SB Nation - Shane Morales

Previewing the Season: Oregon State Beavers

jtlight — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:00:13 -0000

What a great way for Mike Bellotti complete his final regular season game as the head coach of the Oregon Ducks. Photo via photos.oregonlive.com

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What a difference a year makes. This time last year was frustrating to be a Duck fan. Despite the soaring heights of 2007, it was surely grating that we had lost to the Beavers, and boy did we hear about it. There was a constant yapping from Beaver fans about how they'd beaten us two years in a row. But then, well, I think you know what happened.

What made last year's victory so special was that it was the first Civil War since 2000 where both teams had something at stake. With both teams looking to continue their momentum from last season, we could very well see a Civil War of similar magnitude in 2009.

Oregon Offense vs. Oregon State Defense:

Oregon State had a stellar defense last season. However, as good as they were through 11 games, they had no answer for an Oregon offense that simply did whatever it wanted. Oregon set the tone early by throwing the ball. OSU was simply not prepared for an offense that could both run and throw, and after Oregon established early that it could move the ball through the air as well as on the ground, OSU was off balance for the rest of the game.

While I think Mike Riley is a very good coach, if Oregon is marginally healthy coming into the game, I don't see how OSU will be able to stop the Ducks. They do not have the quality of safeties, cornerbacks, or defensive ends that they did a year ago. Though they return studs DT Stephen Paea and LB Keaton Kristick, the beauty of a spread offense is that it will isolate the defensive weaknesses. Oregon State has done an exceptional job at team defense, especially against traditional offenses. But they have not fared well against a fast, talented offense that can isolate OSU's weaknesses. As much as OSU fans talk about how great Mike Riley is at recruiting talent, and developing players, there can be no ignoring the fact that for all the very good players they develop, OSU is still made up of 3* players, who can be beaten when isolated. And there are few offenses throughout the country that can exploit those weaknesses as Oregon can.

And while OSU has some very good players on defense, none of their units as a whole will be dominant. As good as Paea is, he is no Haloti Ngata, who can carry an entire defense for stretches at a time. As a whole defense, they will be good, but they will not have one thing that they do extremely well, which will catch up with them when they face very good offenses.

Oregon should be able to move the ball in this game, and though expecting another almost 700 yard onslaught is unrealistic, 500 yards and 40 points is not.

Oregon Defense vs. Oregon State Offense

On the opposite side of the ball, it's all about the Rodgers brothers. They are two of the best players in the league. James Rodgers is one of the fastest players in the conference, while Jacquizz Rodgers just gets his yards. For any defense, stopping these two players will be the key to beating OSU. If you can hinder these two, OSU will have to rely on their QBs and an inexperienced downfield receiving corp.

I have taken from heat from Beaver fans for saying that I think that Jacquizz will regress this season. But this has nothing to do with his skills, but the fact that, unlike last year, the offense will rest entirely on his shoulders. Last year OSU had two great receivers in Sammy Stroughter and Shane Morales. They could stretch a defense and their threat led to not only very good passing stats for the Beavers, but to the running game success.

This year, every defense will be gameplanning for Jacquizz. They will force OSU to beat them through the air. And that means the Beavers must rely on either Lyle Moevao or Sean Canfield. And when the ball has been in Moevao's hands, things have not ended well. Though Canfield did well in last year's Arizona game, he has not looked well in spring practice. On top of this, I seriously doubt that either of these players will make any significant progression this season, considering Mike Riley's record for developing QBs, which has been very poor for one of the best coaches in the conference.

For teams like Oregon, whose strength should be their run defense, this bodes very well. Jacquizz will get his yards, but will have to work very hard to get there, and if the OSU passing game is not as explosive as it was last year, it will be very hard to keep up with an offense like Oregon's.

Conclusion:

All the credit in the world to OSU, who has been one of the most consistent teams in the Pac-10. This year, that should continue, as they are clearly the #4 team in the conference in my mind. However, this year, I feel that the talent gap between OSU and USC, Cal, and Oregon is quite large. I see them having a lot of problems competing with these teams, on both sides of the ball.

Oregon has the advantages in this game, and can force OSU into the type of game it wants to play. In the end, OSU can't keep up, and Oregon ends up winning by 2 TDs.

Fall Camp Questions - Receivers

Jake Bertalotto — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:10:03 -0000

Jordan Bishop has had a strong fall, and looks to compete for playing time at slotback. (Photo by Ethan Erickson)

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What a fall it has already been for the wide receivers.

First, there were questions of whether Darrell Catchings could fill the void of the departed Sammie Stroughter. Then he suffered a wrist injury, and was expected to be out for the season. Then, the news came that in fact the injury wasn't a fracture as originally stated. Long story short, No. 15 could be back for Oregon State's second game against UNLV.

