Oregon

What Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith said after the Beavers beat San Diego State

Published

1 year ago

September 16, 2023

What Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith said after the Beavers beat San Diego State

The Oregon State Beavers are 3-0 after an impressive defensive performance against San Diego State on Saturday at Reser Stadium.

There were highlight plays from the offense as well, but the Beavers consistently held the SDSU offense in check, creating six sacks in the 26-9 victory.

OSU coach Jonathan Smith talked about the good and the not-so-good from the victory during a postgame news conference with reporters. Here’s a transcript, edited slightly for clarity and brevity.

Smith: Well, every time you win you feel good at the end of it, that’s what you’re trying to do and we got that done. I did think we had to grind it out, which was not a shock. I mean that football team, San Diego State, they’re physical, they can run the ball, they’ve got some good players. Challenging scheme on defense and created some some problems at times offensively, especially early for us. And I’m just proud of the group to be able to just keep fighting and grinding. Defensively for the most part, gave up a few that we’ll learn from on tape, but outside of that I thought they kept us in this thing and kept on battling throughout. I was really pleased with that. So, another awesome home crowd can’t thank Beaver Nation (enough). Sellout, the place is rockin’, makes a difference for the opponent. And so it feels good to finish nonconference play 3-0.

Q: After winning pretty one-sided last couple of weeks, do you feel like this was a game you guys kind of needed, the way it played out? Or is that overrated?

Smith: I think our guys know these games are going to get more and more difficult. They’re going to be closer, tighter throughout. Not just for one half type thing. So I was proud of these guys. They kept on battling. We’re scrapping out there, back and forth, chipping away, it’s 3-0, it’s 6-0 and a long time a one-possession game, so we know that type of game is coming. And today was kind of like that.

Q: In regard to the passing game. DJ has been pretty accurate so far this season. Today it was a struggle for quite a while. How much of that was his passes, and how much was the receivers just not being able to get separation out there?

Smith: There was a combination of a few things. I think, yeah, there’s a couple of throws that he can make that were not as accurate as we’d like. There’s a couple times we were not on the same page route running wise, thinking he was going to break out, he breaks in and that kind of thing. Again, give some credit San Diego State. That scheme is not easy, the way they change looks pre-snap, post-snap. So they made it hard.

Q: Talk a little bit about the tackles for loss and sacks today. It really seemed like even though San Diego State was may be able to hit some underneath stuff, when it was important you guys were able to get pressure on them.

Smith: Yeah, (Andrew) Chatfield, Takari Hickle squeezed in that pocket. The guy can make some throws in the pocket and he did. But yeah, we, for the most part, contained him to escape in the pocket. He hit some underneath stuff that hurt us at times, but was pleased at the line of scrimmage on defense.

Q: Speaking of the opposing DB core, they gave you guys a little bit of trouble again, and they were of course coming to this game one of the best DB cores in the nation. Six picks heading into this one, eight picks now in total. I think 10 turnovers in total through four games for them now. What sort of challenges do you feel like they gave you offensively and what did you kind of see?

Smith: You know, the first pick, we were throwing the ball and it’s just a little bit high. Anthony Gould’s going up, I think DJ is going to be decent spot with the ball, gets tipped up there and they get it. And then ultimately on the second one to Silas (Bolden), we’re actually wanting that coverage. We want man on man, we want to throw it back across the field and they made a better play than us. And so give those guys some credit. Turnovers are going to take place, talked about it a little bit. And so I was pleased with the response of our guys, kept battling.

Q: Were you mad at those turnovers? You talked about last week you said you’d figure out if you’re going to be mad. Were you?

Smith: Yeah, never pleased, obviously, there because again, if we can execute better and we’re not going to turn the thing over. But you play this game, it’s not a game of perfect. Turnovers are going to take place. We’re going to have to tighten that up as these games get closer and closer because that can make a huge difference.

Q: Late in the second quarter I noticed that you had swapped Jermod McCoy for Tyrice Ivy Jr. Was Tyrice injured at all or was that just part of the feel of the game? What happened there?

Smith: Yeah, I feel actually really good about both those players. Jermod, we want to get him in the game and he’s done a good job and so that was the nothing to do with injury. McCoy’s just earned some reps.

Q: Not to keep repeating the same thing that everyone’s saying over and over again, but obviously you guys struggled a little bit on offense. But how important was it to just, for the players even, just to show themselves that they’re just one play away from reaching the end zone?

