Bleacher Report - Articles by Nick Martin

Oregon State Disappoints in Palo Alto: What We've Learned

Nick Martin — Thu, 28 Aug 2008 20:00:46 -0400

I was hoping, as I'm sure most Beaver fans were, that this new season would allow Oregon State to break the habit of getting off to a slow start.

With the Beavers' opening day game against the historically bottom-dwelling Stanford Cardinal, I thought for sure that that habit would be broken.

Lets just say old habits die hard.

The Beavers entered the game without hard-hitting Al Afalava and outstanding guard Jeremy Perry.

On a night that featured some very shoddy play by both teams, Oregon State went on to lose, 36-28, due to various miscues by the Beaver offense.

Though many would look at a loss to Stanford as a complete failure, there were many questions answered by the Beavers that should bring relief to Beaver faithful.

One of the biggest questions going into this season was how they would cope with losing all their starters in the front seven.

Simply looking at the box score, one would see that the Cardinal were able to post over 200 yards rushing. This is slightly misleading due to the fact that three runs were over 40 yards. Other than giving up the big play once in a while, the front seven seems to be consistent at stopping the run.

Victor Butler had a great first game as a starter, keeping pressure on Tavita Pritchard, as well as contributing to stopping the run. He and Slade Norris each had a sack and hurried the quarterback consistently throughout the night.

The secondary was rarely challenged by the Cardinal passing game. When it was, it did not break, only giving up 91 yards through the air, most of which came when receivers were covered by linebackers.

The linebacking corps seems quicker than last season's but not as strong, as Stanford's Tony Gerhart was able to break out of tackles for big gains.

Special teams play was a bright spot in this game as Alexis Serna's successor, Justin Kahut, made both field goals attempted and was great on kickoffs.

Yvenson Bernard's replacement, however, didn't please as much as one would like. Starter Ryan McCants was only able to gain 11 yards on four carries.

The electrifying Rodgers brothers had a satisfactory night, combining for 103 yards rushing with a 5.4 YPC average. James was also able to add 40 yards on the receiving end of the ball.

The brightest part of the game was the progression I saw from Lyle Moevao. Although he threw two interceptions (one tipped), he also managed to sustain great drives down the field.

Moevao managed six drives of over 50 yards and three over 70, including a two-minute drill before the half that went 80 yards for a touchdown.

He also showed some inexperience though, throwing behind McCants for a safety and rushing a throw to Stroughter that was intercepted and returned for a touchdown.

Moevao found a safety blanket in Shane Morales. The two hooked up for 13 receptions for over 150 yards and one touchdown, which capped off an 80-yard drive. Moevao threw to him in key situations, showing his confidence in Morales as a possession receiver.

Sammie Stroughter also made an impressive return as he and Moevao connected on 12 passes for 157 yards, two touchdowns, and a 13 YPC average.

Although the score may show a disappointing upset, the Beavers showed great maturity and poise in holding Stanford under 100 yards passing, as well as with Moevao being able to manage drives and lead an explosive offense.

Ryan McCants, Jacquizz Rodgers, and Jeremy Francis Drive Oregon State Run Game

Nick Martin — Thu, 14 Aug 2008 19:29:48 -0400

As the 2007 season came to a close, fans around Beaver Nation started wondering who would replace Yvenson Bernard in the backfield.

Yvenson was extremely productive for Oregon State over the last three years. He finished his Pac-10 career in sixth place on the all-time Pac-10 rushing yardage list. Last season he compiled 1,276 yards in only 11 games, scoring 13 TDs. His presence in the backfield will be missed.

Now that autumn has rolled around, we start to see emerging stars on the Beavers' roster.

Junior college transfer Jeremy Francis is the most experienced running back on Oregon State's depth chart.

Francis earned second team All-Mission Conference honors as a sophomore and helped lead El Camino to a league title. Francis re-joins his El Camino teammate, Lyle Moevao.

At 5'11", 218 pounds, Jeremy looks to be a power back who also has great hands for receiving out of the backfield. He will see a large amount of action, being the only one with in-game experience at the collegiate level.

The back that will most likely get the majority of the touches is Ryan McCants. Although he is only a freshman, McCants displays great composure. He is a "between-the-tackles" sort of runner.

Many coaches compare his running style to Steven Jackson, the bruising Oregon State alumni who was the first running back taken in the 2004 NFL draft.

