Anyone Else Worried About The Beavers?

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!

Blue Turf Installed on the Oregon State Beavers Practice Field

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!

Louisville Post-game Thoughts

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!

Oregon State Beavers Gameday Experience - Parking and Tailgating

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:

OSU Parking Map - PDF

Not sure how the tailgating is on all those locations, but if you get there early enough, many lots have alleys or grassy areas to set up.  If you're not big on tailgating and don't mind a bit of a walk, Monroe Ave. has tons of great restaurants and a little shopping to hang out before and after the game.

There are other places that you can park that are very close or have shuttle access.

* Downtown

Parking downtown is convenient and there is a shuttle to Reser Stadium to take you to and from the game.  There are tons or great food, shopping, and kids play options downtown.  However, there isn't any tailgating.  Another downside is the buses tend to get caught in traffic going downtown after the game, so don't expect a speedy exit.

* Avery Park

Avery park is just across Highway 20/34 from campus.  Its a really quick walk to the stadium and has tons of grassy areas and great tailgating spots.  Its usually about $10 to park and would be great for a big group.  Its not really close to much in the way of restaurants or shopping, but there are a few really great kids play areas and playgrounds and a rose garden to enjoy.  Getting out after the game is actually not too bad as well.  If you're going home to Eugene this would be ideal if you need to get home after a game semi-quickly.

* Benton County Fairgrounds

The Benton County Fairgrounds has a HUGE parking lot with room for RVs and plenty of cars.  So this would also be great for a big group.  There is a shuttle to and from Reser Stadium.  There isn't really any food/shopping within walking distance (a mini-mart), but it would be great for tailgating.  I've never parked here so I'm not sure about traffic, getting out, etc.

* Private Lots

I don't have any secret lots, but I know business owners and home owners all around campus tend to have parking available for a price.  If anyone has some good spots, let me know and I'll list them here.  I'd like this to be a growing document.

Tailgating

The first option is to just setup next to your car/RV and go for it.  I've seen some pretty amazing setups around campus.  Satellite TV, massive BBQ, and countless games like washers, ladder toss, beer pong, and more.  If you've never really tailgated, then find a friend who has done it for a while and invites a few people and enjoy.

If you aren't into tailgating or just want to experience Corvallis or the game day festivities, here are some other options:

* Fan Fest

Fan Fest sets up 3 hours prior to kickoff and is a fun time for the kids.  There around a bunch of bounce house type structures and sports games.  There's also a fan shop and the pregame show going out there.  Definitely worth checking out if you have kids.

* Beaver Walk

From the official site:

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

The Alumni center is a good place to eat and drink beer before the game.  its right across the street from Reser Stadium and has decent food options (not just burgers) and usually a good beer on tap (microbrew). It costs $5/person to go inside, but the outdoor eating area on the south side is free.

* Restaurants

I'll admit I haven't done much of this in Corvallis so I'm not sure where the hot spots are pre-game. I generally tailgate or go to the Alumni Center for pre-game.  However, as a local I would recommend trying these places:

Monroe Avenue:

Clodfelter's - Burger joint with good beer, TVs, and has been around forever.  Good local place.

McMenamins - If you live in the Pacific NW you know about MeMenamins.  Cool decor and games.  Decent beer and food.

Downtown

Block 15 - Great new brewpub in town.  Great beer and food.  A bit small, so stake your claim early.

Flat Tail Brewery - Great Beavers decor.  Lots of flatscreen TVs.  Good beer.  Great fries.  On the waterfront. 

University Hero - An awesome local Beaver themed sandwich shop.  They server beer and have TVs too!


Any other spots you like?  I plan on doing a guide just for food, so look for that coming up.

Go Beavs!

Watch the 2010 Oregon State Football Entrance Video

The new OSU Football entrance video is up on YouTube! I love the nod to the past and getting coach Riley involed.

Watch it:




Go Beavs!

Quick Thoughts On Louisville - Game Replays Available To Watch On ESPN3

Thanks to ESPN3 you can do some scouting of Louisville for the upcoming game this weekend. I've watched a quarter or two and was pretty unimpressed.

Some things I've gleaned:

* The quarterback likes to run and is pretty good doing it. Their offense is reminiscent of TCUs from the little I saw. Good running game, ok passing game. Sometimes bordering on bad.

