Oregon State defensive coordinator Mark Banker took a lot of heat for last year’s Civil War defeat when the Beavers gave up 65 points and 694 yards.
And he took it hard, too. Check out my story in Monday’s GT about that and what the Beavers need to do to stop Oregon’s spread.
Here are some more thoughts from Banker that didn’t make the story.
Was there anything you could have done better last year, or could Oregon beat anyone that day?
“It was a combination. The opponent that day, they were on. They did a lot of things to challenge us, and we weren’t up to the challenge.”
Did Arizona do anything you can use?
“Watching the Arizona team, they are good defensively and athletically. They didn’t do anything out of their scheme. They worked on responsibilities. As I looked back (to last year) we were overzealous, and we never got to third base. We tired to get to first and second and couldn’t do that.”
Was playing Washington State last week not a good warmup?
“What was neat in that game, we saw a version of the zone read where the quarterback can hand off or run. That will help us this week.”
What kind of impact does Jeremiah Masoli have on Oregon?
“You have to watch the UCLA game when he’s not in there. It looks like a totally different thing. And when you go to take on the guy, he’s not an arm tackle guy.”
What do think of Oregon’s offensive line?
“This is the best offensive life we’ll face all year. They are not the best pass blockers or drive blockers. For what they do they execute at a very high level.”
Here are coach Mike Riley’s thoughts on what Banker has done this year:
“He has done his best coaching job ever, considering who we lost,” Riley said. “One year ago one defensive end was playing basketball at Reno and one was playing tight end for the Beavers. Then we have a whole new secondary with three now in the NFL. So that’s the best coaching job Mark and the coaches have done since we’ve been here.”
8 comments
SnohoBeav says:
Nov 30, 2009
I don't like the ducks. I don't like their costumes. I don't like their arrogance. I don't like their coach. I don't like the toilet seat on their helmets. I'm confident Coach Banker, Keaton, Stephen and friends will find a way to control that slight-of-hand hide-the-pickle that Chip Kelly calls an offense.
See you in Pasadena (or "Pasedena" as they spell it in Eugene).
JoeAvezzano says:
Nov 30, 2009
Snoho dude, I'm certain my disdain for all things Duck runs deeper than yours, but that's "sleight" of hand. For future reference, bro.
ckirkpatrick says:
Nov 30, 2009
A poster called Yarmarkt made an over the edge comment about a poster. I'm guessing a Ducks fan.
Yarmarkt, you are welcome to post. Just keep it clean. Don't attack posters, that's the only rules.
If coaches, players or writers (they are in the public eye) do something, they are fair game.
OSwho says:
Nov 30, 2009
LOL SnohoBeav! Still smarting from the beat down last year eh? Cant say that I blame you for not getting over it; I mean I'm sure you're reminded of that HISTORIC tool shed whoopin every time you drive I-5 with that 65 mph limit and all… man that must just eat at ya
Also Hilarious that you'd even attempt to put down that Offense (caps cuz it aint no ordinary offense) since it was the vehicle used to put up the highest scoring and yardage mark in ANY civil war. You guys had a bunch of NFL prospects on that D and you STILL couldnt figure it out or stop it… Nuff said.
Now go ahead and flame it up you aquatic rat fans.
robsand says:
Dec 1, 2009
I have sent children through both schools and will be pulling for the Beavs on Thursday. With all of the resources that Oregon possesses, it’s a little disappointing that they cannot consistently compete with the bigger programs. Also, after the Blount issue in Boise, Oregon has become a laughing stock nationally. Hopefully then can clean things up and start recruiting kids with better character.
OSwho says:
Nov 30, 2009
Wow this is truly a rat fan site when a post has to be approved by the site admin…thats one way for rat fans to post outrageous crud and hide. Weak.
ckirkpatrick says:
Nov 30, 2009
Newspapers have gone to this all across the country to keep fans from going crazy behind fake names.
QuackHo says:
Dec 1, 2009
robsand – are you still talking about the BSU/Blount mess? I agree he embarrassed himself and his school, but that was back in September. You need to let it go and move on. If ESPN's College Game Day can forgive, then we all can (that was joke).
It's certainly debatable if he should have been reinstated, but not having played a down since, it's not like he's taking playing time away from more deserving players. He'll get drafted in the late rounds next year and probably sign for the league minimum. After that, who knows? It is safe to say that from a financial standpoint, his behavior likely cost him millions.
I think this has the potential to be the best Civil War ever. Enjoy and Go Ducks!