The Good
This is a rarity on this blog, where I actually congratulate our buck toothed brethren to the north. Oregon State did not only beat the Trojans in their 27-21 victory, they thoroughly handed their a$es to them.
The whole world is aware of Jaquizz Rodgers, the firery tailback of the beavs. The whole world saw the "best team in the country" get demolished. The whole BCS is up for grabs.
It was one of those games where you can't believe what you are seeing. A team that lost to Stanford and humiliated by Penn State, played David to the USC Goliath.
The OSU running game was slowed on two series the entire game. Against a team that has more first round draft picks in their defense then most conferences do in their entirety. But only glimpses of that was seen. A couple great arm tackles by Brian Cushing and a solid special teams play by Clay Matthews, showed how good USC WAS. But it was the play by the Beaver O line that proved superior. Limited penetration, perfect timing on blocks and the quick cuts and feet by Quizz put the Trojans to shame. It was a great game plan by the Beavers. They took an early lead, and didn't take their foot off the Trojans throat until the very end.
But USC did have moments when they woke up and showed how good they were. The first offensive and defensive series by USC of the second half were impressive. Two stops in the back field and a thrown a way pass forced a punt. A couple good plays and then a nice throw by Sanchez and it was looking like they Beavers may have awoken the giant. But as the game played out, it was not so. Congrats!
The Bad
How do you lose to Stanford and beat USC? I hate watching this OSU team play. They have games where they get pushed around and look like they deserve to finish in the bottom of the conference. Then play up to the top competition and put it to them.
Riley is a great big game coach. But does this mean he is a bad small game coach? Once the Beavers play a full season, they won't be considered the underdog. But unfortunately that is their greatest strength. Play poorly, lower expectations and then sucker punch the giant in the mouth. It is great for highlight films and recruiting, but it won't put Corvallis on the map for those with marginal attention spans.
OSU in the past decade or so has come from being one of the worst teams in football history to being a reputable team that make people talk.
The Ugly
Oregon State at one point scored 4 points....In 18 games.
OSU has the most consecutive losing seasons by any team ever.
The Beavers wear orange. Boise State wears orange. Inmates wear orange.
In closing, I will give credit where credit is due. OSU played great. They continue to improve and have put some great players in the NFL. They may not be in the hunt for a national championship anytime soon, but they don't just lie around and get walked all over like they used to. Teams like OSU show that there is so much parity in college football now.
The Civil War will be interesting. Go Ducks.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Monday, September 22, 2008
As far as I am concerned there are 49 states
Boise State had always been a team I respected. They were fun to watch. They had good players. They made a name for themselves despite being in a conference that didn't get the hype of the BCS conferences. The Boise State vs Oklahoma Fiesta Bowl was one of the best games I have ever watched. But starting Saturday afternoon, I not only despise the Broncos, I hate potatoes, anything blue and orange, Boise fans and especially the fact that Idaho touches Oregon.
I'm not a gracious loser. I will admit it. In the stands I said some things that I wouldn't want my mother to hear (but she was sitting next to me). But what it came down to was the fact that Boise State fans aren't good winners. Their fans are ignorant, they don't know football. (Inbreeding will do that.) In fact they are A-holes. The players are dirty. And Ian Johnson is overrated.
The hit on Masoli was awful. Late, high, helmet-to-helmet. If that hit would've happened later in the game, he would've been thrown out. The hit near the end of the game on Dickson wasn't as bad, and it earned an ejection. Bellotti is challenging the calls by the refs to see if there is grounds for suspension. There were some other play calls the officials, did and didn't make that greatly effected the game.
That being said, Boise State played well. The play-action killed Oregon. They took advantage of match ups and eventually slowed down the Oregon running game. But they had to take out our starting QB (and by starting I mean 3rd/4th string). Having a QB that has a hard time throwing makes the running game predictable. But when you were only planning on using him to run because there were three fully capable throwers in front of him who then go down, it makes things tough.
That being said, the Oregon game plan didn't impress me. It was predictable. But that being said, this isn't Madden 09. Not every player on the field, knows every play. There are game plans, devised around players and when injuries happen you have to revise the plan. But Oregon has had to do this more times than one would ever imagine. I believe that if Masoli would've been in all game, Oregon would've won by 2 scores. But when you take a way one dimension, it makes the other dimension that much easier to defend.
Thomas came in and played a great quarter. He showed he belongs on the field. But so did every other QB. Roper, Harper, Masoli and Thomas all bring something different to the game. It's said if you have four QBs you don't have one. Well that is the case. But I honestly feel comfortable with any one of these players on the field. I just would feel more comfortable if players were on the field based on the game plan, not injuries. Thomas did burn his redshirt, but worse things could happen. He can easily redshirt next year as everyone returns.
