...::He said.

.She said::...

...::THE OFFENSE

SHE SAYS::...

There are glimmers of greatness here, but the Beavers have yet to put together
a complete game with a balanced offense. The first quarter was beautiful, with
the offense and defense working together to each score a touchdown.

The Beaver offense outgained UCLA 147-20 in the first quarter, and dominated
2/3 of the clock, but things changed quickly as the Beavers weren't able to
sustain drives during the rest of the game.

As far as the play-calling, Oregon State called 38 rushing plays and 35 passes,
but there didn't seem to be much creativity as the Beavers got very conservative
early. Riley's offense is known to be high-powered, but they have yet to show
the fire power or the deep passes that could truly open up the offense.

On a positive note, Yvenson Bernard and the offensive line looked
strong although the young tight ends still missed a few key blocks. Bernard
was solid and was really the only offensive weapon for the Beavers all night.
He tried to carry the team once again, but special teams blunders cost the team
the game.

Eric will probably want to talk about seeing more shotgun, but I would like
to see the Beavers utilize the tight ends more and add a few more slants into
the mix. The screens and fly sweeps are fine, but I've even figured out when
James Rodgers goes in motion that the ball is going to him.

SHE SAYS-GRADE: C

Riley mentioned post game that they would have liked to take some shots down
the field and get the play action pass going. Well, you have a running back
in Bernard that had a very solid night, so what is the hold up? Is it possible
he has no confidence in his quarterback AND receivers, with Sammie Stroughter out of the game?

I was concerned going into the game about the field stretching ability of the
offense without Stroughter and it really showed by the conservative play calling.
Without a legitimate deep threat…or even an over the middle threat, the
Bruins quickly adjusted to the continual diet of running back screens and wide
receiver bubble screens that the Beaver offense threw at them and put a fast
stop to the 1st quarter gains. Who knows, if the Beavers had better capitalized
on the first quarter in the points department, there might have been a very
different outcome.

Again, Bernard had a very nice night and was really the only bright spot on
an otherwise dismal offensive display. Give the Bruins credit. Their defense
was highly touted coming into the season, and they played like the veteran unit
they were.

If nothing else this week, can the Oregon State offensive coaches draw up another
play in which to use James Rodgers?

HE SAYS-GRADE: D

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