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I think for the most part, against Sacramento State, it was a game where, you know, we gained some things, but at the same time, we stayed steady because we were expected to win.
We went out and did what we were supposed to do and predicted to do, which I guess we haven't done too much in the past or people complained about in the past.
That's the good thing, but this is a whole new game. Oregon State's gonna be a totally new speed, and if we play like we did against Sacramento State, it won't be a good game. That's just how I personally feel.
As for my sprained right ankle, I'm gonna push it. If I have any chance of playing, I will be playing. I want to practice so the coaches know I'll be ready, just try to come out early and maybe get some practice in on Wednesday. But, either way, I think I'm off to a speedy recovery. I've been resting it. I've been in the treatment room every day, non-stop, including Labor Day. I'm doing what I've gotta do.
It's disappointing because it's happened at the beginning of the season, but at the same time, there's a lot to learn from it, because I guess I could be thankful just that it's not worse. It was a fluke accident. Somebody hit me in my back when my foot was planted.
But everything happens for a reason.
As for the Rodgers brothers — OSU sophomore running back Jacquizz and junior receiver James — the reason they're so good is that they play instinctual. They flock to daylight, they have good feet and they know how to play off their blockers.
That's what makes them standouts. They know who they are, they know their identity and what they rely on — speed and quickness. And they know how to use it.
To play against a Pac-10 team, it means a lot, but I'm sure everyone can see now that there's not too big a difference between the Pac-10 and the Mountain West.
So the difference between going into Arizona State last year and playing Oregon State this year is that we kind of expect a great game.
You know, we don't hold those guys as an impossible feat or a dream. We see it more as an expectation now, where we were just pleased to be on the field with a Pac-10 team in the past, which really isn't impressive to me anymore.
We expect a lot out of ourselves.
Hope to see you all on Saturday, and I'll talk to you again next week.
Take care of that ankle. Hope to see you on the field on Saturday! GO REBELS!!
Jason,
I really enjoyed your statements regarding the Pac-10 and your the way you view Pac-10 teams. Many teams, especially those in the MWC, have proven that we can and do run with them. However, this time they are coming into our house and we must protect it. I really hope, and believe, you will be out there this Saturday night. I have my tickets and I ensure you my family and I will be loud.
Much has been said about the Rebel's defense, and most of it has been bad. Prove the naysayers wrong and continue to push. We will need to show the Beavers early what it means to play against UNLV and the Mountain West. Last weekend was no fluke, and the Pac-10 needs to understand that the way the Big-12 does.
You are a great leader and the defense needs to feel your energy. May you heal quickly and take down the Beavers. I cannot wait. Only three more days. Put a hurtin' on the James brothers and the rest of the Beavers.
Good luck to ya'll and I really enjoy your blog posts. Keep them coming.
..you know, I remember playing Iowa State in the early 90's and thinking to myself, "...that's a real football team, they're huge, they're fast, they're strong"...etc...and I then nearly beating ISU at their place, and then beating them last year, was just a huge corner we turned (at least in my mind) to becoming a legit D1 caliber football team.
Now, on to Oregon State....I'm not sure the players appreciate this as much as fans like I do, but Oregon State used to come down to Vegas and steal our best players (like Oklahoma is doing now)....Steven Jackson, Richard Siegler, etc... The last time we played them, they had a shot of the sidelines (when OSU was blowing us out), and it focused in a few Vegas kids playing at Oregon State. They were laughing and enjoying themselves to see their hometown team taken to the woodshed....
...its 2009, and I'd love every player at UNLV to play with a major chip on their shoulders and show these guys that this, what we have going on, is the real deal. Wipe that smile of their faces that's been stuck in my memory for so long....so I'm relying on you guys to help out with that!!!! Get out there and knock these guys over!
"We see it more as an expectation now, where we were just pleased to be on the field with a Pac-10 team in the past, which really isn't impressive to me anymore."
Oh, haha. So awesome! That is the 100% perfect attitude. UNLV has all the tools and it IS as good as any Pac-10 team IF you and your teammates see it that way. I felt a huge sense of pride reading that. Thanks man.
I hope that we make a strong showing against Oregon State. I was at the game this past Saturday and was horrified at our run defense in the first half. Against a 1-AA offensive line and running back, we gave up 6, 8, 10+ yard runs more often than not. As I watched Sac St. receivers muff pass after pass, I was mystified about why we didn't make adjustments during the second quarter. Listening to the post game show disappointed me even more. Coach T, in my opinion, made a very lame excuse about them using a receiver as a tight end and how they couldn't make adjustments until halftime.
I don't want to sound like a "Lenny_V" bashing the team, I bleed scarlet and grey. I'm just hoping that if we start getting ripped apart again, we can make adjustments before it is too late. I know it is easy to sit up in the stands and scream about putting the safeties up in the box to stop the run, but c'mon!!
GO REBS!!!
The Sac State Running back, Terrance Dailey, is a Division I transfer from Washinton University. Last yeay Dailey ran for 105 yards against Oregon State. I was not happy at all with our run defense, but to equate a "Division II" running back who goes for 101 yards against us will ensure 250 yards against a real "Division I" opponent is not logical. Dailey is a good back who went back home to play in Sacramento.
That being said, Jaquizz is faster and better than Dailey so we need to watch out. That's why we need to hit Jones really hard early in the game to show them that UNLV is not Portland State.
Remember that UNLV was running a lot of different players on the field against Sac State's first string during the first half. I know that won't happen this week unless someone needs a rest or injured.
With all due respect, Terrance Dailey couldn't cut it at Wash. State, the worst team in the Pac-10, and how many touches did he need to get 105 yards? I don't know but I do know the game (WSU vs OSU) was over at the end of the 2nd quarter. Furthermore, the O-line has a lot to do with the rushing attack not just the Running back.
I respect that UNLV isn't a Portland State, and the MWC is solid, but obviously Oregon State has better talent, for UNLV to win they need to play their best game...... any less and you will just be blown out. The key matchup will be UNLV's WR vs the OSU Secondary, Quizz will get his, you just need to score quicker and hope for some turnovers.
Enjoy the Roger's Brothers on your home field they are something special.
Dailey played for Washinton and he only had 16 touches for his 102 yards. He went home to be closer to family and decided to go to Sac State because he would not have to sit out a year because of the transfer.
Don't overlook this:
It will be 95 degrees when the game starts. That wears a team out if you are not used to it.
Your secondary is inexperienced and you only return 3 players on defense.
We don't want to score quickly because the more our offense is on the field, the less Quizz has the ball in his hands.
We do need turnovers and this is a problem we have had in the past. Every big game we have won in this team's history was based on turnovers.
So you are saying we will either win or get blown out. That's a razor sharp error curve.
I am looking foward to seeing the Rodgers brothers, but I may have to change that opinion after Saturday night.
Go Rebels.