Oregon State DT Brennan Olander is having an MRI on his right shoulder due to an injury in Saturday’s game at UCLA, coach Mike Riley said Sunday night.
It’s not separated, but a muscular injury. Olander’s availability will be known Tuesday. Here’s the full follow up story in Monday’s GT.
Depth becomes an issue at DT with Castro Masaniai out for the year with a shoulder injury suffered against California the week before, Riley said. He’s scheduled for surgery and is expected back for spring practice.
That leaves senior walk-ons Evan Hull, Ben Motter and Nathan Hannah as the backups to Stephen Paea and Kevin Frahm.
The play calling was brought up, and Riley said: “We examine all of that (play calling) and execution.” He didn’t gloss over it, but hinted that he wasn’t happy with decisions made.
One was not going for a field goal by Justin Kahut in the first quarter. Kahut has been in a slump, but Riley said that had nothing to do with punting.
“There were some second thoughts today,” Riley said. “I like the result of downing the ball on the 1. I know nobody noticed it, but there was more wind early in the game. That’s why we kicked off that way. We would attempt a field goal going the other way the first half. But in retrospect I’d say I’d kick it today. I wasn’t feeling great how we were stopping them. I didn’t want to give them better field position.”
Here’s a look at where the Beavers rank in the main team categories:
Offense
Rushing: 125.8 ypg (91st nationally, 9th Pac-10)
Passing: 214.9 (63/7)
Total: 340.6 (84/8)
Scoring: 27.9 ppg (59/7)
Defense
Rushing: 167. 8 (75/7)
Passing: 249.8 (102/8)
Total: 412.6 (88/7)
Scoring: 26.1 (65/6)
Quizz’ hit
People have asked me about the dramatic hit RB Jacquizz Rodgers took Saturday that popped off his helmet. Here are my thoughts.
I didn’t think it was helmet to helmet, but something hit his facemask hard in an upward motion. It could have been a helmet or shoulder pad.
Now, look at my previous post titled UCLA postgame, it’s two down. It has a great picture of the hit with the helmet way up in the air. Look at the helmet. The chin strap is snapped on.
There are theories out there why helmets pop off. One is slick big hair, which Quizz has. The second is the chin straps are not on tight, which is the case here.
Any hit that knocks off your helmet better unbuckle the chin strap. Since that didn’t happen, I’m guessing the player likes it loose. So, flying helmets are a self-created hazard.
My conclusion is hit was a great hit on someone who should tighten the chin strap.
Sideline fight
Riley was asked about the reports of the scuffle between C Alex Linnenkohl and Olander when after the game when Olander questioned Linnenkohl about not playing hard enough to protect the quarterback.
“You are talking about two guys who are competitors,” Riley said. “I didn’t notice anything because I’m focused on the game. If there’s a problem, we’ll address it.”
20 comments
angrybeaver says:
May 18, 2012
Hire Mike Leach as offensive coordinator!
http://angrybeavs.com
GoBeavs64 says:
May 18, 2012
I know that if some very noticeable changes are not made over the off season I will not be purchasing tickets to any of the games next season. I may watch them on tv but it is getting harder to watch. We are at a point now , perhaps long overdue where change has to happen. I do not know if that means looking for a new head coach I think if Riley has the right men under him it could make a difference though a head coach who is more driven , less likely to just brush off certain things like that crap call that helped UCLA win might be a good morale booster for the team . The way Riley brushes off everything including late hits in the Boise game doesn't say a whole lot of good things to your team. Why are you not sending that video in Mike ? Really ? What makes that call any different than all the others you supposedly send in ? We didn't deserve that win true , but we sure as hell didn't deserve to lose it that way. You know it , your team knows it and Beaver Nation emphatically knows it . You know , if I had been Justin Kahut and you decline to give me a chance to kick that field goal that would have put us up 10 – 7 , my mentality is scrambled right now . That is blatantly saying you have no faith in me and that makes me doubt myself even more now and chances are my success rate isn't going to get any better the rest of the season. On second thought , maybe it is time for you to go.
osbeavs says:
May 18, 2012
I agree about Mark Banker, have been asking for him to go for quite some time. I think he lost his mojo after the 2008 CW lose and never recovered. You could predict this year defensively before it happened. Several times last year we failed to get stops with 6 minutes on the clock in the 4th to get the ball back, giving up key 3rd and 4th down conversions (Cinci, UA, USC and UO). Banker wasn't even smart enough to figure out that UCLA has the best kicker in the nation (one of the best ever to play statistically) and that a short out route was a possibility, someone needs to play the flats.
