Oct 16, 2022·edited Oct 16, 2022Liked by John Canzano
My thoughts on the game (and this is from reading since Pac-12 Network is not carried by Hulu / ESPN+, but Big 10 (BTN) and SEC are, is that Gulbranson will only get better. He is a freshman, but already is protecting the ball better than Nolan, and that matters! For a team with limited offensive talent (the Beavers), ball protection is the name of the game. I am sure the coaches are helping with play calling to cover inexperience. I have noted in the past that Coach Smith needs a better Portal Game to build this team up so that it earns the attention of 4 and 5 star high school recruits in the future. But no one can deny that without the benefit of the portal Smith has built the best defense this team has had since the Erickson teams, including the wise decision promoting Coach Bray to DC. So, the crib notes on this OSU football team is they reflect the grit of their head coach and out perform their limited skills. Smith has fixed their early season penalty and pass dropping problems (coaching!!) Coach Smith has created a winning culture in Corvallis, as we knew he would, and we LOVE it.
Loved viewing the game. I would say this is the most complete game OSU has played, because it never felt like we were out of control (there was a bit vs. Boise State we were). I personally would like to see Ben start going for the rest of the season. Also keep in mind we have a 4 star QB recruit coming next year (knock on wood), which will make the QB camp interesting. I've posted takeaways on the CFB reddit and noted this time, I couldn't think of any negatives except maybe finishing more often. Also, I don't know who else was at Reser, but I was in the student section at about the 30 yard line terrace side, and there is a mic there for the crowd noise that gets replayed on the other speakers. I did not notice this anywhere else. As for rushing afterwards, we gave them the requested 60 seconds, but the reason why we rushed is because this was the last losing streak that's alive (streak is defined as 3 or more in this context). Now we hold winning streaks or have lost the last one to every P12 team. If we win next week, I expect the students to rush again due to the being bowl eligible in October rarity celebration. Also because Corvegas.
Oct 16, 2022·edited Oct 16, 2022Liked by John Canzano
Amen. There is always something to criticize with even the best of football teams. OSU's defense gave away long runs and passes to WSU, but countered that deficiency with all the sacks you mentioned... and playing clean (few penalties) also covers a large number of gridiron sins. Congrats to the Beavers--it is well deserved.
Gulbrandson clearly has talent, he's made a lot of progress even in two games. But he's also clearly a freshman and not as smooth or comfortable in his position yet. If he continues making progress he could turn into a great qb.
Martinez is also clearly a talented power runner and could also be the next great OSU RB. But he's also a freshman and needs to be better.at reading the line and gaps. Getting colleto and others to pull for him and getting the line out of his way was 100% a great game adjustment, this is going to get some serious results over the next few games if they keep it up.
Idk why we can't use velling and the other TE a bit more, or let colleto play te as he can catch and has the build as well. We need to stop trying to force throws into coverage and take some shorter yardage percentage throws both for the qb sake and to free up our receivers. Our receivers get bagged on as being weak but bolden and Gould are damn good athletes that I think are hampered by coverage and play calling.
Beavers have grit, and clearly want it. They want to go to Vegas they just have to keep playing like it.
Actually I was surprised Oregon State was able to win that game. It seemed like Washington State was playing better earlier in the season. It also seems like home field advantage is huge this year.
While watching the game, I was saddened this was the last year for Colletto. He is such a key part of all three phases of the game. What becomes of us when he leaves?
But then I was comforted by the thought, the reason Colletto is such an impact player is because Smith knows how to use his pieces so well. He doesn;t try to make up for deficiencies, he doesn;t try to force a his method/scheme on guys.... he plays to the abilities of what he has, and that is what we saw on display last night... guys playing well because its what they do best, and Smith knew how to arrange the board to put them best to do what they do best. And that is what makes the Beavs such a great team :)
After the game, I realized that Coach Smith and this team reminds me of the squads from the late 2000s and Mike Riley. The Rodgers brothers, etc......A gritty, well-coached team that didn't WOW you but handled their business against the better-talented teams.....the teams that beat USC in Corvallis three times.
The win at Stanford was a watershed moment and this team is only going to get stronger. Gully is the quarterback now and he played through a tough stretch last night and showed he actually can run! Sappington is a good kicker despite many in here who are saying otherwise. His kickoffs are on point and is is 4-6 on field goals. Martinez is a beast and he pounds the holes!
Gully, Sappington and Martinez are all Freshman and our running back corps will all return next year along with Griffin and Fewick!
I think the future looks very bright and Smith should be very careful when using the 'Portal' We need to protect who we have and continue to recruit and develop from within.
And it is always good form to 2nd guess the coach. John, did you agree with Smith's decision to kick a FG at 3 minutes on 4th and 1 on the WSU 18? I thought he might, though the kicker, Sappington, is not very good. A 17 point lead would be insurmountable with 3 minutes left. But I hoped Coach Smith would go for it with Colletto. How many times have defenses stopped Colletto on a 1 yard keeper? Then they could have run out the clock and not given WSU an opening. It didn't matter, but an interesting decision.
