The Good
- Young Talent Gaining Experience: Noah Togiai received his first start of the season, and Paul Lucas saw more action than in the past. This could be an indication that we could see more H-Back action in the future and a move toward youth. Titus Failuauga is starting to develop into a 3-4 DE.
- Punting: I'm reaching...but there were 9 punts and none of them were returned. These weren't all corner kicks either. Porebski averaged over 46 yards per attempt.
- Recruiting Indicates Vision and Excitement: Despite the on-field atrocity, the Beavers are doing everything right off-the-field. I reminded myself after every Arizona score that the administration and Beaver Believers are building a new Valley Center, we have momentum and vision in recruiting, and there's every reason to believe we have a four-star staff.
As a whole, Beaver Nation has a more realistic outlook than most fan bases. I watched the game with oomcbeaver, Angie, BeaverPete, and an Arizona fan (with Beaver socks) who admitted Beaver Nation is still ahead of Arizona in terms of football support. We're chasing them in basketball, though that program is building momentum...
- Third Down Conversions: Ouch Beavs. After making a strong impression throughout the season and leading the Pac-12 in limiting first downs on third down, the Beavs gave up 10-19 conversions. On offense the Beavs only converted 5 of 16...
- Defensive Line: It's going to take some time to create the right mix in the 3-4 defense. The size up front is better suited to pass-rushing, but it's tough for the Beavs to put teams in 2nd and long situations. The DL works hard, but they get turned sideways or pushed back too often and the LBs aren't filling gaps or taking the right angles right now. We're still missing another inside LB that can clog up the running lanes.
- Passing Game: The quarterbacks are struggling to find open receivers. The screen pass, drag route, and flare pass are non-existent right now. Teams are playing tight and daring OSU to throw deep.
- Holy Helfrich!: Thank you to Helfrich and the oregon administration for giving Don Pellum an opportunity to coach the defense. I think 90% of The Lodge celebrated when he was named, and Pellum hasn't let us down. The ducks "Coug'd It" on Saturday.
- Life Of Riley: Had Riley started over with a new staff he wouldn't be a side show for Beaver Nation this season. Instead Riley got the gang back together (including Langsdorf) under the belief it was Oregon State (and not his staff) that contributed to a downward spiral in Corvallis. Great guy. Stubborn leader.
- Oh Sark...: Sark is showing why he's a mediocre coach and leader. Washington fans are starting to realize they are better without him. Trojan fans are ready to hire someone that falls outside their family tree.
