Cliff: OSU’s wildcat, Sunday notes (updated) Comments
The Oregon State football team debuted the wildcat formation in the victory over Stanford on Saturday. That’s when QB Sean Canfield lines up as a receiver and RB Jacquizz Rodgers plays quarterback.
The move took the Cardinal by surprise as evident from the three successful plays. The first one went for a 61-yard run by Rodgers.
However, this wasn’t an addition this week for Stanford. The Beavers have been working on it since training camp but with limited success. Players started asking the coaches if they were ever going to call the play.
The plan was to try it on the second play of the game, and then see how it works.
“It was in the lab for a long time,” coach Mike Riley said. “That has been a deal for practice for a long time. But it should be like that. Before it gets in the game, you should have good repetition of it. There are timing issues. There were times in practice it didn’t look good.”
Rodgers enjoyed the plays, but cautioned that it can’t be used too much. Teams will scout the plays run out of the formation. But will Rodgers throw out it; he does work throwing after every practice?
“That’s still in the lab,” he said.
“I can’t envision him passing from the pocket, but I’m sure he’d like to,” Riley said.
The video is a GT produced highlight package of the game.
Stat rankings
The Beavers lead the conference in passing (254.8 ypg) and are second in passing efficiency (136.6 rating). The run defense is third in the Pac-10 and 18th nationally (97.7 ypg).
The bad numbers are they are 10th in the conference in sacks (0.67 per game) and ninth in TFL (4.5), sacks allowed (3.2) and pass defense (275.3 ypg).
Individual number highlights include: Rodgers being first in the Pac-10 in scoring (13 ppg), WR James Rodgers first in the conference in receptions (7.2 per game), receiving yards (90.7 ypg) and all-purpose yards (180.2 ypg).
Quizz is second in receptions per game (6.3) and all-purpose yards (161 ypg).
Canfield is fourth in the Pac-10 for passing efficiency (137.5 rating) and total offense (216.3 ypg). LB Keaton Kristick is fourth in tackles with 8.3 per game.
Injury update
OG Gregg Peat bruised a knee in the game. “That turned out to be a significant scare,” Riley said. “He’s fine, but he’s sore and stiff. I think he’s going to be fine.”
S Suaesi Tuimaunei has several dings: shoulder, quad and wrist.
The plan is to bring RB Ryan McCants (knee) back into games starting this week so he can be a backup option against USC.
“He had a good week with the scout team,” Riley said. We’ll see this week if he’s ready to step into it. We are getting close to where he’ll be back in the games.”
WR Casey Kjos (back) didn’t have a setback from playing, after missing three weeks. “He’s solid as a rock,” Riley said. “He worked hard with that back. Hopefully, he’ll stay healthy.”
Riley is doubtful WR Darrell Catchings (ankle) will be back for USC like originally thought. “I don’t thing so,” Riley said. “He’s not running. I think it’s a long-term deal.”
On a side note, I hope Riley doesn’t gamble that Catchings gets a medical hardship wavier. It’s not a slam dunk with an ankle sprain. That decision is voted on by the Pac-10 in March. If the request is denied, Catchings will play all of two games this season and be a senior next year.
The schedule
The Beavers will practice Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday during the bye week with rest of the time off days for the players. The coaches will be preparing for USC before practices and Riley said he’s forcing them to go home after the practices so they get a break.
They’ll also do some recruiting next weekend. Coaches will be able to make some Friday and Saturday games.
Players return to practice Monday and have Sunday off. They get an extra practice to get ready for USC.
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