But beyond Darrell, some other interesting things have happened in the receiving corps this season. When Darrell first went down, true-freshman Marcus Wheaton really looked like he had the wherewithal to handle being put into the spotlight so early in his career. Could he have got open as a split end against Pac-10 defensive backs as a freshman? We may never know. But definitely expect to see a lot more out of this kid as the years go on.

This is now the fifth "Fall Camp Questions" post of camp, (Linebackers, Defensive Line, Secondary, Running Back) and as I write this, I get the feeling that the post would look a lot different had I sat down to write it back on August 10, when fall camp began.

James Rodgers, OSU's stud flanker, has battled a minor knee injury (just a bruise, we hear) throughout camp and missed some practices, but it's nothing that should be long term. Everything we've heard points to both Rodgers' brothers being stronger and faster this season... as if they weren't fast enough already. Expect him to only improve this year, if he can stay injury-free, and help to fill the Sammie-void.

At slotback, we now have two players competing to be the next Shane Morales. Heading into camp, it looked like 6-2 junior Casey Kjos would be the sure-fit at slotback, but Jordan Bishop, the redshirt freshman from West Salem, is giving Kjos a run for his money. Riley seemingly dubbed Kjos as "the next Morales", and the coaches continue to be high on the Ohio native. After all, he's older and more experienced. After all, it took Morales three years after transferring from the College of the Canyons to really mature and figure things out in the slot.

To me, Jordan Bishop first seemed like another Oregon-born guy who would generate some attention as a recruit, then disappear from the map for a few years as he advanced through the program. But now, Bishop really looks like a guy who could contribute as a redshirt-freshman. Not only did he turn heads at West Salem High School, he took the 2008 Les Schwab Bowl by storm with 2 TD's on his way to being named the game's MVP. I heard some ranting and raving about Jordan last year during his redshirt year, but never expected it to amount to much until I've continued to hear great things about him the spring and fall. He has the athleticism to go up and get balls in a crowd, and has the speed to separate from defensive backs. He's definitely the flashier of the two candidates at slotback, but once he gets enough experience to know the playbook in-and-out so he can focus more on his skills-- watch out.

Other receivers who will play a role include Geno Munoz, another redshirt freshman, and Damola Adeniji, the senior walk-on. Taylor Kavanaugh could also be in the mix at some point.

The depth chart at all three wide receivers has been shifting considerably in the first two weeks of fall camp. Will it change even more before OSU's September 5 opener versus Portland State?

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)

Upgrade or Downgrade? - Slotback

Jake Bertalotto — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 19:40:17 -0000

We continue our look at the departed starters today with the vacancy left by Shane Morales at Slotback. Just to clear things up, this poll is somewhat open ended in that you could interpret it in a number of different ways. For example, with the Stroughter/Catchings debate this morning, it was somewhat difficult because Catchings is entering his junior year and Stroughter was a senior last year. My stance is as follows: take the age differences into account, and weigh whether you think the incoming players will progress at a higher rate than the outgoing players did. Hopefully that makes sense.

Last Year:

Shane Morales

#13 / Wide Receiver / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-1

Weight: 209

Year: graduated

This Year:

Casey Kjos

#25 / Wide Receiver / Oregon St. Beavers

Height: 6-2

Weight: 215

Year: junior

Again, discussion is encouraged. I'll make sure that my take makes it to the comment thread at some point.

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)

Poll

Is Casey Kjos an upgrade or a downgrade from Shane Morales?

Upgrade

43 votes

Downgrade

61 votes

104 votes | Poll has closed

Arizona Cardinals Assign Numbers to Rookie Draft Class

Hawkwind — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 20:31:27 -0000

The Arizona Cardinals have assigned numbers to their entire rookie class (eight draft picks and 9 undrafted free agents). I'm not sure if this is common practice for the Cardinals but not a single rookie retained the same number that they wore in college, even if the number was avaliable.

Chris "Beanie" Wells #26 (Keith Lewis currently has #28)
Cody Brown #52 (Donovan Raiola currently has #50)
Rashad Johnson #41 (Alex Shor currently has #49)
Greg Toler #32 (He wore #8 in college but that number is avaliable)
Herman Johnson #67 (Jason Banks currently has #79)
Will Davis #59 (Anquan Boldin currently has #81 but an OLB can't wear a receiver number anyways)
LaRod Stephens-Howling #36 (Tim Hightower currently has #34)
Trevor Canfield #60 (Deuce Lutui currently has #76)

It'll be interesting to see if any of the guys switch their number once some guys are cut during training camp. I'd think that Chris Wells, Cody Brown and Rashad Johnson stand a better chance of making the roster than Keith Lewis (although his chances are fairly good), Donovan Raiola and Alex Shor. Toler couldn't wear his collieagate number because defensive backs aren't allowed to wear single digit numbers in the NFL.

