Oregon State star RB Jacquizz Rodgers missed his second day of practice Wednesday due to a bum ankle. He’s expected to be ready for Saturday’s game with Cincinnati, coach Mike Riley said.
That brought up the topic of the Rodgers brothers being too much of the offense again. The problem is that that if they get hurt the offense stalls like at the end of last season.
OSU is being set up the same way right now. They’ve accounted for 625 all-purpose yards of OSU’s 925. That’s right, the rest of the players have added 300 yards.
This was mentioned to the brothers this week. And as long as they are healthy they want the ball. They are competitors.
“It doesn’t matter, whatever it takes to win,” Quizz said. “Whatever play is called, it’s whatever.”
Quizz has the biggest concern of his health as a RB who carries the ball 20-plus times a game. The beating on his 5-foot-7 frame adds up.
The solution
Riley frequently said he wants to get a rotation with a backup but never finds a trustworthy option. That is until now.
True freshman Jovan Stevenson has done well every time he touches the ball. He has 12 carried for 59 yards with a 4.8 average per carry.
“I really like what he’s doing,” Riley said. “I think we can, and will, work him into more of a rotation. I love that Jovan has run for yards when he gets in there. That would be good for Quizz and good four our team.”
Post-practice report
WR Darrell Catchings (wrist) and QB Lyle Moevao (shoulder) continued to work with the second string.
WR Casey Kjos (back) missed the end of Tuesday practice and all of Wednesday’s. Riley said he’s day-to-day.
The defense worked on getting ready for play ever 15 seconds since the Bearcats run the 2-minute drill all game.
The line
The Vegas line moved on this game. The Beavers started out as 3.5 favorites and now are a 1-point underdog.
Thursday’s links
Here’s a feature story on what WRs Casey Kjos and Damola Adeniji did to kill time during the summer. Gearheads will love this one.
Here’s the off-beat Q&A with CB Tim Clark. For a preview, he’s a look at his dream date.
11 comments
angrybeaver says:
Sep 17, 2009
Cliff, off topic, but can you ask Banker why our DBs never turn their heads to make a play on the ball, or will a question like that result in all kinds of hostility? It's been happening since Weathersby left in 2003 and the question really needs to be answered. It can't be answered until someone asks it.
ckirkpatrick says:
Sep 17, 2009
Here's another example of why all these blog changes hurt. That question was answered very completely by Banker a couple years ago. Fans were up in arms about this. Over the years, I just linked the blog over and over. Now I can't. So here is my bullet points to the answer.
1. It not a penalty to not look for the ball in college. You just can't touch the receiver.
2. If you are running with a WR, turning and looking for the ball slows you down.
3. OSU teaches that if you are in position to make a play, make it.
4. If you are a step behind, but close, block the ball coming in with your arms and back of your head. Just don't touch the guy. If you are in that position and turn, you lose a step and a 20-yard reception and tackle turns into an 8o-yard TD because the WR catches the ball and keeps running at full speed, while the DBs must restart the run.
Basically, they want young DBs to have coverage and not blow it big until they are comfortable and read a WR to make a play. A pass breakup off the back of the head is what they are looking for a young guy. INTs are gravy.
Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes never turned back early in their career. Then they became NFL-caliber players and knew when to do that and they got the INTs later.
angrybeaver says:
Sep 17, 2009
That is weird logic by Banker. Turning for the ball slows down the WR, too. That should even out. We seem to get fewer INTs than any team in the Pac-10. Not sure if that is true, but it seems that way.
I've also seen play after play where the WR turns to look for the ball and catches it right over the arms/head of a DB who is flailing, not looking, and not knocking the ball down. It just looks…awkward…and I don't see any other program defending that way on a consistent basis. I'm in the minority, but I'd be glad if Banker left for those greener pastures he alluded to during fall camp.
DaMonkey says:
Sep 17, 2009
Angry… be careful what you ask for…
I like our other options for offense, but I just don't trust Canfield that much yet. Maybe he'll show me he's ready for primetime at this game… but I just don't see it yet. If he had the presence and poise of Katz methinks this team would be feared.
Just saying… next year looks bright with all the talent coming back… and potential for a great recruiting class.
Play smart Beavs!!!! Open up the play book… and really "Let the dogs out" and put some pressure on this QB…
aaron_ says:
Sep 17, 2009
I think the Beavers need to open up the playbook. We really do have some good options on offense that arent named Rodgers; Bishop, Wheaton, Catchings, Adeniji, Halahuni, Kjos, Kevan Walker. All these guys can make plays. If we spread the ball more then the defense has to play honest and not focus on the Rodgers. This will spread things out and will result in bigger plays for the brothers. This would let the fly sweep return back to it big yard gainer instead of just the 5 yrd gain. It would help quizz get more than a couple yards a carry. It would also keep him fresher and less banged up. Just a thought. But to think this hasn't crossed riley's mind is ridiculous. I know he and his coaches know this, i am just not sure why they dont buy into it.
aaron_ says:
Sep 17, 2009
i also believe that the team will be better if/when lyle is back starting at qb. I know Canfield is looking good and having fun again and all that, but they lack that spark with him in there. He is a good qb dont get me wrong and i like him, but this team plays better, with more urgency and emotion with Lyle at qb. Unfortunatley they are both here at OSU at the same time (class, SR.) other wise i would think Canfield was the man.
Next year should be a good competition though with Katz and Lalich. Two good qb's. Either way we will be in good hands. The 3rd stringer next year will be decent also with either Vaz or Lomax. Qb position for the next few years at OSU is taken care of.
This week Yve's little brother will be in town. I hope the Beavs do well against Cincy, a win would go a long way in impressing Giovanni bernard. Go Beavs!
AndySnacks says:
Sep 17, 2009
Can we please stop with the criticizing the starting quarterback? Going on 10 years straight the backup quarterback has been the best option in the minds of the fan. When Smith was the quarterback, everyone wanted the "prototypical" Shane House. I don't think he ever got on the field, and Smith left as the best passer in school history. Then Derek Anderson got a shot, and immediately everyone wanted the "more polished" Gunderson. DA's playing on Sundays, Gunderson is carrying a clipboard and wearing khakis. (Those that can't, teach.) Matt Moore comes in, and everyone wants Canfield. Matt Moore leads us to one of more dramatic bowl wins in recent history. I feel bad for Moevao and Canfield, because no matter who's under center, people want the other guy. Now someone says we need to go to the "more poised" Ryan Katz? A freshman who's played one quarter against an FCS team? He's more poised than a fifth year senior? What planet are we on?
Trust the coaches…..have they lead you wrong in the last decade?
ElJefe says:
Sep 17, 2009
Hear, hear, Andy!
Support your team and trust your coaches, people! No matter what!
Beaverfuzz says:
Sep 17, 2009
You guys are a bunch of whiners, there's a reason why the playbook has been kept tightly closed the first two games.
THINK ABOUT IT!
ElJefe says:
Sep 17, 2009
Precisely!
On both offense and defense!
Elcorin says:
Sep 18, 2009
Thank you! I would now go on this blog every day!
Elcorin