The defense at work in the indoor center.
The Oregon State football team ran indoors after the beginning of Thursday’s practice after the harsh weather started to come.
Then the Beavers turned in the most-hard hitting practice of the spring. WR Brandin Cooks even accidently ran into a older female spectator trapped against the wall on the sidelines. She was OK, but the trainer checked her out.
Highlights of the scrimmage portion of the practice included a strong day by the QBs, particularly backup Cody Vaz. They were very accurate as they picked apart the secondary.
WRs Markus Wheaton, Obum Gwacham and Cooks were on. And, yes, Gwacham was using his height to his advantage.
WR Richard Mullaney, however, was out of practice with a wrist injury.
RBs Malcolm Agnew and Storm Woods made great plays in the running game. Coach Mike Riley talked about it more in the video above.
The OL getting technique instruction.
As for the individual work highlights, this was the day the DL and OL traded places. The OL practiced rushing the QB and the DL blocked.
The DL won the skirmishes the most. OT Michael Philipp looked great rushing and DT Castro Masaniai looked strong blocking. Riley said he had no intention to move any DL to OL at the moment.
Riley hadn’t heard that the BCS is considering a four-team playoff for the national title, but said this: ”I guess it’s worth it. There will be a big fight who the four are like who the two were. You’ll never get a perfect world.” Riley is a big backer of the bowl season.
13 comments
Pos0x45 says:
Apr 26, 2012
Cliff,
I know it’s still early, but you have been watching these guys in their workouts. Do you seen any difference than the last couple of years? Any ideas on why they tanked and have they fixed their problems? What is your opinion of this group of guys compared to OSU teams over the last fifteen years? There are many writers who claim that this team doesn’t have the athletic talent to keep up with the rest (or most of the rest) of the PAC. What do you think? Give us some sunshine.
Cliff Kirkpatrick says:
Apr 26, 2012
Injuries were the big problem, which led to many younger players. OSU was overmatched last year.
This year those younger players are big, faster and more experienced. The other teams lost their seniors. People forget that other teams change, too.
OSU has talent. If it has enough for a 10-win season, I doubt. There is a chance for a six-win season and a bowl game. Honestly saying more could happen now would be crazy.
oneoldbeav says:
Apr 26, 2012
“Riley said he had no intention to move any DL to OL at the moment.” Is this a misquote? If anything I thought there was a possibility that an OL might move to DL (Hasiak??).
wcjr says:
Apr 26, 2012
Very relieved you are back to your normal self OOB! After your suggestion of bringing in Cole(no lead is ever enough)Brocker Tuesday night your credibility was at stake(just a scintilla, perhaps). Welcome back!!
Cliff Kirkpatrick says:
Apr 26, 2012
He is not planning to change any positions. Hasiak is being brought in to be on the OL.
oneoldbeav says:
Apr 26, 2012
Sheesh Cliff, I quoted from your story where you said Riley had no intention AT THE MOMENT to, “move any DL to OL “. I’m still left to wonder if this is an accurate quote. Is it??
I understand that he is not planning to change any positions AT THE MOMENT. Seems to me much more likely that IF any changes were to be made that someone from the OL would move to the DL………..not the other way around. Thus my suggestion that Hasiak might considered as a candidate to move (from the OL where he is currently slated) to the DL which is in worse shape.
Cliff Kirkpatrick says:
Apr 26, 2012
There is no thought to move him at this moment. Things always change. But the OL is in more desperate need of players.
bone says:
Apr 26, 2012
I think right now we are in desperate need of healthy bodies at the OL, but come fall DL may be lacking the talent.
ChrisOSAlum says:
Apr 26, 2012
I am hearing a lot of good things about Cody Vaz this spring. I would like the Beavs to get a comfortable lead in some games this year to give Cody more playing time in the fourth quarter.
I am optomistic about this year as a lot of young players will have another season of experience; the ends, Crighton and Wynn, backs, Mannion, Cooks Wheaton, linebackers, Poyer, and the line with Philipp looking strong, new recruits, and Castro coming back. …. But, it’s hard to tell when they are practicing against themselves… They seem to have a lot of bright spots if they can just pull it all together.
bone says:
Apr 26, 2012
What I like to hear is that there is a lot of give and take. Don’t want one side dominating. Can it please be September already!!
floridabeav says:
Apr 27, 2012
Cliff: Thanks for letting us know that Obum was using his height to gain advantage.
oneoldbeav says:
Apr 27, 2012
floridabeav, you may have seen these reports on Boomer but just in case check these links: http://www.portlandtribune.com/sports/story.php?story_id=133539166330332500
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2012/04/oregon_state_beavers_football_73.html
Interesting to note that the DB’s “finally resorted to some blatant interference against the 6-foot-5 target.” and that Mannion said he has to resist the urge to loft it up for Gwacham too often.
floridabeav says:
Apr 27, 2012
oob: Thanks for the links. Your final comment regarding Obum’s size and Mannion’s trust in him are the keys. I continue to believe (hope) that this pair, along with the speedsters at the other receiver position, will help the Beavers break out of a two year funk.