* The offensive line is experienced and seems pretty good. Four seniors and a sophmore center who started as a freshman.

* The defense doesn't look very good. They have guys that look the part, but didn't seem to get it done on the field. They didn't have a sack against Kentucky.

Here's the links and you can watch for yourselves:

Louisville vs Kentucky - ESPN3.com

Louisville vs Eastern Kentucky - ESPN3.com

Can't wait for the game this weekend!

Go Beavs!

The Beavers Running Game Isn't Dead Yet

Jaquizz Rodgers

While watching the TCU game I felt that the coaches should've run the ball more often because it seemed like we were getting good yardage.  I know mixing it up is good, but I like to see runs on 1st or 2nd down when he's rolling regardless.

A quick look at the drive charts in the second half showed:

3rd Q

• 2nd and 10 at ORST 13 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 8 yards to the OrgSt 21.
• 2nd and 10 at TCU 17 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 15 yards to the TCU 2 out-of-bounds for a 1ST down.
• 1st and Goal at TCU 1 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 1 yard for a TOUCHDOWN.
• 1st and 10 at ORST 28 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 7 yards to the OrgSt 35. 

4th Q

• 1st and 10 at ORST 26 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 4 yards to the OrgSt 30.
• 2nd and 6 at ORST 30 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 5 yards to the OrgSt 35.
• 3rd and 1 at ORST 35 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 3 yards to the OrgSt 38 for a 1ST down.
• 3rd and 10 at ORST 38 Jacquizz Rodgers rush for 7 yards to the OrgSt 45.

 Its not a big sample size, but I think we were wearing their defense down.  I think he would have excelled on that last drive and would have been key.  In fact, instead of a pass play I think the first play should have been run.  We had 4 minutes left so there was plenty of time.

Anyways, I think the running game will be fine.  The key is just getting Jaquizz the touches he needs to be successful and do his thing. 


Go Beavs!

Have Patience Beaver Fans, We've Seen This Script Before

Take a deep breath and just relax about the Oregon State football team's performance last Saturday in Dallas.

We've seen this script before. In the past I think the situation has been much more dire. After getting blown out 40-something to 14 nothing appears to have gone right. Sure, the score could've been much worse. But that it wasn't is a good sign. These guys aren't giving up.

Some food for thought:

* The coaches have proven they can improve the team from these kinds of games fairly quickly.

* Katz is already ahead of other first time QBs we have experienced in recent years.

* There is a lot of young talent on this team.

* The older guys are solid leaders.

* They coaching staff and players never get too high or low. Some people think this is a liability. I think its key in these kinds of situations.


I remember years past where we were complaining about the LBs being slow or the O-Line not run blocking. The coaches generally got the kids coached up for the Pac-10 and changed things to open things up (fly sweep, wildcat, etc). I wasn't that impressed with the Pac-10 teams I saw over the weekend.

So don't be too hard on the kids and coaches after this loss and root them on against Louisville for a big win. Then maybe, just maybe we can pull off something amazing at Boise St. I mean, it has to happen eventually, right?

Go Beavs!

TCU Postgame Thoughts and Links

Tough loss last night against TCU.  I'm proud that we hung in there and had a chance to win or at least tie in the 4th quarter.  We were dominated pretty well, but somehow kept hanging around.  Overall it was a pretty good performance by the Beavers and I think we can all come away thinking we could have won with just a couple of plays going our way.

I think the biggest bummer is that we didn't take our shot at the end.  The safety was such a bummer.  I want us to go down swinging, not with a wimper.  It was a tall order, but a huge potential learning experience and confidence builder for Ryan Katz that went down the drain.

Rather that dwell on the negative, here's some positives:

* Our secondary looks solid this year.  Mitchell had to make a ton of tackles, which is bad, but we did backup our LBs well.  Hardin looked good after getting burned once in the first half.  Tuamani looked better than years past.

* Katz played pretty well.  I thought he was over excited early on and over threw the ball a lot, but overall he played great on the big stage.  His long ball is awesome and will give a new dimension to the team this year that Canfield couldn't do as well last year.  He just needs to learn to dump the ball off to Quizz a bit more and take a little off the short throws and things will be great.  No interceptions is good (despite a couple of close calls). And I liked his running and escapability.

* The D Line will get sacks this season.  They pressured pretty well, but lost containment on a running QB which is very bad.  Not sure if they are really up to stopping the run.  But there was a lot of option and misdirection, so it was hard to tell.