His 6'1", 240-pound stature doesn't hurt his bruising running style. McCants looks to be the next outstanding back to come from Oregon State, joining the likes of Ken Siminton, Steven Jackson, and the recently departed Yvenson Bernard.

The third featured back is none other than the brother of last year's explosive true freshman, James Rodgers.

Jacquizz Rodgers is a speed-demon. He was a standout at Lamar Consolidated (TX), nick-named "Mr. Touchdown" by his teammates after racking up 136 of them in his High School career.

He looks to be just as electric as his older brother, if not more so.

"Quizz" has speed along with deceptive strength for his size—5'7", 193 pounds. As his brother did last year, Jacquizz will play as a true freshman, but he will likely see more playing time than James did in 2007.

These three backs all bring unique attributes to what looks to be a very versatile run game for the Beavers in 2008.

The power of McCants, the speed of Rodgers, and the experience of Francis give Oregon State several options to attack with on the ground.

Mike Riley is noted for being very mundane when it comes to play calling, but when he has the weapons—as we saw last season with the fly-sweep—he will do anything to find ways to get them the ball.

Look for the Beavers' three-headed monster to keep defensive linemen throughout the conference on their toes while mixing blinding speed with crushing power.

Stats courtesy of OSUbeavers.com

Oregon State Schedule Looks Favorable for Success in 2008

Nick Martin — Mon, 11 Aug 2008 17:38:59 -0400

This is my evaluation of how the Oregon State Beavers could perform through their 2008 college football season.

Aug. 28 at Stanford: Win

Oregon State starts off the 2008 season in Palo Alto against the Stanford Cardinal. Stanford is a young team, and the Beavers offense will just be too potent for the Cardinal's mediocre defense to handle. This is a win in the opener for the Beavers.

Sep. 6 at Penn State: Toss up

This will be one of the most interesting games for the Beavers as they enter Happy Valley. Oregon State is a new wave spread-out team going up against the grit of the Penn State Nittany Lions. This mix of styles makes it hard to predict a winner, and the game could really go either way. It will be on Moevao's shoulders to keep control of the ball. If he can do that, the Beavers could pull this one out of Penn's grasp.

Sep. 13 vs. Hawaii: Win

Although the Warriors had a successful season in 2007, it is hard to see them doing it again. With the departure of June Jones and Colt Brennan, Hawaii is in a rebuilding year. This game is at Reser, and it would take a miracle for Hawaii to pull this one out. Another win for the Beavers.

Sep. 25 vs. USC: Loss

After the catastrophe that occurred in Reser in 2006, where the Trojans were upset 33-31, it is hard to see them overlooking the Beavers again. It is fair to say USC has a superior defense, and while I wouldn't say a win would be out of the question, it would take a lot of things going the Beavs' way.

Oct. 2 at Utah: Win

Last year the Utes had the Beavers on the fence until their quarterback and running back went out with injuries. The Beavers will be ready to play when they enter this game, and their defense will step up huge against Utah's spread/option offense. Look for OSU to put this one in the plus-20 point differential category.

Oct. 11 vs. Washington State: Win

The Beavers put over 50 points on the scoreboard last year at Pullman. This year Oregon State's offense is even more experienced. The Cougars defense will not be able to stop this high-powered offense. The Beavers win at home.

Oct. 18 at Washington: Win

All of the Huskies' hopes and dreams for the 2008 season lie on the shoulders of quarterback Jake Locker. With an experienced secondary for OSU, including Al Afalava, Brandon Hughes, and Keenan Lewis, Locker will have a hard time throwing the ball and will try to do too much with his legs. Oregon State wins in Seattle.

Nov. 1 vs. Arizona State: Toss up

The return of former Oregon State coach Dennis Erickson to Reser Stadium will make for an emotionally charged football game. Last year the Beavers had the game locked up but lost due to multiple interceptions. Lyle Moevao proves to be a better decision-maker than Canfield. This game could go either way, but no matter the outcome, it will be a great one to watch.

Nov. 8 at UCLA: Win

So many questions surround UCLA and first year coach Rick Neuheisel that it is hard to see what will become of the 2008 Bruins. There are also many questions as to who will start at quarterback for UCLA. Dependent on how much of an immediate impact Rick will have, it looks to be another win for the Beavers.