To finish. I hate Boise State. Before Saturday, they were someone I liked seeing do well. Now they fall into my top five. (teams I hate).
1. Notre Dame
2. Washington
3. Boise Sate
4. Oregon State
5. Oklahoma
I'll be going to that game in Boise when Oregon goes to play on the smurf turf and watch the Ducks beat the snot out of the Broncos.
When I have kids they will only know 49 states. I will only each potatoes at Thanksgiving. I will cheer for any team that faces Boise State. Nothing orange and blue will come into my home.
Thank god we play Wazzu this week. We better beat the hell out of them. We need to win by 40.
-Berns
I'm not a gracious loser. I will admit it. In the stands I said some things that I wouldn't want my mother to hear (but she was sitting next to me). But what it came down to was the fact that Boise State fans aren't good winners. Their fans are ignorant, they don't know football. (Inbreeding will do that.) In fact they are A-holes. The players are dirty. And Ian Johnson is overrated.
The hit on Masoli was awful. Late, high, helmet-to-helmet. If that hit would've happened later in the game, he would've been thrown out. The hit near the end of the game on Dickson wasn't as bad, and it earned an ejection. Bellotti is challenging the calls by the refs to see if there is grounds for suspension. There were some other play calls the officials, did and didn't make that greatly effected the game.
That being said, Boise State played well. The play-action killed Oregon. They took advantage of match ups and eventually slowed down the Oregon running game. But they had to take out our starting QB (and by starting I mean 3rd/4th string). Having a QB that has a hard time throwing makes the running game predictable. But when you were only planning on using him to run because there were three fully capable throwers in front of him who then go down, it makes things tough.
That being said, the Oregon game plan didn't impress me. It was predictable. But that being said, this isn't Madden 09. Not every player on the field, knows every play. There are game plans, devised around players and when injuries happen you have to revise the plan. But Oregon has had to do this more times than one would ever imagine. I believe that if Masoli would've been in all game, Oregon would've won by 2 scores. But when you take a way one dimension, it makes the other dimension that much easier to defend.
Thomas came in and played a great quarter. He showed he belongs on the field. But so did every other QB. Roper, Harper, Masoli and Thomas all bring something different to the game. It's said if you have four QBs you don't have one. Well that is the case. But I honestly feel comfortable with any one of these players on the field. I just would feel more comfortable if players were on the field based on the game plan, not injuries. Thomas did burn his redshirt, but worse things could happen. He can easily redshirt next year as everyone returns.
To finish. I hate Boise State. Before Saturday, they were someone I liked seeing do well. Now they fall into my top five. (teams I hate).
1. Notre Dame
2. Washington
3. Boise Sate
4. Oregon State
5. Oklahoma
I'll be going to that game in Boise when Oregon goes to play on the smurf turf and watch the Ducks beat the snot out of the Broncos.
When I have kids they will only know 49 states. I will only each potatoes at Thanksgiving. I will cheer for any team that faces Boise State. Nothing orange and blue will come into my home.
Thank god we play Wazzu this week. We better beat the hell out of them. We need to win by 40.
-Berns
Monday, September 15, 2008
Too Close for Comfort
Sweaty palms, racing heart, adrenaline pumping. That's how football should be. BUT NOT WHEN YOU'RE A 2 TD FAVORITE. I love upsets and close games as much as the next guy. But I love watching the Ducks put teams to shame. This did not happen against the Boilermakers.
Early mistakes and poor execution made this game what it was. There are about 5 plays that I can specifically think of that, if they went the other way, this game wouldn't have gone to OT. An non-recovered kick-off, 2 huge dropped passes, a fumble in traffic and poorly thrown passes. The mistakes of Purdue's were not nearly as big as the ones the Ducks made. I know it goes both ways, but the Ducks forced themselves to play out of a hole.
And they did just that. Many people will look at this game and see that the Ducks barely beat a mediocre Purdue team. That's what happened. But for those who watched the game saw the Ducks face adversity and came together to pull out the win. Big players came up in big moments.
Nick Reed had a phenomenal second half and OT. He put pressure on the QB and made things uncomfortable for Curtis Painter. TJ Ward had a huge interception and nearly a second when Oregon needed it most. Byrd's punt return was just what Oregon needed to spark the comeback, as well as his amazing defensive play. LaGarrette Blount played to and beyond the high expectations placed upon him. Jeremiah Johnson, despite last week's injury played hard. And Ed Dickson made some big plays.
The players that are expected to step up, did. That's what great players do and people across the nation are recognizing that the hyped players on this Duck team deserve every bit of it. It wasn't a pretty win, but there is still a "0" in the loss column.
Now the QB situation.
Roper is out 2-4 weeks. This may actually be the case, because Roper's family came out on the topic, making it impossible for Bellotti to cover anything up.