My thoughts on the game (and this is from reading since Pac-12 Network is not carried by Hulu / ESPN+, but Big 10 (BTN) and SEC are, is that Gulbranson will only get better. He is a freshman, but already is protecting the ball better than Nolan, and that matters! For a team with limited offensive talent (the Beavers), ball protection is the name of the game. I am sure the coaches are helping with play calling to cover inexperience. I have noted in the past that Coach Smith needs a better Portal Game to build this team up so that it earns the attention of 4 and 5 star high school recruits in the future. But no one can deny that without the benefit of the portal Smith has built the best defense this team has had since the Erickson teams, including the wise decision promoting Coach Bray to DC. So, the crib notes on this OSU football team is they reflect the grit of their head coach and out perform their limited skills. Smith has fixed their early season penalty and pass dropping problems (coaching!!) Coach Smith has created a winning culture in Corvallis, as we knew he would, and we LOVE it.
Loved viewing the game. I would say this is the most complete game OSU has played, because it never felt like we were out of control (there was a bit vs. Boise State we were). I personally would like to see Ben start going for the rest of the season. Also keep in mind we have a 4 star QB recruit coming next year (knock on wood), which will make the QB camp interesting. I've posted takeaways on the CFB reddit and noted this time, I couldn't think of any negatives except maybe finishing more often. Also, I don't know who else was at Reser, but I was in the student section at about the 30 yard line terrace side, and there is a mic there for the crowd noise that gets replayed on the other speakers. I did not notice this anywhere else. As for rushing afterwards, we gave them the requested 60 seconds, but the reason why we rushed is because this was the last losing streak that's alive (streak is defined as 3 or more in this context). Now we hold winning streaks or have lost the last one to every P12 team. If we win next week, I expect the students to rush again due to the being bowl eligible in October rarity celebration. Also because Corvegas.
Amen. There is always something to criticize with even the best of football teams. OSU's defense gave away long runs and passes to WSU, but countered that deficiency with all the sacks you mentioned... and playing clean (few penalties) also covers a large number of gridiron sins. Congrats to the Beavers--it is well deserved.
Gulbrandson clearly has talent, he's made a lot of progress even in two games. But he's also clearly a freshman and not as smooth or comfortable in his position yet. If he continues making progress he could turn into a great qb.
Martinez is also clearly a talented power runner and could also be the next great OSU RB. But he's also a freshman and needs to be better.at reading the line and gaps. Getting colleto and others to pull for him and getting the line out of his way was 100% a great game adjustment, this is going to get some serious results over the next few games if they keep it up.
Idk why we can't use velling and the other TE a bit more, or let colleto play te as he can catch and has the build as well. We need to stop trying to force throws into coverage and take some shorter yardage percentage throws both for the qb sake and to free up our receivers. Our receivers get bagged on as being weak but bolden and Gould are damn good athletes that I think are hampered by coverage and play calling.
Beavers have grit, and clearly want it. They want to go to Vegas they just have to keep playing like it.
Staying within yourself and playing outside of the box: a great combo.
Great column John, thanks for adding spice to the season that is becoming the best thrill ride in Oregon!
You've captured it. This is why the Beavers are the best team to follow in college football.
Great Article! Great Coach who is building a program from zero.
The Beavs were the better team today. But if the two teams played next week without dropped Cougar passes, it might be exciting.
Actually I was surprised Oregon State was able to win that game. It seemed like Washington State was playing better earlier in the season. It also seems like home field advantage is huge this year.
While watching the game, I was saddened this was the last year for Colletto. He is such a key part of all three phases of the game. What becomes of us when he leaves?
But then I was comforted by the thought, the reason Colletto is such an impact player is because Smith knows how to use his pieces so well. He doesn;t try to make up for deficiencies, he doesn;t try to force a his method/scheme on guys.... he plays to the abilities of what he has, and that is what we saw on display last night... guys playing well because its what they do best, and Smith knew how to arrange the board to put them best to do what they do best. And that is what makes the Beavs such a great team :)
John, heck of a day for you. Two great columns on two great games. Rest up today, you’ve earned it!
After the game, I realized that Coach Smith and this team reminds me of the squads from the late 2000s and Mike Riley. The Rodgers brothers, etc......A gritty, well-coached team that didn't WOW you but handled their business against the better-talented teams.....the teams that beat USC in Corvallis three times.
GO BEAVS!!! My prediction is they'll be 8-4.
Coach needs to put Colletto in at long snapper and kicker for the next game. Heck maybe even for the same play. ; )
The win at Stanford was a watershed moment and this team is only going to get stronger. Gully is the quarterback now and he played through a tough stretch last night and showed he actually can run! Sappington is a good kicker despite many in here who are saying otherwise. His kickoffs are on point and is is 4-6 on field goals. Martinez is a beast and he pounds the holes!
Gully, Sappington and Martinez are all Freshman and our running back corps will all return next year along with Griffin and Fewick!
I think the future looks very bright and Smith should be very careful when using the 'Portal' We need to protect who we have and continue to recruit and develop from within.
And it is always good form to 2nd guess the coach. John, did you agree with Smith's decision to kick a FG at 3 minutes on 4th and 1 on the WSU 18? I thought he might, though the kicker, Sappington, is not very good. A 17 point lead would be insurmountable with 3 minutes left. But I hoped Coach Smith would go for it with Colletto. How many times have defenses stopped Colletto on a 1 yard keeper? Then they could have run out the clock and not given WSU an opening. It didn't matter, but an interesting decision.