Now about the offense. I agree that scheme changes need to happen but I think those are happening because of Langsdorf. He does call the plays and struggles at times but he is a young coach who is learning. Those asking for creativity should look none other than to Langsdorf. The wrinkles that have been added in recent years are his design. Langsdorf is burdened by a terrible offensive line. Cavanaugh works with what he is given. This season stinks of poor recruiting in the trenches. I think Cavanaugh and Langsdorf deserve more time, they have skills as coaches. They are also progressive coaches who give way to change. We do score 28 ppg after all, with a good defense that should win games. Banker on the other hand has put together one of the worst defenses in the country, that can't even stop what it know is going to happen. Sadly, Saturday's outing may have been his best coaching against a running qb (a second string one at that).
osbeavs says:
May 18, 2012
Adding to the poor offensive line play is the two key penalties by Remmers. What is that guy thinking? I don't care what his skill level, he should be benched for the WSU game. Despite poor team play, that guy cost us the game. If I was him I would be embarrassed to go to class this week.
As for the homer game clock, everyone should know that the home team selects the game clock officials. You will always get homered by the game clock. Coaches need to plan for it. I won't say that we got hosed because we deserved to lose but the NCAA needs to look into the game clock issue.
Corvbeav says:
May 18, 2012
osbeavs,
good points here. We can look at a few things on why this game was lost.
Remmers committing a personal foul was a big one. Quiz just had a nice run after a big intercepion by Dock. We look like we are going in for at least a field goal and then boom! we are 2nd and long and can't recover.
The other big play was the personal foul late hit out of bounds by Robertson. This was on a 3rd down and they were forced to kick a FG. Tough call BUT if you leave and open area were a referee could call it then you are asking for trouble.
If you watch the end with the clock. It takes around 5.5 seconds for the play to be completed. I hope the Pac-10 looks into it because that was ridiculous
RickyBooby says:
May 18, 2012
I found that to be the most embarrassing loss in the last 10 years. This has become a mediocre football team, and on the path to becoming a mediocre program. I despise the Ducks, but as the two programs make clear and pronounced moves in the opposite direction, these type of games are increasingly unacceptable. The Ducks have a bad half, then turn it around and beat the hell out of the opponent. OSU has a bad half, and it only ends up getting worse. Is it coaching, is it talent, is it the lack of a bigtime booster?
There seem to be systemic problems right now.
This UCLA loss is the type where you leave your orange and black in the closet for a few days longer than usual. Your kid wants to wear his Quizz jersey on Sunday morning and you encourage he sport the Elmo overalls instead. This season isn't about in-State bragging rights anymore, it's about not becoming a Pac 10 doormat. This is doom and gloom.
OSU4life says:
May 18, 2012
Coaching, talent, or lack of a bigtime booster? I think all it's a combination of all three. If we lack talent, it is up to the coaches to recruit better players. Also, coaching helps with winning, and winning produces better recruits. When you win more, a program gains more funds. If I had a white board I would draw a cycle of all three, they all go together! Just when you want to list numerous excuses, I'll say two words; Boise State. Does BSU have more money than OSU? No. Better Recruits? Not on paper or according to scout, rivals, espn, etc. But, Look at their stats, wins, rankings, total offense and defense and overall production, then YES! Coaching? That is debatable, especially when you take off the Orange & Black colored glasses! OSU is at a crucial crossroad right now. BTW, you summed up the UCLA loss perfectly, nice Elmo reference!
saltick says:
May 18, 2012
Cliff,
The UCLA game makes me wonder how much game planning Riley is doing before and during the game. We did not adjust to their running game at all, we get a description of the challenge of the pistol offense and then we get no penetration at all, no run blitz schemes, just making tackles after 6 yard gains. Another reason for more blitz activity is our weak corners, UCLA was getting six or more years every time with flat passes.
Next how about the offensive play calling, 14 carries for our running back, we get the ball with four minutes, we make 8 yards on a run, and then decide to t hrow twice on our own ten yard line, makes no sense esepcially when Katz is having a poor day. Look forward to your comments, I just think Riley needs to be more active on the sidelines and over rule his coaches some of the time on both sides of the ball.
ckirkpatrick says:
May 18, 2012
First, that's what all football coaches do, they make a game plan every day for many hours all week to prepare for a game.
Most of the defense problem is players just not doing it on the field. Any major scheme changes would be done in the offseason. Kind of late now.
Offensively, they throw move because the running block is not good. And on that day they couldn't block the blitzes.
At the end, you try to win it or play for overtime. OSU tried to win it, and then lost. These things happen.
GoBeavs64 says:
May 18, 2012
These things " happen " wayyyyyy to often Cliff
saltick says:
May 18, 2012
Cliff,
I know coaches make game plans, but the point was when the plan is not working give the kids a chance to win. We did not send enough people against UCLA to shut down their running game! On offense, we did not through slants or short passes and/or let Quizz get outside, the times we did that were successful. A head coach needs to step in and adjust the game plan when things are not working.
