Looks like the OSU Track project is going to start construction soon. There is a large area fenced off and a sign up in the IM fields behind the Soccer / Softball fields.
Take a look at a panorama pic I took with my phone (click for a larger view):
OK Beaver Fans, the team needs you more than ever. You brought it for the USC game. There's nothing left but the biggest game every year:
The Civil War
The past is the past. Shake it off.
Time to rally around the team, players, coaches, and get rowdy for this game!
Despite the ups and downs, you gotta love these guys. Maybe this will give you one more reason. One of my Twitter/FB friends got a message from a Beaver player saying how much they appreciate the unconditional support they get from many fans:
"Want to know one of the reasons I love my Beavs even after yesterday? Well, I "tweet" alot during the games and late last night a starting player took the time to Direct Message me that he appreciates the support of real fans! He probably wanted to crawl in a hole but he took the time to reach out to the fans. That is... why I am a Life Long Beav!!"
Get pumped Beaver Nation and support your Beavs!
GO BEAVS!
BEAT THE DUCKS!
From watching the Mike Riley-coached teams the last few years there are a few things that seem to be predictors of how the teams will do from season to season.
1. Experience or poise at QB
2. Cornerbacks
3. Offensive line
Generally if the Beavs have one of these three things very strong, then they will be a bowl team. If they have two, then they're pretty good. Three and they will have a shot at the Rose Bowl.
This means that every 2-3 years we will be a work in progress at QB. So those will likely be down years.
When Canfield and Moevao we being broken in we were lucky because the defense was great and the running game had a wrinkle that couldn't be stopped called the Fly Sweep. 2 of 3 and we were pretty good.
The last two years the CBs have been experienced, we had two poised QBs, and the running game was strong. Rose Bowl shot.
This season? We may have 0 of 3.
The good news? Next year I think we will have 2 of 3. Katz will be experienced and better and I think the O-line will be a priority and be much better. The only question for me is how fast they can re-make the defense.
Thoughts?
Every week is a huge game in the Pac-10, but this game against Cal is extra big. Win and we setup nicely for a decent stretch run. Lose, and it gets dicey.
Looks like I'm going to miss this one to be up in Seattle and welcome my new niece into the world so I need every to be loud!
Go Beavs!
I reposted the Beavers Pumpkin stencil for halloween with a new High-res version thanks to my buddy Loyan and got some great response!
Send me a photo of your pumpkin and I'll post it here. Go Beavs!
@BethMcShane:
@6Nikki6:
@JonReehoorn:
@OSUBeaverFan
My original pumpkin:
Altternative Beavers Pumpkins:
Jay A. Ehrlich II
Old School Benny Stencil via @mlhdesigner:
Add a link to yours to the comments and I'll add them to the list!!
Ahhh, the season that could have been. And technically, still could be.
After a gut check loss to Washington last Saturday, the Beavs have a string of must win games to ensure another trip to a bowl game.
Here's the season schedule for the remainder of the season:
Oct. 30th - Cal
Nov. 6th - at UCLA
Nov. 13th - WSU
Nov. 20th - USC
Nov. 27th - at Stanford
Dec 4th - Oregon
At 3-3 and 2-1 in the PAC-10, and with the rest of the schedule back-loaded against the toughest teams, the Beavers have to beat Cal, UCLA, and WSU. And after last weekend, that may not be the easiest of tasks.
I say "Oh, the season that could have been" because if we beat UW, then we have a good shot at being undefeated in the Pac-10 going to Stanford on the 27th. And even if we lost that game, we would still have a shot at the Rose Bowl again if we could upset Oregon. Now, its a tough road to the Rose Bowl this season.
On the other hand, if we use the UW game as a learning tool and improve over the next month, its still possible to only have one loss going into Stanford. Huge, tough game but clearly it won't have been the first and we wouldn't be scared or overmatched. Its a game the Beavs could win.
What I'm saying is, while I'm disappointed that we didn't pull that win out all is not lost for this season.
Go Beavs
I understand we have played a pretty tough schedule to date so our numbers aren't going to look as good as most teams early in the season. But I'm worried about the Beavs.
Things that make me concerned:
* The defense (458 yds/gm - 2 sacks - 59% 3rd down conversion rate)
* Only 483 yards passing (161 yds/gm)
* No receiver really stepping up (none over 40 yds/game or more than 3 catches/game)
* Zero 4th quarter points in 3 games
Silver Lining:
* Katz isn't turning the ball over
* We still can use the wildcat (wild beaver) and seem to be OK on the ground
* Our special teams play is saving our butts
* We've been here before
Big game this week people. The last three years we win this game. This may go a long way to defining the season.
Come on Beavs! We need this one!
After seeing the photos and video of the OSU practice field being painted blue I had to go check it out for myself. Turns out I wasn't the only one who was curious.
The cheerleaders needed to check out if it affected their game:
Some random people played a little catch:
It felt a little like being on water.
Overall, I'm happy they did it and I say do whatever it takes. Its a huge game and we should treat it as such. Shock the world Beavers!
Go Beavs!
A win is a win.
Being 0-2 going to Boise St. would be a disaster. I'm disappointed that 35-14 didn't turn into 52-21 or something, but oh well. Louisville may turn out to be OK. Maybe even threaten a bowl game.
I think the reason most people aren't happy with it is because of what Oregon is doing and to a lesser extent, Stanford. They are running up scores and appear to be in mid-season form. And we want to see that from our team. Well, you don't get it both ways. If you want OSU to schedule tough in the preseason, then don't expect massive blowouts.
Quick Hits and Silver Lining:
* The Beavers are going to lead the nation in lost helmets. They are on pace for an all time NCAA record. Keith Pankey is clearly the leader on the team in this category and could single-handedly shatter the record by game 5.
* Lots of new players on D. I'm totally lost on who is in on tackles until the turn their back to the camera/jumbotron.
* Zero offensive turnovers in the first two games. That's new for early in the season with a new QB.
* The defense is forcing turnovers. That's important if they're going to give up yards.
* The offense finally realized that the path to greatness goes through Jaquizz Rodgers. Run the ball on first down more please.
* Field position is really important. Our offense started in our own end-zone three times and really struggled there. They seemed to always start at the 40.
Anyways, on to Boise St. Hopefully we can shock the world. Gameday will be there and the game will be on ABC!
When you come to an OSU Beavers football game, where do you park? Where do you tailgate? I'll offer up some of my thoughts, and I'd like Beaver Nation to chime in and let me know your favorite spots. This post is the first in a series that I'll post on the game day experience and how to make it awesome even if you're a first timer.
Official OSU Gameday Central
Parking
There are quite a few places to park and it can get pretty overwhelming. Here are a few I've tried or know of. Please leave a comment if you have thoughts or additions.
* Oregon State University Campus
Many of Oregon State's lots are reserved for BASF donor parking. However, there are a few lots that you can get in off Monroe Ave. that are $10 to park (not too far to walk). The lots closer to Reser Stadium bump up to $20 a spot.
OSU has put together a nice parking map showing lots color coded by price and location on campus:
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| OSU Parking Map - PDF |
Approximately 2 hours before each home game, the entire team and coaching staff will walk through the Fan Fair, accompanied by the band, cheerleaders, and Benny. Keep the tradition alive!* OSU Alumni Center
