Episode 187

Beaver Football In Crisis, Special Teams Is A F*cking Joke, Bray As DC, And Season In Survival Mode

Oregon State football falls to Fresno State in the weirdest way possible and we break it all down. Special teams chaos, long-snapping nightmares, and whether Trent Bray should keep DC duties while learning the CEO role. The defense’s tackling issues, the O-line’s penalties, and why Maalik Murphy + Taz Reddicks gave real hope. Then we look ahead to the Texas Tech road test and what growth has to show up now at Reser Stadium and beyond.

• Episode Summary

  In this episode of the Belligerent Beavs podcast, the hosts discuss the disappointing start to the Oregon State football season, analyzing the recent loss to Fresno State. They delve into the struggles of the special teams unit, particularly the long snapping issues, and question the coaching decisions surrounding Trent Bray. The conversation highlights the defensive tackling problems and the overall performance of the team, while also expressing hope for improvement and accountability moving forward. Fans' sentiments are addressed, reflecting a mix of frustration and loyalty as they navigate a challenging season. In this episode, the hosts delve into the complexities of coaching changes at Oregon State, discussing the implications of defensive coordination and the responsibilities of the head coach. They explore the future of the coaching staff, comparing it to other programs, and analyze player performances, particularly focusing on Maalik Murphy. The conversation culminates in predictions for upcoming games, highlighting the challenges and expectations for the team moving forward.

• Key Takeaways

  • Oregon State's performance has been disappointing this season.

  • The special teams unit has faced significant issues, particularly with the long snapper.

  • Coaching decisions are under scrutiny, especially regarding Trent Bray's readiness as head coach.

  • Defensive tackling has been a major concern, leading to poor performance.

  • Fans are expressing frustration and considering abandoning support for the team.

  • There are some positive signs in the offense, particularly with Maalik Murphy's play.

  • The team needs to find a way to improve and hold players accountable.

  • The athletic department's decisions will impact the future of the program.

  • Hope remains for the season, but accountability is crucial.

  • The conversation reflects a deep passion for Oregon State football and a desire for improvement. Fans are hopeful for positive changes in coaching.

  • The role of defensive coordination is crucial for team success.

  • Head coaches must balance multiple responsibilities effectively.

  • Future coaching staff decisions will impact team dynamics.

  • Comparative analysis shows other programs have successfully navigated coaching changes.

  • Player performance is key to team morale and success.

  • Game predictions reflect a mix of hope and skepticism.

  • The coaching staff needs to show commitment to improvement.

  • Maintaining player health is essential for team performance.

  • Fan engagement is critical during challenging seasons.

• Soundbites

  "The Beavs are 0-1."

  "The vibe was off."

  "We have nothing to lose."

  "That penalty sucked the energy out of the stadium."

  "Two number sevens on the field, again."

  "Call the timeout."

  "It felt like we lost the game on that play."

  "Special teams was a disaster."

  "We have to beat Fresno State."

  "We need an offensive win."

  "Analytics don’t know the context."

  "The pass rush still isn’t there."

  "Ball’s in Coach Bray’s court."

  "Make tech cool."

  "Oregon State can be the tech university."

  "Use NVIDIA and build the future."

  "Winning is cool, but innovation wins recruiting."

  "Tempo, tempo, tempo."

  "Get the tight ends involved."

  "This is a must-win."