Smith: Well, we were productive. I mean, looking at yardage and things, we’re moving the ball. And then, I think it’s first drive, we got a couple penalties backed us up, took us out of that. We didn’t convert on third down, we’re not on the same page on a route there, then we’re kicking a field goal. And again, that scheme, San Diego State makes it tough. We had a couple of three-and-outs, we turned the ball over a couple of times. We also had a couple of big plays that, and then Anthony Gould toward the end separated things.

Q: You’ve played three times. Which game did you get the most out of as a team?

Smith: Yeah, that’s a good question. I do think that you learn more and more each week. I think this week you learned a ton. Again, the talent level, the schematics, battling back from some adversity. I think we learned a ton today.

Q: The touchdown by (Joshua) Gray. What’s it like when you’ve got to play design like that in your pocket and you know you’re holding on to it, and what goes into the decision of when to pull that out and to use a play like that?

Smith: Yep, we’ve had it in the playbook for the last couple of years. Just, an opportune time didn’t present itself. I actually talked a little bit about it with the team yesterday because it presented, we felt like we’d get down there tight, that this was a play to give us an advantage. And they practiced it. Josh was catching balls. DJ actually throws a really good ball, it’s well designed. The situation arises, you practice them enough, you’ve got to trust your execution.

Q: Couple injuries today. Any update on Makiya (Tongue) or Ryan Cooper?

Smith: Yeah, not not a definite update. Sounds early like Makiya might be a little bit longer term. And then on Coop, haven’t heard that that’s a long-term thing, but still don’t know.

Q: You’ve made a big emphasis this year on wanting to get explosive plays. Is that one thing that you take out of this game that you feel pretty good about, because there were five or six pretty explosive plays, with Gould on top of that?

Smith: Yeah, it was Gould. And I think Damien (Martinez)’s can be explosive. (Jack) Velling has a sweet catch. Good throw by DJ to separate things. We’ve got to be able to complement that. I just think in general, whether it’s us, any offense, the ability to create 20-, 30-yard gains. It’s hard to go 10, 12, 14 plays and execute the whole time without hurting yourself or dropping the ball or a penalty there. So it’s vitally important.

Q: How important, obviously you mentioned, not happy with offensive output, but how important is it that your defense, you can really hang your hat on that and they can keep you in the game even when they’re not even forcing turnovers, just playing good defense?

Smith: Yeah, they played like I said, for the majority of the game, played really good defense, getting off the field, pressuring the quarterback. The run game in general, pretty solid, did have a couple of plays that we gave away in the second half that we got to tighten up because those will really hurt us. I do think they dropped a couple of balls that, those are caught, that’ll hurt us. But overall defensively, obviously give up whatever it was, nine points, you’ll take that.

Q: Coach 3-0, obviously nonconference, you guys head into Pac-12 play next week against Washington State. We’ve seen how good this Cougars team can be. What do you think you guys are most going to have to improve upon over the next seven days to get ready for a tough team and a tough crowd in Pullman, potentially a very important game against this season?

Smith: Yeah, I just think it’s important we’re improving each week. The more and more tape we put out there, whoever we’re playing next, we’ve got to take a step and improve. Know some of our flaws, some of the things that we got to get better at moving forward. That’ll be a challenge. I haven’t looked at those guys much at all. But it starts Pac-12 play.

Q: I know conference realignment has been a discussion over the last couple of months. Knowing that you guys and Washington State are going to be the last two that are going to be a part of the Pac-12, at least as we know it right now. Do you find it at all ironic that the first game of the Pac-12 season, you guys are going against Washington state? Again the two last members of the Pac-12, facing off against each other in the first game of Pac-12 competition?

Smith: No, I haven’t put a lot of thought into it. The schedule is what it is. Knew we were going to play them every year because we were on the schedule. But we’re looking forward to it. Try to digest this one, and then we’ll move forward.

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Oregon

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Published

8 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

5-Star Defensive Lineman Visiting Oregon Ducks for Ohio State Buckeyes Matchup

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium. On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 for the top-10 matchup with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.

One week after revealing his plans to graduate a year early, Stewart will be in Autzen as the Buckeyes take on the Ducks.

Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State coach Ryan Day both have undefeated teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but the recruiting never ends. Stewart projects as a player who can make an immediate impact.

Jahkeem Stewart under the Friday night lights. / Jahkeem Stewart / Instagram

After his visit to Eugene on Oct. 12, Stewart has plans to visit LSU on Nov. 9, USC on No. 16, and Ohio State on Nov. 30. Typically, the team with the last visit

The early signing period begins on Dec. 4, giving Day and the Buckeyes the last chance to make an impression on Stewart. That being said, LSU and USC have both been considered favorites throughout Stewart’s recruitment.