Nov. 15 vs. California: Toss up

Oregon State has won the last two meetings down in Berkeley, but they always seem to struggle when the Bears come to Corvallis. With two solid QBs in Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley, the Beavs' secondary will be in for a long day. The Beavers will be in Reser though, where they have a plus-.750 win percentage since 2000.

Nov. 22 at Arizona: Win

This will be an offensively charged game. Oregon State and Arizona bring high-powered offenses with speed and agility. In the end, Oregon State's experience and defensive presence will prove to be too much for the Wildcats. The Beavers win in a close game.

Nov. 29 vs. Oregon: Win

Oregon walks into Reser after having lost the last two installments of the Civil War. Many Duck fans predict a win for UO on the basis of "revenge," but if that were true, why didn't they win last year after having lost in 2006? The Beavers are home, and with a high-powered offense and run game, look for them to overpower Oregon's mediocre defense. Beavers win by plus-10.

The Beavers have potential records from 11-1 to a worst-case scenario of 8-4.

The Flash is Back: Sammie Stroughter Leads Deep Group of Oregon State WRs

Nick Martin — Sun, 10 Aug 2008 21:46:45 -0400

The Oregon State football team prepared to take a huge hit when questions arose as to whether or not All-American punt returner Sammie Stroughter would play in the 2007 season.

He had been emotionally shaken when several loved ones of his passed away prior to the beginning of the '07 football season.

Stroughter made his return during the Cincinnati game. Two games later, while down in Tempe for the Arizona State game, he suffered a lacerated kidney.

The NCAA board then granted him a medical hardship season and granted him an extra year of eligibility.

This year Sammie is back, and the report from Corvallis is that he is looking better than ever.

He joins sophomores Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers in what seems to be one of the deepest receiving cores in the Pac-10.

The skill possessed by this year's receivers rival that of other great wideout tandems in Oregon State Football history, including Mike Hass/James Newson in 2003 and Chad Johnson/T.J. Houshmandzadeh in 2001.

Sammie Stroughter will get a lot of attention from opposing Pac-10 secondaries, creating openings for Catchings and Rodgers to become open for big plays. With their speed and ability to make people miss, those 10-yard throws could turn into 40-yard touchdowns.

Lyle Moevao has made leaps and bounds during the offseason and is poised to have a breakout year. Look for the Beavers to throw the ball more this year, giving Stroughter plenty of chances to make big plays.

With a running game that will keep opposing defenses on their toes, look for Moevao to have all day to sit in the pocket and make good decisions spreading the ball around to multiple receivers, as is the custom in Mike Riley's offense.

The depth and skill at the receiver position for Oregon State is among the top in the Pac-10. Look for these guys to have a breakout season, and for Sammie Stroughter to show us all why he is one of the best in the country and deserves another All-American nod.

NCAA Football: Coaches We Love To Hate

Nick Martin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 12:54:03 -0400

Every team has their rivals, but there is always a semi-consensus as to which coaches are over the top.

I'm an Oregon State Beaver fan, so it could be envy of continued success, but there is no doubt we all love to hate them.

Nick Saban

Took over at LSU in 2000.

In 2003 he was able to lead the Tigers to a national championship.

The next season was a comparably unsuccessful one going 9-3.

After the disappointing 2004 season, Saban bolted for the NFL.

He went 9-17 in two seasons as head coach of the Miami Dolphins.

He then left the NFL to return to another SEC team, the Alabama Crimson Tide.

Urban Meyer

After leading Utah to an undefeated season and a Fiesta Bowl win, he went for the money at Florida signing a $2 million a year contract with the gators.

His animated personality grinds on the fans of opposing teams and the way he campaigned his way to a BCS championship game birth in 2006, which rubbed many sports fans the wrong way.

Charlie Weis

Winning a championship ring as the New England Patriots' offensive coordinator, he then looked for a head coaching position and got one at Notre Dame.

Going from one universally hated team to another didn't bode well for his popularity outside of the Irish circle.

His first season in the post-Quinn era was truly enjoyable for the many Notre Dame-haters.

Pete Carroll

The complacency with which he carries himself is sickening.

He tries to look like he's being modest but it just comes out more egocentric than it would regularly.

I admit, this one is based on envy of success but his arrogance is personally troubling.