* The stats were pretty lopsided, but if the Beavers drive 80 yards at the end and don't give the ball back, things look a lot closer. They played better, but towards the end I think we should have run more often because Jaquizz was starting to get rolling. Oh, and how is it that Gary Patterson gets to decide if the roof is open? That hurt us I think.

Overall, it was a positive game for the Beavers despite the loss.  I want to shock the world against Boise St!


Related Links:

Beavers can't complete upset of No. 6 TCU - Corvallis Gazette-Times

"I was worried about this team at halftime," Riley said. "But we hung in there. I appreciate that. I thought we never quit on it. There was some stuff that was pretty good, but that doesn't overcome the disheartening feeling of not getting a chance at the end."

Cliff: TCU postgame - Cliff's Blog

Includes video of Ryan Katz and James Rodgers

No. 6 TCU 30, No. 24 Oregon State 21: Beavers shot at a dramatic victory goes awry in a snap - The Oregonian

"We practiced to stop what they do and we didn't do that," said OSU safety Lance Mitchell, whose first-quarter pick of a Dalton pass set up Katz's scoring pass to James Rodgers.

"We've got a lot to work on," Mitchell said.

TCU uses big stage to make statement - ESPN

"I'm disappointed that we didn't give ourselves a chance on the drive at the end," Beavers coach Mike Riley said.

[...]

The only plus coming from that play was Katz taking responsibility for the miscue, just like a veteran quarterback would.

"We should have just stayed with the [called] play," he said. "That's on me."

Riley agreed, by the way: "He didn't have to get out of it."

Canzano: Ryan Katz learns how his play will make or break Oregon State's Rose Bowl hopes - The Oregonian

Katz has presence. He's a leader. He made no excuses. He accepted responsibility. He looked and sounded every bit the part of a guy who understands that his performance is the difference between a Las Vegas Bowl and a Rose Bowl. And if you'd have stepped into the TCU locker room after the game, you might have heard safety Tejay Johnson talking about Katz's arm. After all, Johnson's coach harped all week that Katz had the strongest arm they'd see all season.

"I was a little surprised," Johnson said. "When I saw him throw that corner route, I realized he had a stronger arm than what I thought he had."

Frogs exploit the hole in the roof and Oregon State's run defense - Star-Telegram

"I thought the heat made a difference," TCU coach Gary Patterson confirmed. "I thought our kids, the conditioning we do, made a difference in the third and fourth quarters.

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Red Turf? Abomination, or Cool? What about Orange Turf???

The Boise St. smurf turf is bad enough, but red turf? I can't even imagine watching a game on TV (or live for that matter) without getting a headache.

Video: Red Turf Trailer New - EWU Football

More photos:



So, should OSU get a gimmick and go with orange turf? Or would that make 46,000 fans heads explode simultaneously?

A Look at Oregon State's First Opponent - TCU Horned Frogs

TCU had one of the greatest seasons by a non-BCS team ever last season (#4 according to this). Ranked #6 at the end of the season and only a Boise St. loss could taint that dominant year.

This season they are ranked about #6 in nearly every preseason poll. They return 54 lettermen and 17 starters. Including their mass of great RBs and their QB who was the MWC offensive player of the year.

The only potential weakness might be on D where they lost All-American DE Jerry Hughes, one of their 2 starting LBs, and 2 starting DBs in their unique 4-2-5 defensive system.

2009 TCU Stats


Offense

Their offense was good last year. The passing game was good if not stellar (217 ypg), but the running game is scary. 3100 yards and 35 TDs shared among about 7 guys. 4 of whom are back and as good as ever...

*How Deep is TCU at Running Back?

*TCU logjammed at running back

The O-Line isn't deep, but they return 4 starters so OSU could have a tough go of it if Paea and Henry aren't healthy. They gave up only 12 sacks last season.

They do tend to fumble the ball a little (27, 15 lost) so there's some hope there.

Looks like we need to either have some turnovers go our way or the offense needs to get rolling early to keep them off the field (2008 USC style). I just don't see us stopping this group. Slowing them may be enough if we can score 30+ points.


Defense


Chris Dufresne's college football top 25: TCU is No. 5 - LA Times

The Horned Frogs were No. 1 nationally last year in total defense and must replace All-American defensive end Jerry Hughes, and two starting cornerbacks, but there's no reason to think this unit won't again be dominant.

