Pac-10 Week 5 Notes and Observations: Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State Beavers 3-2 Overall (1-1 Conference)
This Week’s Score: Oregon State 28 – Arizona State 17
Next Week’s Opponent: Stanford
After disappointing losses to Cincinnati and Arizona, Oregon State pounced on the hometown Sun Devils right away and finally ended the 40-year winless streak in Tempe.
The Beavers played inspired football against ASU, particularly along the offensive and defensive lines. Obviously, a loss to the Devils would have been devastating considering the rest of the schedule, but Mike Riley’s team showed great character by playing with determined aggression from the opening kickoff.
I was very impressed with QB Sean Canfield (18/30 216 yards 2 TDs, 1 INT) and the rest of the OSU offense, which moved the ball fairly well despite the running game being held to 79 yards (3.3 YPC). Canfield made some excellent throws, including a perfect deep ball to James Rodgers at a key point in the fourth quarter, and a beautiful fade to Adeniji for a TD. If Canfield plays with that kind of poise for the rest of the season, the Beavers may find themselves in the Pac-10 race once again. While Jacquizz Rodgers was good (81 yards rushing, 2 TDs), James was the real difference maker on Saturday because of his ability to make plays at critical moments in the game (114 receiving yards, 1 TD).
Mark Banker knew his defense needed to shut down the ASU rushing attack in order to have a successful day, and they did just that, holding Dimitri Nance and Co. to 68 yards (2.2 YPC). QB Danny Sullivan did manage to throw for 338 yards, but the Beavers rattled him all game and never gave up the big play. ASU was only 4-18 on 3rd Down, and that is a credit to the pressure applied by the front seven. The secondary played pretty well (particularly CB Brandon Hardin), but there is still a lot of room for improvement.
Now comes another step up in competition as the Beavers host Stanford, which is arguably the hottest team in the conference right now. Mike Riley knows how difficult the game against the Cardinal will be:
“I almost hate to be playing them right now” said Riley.
Certainly it will take a tremendous defensive effort to stop Toby Gerhart, but I think the OSU defense regained some confidence in Tempe. For the Beavers to have a chance, they must match the physical intensity of Jim Harbaugh’s club. A win over the Cardinal, and another nine-win season may be possible.
Oregon State Beavers
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Brandon Hardin, Danny Sullivan, Demola Adeniji, Dimitri Nance, Football, Jacquizz Rodgers, James Rodgers, Mark Banker, Mike Riley, Sean Canfield
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