In the patented USC vs. Notre Dame game, there are no winners, because if I had my way, both teams would lose.

American League: Lose The Designated Hitter

Nick Martin — Thu, 07 Aug 2008 07:35:04 -0400

As another baseball season begins to wind down and the playoff races start to heat up, we can't help but wonder if this off-season will be the one where the National League folds into the pressure and adds the desginated hitter to their rosters.

On the contrary of many people, I don't think that the National League should add a designated hitter and I think the American League should be getting rid of theirs.

Back in the golden age of baseball with Ruth, were the managers ever worried about an injury costing them millions of dollars? Were there great hitters who couldn't play defensively so they ONLY batted? No.

Baseball was the most glorious when all players had to go out there and just play. Not for the money, not for endorsment deals, and not to boost their free agent value.

They went out there and played for the love of the game.

The designated hitter undermines the simple guidelines of any sport; they are allowed to just go up and hit every ninth batter, and not have to field or pitch.

This is the MLB, the best of the best, and what is it saying to our youth when you have professional athletes, like pitchers in the AL, not having to be 4 or 5 tool guy?

True ball players are the ones that can do it all, and do it for the love of the game. Babe Ruth was known for his hitting ability and was also a great pitcher.

Pitchers should have to bat, batters should have to field. Cause if they can't, can they really be considered great ball-players?

Who Will Play David to USC's Goliath This Year?

Nick Martin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 20:05:34 -0400

In 2006 the USC Trojans went to Reser Stadium to play Oregon State. The Beavers jumped out to an early lead and were able to stop a game-tying two-point conversion with no time left. The Beavers were on the better end of one of the biggest upsets that year.

In 2007, history repeated itself when Stanford was able to go into the Coliseum and beat the Trojans in another great upset of this decade.

Now that another season is right around the corner, we can't help but ponder who could be this year's unseen obstacle for the six-time defending conference champs.

The Arizona Wildcats are who I believe will be the ones to take down Southern Cal this year.

Willie Tuitama leads a spread out run 'n gun offense that the Trojans' traditional-style defense will have trouble keeping up with. Tuitama is my prediction to be this year's breakout Pac-10 player, and he is poised to do so when USC travels to play the Wildcats.

The USC vs. Arizona game is surrounded by two easier games for USC—trips to Pullman and to Seattle to play the Cougars and Huskies.

With the Trojans letting their guard down after putting a beatdown on Washington State, the Arizona Wildcats will have a great chance to be the "David" to USC's "Goliath."

10 Worst College Mascots

Nick Martin — Wed, 06 Aug 2008 18:05:54 -0400

There are so many universities in this country of ours, so I understand that coming up with an original mascot would be a difficult task but this is my "What were you thinking??" list.

10. Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets

Yellow Jackets are neither uplifting nor are they intimidating. Georgia Tech is stuck somewhere in between an irritating nuisance and an allergic reaction waiting to happen. Maybe next time you should choose something along the lines of a flower, at least then you use the yellow jackets instead of being used as a pollinator of foliage.

9. Nebraska Cornhuskers

The cornhusker is more of an occupation than a symbol of your collegiate pride. On top of that I'm not even sure if this job still exists, I mean the last time I went to the supermarket all of their corn still had the husks on them.

8. Oregon Ducks/Oregon State Beavers

Ducks and Beavers? I don't even know when to start. What is wrong with Oregon when they have animals like bears, coyotes, and wildcats that they pick two of the least ferocious animals in all of America. I'm instituting a new mascot rule, if you can see one in a petting zoo, you should not be able to use them as your mascot.

7. Minnesota Golden Gophers

How cute that little gopher was in Caddyshack, out-thinking Bill Murray at every turn, and now he has thousands of college students cheering for him. This cute little rodent steps on the toes of the Yellow Jackets as more of an inconvenience than anything.

6. Tennessee Volunteers

I'm all for community service, but what conference rival is going to be shaking in their boots when the Volunteers come to town. Are you going to intimidate them by helping out at soup kitchens in the middle of the night? This must be more of an "inspirational" mascot. A message to their students.

5. Miami's Sebastian the Ibis

Does the University of Miami know that an Ibis is NOT a duck? Despite the fact that their mascot doesn't actually resemble an Ibis, you shouldn't use a mascot that no one knows what it actually is. I would never use a emu as my mascot, what recruit could get excited to play for the emus?