Before this season there were two QBs of the five who had taken collegiate snaps. Now of the three that are left...All three are in their first year. Oh and did I mention in this estimated 2-4 week time frame the Ducks face USC? But it feels like this year the Ducks are more prepared for injuries. When Dixon went down last year, so did the season.
Masoli, Harper and Thomas now take the QB reigns. Thomas most likely will not play, but will still dress and take reps that are not with the scout team. This is not the position a team wants to be in. The reasons are endless, but here are the big 3.
1. Boise State is no push over. Coming in with QB's without much experience could be dangerous. Harper has played, but hardly thrown. Masoli has played a bit, and well, but this is a different situation. This could be a tough way to start.
2. Roper was developing and having a QB hit his stride going into the Pac-10 league play is key. Now Roper may be a bit rusty when he gets back and will have to face tough conference talent.
3. When Roper gets back there will be a QB controversy. The other two QBs will have their moments, just like Roper. There will be fans feeling like each one deserves to start. There have been games where all three have played, but there's a saying. If you have three QBs, then you don't have one.
That being said I am optimistic. Harper is a talent with the ball in his hands. Masoli can make throws and is a threat to run. Neither know the whole playbook, but Oregon can keep the game simple. The O-line is great. The running game is strong. The defense can win games.
The season is not a loss. The rest of the Pac-10 (minus USC) has shown weakness and inconsistency. There is no clear runner-up. The season is young and anything can happen.
I just didn't think we'd be talking about another QBs knee....not yet at least.
Early mistakes and poor execution made this game what it was. There are about 5 plays that I can specifically think of that, if they went the other way, this game wouldn't have gone to OT. An non-recovered kick-off, 2 huge dropped passes, a fumble in traffic and poorly thrown passes. The mistakes of Purdue's were not nearly as big as the ones the Ducks made. I know it goes both ways, but the Ducks forced themselves to play out of a hole.
And they did just that. Many people will look at this game and see that the Ducks barely beat a mediocre Purdue team. That's what happened. But for those who watched the game saw the Ducks face adversity and came together to pull out the win. Big players came up in big moments.
Nick Reed had a phenomenal second half and OT. He put pressure on the QB and made things uncomfortable for Curtis Painter. TJ Ward had a huge interception and nearly a second when Oregon needed it most. Byrd's punt return was just what Oregon needed to spark the comeback, as well as his amazing defensive play. LaGarrette Blount played to and beyond the high expectations placed upon him. Jeremiah Johnson, despite last week's injury played hard. And Ed Dickson made some big plays.
The players that are expected to step up, did. That's what great players do and people across the nation are recognizing that the hyped players on this Duck team deserve every bit of it. It wasn't a pretty win, but there is still a "0" in the loss column.
Now the QB situation.
Roper is out 2-4 weeks. This may actually be the case, because Roper's family came out on the topic, making it impossible for Bellotti to cover anything up.
Before this season there were two QBs of the five who had taken collegiate snaps. Now of the three that are left...All three are in their first year. Oh and did I mention in this estimated 2-4 week time frame the Ducks face USC? But it feels like this year the Ducks are more prepared for injuries. When Dixon went down last year, so did the season.
Masoli, Harper and Thomas now take the QB reigns. Thomas most likely will not play, but will still dress and take reps that are not with the scout team. This is not the position a team wants to be in. The reasons are endless, but here are the big 3.
1. Boise State is no push over. Coming in with QB's without much experience could be dangerous. Harper has played, but hardly thrown. Masoli has played a bit, and well, but this is a different situation. This could be a tough way to start.
2. Roper was developing and having a QB hit his stride going into the Pac-10 league play is key. Now Roper may be a bit rusty when he gets back and will have to face tough conference talent.
3. When Roper gets back there will be a QB controversy. The other two QBs will have their moments, just like Roper. There will be fans feeling like each one deserves to start. There have been games where all three have played, but there's a saying. If you have three QBs, then you don't have one.
That being said I am optimistic. Harper is a talent with the ball in his hands. Masoli can make throws and is a threat to run. Neither know the whole playbook, but Oregon can keep the game simple. The O-line is great. The running game is strong. The defense can win games.
The season is not a loss. The rest of the Pac-10 (minus USC) has shown weakness and inconsistency. There is no clear runner-up. The season is young and anything can happen.
I just didn't think we'd be talking about another QBs knee....not yet at least.
Tuesday, September 9, 2008
On the Road again....
Finally, I was able to attend my first Duck game of the season. It was everything I needed it to be. The game was a blow out. Everybody got a chance to play and the Duck fans that remained in the stands in the 4th quarter were excited with each additional score. 66 - 24. They made the spread and put a score up, that when it scrolls across the bottom of the screen when you are watching ESPN, makes you rewind the TiVo because you just can't believe it. Good work team.