🚨NEWS🚨 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart has reclassified to the 2025 cycle, per @SWiltfong_‼️
Read: https://t.co/ZTuincsC7N pic.twitter.com/bPD8QrNm37
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 5, 2024

Stewart was already high-profile recruit, and he is now the No. 3 defensive lineman recruit in 2025 according to the 247Sports Composite.

247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks thinks highly of Stewart, writing about the elite defensive lineman’s athleticism.

“Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness,” said Brooks. “Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.”

MORE: Oregon Ducks’ Dan Lanning: ‘Tough’ Dillon Gabriel Injury Update After Michigan State

MORE: Will ESPN College GameDay Visit Eugene for Oregon Ducks vs. Ohio State?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Secure Recruiting Visit With Son of Former NFL Star

MORE: USC Trojans’ Bear Alexander Interested in Transfer To Oregon Ducks?

MORE: Oregon Ducks Recruiting Pushing To Flip USC Trojans Four-Star Commit

MORE: Largest College Football Stadiums: Ranking Oregon Ducks In Big Ten Conference

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Oregon

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Published

16 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Friday’s win allows Oregon football to look ahead to matchup with Ohio State

Oregon is undefeated, coming off its third straight convincing win and despite some unremarkable plays in recent weeks, is starting to look more and more like a team that should to be favored to land a spot in the College Football Playoff in December.

Now comes the most anticipated game of the regular season.

Bring on the Buckeyes.

The No. 6 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will play No. 3 Ohio State – which is 4-0 heading into its game Saturday against Iowa – at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday in Autzen Stadium, a game between the two highest ranked teams in the conference.

“I think it’ll be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said after Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday in Autzen Stadium. “You dream for moments like these and games like this and I think everyone’s excited for it.”

Despite this mid-October gem on its schedule, coach Dan Lanning said his team hasn’t looked ahead to Ohio State while it opened the season with wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA and now the Spartans.

“They’ve done a really good job of not listening to you guys, right?” Lanning said to media members Friday night. “But finally, you guys can talk about it. We’re finally there. We’re going to play them now. A great team. … There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, and our fans are gonna have to show up.”

Lanning said the team would turn its focus to the Buckeyes at midnight on Friday. That wasn’t soon enough for wide receiver Tez Johnson.

“Right now,” Johnson said. “We turn the page right now. Obviously, it’s a big game … we’ll got out here and practice physical knowing that they got some really good players. But so do we. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”

Heading into their game against the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes are the most prolific team in conference. With former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in his first season as offensive coordinator, Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (48.8 points) and yards (534.8) per game, and No. 2 in passing yards (307.8) and No. 4 in rushing yards (227.0) per game.

They’ve also allowed the fewest points per game (6.8) for a No. 1 point differential of 42.0.

“I played Ohio State two years,” said defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a Michigan State transfer. “I know what they bring. We just have to compete that game. That’s a game we’re gonna have to compete. Everybody run to the ball, everybody in the right gaps, everybody playing for each other. That’s what we gotta do.”

In 2021, the Ducks upset the Buckeyes in Columbus, 35-28, the only victory for Oregon in 10 games against Ohio State. The two games prior were a 42-20 loss in the 2015 national championship game and a 26-17 defeat in the 2010 Rose Bowl.

“We’re two great programs that have been known for playing good football,” Gabriel said. “The things you look to as a young man playing the game is big-time moments and great atmospheres. So, super excited for it.”

Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him on X @chansen_RG or by email at chansen@registerguard.com.

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Oregon

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

Published

23 hours ago

October 5, 2024

Press Room

Live updates: Michigan State trails Oregon 31-7 in fourth quarter

MSU closes gap in waning seconds

A nice drive by Tommy Schuster puts points on the board for the Spartans. 31-10 looks like the final with 25 seconds to play. I’m sure there many out there that were more interested in that field goal than others.

Defense gets a stop, Chiles’ day is done

Tommy Schuster enters for the Spartans with six minutes and change remaining. Looks like the rest of the starting crew is still out there.

Touchdown, MSU!

In year one of a new coaching staff, and against teams that are probably in a different weight class, little things like getting on the scoreboard matter. A 75-yard drive ended with a Kay’ron-Lynch Adams one yard scoring run, and it’s 31-7 late. Chiles found a few receivers, including two first downs to Jack Velling, and a 35-yard strike to Montorie Foster. 8:27 remains to close the gap further.

