Overall, the Beavs played well. They’ve now given up only 17 points on defense in the last 6 quarters (WSU and CO combined). The issues on D are mostly technical. Tackling high is a big problem — I noticed this over and over, and the runner was able to gain an additional 3 yards because his legs were still churning.
Some guys I have liked a lot, such as Nall and Guyton, showed what they can do tonight. Good stuff.
Nick Mitchell: I am not sure what to make of him. He threw a few gorgeous balls and the passing game had more flow, but also threw a few behind receivers. The jury is out on him, but the passing game sure looked improved. In a perfect world, he (or MM, since we don’t know what he is yet) backs up StHC, and StHC learns how to throw simple passes. But that isn’t going to happen any time soon, so the coaches have a conundrum. It might be more mix and match. I’m not even sure what I’d do, and I’m usually an idea man with creative solutions. I don’t have one here. It’s a tough situation. A QB has to be able to throw basic passes, so gun to my head, I think you have to throw Mitchell back out there next week. Utah might eat him alive, though, and Collins wheels could come in handy there. Maybe put them both on the field again and develop more plays around that idea.
The refs potentially cost this game. This is a recurring theme in the conference. It’s a big problem that isn’t being discussed. They have to call PI on the pass to Noah. Beavs would have had a fresh set of downs, a shot at a TD, and at worst an easy FG. Then on the last drive they’re driving for FG range instead of a TD. That non called changed the game. I felt momentum change after the half as well when Collins came out to play. He did lead them into FG range (missed), but overall the game became sluggish, inefficient, and shifted to CO.
I doubt the recruits were impressed with the product. Hopefully they like the town, potential teammates, coaches, and the idea of early playing time. That’s about all OSU can sell right now.
I saw some growth tonight, but it’s hard to gauge vs CO. Overall, I feel on defense it was a good continuation on the 2nd half vs WSU. On offense, not much good other than Nall. Mitchell and Guyton showed glimpses. The O-line played okay, especially considering injury (Fred L might be an addition by subtraction situation).