Now the Ducks hit the road. Purdue is far from Utah State and will be more challenging that Washington. This will be a fun one to watch. (It'll be a good weekend of college football all together, because after this game USC plays Ohio State.) I have a lot of confidence in the Ducks this year. There is good depth at nearly every position. If Oregon can get ahead early, which I don't think there will be a problem with, the ducks can ride out their running game.
So what about those Beavs? All off-season the trash talking is there. I know I am bad (or good) about it as well, but come on. The comments that flooded Ducks chat rooms, blogs and so on have zero backing. Losing to Standford fine. But getting blown out by Penn State? Penn State is a great team, but you come out after a game you shouldn't have lost and then prove to the nation, that in fact you did deserve to lose.
Now what is going to piss me off, is that the Beavers will do two things late in the season. First, they will "upset" a team in the beginning of a downfall (see Cal last year) and second, will win enough Pac 10 games to be in the top half. Then the complaints of the Ducks and their money and facilities and how they don't deserve national attention will begin. But I am going to say this now.
The Beavers can't go into the national spotlight and choke. They can't start in the top 25, free fall out, climb back in at the end of the season and declare themselves as deserving more credit. The Ducks in recent history have done the opposite and fallen apart at the end of the season, so there can be an argument made against them. But the Ducks put themselves in the national spotlight and shine. Oklahoma, Michigan (twice), even beating USF was more notable than Maryland.
The Beavers do great with what they get. The Ducks are on the rise. They consistently establish themselves and will continue to do so.
Good luck to the Beavers against Hawaii and go Ducks.
Now the Ducks hit the road. Purdue is far from Utah State and will be more challenging that Washington. This will be a fun one to watch. (It'll be a good weekend of college football all together, because after this game USC plays Ohio State.) I have a lot of confidence in the Ducks this year. There is good depth at nearly every position. If Oregon can get ahead early, which I don't think there will be a problem with, the ducks can ride out their running game.
So what about those Beavs? All off-season the trash talking is there. I know I am bad (or good) about it as well, but come on. The comments that flooded Ducks chat rooms, blogs and so on have zero backing. Losing to Standford fine. But getting blown out by Penn State? Penn State is a great team, but you come out after a game you shouldn't have lost and then prove to the nation, that in fact you did deserve to lose.
Now what is going to piss me off, is that the Beavers will do two things late in the season. First, they will "upset" a team in the beginning of a downfall (see Cal last year) and second, will win enough Pac 10 games to be in the top half. Then the complaints of the Ducks and their money and facilities and how they don't deserve national attention will begin. But I am going to say this now.
The Beavers can't go into the national spotlight and choke. They can't start in the top 25, free fall out, climb back in at the end of the season and declare themselves as deserving more credit. The Ducks in recent history have done the opposite and fallen apart at the end of the season, so there can be an argument made against them. But the Ducks put themselves in the national spotlight and shine. Oklahoma, Michigan (twice), even beating USF was more notable than Maryland.
The Beavers do great with what they get. The Ducks are on the rise. They consistently establish themselves and will continue to do so.
Good luck to the Beavers against Hawaii and go Ducks.
Thursday, September 4, 2008
Never plan your wedding on a gameday
I would have loved to recapped the Ducks victory over the Fuskies. Discussing certain plays, analyzing performance, so on and so forth. However, not only did I have to give my tickets away, I was forced to "watch" the game through the updating score on a blackberry. All this while attending my cousins wedding. This blog is not about the wedding, but I will use the words interesting and eye-opening to describe it. This blog is to save all you out there thinking of getting married to never do it on a fall weekend.
Back to my point. Planning your wedding on a holiday weekend seems like a good idea. People have extra time to travel, extra time to spend with family, so on and so forth. For many this isn't a problem and is accepted. But that doesn't account for those that have had plans surround this day for months...years...(i had my tickets purchased before the invitation arrived). Now if this were a Portland State v U of O game, I'd have been more accepting. But this is Washington. The hated pups from the north. This is not a game to be missed. But I did. For family.
Blood is thicker than water, but when you bleed green and yellow it's a whole new story.
~Berns
Back to my point. Planning your wedding on a holiday weekend seems like a good idea. People have extra time to travel, extra time to spend with family, so on and so forth. For many this isn't a problem and is accepted. But that doesn't account for those that have had plans surround this day for months...years...(i had my tickets purchased before the invitation arrived). Now if this were a Portland State v U of O game, I'd have been more accepting. But this is Washington. The hated pups from the north. This is not a game to be missed. But I did. For family.
Blood is thicker than water, but when you bleed green and yellow it's a whole new story.
~Berns
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