Corvbeav says:
May 18, 2012
Relax Beaver Nation, we are a healthy James Rogers away from being 6-2 and 5-0 in the Pac-10.
You idiots calling for Riley's head were the same dudes calling for his head in 2006. Get a grip. Programs go through ups and downs. This team will go 6-6 (Yes, we will beat USC) and play in the Sun Bowl. Not Great BUT if this is a down year then I am OK with it.
This team is loaded next year on Offense and I think we have a big year coming!
GO BEAVS!
JuneauJim says:
May 18, 2012
I'm with you Corvbeav. The 2000 team that went 11-1 followed it up with 5-6 the next year. Most first year QB's struggle. Katz is up and down.
And yes, the play calling was odd and the defense can't stop the run even when they know it's coming. Mike and his staff will learn from their mistakes and fix it. But that doesn't mean we win out.
It's a long season and you got to trust it.
OSU4life says:
May 18, 2012
I haven't heard many people calling for Mike Riley's head. It's the heads of Danny Langsdorf, Mark Banker, and Mike Cavanaugh that need to roll! OSU is closer to being 2-6 than being 6-2! The Louisville and ASU games, we were lucky to prevail in nail biters! Why Danny Langsdorf? Inept, predictable, one dimensional, unimaginative play calling. “But, we don’t have James Rodgers.” True, but 2 years ago in the Sun Bowl vs Pittsburg OSU didn’t have either of the Rodgers Brothers, the result 3 points!!! Anyone with a heartbeat knows that if you stop Rodgers’, you stop OSU! How can this be when OSU has athletes especially with the playmaker/back positions? I have family members with a very limited to zero knowledge about football asking me, “Why did they run that play?” If OSU’s offense is predictable to housewives and school children, Do you think it is predictable to a defensive coordinator in the Pac-10? It’s not like this is the only year this has been happening! There is a pattern, a pattern that MUST be broken! If you agree with me or disagree, then state your reasons. Here are two more: Mark Banker and Mike Cavanaugh.
tradernum1 says:
May 18, 2012
James Rogers is a stud, but Wheaton is a more than adequate "replacement". The issues on d have been showing up for a while, and our o line is horrible this year. I don't think James being healthy gets us to 5-0.
I very much agree that perspective is needed, but I don't think Riley and/or the fans should ignore the problems. Play calling and defensive positioning go directly to coaching, and I think you have to put our tackling woes and overall lack of improvement in the coaching category as well.
We're coming off two pretty good years, but ignoring the last two cw debacles has been the wrong thing to do and this year's team is pretty bad in a lot of areas.
Corvbeav says:
May 18, 2012
How can you say that we wouldn't be 5-0 in the Pac-10? We lost on the last play of the game in both! Case in point, in the UW game Weaton dropped a bomb in the 1st Quarter that would of scored. James would never miss this. James is also the best returner in the Pac-10. How much better field position would we of had in both games?
Wheaton is good but he is not even close to the same level James was at. Fly sweep, receiving, return yards & leadership, James was the biggest piece to this team and his lost has taken away our personality.
I am certainly not discounting that this team is without problems. Our Defense still can't get off the field (that first drive of the 2nd half was painful)
But you are right, if the team loses games that it should win then, fair or not, it is the coaches responsibilities to make the proper changes.
This weeks game was horrible. Losing to a team as bad and banged up as UCLA is hard. I just hope we step it up the final 4 games.
CollegiateAthl says:
May 18, 2012
I timed it at 3.6 seconds. I recall a clock review in a close game with Texas (did a Colt McCoy pass out of bounds land before the clock ran out?), so I believe it was valid. I don't really understand why a second was added after the previous play (3.? seconds to 4 seconds) but, whatever, the Beavs just need to play a LOT better.
OSU4life says:
May 18, 2012
GoBeavs64 is spot on. You might want to try reposting this tomorrow on a newer thread, so your comment won't go unnoticed?
wcjr says:
May 18, 2012
totally agree!
ckirkpatrick says:
May 18, 2012
At DT, this season has walk-ons Evan Hull, Ben Motter and Nathan Hannah. Motter and Hannah were former OL, converted a year ago. Basically, they are there for emergency purposes.
They are so thin because Mitchel Hunt and Tonu T. couldn't come back from career ending injuries. This is a big area that needs to be JC recruited to fill the gap.
Mana Tuivailala looks big. He's a redshirt. We'll see what he can do in spring. There are greyshirts coming, Fred Thompson is supposed to be a good one.
DE, beyond the top three there's Andrew Seumalo who is getting some playing time and walk-on Devon Kell. He's very athletic, but raw. John Braun is a guy who can turn into a player, but he converted from OL recently. So he's raw. Mana Rosa, I haven't seen much of him. He's coming back from a shoulder injury.
So, another area that has to be JC recruited to fill the gap.