4. Oklahoma Sooners

What is a Sooner? Apparently its a wagon from the 1800's. If anyone could please clue me in to what a Sooner is suppose to be, I would be very grateful.

3. Idaho Vandals

Their mascot is a deviant. Why not just call your team the Idaho Serial Killers? I understand its suppose to be a cool kind of bad like the bandits or desperadoes, but vandalism is one of the most pointless crimes.

2. Stanford's Cardinal

When your team name is a color, as cardinal red is, why have a mascot that isn't that color? Stanford's Tree is neither red nor is it relevant to anything exclusively found in California. Might as well have your mascot be a cloud.

1. Syracuse's Otto the Orange

A fruit. It's a fruit. If the best mascot you can come up with is an orange, then I really don't think that you are qualified for such a hard job as mascot selection. I must not have seen the memo that said that the NCAA is now teaming up with Veggie Tales. I mean seriously, c'mon Syracuse.

All-Time Oregon State Offense Features Numerous Future NFL Stars

Nick Martin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 20:33:21 -0400

I come from a long line of Oregon State alumni, so this is where I recognize all of the great offensive players who have come through Oregon State. I take into account their play while in the Beaver uniform but also recognize how that skill translated into the NFL.

Quarterback

Terry Baker—Heisman trophy winner as a great runner and passer.

Derek Anderson—Holds most Oregon State passing records.

Matt Moore—Led the Beavers to a 10-4 record, their best since the 2001 season.

Running Back

Ken Siminton—Leading Oregon State rusher with elusiveness and speed.

Steven Jackson—Bruising runner who was the first running back taken in the 2005 NFL Draft.

Yvenson Bernard—Three 1,000-yard rushing seasons and the seventh-leading rusher all time in the Pac-10.

Wide Receiver

T.J. Houshmandzadeh—Great hands and a possession receiver who aided in Oregon State's 2001 Fiesta Bowl run.

Chad Johnson—Size and speed that translated to the pros beautifully.

Sammie Stroughter—Electrifying return man and complete receiver.

Why the Oregon State Beavers Are Sleepers....Again.

Nick Martin — Tue, 05 Aug 2008 17:47:51 -0400

The Oregon State Beavers have been considered a sleeper team despite when they went 10-4 and 9-4 in 2006 and 2007 respectively, as well as finishing third both years.

I then ask myself why are they predicted to be eighth in the Pac-10 this upcoming season by so many analysts.

Last season Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao fought for the starting job at quarterback, posing the cliched question "If you have two quarterbacks, do you really have one?"

This season Moevao will be the starter come football season with only a great off-season by Canfield being able to dethrone him.

The receiving unit gets a surge with the return of All-American Sammie Stroughter, who is coming back after having lacerated his kidney, causing him to medical redshirt in 2007. With sophomores Darrell Catchings and James Rodgers returning as well, the Beavers have one of the most experienced group of receivers in the Pac-10.

One of the larger issues surrounding Beavers' camp is who will be filling the shoes of 8th leading rusher in Pac-10 history, Yvenson Bernard. Freshman Jacquizz Rodgers and Ryan McCants and junior Jeremy Francis have all had good off-season showings, so it appears that it will be a rushing game by committee in the upcoming season.

The offensive line loses center Kyle Devan and Roy Shuening to graduation, but returns veterans Jeremy Perry and Andy Levitre. Moevao has lost 25 lbs. over the summer which will take some heat off of the line if he is able to move around the pocket.

The biggest concern around the team is how the defensive front seven will be able to recuperate after losing all of their starters. The good news for Beaver fans is that defensive coordinator Mike Banker had a lot of players rotating through the line and many returners will have game experience, including defensive ends Slade Norris and Victor Butler. The D-Line should also gain a boost by the top rated JC transfer by rivals.com, Simi Kuli.

Brandon Hughes, Keenan Lewis, and hard-hitting safety Al Afalava round out a veteran defensive back unit that returns all of last season starters.

The schedule will also help the Beavers try to win games, with the toughest games at home. USC, Oregon, Arizona State, and Cal will all have to travel to Corvallis.

All of the pieces are in place for the Beavs to "surprise the Pac-10" once again, even though to those around Oregon State football it was never a surprise.