The stats are kinda ridiculous. Maybe that's what a 12-1 season looks like. And their conference is a bit of a walk minus 2 teams. But look at this:

Season Stats Defense:

Points Per Game - 12.8

Rushing Average Per Game - 80.2
TDs Rushing - 8

PAssing Average Per Game - 159.5
TDs Passing - 10

First Downs - 161 (12.4 per game)
3rd-Down Pct - 27%

Doesn't bode well for our rushing game. And with the 5 DB scheme they run I'm guessing any long stuff will be tough to come by. Big Joe Halahuni may be busy and Jaquizz may get most of his yards off the pass.

The Beavers passing game may need to break out in a big way to test the new DBs and prove that Jaquizz isn't our only weapon. That isn't a great plan for keeping their offense off the field, but points are always good.

-------------------

Related Links:


TCU Horned Frogs - Latest News

No. 6: T.C.U. - Pre-Snap Read
Great run down of the team going into 2010

Inside the TCU 4-2-5 Defense - Shakin the Southland
Intense breakdown and videos

TCU Camp '10: Safeties Look To Anchor Defense - GoFrogs.com

2010 TCU Preview - Defense - Scout.com

CJ Spiller vs TCU 2009 - OSU Beaver Football Blog

Depth Chart For TCU Announced - Building the Dam

OSU Readies for TCU, Trip to Cowboys Stadium - OSUBeavers.com

.

Why the Beavers need to change the way they schedule

Alright, who made this schedule?

Oregon State plays somewhere between the #1 and #6 toughest schedule this season. In the first three games the Beavers play two top 10 teams in all the preseason polls. Meanwhile, the Beavs rank somewhere from 22 to 36 in those same polls. The Beavs are pushing their own Heisman Hopeful, Jaquizz Rodgers, but some pundits think that Boise State's Kellen Moore is a front-runner (OSU's third opponent).

At this point does anyone realistically think Oregon State will be better than 1-2 going into Pac-10 play? Sure, I have dreams of 3-0 and College Gameday here for the Nov. 20th USC game after we start 9-0. It could happen.

Unfortunately, that just doesn't seem to be the way it goes for OSU. Losses to Fresno St., Louisville, Boise St (twice), Cincinnati (twice), Utah, and Penn St. early in the season always seems to propel those teams to the BCS and top ten seasons. Its almost like teams poised for a break out season have to make sure they schedule the Beavs that season. Again, BSU and TCU loom large this season.

The one magical season we as Beavers fans (Fiesta Bowl, top 5 finish) was fueled by a mediocre to weak preseason schedule. We almost lost to Eastern Washington and didn't exactly pummel New Mexico. If they beat Washington (3pt loss) then they had a good shot at being in the national title game.

Boise St. and TCU have such a weak conference schedule they need to schedule big games out of conference. Anyone who runs the table in a BCS conference will be in the title game. Worst case, they could be third and thus left out. Someday we will have a playoff and it won't matter.

So I ask the question: Why schedule teams as good or better than you out of conference?

I can only come up with these reasons:

* Money
* Prepare for the tough conference games
* Increase chances to be in a BCS game
* To get them back at our house in future years for a big game
* Machismo

If you're the Beavers only #1 and #4 are valid IMO.

2000 taught me that even a weak schedule can prepare you for a tough Pac-10 schedule. Also, most years our early bad starts continued into the early Pac-10 season. Early season losses to Cal, ASU, USC, and UCLA are still burned in my memory. Clearly, the pre-season didn't help prepare us for those games.

#3 doesn't seem to matter in this age of Utah, Hawaii, Cincy, Louisville, Boise St., and TCU all getting to BCS games. You can still get a BCS game even with one loss in conference if you win your OOC games.

EDIT:

Here's the crux of my argument:

The current system doesn't reward tough scheduling.

If the U of O goes 3-0 in OOC (likely) this year with their weak schedule and loses one game in conference, they're going to a BCS game no questions asked. They may even have a shot at the title game.

If there isn't any benefit, then why risk it?

I'm willing to bet the short/long term money for playing in a BCS game is much bigger than one payday game in Death Valley or Dallas, TX.

-------------------

What do you think? Are these tough schedules worth the money? Do you think they help or hurt us?


