OSU Beaver Football Blog

J. Smith, Riley's Return, and why experience matters

2017-12-07T14:56:00.001-08:00

Photo: Otto Greule, Allsport, 2001

As everyone in the Beaver Nation already knows, Jonathan Smith, former OSU QB who lead the team to it's best season ever, is now the new Head Coach.

Many consider the 2000 season the best ever because of the competition and results. That team should have played to win the national championship, they probably would have won. Instead they pummeled Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl- 41-9. They were loaded with talent and great coaching.

Jonathan has never been a Head Coach before but he has been studying under some of the best- Chris Peterson for example. He clearly knows what he is doing so far. His first 3 assistant coaching hires come with tons of experience, not just at the college level, but at the Power 5 level.

This is huge compared to Gary Anderson's staff. It was made up of coaches who had little to no experience at the Power 5 level.

This is a big deal, Gary Anderson didn't understand it. Gary's staff was unlike prior losing seasons. Even in the Kragthorpe era there were good coaches, e.g. Bronco Mendenhall, Rocky Long, Brady Hoke, and Mike Waufle to name a few. GA's staff was extremely weak and he obviously didn't manage them well.

Having a great staff is imperative to creating a winning culture. I think Jonathan Smith knows this.

Today's big surprise was the hiring of Mike Riley. I admit I was a little bit shocked by the announcement. But when I think about it, it makes sense. From all angles. He is going to assist Jonathan, with everything. Which mitigates the risk of Jonathan being a new HC. Which mitigates the risk of Riley having too much responsibility and failing again. Mike doesn't want or need the responsibility, he loves Corvallis too.

It will be interesting to see who else Coach Smith brings on board. He has a limited budget, although you didn't hear that from Scott Barnes.

The Perks Nike-Sponsored Athletes Get [Brandin Cooks | Vlog 7]

2015-08-10T20:31:00.001-07:00

What Does It Take To Be An NFL Receiver [Brandin Cooks | Vlog 8]

2015-08-10T20:30:00.001-07:00

Memories from 2006 Baseball - the first National Championship

2015-05-27T18:01:00.001-07:00

A new chapter

2014-12-10T16:54:00.000-08:00

Gary Anderson is the new coach of Oregon State. Yes, the former head coach of Wisconsin.

This week has been huge for the Beavers, new facilities and a new head coach.

I did not see Riley's exit or BDC's score with Anderson coming. I am in a daze with it all.

Recruiting should go from a question mark to huge opportunity now. We will recruit ballers.

Gameday Behind the Scenes - Oregon State defeats #6 ASU

2014-11-19T18:56:00.001-08:00

7 Games left

2014-10-07T16:24:00.000-07:00

The Beavers need to win 3 more games in order to get to a bowl, let's look at the remaining games and make a prediction.

Utah

This will be a tough game. Utah always brings the effort. They have a backup QB replacing their starter, but they play tough physical football. They beat a pretty good UCLA team last week.

Prediction- OSU +3

Stanford

Stanford is not as good defensively as they were last year. That said, they still have a lot of good athletes and are well coached. If Stanford is .500 club by this game, it will only help.

Prediction- Stanford +3

Cal

Cal is a crazy team, completely unbalanced. They are similar to Colorado. But better. The defense and running game for OSU will need to make the difference.

Prediction- OSU +6

Wash St

Another offensive happy team. They put up crazy numbers. Running game and defense for OSU will need to make the difference again. OSU special teams will need to step up.

Prediction- OSU +2

ASU

Arizona St is always tough, not sure OSU will have the mettle to win the game after two exhausting efforts against offensive juggernauts.

Prediction- ASU +7

UW

Washington is not a bad team and could give the Beavers fits. Their coach is outstanding, but depth is an issue.

Prediction- OSU +1

Oregon

The grand daddy game of them all. This will be a nail biter or it will be a blow out. I don't see how OSU can dominate this game. They can make it close and potentially win it at the end though.

Prediction- OSU +1

Conclusion:

The common theme for OSU to be successful is having a strong running game coupled with good enough defense and special teams. Turnovers could kill the season. Mannion needs to show that the USC game was not defining his capabilities.

Utah upset UCLA

2014-10-06T17:19:00.000-07:00

Utah is going to be a tough game for the Beavers. Defense and run game are going to be the difference. Mannion just needs to play turnover free. Riley's record on bye weeks is awesome. This should be a close match. I think OSU TE's are going to make a difference. Garrett is finally realizing that his TE's offer a distinct advantage against any defense given their size. It's not even fair. Time to start exploiting them.

USC loss sucked, Colorado was nice

2014-10-06T17:07:00.000-07:00

Good to see the Beavers recover from a very lame game against USC. Riley comments: Mannion comments:

The OSU MU.....on bikes

2014-09-29T19:35:00.001-07:00

Pre Game pics from USC

2014-09-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

I know the loss to USC stings, but OSU's players are really good kids. The pics are not mine, a friend was invited to join OSU for pre-game dinner Friday night. All the players and coaches where super friendly and gracious. I am so proud to be a Beaver and know that these players are representing the Beaver Nation.

USC rattles Mannion

2014-09-28T19:11:00.000-07:00

The only thing I can say about the loss to USC was that Mannion looked like a freshman.

He stayed in school because the NFL forecasted him getting drafted in 3rd round or later. After Saturday's game, he''ll be lucky to get drafted in the 5th round. USC is not that good, even if they are good, a Senior QB with credentials should carve them up. This sucks because Sean is a good kid.

