The Oregon State Beavers’ defense has played well this season, and particularly of late.
In their last two games, the Beavers held USC and Utah — teams featuring two of the Pac-12′s top offenses and quarterbacks — more than 100 yards below their season total yardages.
But when the result is a loss in each case, the defense can always play better. Perhaps the biggest area of concern is takeaways.
Total number of takeaways by OSU vs. Utah and USC? Zero.
It resonates because USC and Utah, which combined to snag eight interceptions in the games, clearly beat the Beavers with takeaways.
It’s not as if Oregon State isn’t capable. During the first three games of 2022, OSU recorded eight combined takeaways. Defensive coordinator Trent Bray insists it’s not a problem other than finishing the play.
“SC, we dropped two picks, and had the ball on the ground and didn’t get it,” he said. “So, opportunities have still been there. Same thing at Utah, we dropped a couple interceptions that could have had. The ball’s in play, we’ve got to go get it. That’s what we were doing the first couple weeks.”
Bray said there hasn’t been an emphasis on takeaways this week in practice, outside of the usual fundamental work.
Coaches routinely say during the first half of a season that “they’re not where they want to be” as a team or as a unit. Bray doesn’t go there. He’s very encouraged by the progress of OSU’s defense.
“In general, we’re close,” Bray said. “We know we can play with anyone we go against.”
Stanford slow mesh: The Beavers face a challenge Saturday in defending Stanford’s “slow mesh” offense. It’s bit of a break from the norm, and runs just how it sounds. The slow developing scheme leans on run-pass option (RPO) and takes longer to develop, as the quarterback often takes a beat or two longer to decide whether to hand off, run or throw.
It was implemented this season after coach David Shaw went looking for an offensive approach that fit his personnel.
“You’ve got to be really disciplined and making sure every guy is on point,” Bray said of defending the slow mesh.
Early returns are mixed. Quarterback Tanner McKee has passed for 1,039 yards and 10 touchdowns through four games. The Cardinal produced 441 yards in a 41-21 loss to USC.
But Stanford’s past two opponents, Washington and Oregon, had success containing the offense, holding the Cardinal to 372 and 332 yards, respectively. Moreover, a lot of Stanford’s offensive damage has come after the game got out of hand. The Cardinal have trailed 35-14, 17-7 and 31-3 at halftime of their three Pac-12 games.
“Some of their plays are slower in how they develop, so it’s important for us to stay in our gaps,” outside linebacker Riley Sharp said. “That’s not to say we won’t have an attack mentality of getting after the quarterback. It’s just making sure we’re in our right fits.”
Briefly: One OSU defender whose playing time has increased recently is defensive end Sione Lolohea. The third-year sophomore, who didn’t play much in the Beavers’ first two games, has been a regular since. “His motor, like he goes 100 miles an hour … he’s been disruptive in the run game and pass game,” Bray said of Lolohea. … How are the Beavers feeling after consecutive losses dropped their season record to 3-2? “The energy has been awesome. … We’re still in a great position. Everything is in front of us. That’s what we’re focused on,” Sharp said.
Nick Daschel reported from Corvallis
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