Score blown open after long Oregon TD drive

After holding the ball for over eight minutes, the Ducks hit paydirt on fourth and goal from the two. For the second week in a row, there are just too many weapons for Michigan State to keep up with. 31-0 Oregon is your score now.

Fourth quarter looms with Oregon in control

Oregon has really slowed the pace and is taking a bunch of time off the clock while moving the ball. The Ducks are threatening again, as the end of the third quarter arrives. MSU’s defense needs the breather, they are getting leaned on right now. Let’s see if they can keep the end zone clean.

Ducks add field goal, 24-0 score

Well, it could be worse. A promising Oregon drive stalled out, and it was a nice job by Michigan State to force a 50-yard field goal, especially with an iffy Ducks kicking game. The attempt was good, and now Michigan State takes over on offense, still trying to put some points on the board.

Oregon takes over after empty possession

Michigan State’s offensive line is breaking down, and Chiles is doing his best to scramble around. Oregon’s defensive line is a handful for anyone. Jaron Glover had an opportunity to haul in a big play inside the red zone, but had the ball punched out at the last second. Still 21-0 early third quarter.

Lead extends to 21-0 going into half

That’s huge. Oregon marches right down the field, eats up the rest of the clock, and scores a touchdown. Gabriel throws his 135th TD pass and now the Spartans have dug quite a first half hole against a top 10 team for the second week in a row.

MSU gives ball back at two minute timeout

A few sacks derailed a drive that started off strong. Michigan State will get the ball to begin the second half, so this upcoming drive for the defense will be crucial to get a stop.

Ducks punch one in to go up 14-0

It is becoming clear that there isn’t much Spartan resistance for the Oregon ground game tonight. Oregon back Jordan James is up to 133 rushing yards on 14 carries, with the team up to 174. There is still 5:26 left in the half. Offense needs to put some points up quick.

Second quarter starts another turnover

Plot twist, this was NOT another Michigan State turnover. Charles Brantley is on an interception hot streak, and he just got the second red zone pick of the night for the Spartans. In a game with three drives that got inside the five, it is 7-0 Oregon with 11:17 left in the first half.

Gabriel runs in late first quarter score

The Ducks have gotten to at least the one-yard line in their last two drives, but no turnover this time. A couple big plays were capped off by a nine-yard touchdown run by Gabriel, and it’s 7-0 Oregon. End of the first quarter in Eugene.

Three-and-out for MSU, Ducks takeover

Nice decision from Chiles to not force anything on a third and a million. A nice punt from Ryan Eckley and another play by Spencer flips the field.

Oregon returns the favor; Spartans pick off Dillon Gabriel

Call it even! Fresh off of forcing a turnover at their own one yard-line, Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel throws an interception at the Spartan one. Malik Spencer made a very athletic diving catch to secure the pick, and Michigan State takes over after the touchback.

Chiles fumble at the 1 squanders golden scoring chance

This is getting ridiculous. Yet another drive where Michigan State marches the ball right down the field ends with a turnover. This one is an Aidan Chiles fumble as he was reaching into the end zone. The most frustrating thing for Spartan fans is how good Chiles also looks. Multiple great throws, including a deep bomb to Nick Marsh that set the Spartans up at the two, set up the scoring chance. But one step forward has been followed by a step back too many times so far to hang with the big boy teams.

Hello Defense!

Michigan State won the toss and gave the Ducks the ball. That turned out to be a good choice. The Spartans force a three and out and the offense has an early chance to punch ahead.

Let’s get this party started

Nice surprise on this late-night for Michiganders. Tigers’ announcer Jason Benetti is on the call in Eugene for Fox. 3-2 Spartans and 4-0 Ducks on deck.

The Spartans continue the meat of their schedule with a trip across the country to face unbeaten and No. 6-ranked Oregon on the national stage.

Coming off a 38-7 home loss to Ohio State, Michigan State faces another top-10 team, but this time it’s on the road. The Spartans moved the ball well against the Buckeyes, and did not look physically outmatched for most of the night, but costly turnovers and mistakes proved too much to keep up with Ohio State.

Those mistakes will need to be limited, as the Spartans head into one of the most hostile environments in the country. However, Oregon has let opponents hang around in home games so far. The Ducks needed a late score to put away FCS Idaho in Week 1 and only beat Boise State out of the Mountain West by a 37-34 score. Oregon is coming off a pair of dominant road performances the last two weeks, with a 49-14 rout at Oregon State and 34-13 win at UCLA.

Follow along here for live updates from Detroit News contributor Griffin Beers.