Alternative Views and Related Links:

Bold scheduling has made Oregon State central figure in 2010 race - SI.com

Oregon Ducks rundown: The Ducks' nonconference schedule looks like cupcake row - The Oregonian
Is this a bad thing?

.

2010 Oregon State Football Recruits

Yesterday was Letter of Intent day around the nation. This is a huge event now with ESPNNews covering live announcements and blogs and tweets flying around all day.

The Oregonian

The Beavs even got in on one of the big announcements of the day when Owamagbe Odighizuwa wore an orange shirt, gave an Oscar-style thank you speach, and then put on a powder blue and yellow UCLA cap.

What the?!?

Honestly, that is just mean to Beavers fans.

The Twitter-verse had this to say:

@johndrobbins: Odighizuwa now has to lose to OSU for the next 4 years, tough choice buddy! #gobeavs

@OSUBeaverFan: Owa may get to play in the Rose Bowl every weekend but the Beavers will play in "The Rose Bowl Game" before UCLA does. Enjoy Owa #gobeavs

@Pnbuker: O-Live bulletin on Owa's interesting choice of shirt as Beavs get Neuheiseled ... http://bit.ly/d18eLb

Owa was a huge recruit and could have been the first 5 star HS player to commit to OSU in recent memory. Probably one the only ones to actually make it into school as well... anyways, enough about Owa because its a good, if small, recruiting class for OSU.


New Oregon State Beavers Recruits:

From 2010 Beaver Signing Day Central

Tyler Perry - TE - Ventura, Calif. (Buena)

Sean Mannion - QB - Pleasanton, Calif. (Foothill)

Dominic Glover - DE - Ladera Ranch, Calif. (Saddleback JC/Oregon/Mission Viejo)

Malcolm Marable - RB - Mission Hills, Calif. (Bishop Alemany)

Trevor Romaine - PK - Corona, Calif. (Centennial)

Roman Sapolu - C - Huntington Beach, Calif. (Edison)

Donell "D.J." Welch - LB - Palm Desert, Calif. (Palm Desert)

Michael Bibbee - LB - Eugene, Ore. (North Eugene)

Connor Hamlett - TE - Lynnwood, Wash. (Meadowdale)

Scott Crichton - DE - Tacoma, Wash. (Henry Foss)

Will Storey - DB - Lake Oswego, Ore. (Lake Oswego)

Mana Tuivailala - DL - Seaside, Calif. (Seaside)

Shaydon Akuna - LB - Kapolei, Hawai'i (Kapolei)

Thomas Molesi - DT - Oceanside, Calif. (Oceanside)

Ryan Murphy - DB - Oakland, Calif. (Oakland Tech)

Fred Thompson - DT - Oakland, Calif. (Oakland Tech)

There are some very intriguing players in there. We clearly are looking to help the defense. But a few of these guys may switch if needed. D.J. Welch runs a 4.39 40 as a LB. Awesome, but if he can't put on weight he could be a safety or switch to the offense. Shaydon Akuna was a highly rated player and a great "get". Sean Mannion is big and looks good at QB.


Blogs and Reaction:

Check these out for more details on the new recruits and plenty of video and stats.

Cliff: Signing day fallout - Cliff Kirkpatrick, G-T
Cliff: Signing day updates - Cliff Kirkpatrick, G-T
National signing day tracker: Oregon State Beavers 2010 recruiting list - The Oregonian

Tale of the Tape - Oregon State Beavers vs. the Oregon Ducks

Seems most people think that the Ducks are going to win the Civil War. Vegas has us as 10 point underdogs. Every local poll has the 60% of the people voting that the Ducks will win. Blah, blah, blah. Is Autzen really worth 10 points?

I was looking at the stats and things look pretty even to me. On offense, we each do things a little different, but the result is basically the same. Lots of yards and points.

Pac-10 Rankings: (From the Pac-10 Release)

OFFENSE

Rushing

OSU - 6th (149.7)
UO - 1st (231.4)

Passing

OSU - 1st (272.5)
UO - 9th (187.5)

Total

OSU - 2nd (422.2)
UO - 3rd (418.8)

Scoring

OSU - 3rd (32.4)
UO - 1st (37.7)


On defense things are surprisingly even as well. The pass defense for the Beavs is a bit scary, but it looks like the Beavs can run on Oregon. Its unlikely the Beavs will hold the Ducks under 100 yards rushing, but it does appear to be a strength again this year.


