Where do we go from here: Open Thread
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 11:13 AM PDT
25 comments
The damage has been done. There will be no starting out 3-0. But 2-1 is the best start we've had in a while as well, so there is something to take away from that. This isn't my fan post saying my opinions, it's an open thread where we can discuss what the Beavers have to do from here, as well as a reflection on these last few games. While yesterday was a disappointment for sure, I don't think THE OUTCOME was unexpected. What was most disappointing for me was the manner in which we lost. We could have beaten this team. We could be in the top 20 nationally right now. But the season isn't over. 11-1 is still (technically) possible. So here we are guys, let's discuss what this team needs to do, and reflect and the season that has been so far. I especially want to hear well thought out comments from the regular.s
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or the Building the Dam staff. FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable Oregon State fans.
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To get things started off...
This team absolutely has to do a better job of getting after the QB. Say what you will about the offensive play calling and the struggles we experienced trying to find the end zone yesterday, but 2 sacks in 3 games is not the way Oregon State wins (or any team for that matter).
We absolutely could have won this game (as I said above). I’m still hurting. But like everyone knew after Oregon lost to Boise St, there is still a lot to play for this year. We can still win a conference championship. We can still do some damage. This season is not over.
What does have me enthused, is despite all these troubles, we are still 2-1. At this point last year, it looked like our season was over. We have annually started slow and finished strong. Why should that change with a 2-1 start? Just remember that.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 11:17 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
While I very much agree the defensive pressure on the QB (see my FanPost) needs to be improved, I do want to emphasize how difficult of a spread offense is to match up with. I really didn’t get a full appreciation of that until seeing one in person and the Beavs are just so stretched out across the field with how many receivers get lined up. Plus Pike was very mobile, in that he both was able step up and back in the pocket when needed (Sean you need to watch some of the film on Pike from that game) and could go into a full scramble when really needed. He was also VERY smart back there and did what needed to happen and was VERY comfortable, yes yes sure he was both because of a lack of pressure but the flip side is that his impressive play also deflected much of the pressure that really did happen.
So, what I’m saying here is that I agree but also think the Cincy game might not be the best indicator and I’m willing to wait and see how we do against the UA and ASU QBs. I think if we are still like 2 or 3 sacks only through these games we are in trouble. But the positive side of me thinks we are improving and will be fine.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And to answer your main question:
We need to improve and also work on what is working too, and move on to making a run at the wide open Pac-10!
(I’m actually sounding flippant, but am very serious.)
And yes that was a freakin’ disappointing game, the Beavs could have won that game very easily, and I actually put more of the blame on the offense.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 11:40 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Totally agree that the outcome was expected
But the loss was dissapointing I think we just need to take the positives, work on the negatives, and move on. Like you said, we’ve got lots to play for the rest of the year, including a Rose Bowl. I think this team has what it takes to do it.
We just need to cut down on the penalties, get rid of the ball and don’t take a sack, and get touchdowns instead of field goals.
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
by ConnorOSU on Sep 20, 2009 12:02 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think you need to develop another weapon besides Quizz and James. If I’m a defensive coordinator, I don’t give anyone else respect and will completely key off of them. I realize they are such an important part of the offense but there isn’t any balance. Other guys have to step up to give them opportunities and it doesn’t appear to be happening.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
by dvieira on Sep 20, 2009 12:16 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I agree
And we’ll have players like that in the future. (Adeniji, Bishop) They just haven’t developed yet. That’s why I think next year we are going to be very good.
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
by ConnorOSU on Sep 20, 2009 12:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And I agree, but
The team needs it to happen this year, and not sure what is going on here right now. Do the coaches not have enough confidence in the younger players? Is Canfield keying in too much on Quizz and James? Does the coaching staff want to be sure to let Quizz and James know they are the go to go guys? Are the younger players not getting open? A combination?
For Saturday’s game, to me, it just looked like the plays were not being called and Canfield was not looking for other players. Great example was that 1st and goal to open the fourth quarter and every play went to Quizz. Sure the 1st down run made sense, but then it was two throws way outside the endzone, it did not look as if Canfield even looked inside the endzone for a play. That’s when I got to thinking that is way too much on Quizz.
And I think dvieira is very correct for Cincy just was able to key in on Quizz and James and it was so open to have someone else step up for Cincy’s defense was gambling quite a bit and the gambles paid off.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The play calling
With the beginning of the fourth quarter was terrible. Everybody on the Cincy D knew that the ball was going to Quizz. Why not mix it up and keep them on their toes?
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
by ConnorOSU on Sep 20, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
AND
what drove me crazy on this one was that they didn’t even look to the endzone. The two passes to Quizz were ten yards, or more, out. If you are going to take control of a game and/or put a team away you need to have the confidence to look into the endzone on long downs and goal.
I try hard to stay out of the armchair play calling fan role (I really do!), but those three plays just seemed lacking confidence and swagger. The Beavs had all the momentum with that pass to James at the end of the third, the fans were into it, it was going into the fourth with a 1st and goal from the five. It ended with a 4th and goal from the eight and a FG to stay behind. I didn’t like it.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I don't think Canfield is keying too much on them
They are the guys who make plays. As a quarterback, your first look is to always get the ball to your play makers. We got the ball a couple of times to Adeniji, and threw to Catchings. But of course we are going to try to get the ball into Quizz and Jame’s hands.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 5:40 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think the point is that you have 2 guys that represent over 50% of your offense and 60% of the touches. What incentive do opposing defenses have to respect other parts of your offense when they can single cover your receivers, double James, and spy Quizz with a few guys? In my opinion, you need a Shane Morales style guy with a QB willing to look his way consistently. If you can make other teams respect other parts of your offense, it will open up the game for the Rodgers.
