I don’t think this is a gimme.
@ ORE – L
I see it a little different.
Sac St. W
Won’t be at full strength but they’ll win comfortably.
Wisconsin L
I think they can keep it close for three quarters but Wisconsin takes over in the fourth.
UCLA W
Beavers roll. UCLA is bad. The defense will be its strength but Kevin Prince is bad and the Beavers should be able to get some turnovers.
Arizona State W
Should be warm for this game, I think the Beavers will be pretty much healthy for this one and Katz will be starting to get on a roll and both units will be into a groove. ASU will keep it tight with it being a home game but the Beavers will hold on late.
Arizona W
The Wildcats will make things tough, especially with Foles out there but the Beavers will be at home and I think will really pressure Foles. Think the Beavers win by a touchdown after Arizona makes a late rally. Somewhat similar to last year’s game but hopefully without a key injury this time.
BYU W
Jake Heaps is an impressive QB but with this one will be tough for the Cougars. I see the Beavers on a real roll at this point and playing with a ton of confidence. Think Katz has a big day and the Beavers extend the win streak to four.
WSU W
I think the Beavers take it to the Cougars. Jeff Tuel is a good QB but the Beavers will be out for revenge after the embarrassment last year and stick it to Cougars from the opening kickoff. Think they win by 17+ points.
Utah W
The Utes are a perfect matchup for the Beavers. They don’t have a QB who’s comfortable running and will try to stay in the pocket which is what the Beavers want and they should harass Jordan Wynn all game long. I expect the Beavers to take advantage of their wide receivers in this one and for them to have big games. The Beavers would be 7-1 after this game and people would be talking Rose Bowl.
Stanford L
This one to me will be close. Andrew Luck is a great QB and the main reason I think Stanford wins. I think the Beavers make some big plays and move the ball up and down the field but Andrew Luck makes the key plays late to get Stanford the win. Should be a high scoring game.
Cal W
The Beavers should take care of Cal. I see a 2009 repeat in this one. The Beavers will take control early and often. Cal has a lot of talent but I see QB inconsistencies being an issue for them again and the Beavers take this one and expect their streak on the road against Cal and win their 5th straight in the series overall.
Washington W
I see Washington as a team that’s mediocre. A lot of people like them but I don’t. They have Polk who is quite the RB but I think they get mediocre QB play and don’t expect them to make a bowl. I think the Beavers handle them and win by a couple touchdowns thanks to a big day from Katz.
Oregon L
The Beavers aren’t usually intimidated in Autzen and I don’t see them being intimidated this year like so many other teams in the past have been and I see them making some folks nervous late but think Oregon just holds on. Would be a little frustrating to lose a close one to the Ducks again in Autzen but it would be upset to win this one.
That would make the Beavers 9-3 and third in the Pac-12 North behind 2nd place Oregon and 1st place Stanford. and I believe they will be invited t the Alamo Bowl which would be a big step up from previous bowls. If they were to win that bowl game they would have a lot of momentum for a Pac-12 Championship in 2012.
I agree with BB21’s assessment for the most part. If I had to put money on each and every one, I would say the media is just silly for hyping ASU and UW like they are. And my two “swing” games would be the ones against the Utah schools.
But I would say more likely is that we win one of the three guaranteed losses. And we lose one each to an Az, Ut and Wa school while beating one each from Az, Ut and Wa.
Every year we win one we shouldn’t and lose one we shouldn’t. It’s a topic that doesn’t get much discussion but should. Would love to have a season where we just win the games we are supposed to win and look like a dominating team.
Also, Ted Miller doesn’t think we make a bowl this year.
Remove the “we make a bowl this year”, and your analysis of Ted Miller’s analyses would be accurate. I stopped reading him when he was clearly stuck on last year’s stat sheets and ignoring actual spring/fall camp reports of both greatness and mediocrity.
Tell me he’s talking about Wheaton and Cooks and saying that James will be the icing on the cake of a very good WR corps, and I’ll start reading him again.
Tell me his analysis is noun, aw-shucks, verb, Rodgers, Ducks, and I’ll pass once again.
I stopped reading him (daily) when he stood up for USC. Now I just check in here and there. Writers who promote pay for play, soft punishments, etc are a problem.
Ted Miller has never been on about us. When he thinks we will do well we stink it up and vice versa. I like most of what Ted has to say but never trust him when it comes to the Beavs. I agree with most of what BB21 is saying as well. This year feels magical, there is somthing about this team that feels different. They have something to fight for, there is adversity in all the injuries and I feel that this is going to motivate the young guys to do well. They finally have something to be angry about, it’s time to kick some ass.
OSUBaby, I think that’s just the optimism of a new season. Don’t want to rain on your parade and all, so enjoy it, but just saying.
Big issue with this team is no leadership. People can bash Frahm, but he improved from early in his career and was good for the D. A legit Pac-12 DT? Probably not..he’s a tweener, but his leadership will be missed. Katz isn’t a good leader at this point. The offense doesn’t have one unless Rodgers is going at full speed. I think James and Frahm are the biggest injuries. If both suit up by game 2 I’d agree with your opinion more.
People shouldn’t take Sac State too lightly, either. If I’m not mistaken, aren’t they a top 20 DII school?
I see reports that Seastrunk is asking for release papers at UO. I think we have an opening for a talented RB.
Hey Lache – You can start for us bro.
East-west runners get moved to CB or WR in our system.
Steve, the fiesta bowl d line was Ladarius Jackson(6-3, 250+), D Grant(6-3, 265), eric manning (6-, 290), and Ryan Atkison(6-4, 300) plus dwan edwards(6-4, 300) as 5th man.. Not a small line at all. All of these guys were all conference type guys and far, far superior to anything we have this year, especially on the interior.