Gary Andersen: no 'drastic' changes with Minnesota under P.J. Fleck - Oregonian

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CORVALLIS -- By late Saturday, Oregon State coach Gary Andersen will have faced Minnesota more times in the past five years than any Pac-12 opponent.

Andersen went 2-0 at Wisconsin in the Badgers' rivalry games against the Golden Gophers in 2013 and 2014. And this weekend, Minnesota visits Reser Stadium for the back end of a home-and-home nonconference series after topping OSU 30-23 in Minneapolis in last season's opener.

There's a major change atop the Golden Gophers program, with P.J. Fleck taking over as head coach. But Minnesota, which beat Buffalo 17-7 in its opener last Thursday, is still paced by a solid defense and the rushing duo of Rodney Smith and Shannon Brooks.

"There's differences in the offense and defense, but it's not a drastic departure," Andersen said. "They wanted to run the ball physically in the first game, and that's always been an MO of where those guys sit in the Big Ten and what they've done in the past ...

"The players have adapted to the scheme from what we saw in Game 1 very, very well. We should be ready. We've got one game to go on (in film study), but we also have past tape on the coordinators on both sides. We'll do all we can to get the information to the kids."

But despite the familiarity with the Golden Gophers, Andersen hopes these types of nonconference matchups with Big Ten foes become a scheduling strategy of the past. He noted that Saturday's game will kick off at 9 p.m. CST and will put Minnesota's team back in Minneapolis in the wee hours of Sunday morning.

"I'm not in favor of flying across the country and flying over however many football teams that is to get there," Andersen said. "That's just my own opinion, and I'll speak my piece on that and then we'll make decisions ...

"If you don't have to do it, why do that? I know those are tough trips for kids."...

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/i...rsen_does_not_see_dra.html#incart_river_index

 

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*** Andersen is still looking for the Beavers' offensive line to sustain blocks better. That group will get a test this week when it faces a stout Minnesota defensive front anchored by Steven Richardson, whom Andersen called one of the best in the country at his position. Kammy Delp and Trent Moore will also continue to rotate at right guard for the Beavers.

"If it was completely solidified and we had a dominant starter in that spot, then we wouldn't be splitting reps," Andersen said. "But we are. So we're looking for someone to take it over or get more consistent play out of that position. The kids are working hard at it and they'll continue to, and so will Coach (T.J.) Woods."

*** Andersen did not provide details when asked why Jay Irvine, who starts at cornerback when the Beavers line up in nickel packages, did not play against Portland State. Irvine was not listed on last week's injury report.

"You'd have to ask (position coach) Cory Hall," Andersen said. "He was healthy, as far as I know."

*** The smoke from nearby wildfires will not impact the Beavers' practice routine "unless somebody tells me that knows a lot more about smoke than me."

 

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*** Quarterback Jake Luton, running back/returner Artavis Pierce, wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins and linebacker/special teamer Kee Whetzel were among those players with "championship-level" performances against the Vikings. Andersen also noted more players were in the "winner" category than after the Colorado State game.

"Our champions list is not gigantic," Andersen said. "It was a nice list again, (but) not as many as we would like. Hopefully, that continues to grow."