Iceland12
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1. Dueling two-quarterback systems
Oregon State debuted its two-quarterback set for the first time Saturday, showing off a special package with backup Darell Garretson (pictured) that utilizes his legs as a complement to starter Jake Luton’s powerful arm. Luton is still the starter, but OSU showed the willingness to sub either in or out mid-drive to catch defenses off guard. Meanwhile, Minnesota also has two quarterbacks in Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft, who last week alternated every couple drives. While coach P.J. Fleck said both Rhoda and Croft run the same offenses, Rhoda had better passing numbers and Minnesota ran better with Croft as the signal caller.
2. Trench battle against elite Minnesota tackle
No. 96 for the Golden Gophers is Steven Richardson, an undersized 6-foot defensive tackle. But while Richardson may not have the typical stature for his position, he is one of the best in the nation. Pro Football Focus listed him as the fourth-best returning player in the Big Ten and the second-best interior lineman in the country. He should command a lot of attention from the Oregon State offensive line, which is focused on improved run blocking to match its stellar pass protection.
3. Gap sound run defense
Even though Minnesota will bring in two running backs – Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks – who have tallied more than 3,000 combined rushing yards in their careers, the conventional wisdom is the Golden Gophers do not possess an elite offensive line. That’s good news for an Oregon State defensive front that has struggled mightily. Unlike last week, OSU won’t face as dynamic a running threat at quarterback. But the line needs to show progress by eliminating mental errors and plugging gap assignments after giving up nearly five yards per carry through two games.
4. Downfield passing
Last week the Portland State secondary was able to mostly take away the Beavers' downfield passing threats until their game-winning drive, forcing Jake Luton to dink and dunk. In order to prevent teams from stacking the box, Oregon State will need to show it can reliably stretch defenses vertically. Luton has the arm to do it but has also thrown four interceptions in two games. Minnesota has an emerging safety in sophomore Antoine Winfield Jr. and his counterpart Jacob Huff made a key downfield interception last week against Buffalo.
5. Going bowling?
Players are often warned about the dangers of looking ahead. But this is a critical game for the Beavers’ chances of reaching their first bowl in four years. A loss to Minnesota would mean they need to go 5-3 in Pac-12 play to get bowl eligible. OSU has gotten at least five conference wins once in the last seven years. The North division is loaded and California’s stunning upset at North Carolina last week showed the schedule could be even tougher than expected. Players openly set a bowl game goal heading into the season and a win Saturday is looking necessary to stay on track
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/i...ngs_to_watch_oregon_state_10.html#incart_2box
Oregon State debuted its two-quarterback set for the first time Saturday, showing off a special package with backup Darell Garretson (pictured) that utilizes his legs as a complement to starter Jake Luton’s powerful arm. Luton is still the starter, but OSU showed the willingness to sub either in or out mid-drive to catch defenses off guard. Meanwhile, Minnesota also has two quarterbacks in Conor Rhoda and Demry Croft, who last week alternated every couple drives. While coach P.J. Fleck said both Rhoda and Croft run the same offenses, Rhoda had better passing numbers and Minnesota ran better with Croft as the signal caller.
2. Trench battle against elite Minnesota tackle
No. 96 for the Golden Gophers is Steven Richardson, an undersized 6-foot defensive tackle. But while Richardson may not have the typical stature for his position, he is one of the best in the nation. Pro Football Focus listed him as the fourth-best returning player in the Big Ten and the second-best interior lineman in the country. He should command a lot of attention from the Oregon State offensive line, which is focused on improved run blocking to match its stellar pass protection.
3. Gap sound run defense
Even though Minnesota will bring in two running backs – Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks – who have tallied more than 3,000 combined rushing yards in their careers, the conventional wisdom is the Golden Gophers do not possess an elite offensive line. That’s good news for an Oregon State defensive front that has struggled mightily. Unlike last week, OSU won’t face as dynamic a running threat at quarterback. But the line needs to show progress by eliminating mental errors and plugging gap assignments after giving up nearly five yards per carry through two games.
4. Downfield passing
Last week the Portland State secondary was able to mostly take away the Beavers' downfield passing threats until their game-winning drive, forcing Jake Luton to dink and dunk. In order to prevent teams from stacking the box, Oregon State will need to show it can reliably stretch defenses vertically. Luton has the arm to do it but has also thrown four interceptions in two games. Minnesota has an emerging safety in sophomore Antoine Winfield Jr. and his counterpart Jacob Huff made a key downfield interception last week against Buffalo.
5. Going bowling?
Players are often warned about the dangers of looking ahead. But this is a critical game for the Beavers’ chances of reaching their first bowl in four years. A loss to Minnesota would mean they need to go 5-3 in Pac-12 play to get bowl eligible. OSU has gotten at least five conference wins once in the last seven years. The North division is loaded and California’s stunning upset at North Carolina last week showed the schedule could be even tougher than expected. Players openly set a bowl game goal heading into the season and a win Saturday is looking necessary to stay on track
http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/i...ngs_to_watch_oregon_state_10.html#incart_2box