DEFENSE

Rushing

OSU - 1st (98.5)
UO - 5th (130.6)

Passing

OSU - 6th (242.1)
UO - 2nd (193.4)

Total

OSU - 5th (340.5)
UO - 3rd (324.0)

Scoring

OSU - 4th (22.2)
UO - 5th (22.7)


What will be the difference? Who knows, but the thing the Ducks have a clear advantage over the Beavs is creating turnovers and sacks. The Quacks have double in each of those categories (Sacks 30-15, Opp TOs 24-12). The good news for the Beavs is that the Ducks give the ball up a bunch more as well. In fact, its over twice as often (19-8).

The best hope for the Beavs is to capitalize on turnovers by the Ducks and force them into 3rd down situations (where they are only converting at 36%). Oh, and don't give up the big plays. Either that or just keep scoring all game long like Stanford did.


Come on Beavs! Early Christmas Present!

Civil War Video!

Junior Raimey put together this sweet song for the Civil War: Pasadena Bound ( I Smell Roast Duck )



The video isn't as good, but the song is awesome!

Go Beavs! Beat the Ducks!

Civil War of the Roses!

Two weeks ago, Arizona had to lose twice and USC had to lose once for Oregon St. to have a shot at the Rose Bowl. Two weeks later, the improbable happened and the Civil War for the Roses was set. This is the biggest Civil War ever. Sure, 2000 was big, but the Rose Bowl is the Rose Bowl! I'm not old enough to remember anything before the streak, so anyone who remembers a bigger Civil War, let me know in the comments below!

The Game

I'm a believer that in the Civil War, anything can happen. Home field means something, but not everything. After that, its just two teams that REALLY want to win.

What is the formula for beating the Ducks? Here are my options:

* Outscore them (i.e. Stanford)

OR

* Don't let them get any big plays (Boise St.) and contain them on offense

OR

* Hope for an implosion on offense and don't let their defense win the game. (Purdue, Arizona, Boise St.)


Of course, the Beavers also need to do at least 3 out of 4 of these:

* Get TDs not FGs

* Limit the penalties

* No turnovers

* Force a few turnovers


What do you think? How do the Beavs win the Civil War?

Wazzu Game and Rose Bowl Possibilities

The big news after last weekend's amazing run of results (USC, Arizona losing) the Beavers have a very real possibility of making the Rose Bowl. Of course, we have to beat Oregon at Autzen to make it happen. Not an easy feat. How cool would it be to have the Civil War be for the Rose Bowl!

In case you haven't seen it, here's how the Beavs get into the Rose Bowl:

1. Beat Wazzu (Listen to the game at 2:00 pm on the Beaver Sports Radio Network)

2. Oregon or USC beats Arizona

3. Beat Oregon

That's it. So if Oregon beats Arizona today (5:00 pm, ABC) and the Beavers beat Washington State, then the Civil War is a one game playoff for the Rose Bowl. That would rock.


Here are some of the other Rose Bowl scenarios for the other Pac-10 teams still with a shot:

Oregon

* Beat Arizona

* Beat OSU


Arizona

* Beat Oregon

* Beat USC

* Beat ASU

From: Saturday could help decide USC's Rose replacement - Sporting News

Arizona, though, would take control of the league with a victory. Head-to-head victories over Stanford, Oregon State and Oregon would give the Wildcats a shot to go to the Rose Bowl if they win out. Arizona finishes with road games against Arizona State and USC.

Stanford

From: Stanford's Rose Bowl possibilities - SF Examiner

* Stanford must beat Cal.

* Arizona must beat Oregon in Tucson.

* Oregon must beat Oregon State in the Civil War.

* Arizona must lose again to either Arizona State or USC, both games will be played on the road.

The result of the above would leave Stanford tied with Oregon with two losses in the Pac-10. Tie goes to the winner.


So that's it. If I missed anything, let me know.

First things first, the Beavers need to beat the Cougars at 2pm today. Then everything else can continue to fall into place.

Go Beavs!

Last Tailgate Of The Season!

Its Dad's Weekend, Senior Day, and a rivalry game against the Huskies. But its also the last chance to tailgate!

Want to chat? Find me and other Beavs on twitter during the game! Just search for the #gobeavs hashtag and we'll find you!

Here's the live tweets right now!