Adeniji or Catchings can be that guy but it’s too early to tell. At least in the 3rd and 4th quarter, Canfield spent a lot of time trying to get them the ball. Out of 42 plays, 7 plays were to someone other than James or Quizz in the second half. If I’m a defense, that’s where almost all of my attention will go and make Canfield/Moevao beat me elsewhere.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
by dvieira on Sep 20, 2009 5:57 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
You are absolutely correct, except that Morales was the 4th option
We need someone to step up to be that 3rd guy. The last two years, James was that guy to Stroughter. Now, James IS Stroughter and we will need someone to step up in his old role. I still think Catchings will be that guy. But whoever it is needs to find out soon.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 6:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think Catchings (or someone else) needs to fill the Stroughter role as the main receiving threat
James cannot be in his role of coming out of the backfield and also filling in for Stroughter’s role of a deep threat all at once. Too much to ask, he needs someone to take the pressure off (which we are both saying) but I think he needs that to be the receiving side of things and let him be the second deep threat. We need him to help take the pressure off Quizz in the backfield.
Also, I do think that when your main guys, especially Quizz, are getting double and triple teamed and you still are going to them that you are not looking for other options. Cincy gambled on this all game, and especially the second half and never paid for it.
I do also agree that this was not the Penn State game and if this is the really poor performance game for the year the team is in good shape. I do sort-of agree about 8-4 and a Sun Bowl, BUT I really really do think this team has the potential to be better than that.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 8:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What I liked about Morales is that he came up huge when you guys needed a play. It doesn’t matter what number of an option he is. James can be the #1 guy. That’s fine. Just finding a guy that the defense has to account for should be enough to free it up.
--Dominic, Addicted to Quack
Autzen Stadium is where great teams go to die." - J. Brady McCullough, The Michigan Daily.
by dvieira on Sep 20, 2009 11:18 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'll agree to what everyone has said so far
But, albeit disappointed in the loss, Im rally looking forward to the teams growth from this game. Do you remember what happened after the Penn State game last year? Please correct me if I’m wrong, but it seems to me that after being embarrassed there the Beavs stepped it up and had a great year. The thing that stands out in my mind from yesterday is the O Line caving in in the middle. I think that Canfield was a victim of coverage sacks and missed line assignments. It looked to me like the coaches were trying to get more players involved. The TEs had a couple of catches, WRs (Catchings and Adoniji) had a couple of catches when Canfield could get them out there. I’m not sure about the RBs although I heard that McCants was suited up. Play calling is always easier from the stands or recliner. So, all in all, I am confident that the Beavs will regroup and learn from the mistakes and capitalize on the good performances. ……..GO BEAVs!!!
by RayBeavFan on Sep 20, 2009 5:07 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
That was my main point exactly. This team has looked poor early in the year for the past couple of years. So here’s hoping that this team steps up like it has in the past and goes 8-1 or 7-2 in conference. A tough measure to be sure, definitely now that the Pac10 looks as deep as it has in a long time, but completely possible. My final prediction for this team, given the schedule is 8-4 (6-3), and another Sun Bowl.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 5:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
RE: QB Sacks
I am not too concerned (yet) about the Beavs lack of sacks.
1) three games and all 3 teams play out of the shotgun
2) Pike and Clayton are both fairly mobile QBs (clayton probably moreso than pike)
3) both PSU and Cinci ran a ton of short routes to the receivers (bubble screens, slants, outs, etc.) and thus it would be very difficult (if not impossible) to get a sack on those plays
4) there was pressure on Pike, but the defense was just so spread out that a few times he was just able to step up in the pocket and avoid the sack/run the ball for a few yards
"Put your drawers on, and take your gun off."
by cloudydays on Sep 20, 2009 7:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
There were lots of plays when he had a lot of time back there. Yes, he’s mobile, but it wasn’t even often that he was forced out of the pocket.
We had plenty of opportunity to get some sacks, and we just didn’t.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 7:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I will say this as well, James Dockery played one hell of a game against one of the top receivers in college football. Gilyard was shut down for most the game, until that last touchdown grab. This is encouraging.
I support Takimoto in his effort to support Roger Kieschnick in his quest to becoming the best Kieschnick ever to play professional baseball.
by The VD Special on Sep 20, 2009 7:23 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
Yeah
Dockery played great. If Clark steps it up, which I think he will, we’re going to have a pretty good defense this year.
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
by ConnorOSU on Sep 20, 2009 8:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Actually not all that worried about the defense
Which surprises me since I was all concerned about it coming into the season and not so about the offense. Funny in how it has flipped for me, but I like the steady improvement the D has made so far. That Cincy game was not an easy one for the defense and they kept us in it, especially impressive second half.
-RVM
by rvm on Sep 20, 2009 8:39 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Kudos to the secondary
we’re seeing them grow before our eyes and I also think that the all of the defense showed good discipline. It seems like the LBs stayed with their assignments and didn’t commit too early on run or pass. I see evidence of that in Kristick’s Int. and alot of other plays where they were in on the stops. That pretty much left the D line to try to pressure Pike. I know the Beavs brought some extra pressure now and again, but that is a little dangerous against the spread it seems.
by RayBeavFan on Sep 20, 2009 8:57 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
One thing that has surprised me the last two games
is how many procedural penalties the Beavers have been having on offense. Against UNLV there were multiple penalties for too many men on the field. And there was an ineligible receiver downfield penalty that negated a big play against Cincy.
That is one of the big things that I think the Beavers need to clean up as they start Pac-10 play.
by tingeyga on Sep 21, 2009 12:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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