I am still optimistic about OSU's season, but I am kinda bummed that Mannion hurt himself. He is a good kid, dedicated to OSU's success. If character and heart meant something in the NFL, then he should be a 1st round pick.

That said, I am not happy with Garrett's OC and QB work. Mannion should be prep'd better. Stress tested better. Pushed harder. His fundamentals should be tight. So should his mentality. Mannion should feel like he can conquer the world. Regardless of opponent.

I wasn't happy about the hail mary, but the defense played hard. To the point that USC got dirty and went for the knee's of OSU's defensive lineman repeatedly. We lost 3 DL's in the game.

Great day at OSU

2014-09-22T20:05:00.001-07:00

OSU stomped SDSU Saturday. Best of all I got to hangout with my old teammates from the Kragthorpe era. Lot's of history, lots of fun memories. All the bad stuff passed away. It was one of the greatest weekends of my life.

I am sorry for posting this......

2014-09-03T15:41:00.001-07:00

Someone in Oregon State's administration approved this video.

Don't worry there is more pathetic jingoism out there....New Zealand got their ass kicked after this episode 98-71.....

Andrew Susac is balling for the SF Giants

2014-09-03T14:08:00.000-07:00

Susac is a former Beaver who is lighting up the MLB. Folks in SF are talking about Buster Posey moving to first base because Susac has turned out to be such a stud. Here's an interview of Andrew in 2012(awesome)

Well....they sound like they know they need to improve

2014-09-03T13:55:00.002-07:00

We will see how things go this Saturday at Hawaii. I expect a close game. OSU will improve on it's boneheaded mistakes from last week, how couldn't they?

The TE's are going to be "Brandin Cooks" this year. The problem is that they seem soft. The potential for Hamlett and Smith looks like they could be Jimmy Graham clones. The only difference right now appears to be physical and mental. If I was going to scheme against them, I would tell my DE's and OLB's to hit them hard early and often.

Riley's postgame interview:

Mannion's postgame interview:
Dylan Wynn's postgame interview:

Oregon St vs PSU comments

2014-08-30T16:08:00.000-07:00

The third quarter was generous to the Beavers. They are leading 26-14.

Mannion is a saint, his surrounding assets are sucking. The TE's are very soft. If they had game Mannion could feed them.

Raw effort by the team is good, but they are playing stupid. Still very sloppy in all facets.

Oregon State 2nd Qtr comments vs Portland State

2014-08-30T14:48:00.001-07:00

This is sooooo embarrassing. The score should be 35-0. It's 14-13 PSU.

The offense and defense are completely sloppy and unprepared. At one point Portland State had more penalty yards than offensive yards. I am not sure the Beavers can play worse.

If the Beavers lose this game......I don't know what I will do.

Bright spots are the TE's(minus the boneheaded penalties). The offense is going to have to center on them this year. The height difference they bring is awesome. The only weak part is that they all look soft, none look in incredible physical shape. They have good hands, and can move(although not fast).

Mannion is playing down to his teammates. He needs to ignore their shortcomings and make other players look good.

RB's look okay. OL looks horrible unless in pass protection. None of the WR's look good. This is going to be a TE//RB oriented offense this year.

The DL and LB's need to play smart and physical. They are not using their heads this game.

Oregon State 1Q comments vs Portland State

2014-08-30T13:48:00.003-07:00

OSU- 6

PSU- 0

Sloppy. In all facets. Oregon State should be destroying PSU. 5 penalties is pathetic.

This is on the coaching staff. The kids don't look prepared.

The offensive plays and over all scheme look good. But the offensive line is inexperienced. Once they develop, it should be awesome. The running game looks solid.

Mannion looks great BTW. The defense is looking good.

Top 10 Oregon State Football Highlights #2

2014-08-28T16:54:00.000-07:00

Happy moments...

Small Ball

2014-08-26T17:36:00.002-07:00

Oregon State released it's roster for the Portland St. game this week.

Oregon Live has the list

My takeaway is that the defense looks small. DB's and LB's are 5'10" to 6'1". Weights 178-230.

Victor Bolden is also light. As well as his back ups.

FYI- the Pac-12 is for big boys. Why OSU players are not beefing up is strange.

Here comes the boom...

2014-08-25T10:00:00.000-07:00

This happened during a Civil War game.....

Tom Holmes, OSU Football Player

2014-08-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

With all the social media about the ALS ice bucket challenge, it's important to me to remember a great Oregon State football player who died of ALS too young. Tom Holmes played defensive tackle for Oregon State 1991-1995. I only got to know him in 1991, my senior year. He was one of the nicest players I've ever met. I am not saying that because of the hoopla with ALS, he was really the nicest ever. On the field, that was a different matter.

I am all for the ice bucket challenge. Anything to bring awareness to this horrible condition is worth it in my opinion.

PS- the deal with the challenge is that you either take a full ice bucket over the head or you donate $100 to ALS, aka Lou Gehrig's disease. Each video, post, etc to social media is worth $$, depending on reach, easily $100. This disease sucks. Make it go away in your own way. My family and friends did this......

To help wipe out this BS disease- Donate here

Funny highlight videos

2014-08-22T16:13:00.000-07:00

Here is a couple of highlight videos set to funny music. I am not sure Depeche Mode or EMF have enough testosterone for today's players, but it is funny that these songs were used for football highlights back in the day.

Here's UW's highlight video from 1991 set to Depeche Mode-

Arizona used EMF's Unbelievable for their 1993 highlight film-

Top 10 Oregon State Football Highlights #3

2014-08-21T17:53:00.000-07:00

Final plays of 2007 Civil War. Awesome....