Follow The Beavers On Twitter at #gobeavs

Go Beavs! Beat the Dawgs!

Cal Postgame: Canfield, Syd'Quan, Playing On The Road, and Rankings

Great win last night for the Beavers. For some reason, the team is playing really well on the road. Its actually great to see and I think it indicates a step forward for our program. Now we just need to get the fire back for home games. Fans: can we help?


What I Learned:

* Sean Canfield is a very good QB.

Take a look at his numbers:

PASSING         GP-GS   Effic   Cmp-Att-Int   Pct   Yards    TD   Long   Avg/G 
Canfield, Sean   9-9    144.2   217-312-5   69.6   2381   13   87   264.6

He's gotten better at the long ball, reduced his sackability, and improved his decision making. That combined with his physical tools makes him perhaps the best QB that OSU has every had. Bold statement? OK, well he is on track to have the greatest all-around single season a QB has had in the modern era. Considering the QBs that have come through here recently, that's not easy to do.

What do you think? Will Sean leave OSU as the best QB we've seen, or am I drinking too much orange kool-aid?

* Syd'Quan Thompson is freaking awesome

He was EVERYWHERE last night. Stopping the run, breaking up passes, making amazing recoveries to stop broken plays, and even tackling James for a loss on a Fly Sweep.

I'm glad we don't have to play that dude again this year.


On The Road

We have played excellent on the road this year. I think its a hallmark of our growth as a program and indicates the talent level and maturity of the players is rising.

Think about it: our worst road game was USC. And we almost beat them. Wow.


Rankings

I asked the question on twitter last night: "Should the Beavs be ranked?"



Here are the responses I got:

jackaninny: @JasonOSUBeavers #19 ND & #20 Oklahoma and of course #23 Cal all lose - Beavs above them all at #22 #gobeavs

OSUBeaverFan: @JasonOSUBeavers Not yet. more work to do. Bring on the Huskies. #gobeavs

LawTheo: RT @JasonOSUBeavers Should the Beavs be ranked? #gobeavs ~Abso-friggin-lutely! We only lose to ranked teams,Ranked OU and ND lose. Beavs #24

harrisja: Nah...but we'll get votes/ RT @JasonOSUBeavers: Should the Beavs be ranked? #gobeavs

MsRoseanna: @JasonOSUBeavers RT Should the Beavs be ranked? Yes & before now. But it works to OS advantage to sneak up by performance & not perception

tswcivic: @JasonOSUBeavers 24th

I think if Cal was ranked #20 somehow, we should probably be in there. Of course, it doesn't matter, but it is a measure of the level of respect around the country.

Looks like in the AP Poll we ended up #26 and in the USA Today Poll we were #28.

What do you think? Should the Beavers be ranked? Does it matter?


Go Beavs!

UCLA Game Thoughts - Mistakes, Penalties, and Waking Up Just in Time

Quick thoughts on the UCLA game.

I, like most of the fans in Reser, felt that the second half was a mere formality on our way to an easy win over the Bruins. Unfortunately, it felt like the players and coaches had the same attitude.

Sure we moved the ball and racked up the yards. But we lacked a killer instinct until that last 2 minute drive to win the game. The defense was playing prevent at the end and UCLA found that their QB Prince actually can complete passes when players are open.

But, really, the season long theme of mistakes continues...

* The game wouldn't have been close if we didn't have 12 men on the field in our punt return with 3 minutes left that gave them the ball back.

* The false starts are getting a bit ridiculous. It feels like we average at least 3 a game.

* We couldn't decide if we wanted to go for it or kick a FG early in the second half. Turns out we were faking the FG. But it was 2 seconds after the play clock expired.

* The timing was off between Canfield and the receivers. And some dropped balls that really killed our drives.

* Our pass defense seems like they are covering and tackling well, but no sacks at key times and no plays on the ball gave them major pass plays of 40-50 yards multiple times in the 4th quarter.


While each of the mistakes were fairly mild at the time, they added up to another close game at home. We were overlooking UCLA a little bit. Or maybe just relaxed a bit after the flurry at the end of the 2nd half. Ultimately, it felt like we were sleepwalking through the second half.

Since we play better on the road, I expect a good showing next week. But I am concerned for the UW game. Home games have just been too close and too relaxed. And its bit us twice this year already.

A win is a win. I'm happy we pulled it out.

Go Beavs!