Justin Brown #12 (He wore #81 at Hampton)
Chase Bullock #96 (He wore #42 at Maryland but that number is avaliable)
Tony Davis #37 (Larry Fitzgerald currently has #11)
Jameel Dowling #43 (Tyler Palko currently has #3)
Khalil El-Amin #64 (Jason Banks currently has #79)
Shane Morales #10 (Old Grey Beard currently has #13)
Brandon Pearce #65 (He wore #71 at Memphis but that number is avaliable)
Reggie Walker #55 (Clark Haggans currently has #53)
Michael Ray Garvin #18 (DRC currently has #29)

Arizona Cardinals Sign Nine Undrafted Free Agents

Hawkwind — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 14:13:39 -0000

After much speculatuion the Arizona Cardinals made it official yesterday by signing nine undrafted free agents in what could be the final roster moves prior to the start of mini-camps or even training camp. The current roster is over flowingly full with around 86 players, counting the drafted and undrafted rookies, which means that somewhere around four players will be cut before training camp (until rookies sign their contract, they don't officially count as a roster spot so it won't become an issue until the fifth rookie signs his contract). We'll take a look at some preliminary 53 man rosters sometime in the next couple of weeks but for now here's a quick look at the nine undrafted free agents who signed with the Cardinals yesterday.

Justin Brown (WR), Hampton: Brown is a receiver with decent size (6'1 200) who was a JUCO transfer and spent two seasons at Hampton. He 28 balls for 483 yards and two scores in 2007 and nearly doubled those stats in 2008 with 56 receptions for 887 yards and nine scores. His pro days results generated some buzz when he ran in the 4.49 to 4.5 range in the forty, a broad jump of 10'5.5 and a vertical jump of 37.5 (all of which would have been in the top ten at the combine).

Chase Bullock (LB), Maryland: There isn't much info on Bullock (but we're still looking) because he didn't have much of a college career. He battled injuries during his sophomore and junior seasons but only played in 28 games, mostly as a backup and finished his career with just 58 tackles. from what we've found he was an OLB in the Terps' 4-3 defense. He's got decent size (6'2, 240) but I don't know what else he brings to the table.

Tony Davis (CB/S), Penn State: After checking out SBN's Penn State blog, Black Shoe Diaries, Davis looks like an interesting prospect. He was an on again off again starter who's been labeled as 'under rated' and 'under appreciated' many times. He's played both safety and corner in college although his size (5'10 195) would indicate that he's better suited as a corner. He also ran a 4.40 at his pro day.

Jameel Dowling (CB/S), Hawaii: Dowling is a big (6'2) defensive back who started eight games in his only season at Hawaii. He sat out the 2007 after transferring from Oregon, where he also only played one season after transferring from Butte College in California. He's also an outstanding track athlete where he holds a California Community College record in the 400 (48.02).

Khalil El-Amin (G/T), Cincinnati: El-Amin has experience with several positions but his most extensive playing time has come at right tackle where he started 20 games over the past two seasons. He's struggled with speed rushers and is most likely projected as a guard at the pro level. He also played with the Cards' 7th round pick Trevor Canfield.

Shane Morales (WR), Oregon State: Morales is another receiver with decent size (6'1 209) who started for just one year but put up respectable stats with 54 receptions, 743 yards and 8 touchdowns. He earned a Pac-10 honorable mention for his breakout senior season but a lack great speed over shadowed his other strong attributes like dependable hands and crisply ran routes.

Brandon Pearce (OT), Memphis: Pearce is interesting only because he's an offensive tackle that played in a pass happy system and rarely gave up sacks. He's got good height but needs to add considerable bulk to his frame (6'6, 290), although some reports mentioned that he added 20 pounds of bulk before Memphis' pro day. Either way he'll have to get stronger as he's had very little experience as an in-line blocker.

Reggie Walker (ILB), Kansas State: Walker was a three year starter at Kansas State, although he did lose his job at one point in 2007, but he never really distinguished himself as a play maker. He averaged 49 tackles, four for loss and just under two sacks per season as starter. He's got decent but not great size (6'0, 246) and he's not the best athlete, but he's tough and physical. He had a hard time staying healthy during his time at Kansas State but he's got some versatility and could be a factor on special teams.

Michael Ray Garvin (CB), Florida State: Garvin is without question the most promising name on this list and might be the guy with a shot at making this year's squad. Garvin's listed as a corner back but don't get confused, he's nothing more than a kick off return specialist. He was an All-American at Florida State in football and track and almost qualified for the Olympics in the 200 meters. Garvin averaged over 30 yards per kick return as a senior and during his time at FSU his focus was split between football and track. It'll be interesting to see if his game improves with his focus squarely football. He posted a crazy 4.24 and4.28 at FSU's pro day.

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After last year's crop of undrafted free agents that included some notable names and interesting prospects, this class looks a little underwhelming. It seems surprising that they went after two wide receivers and two more defensive backs considering that wide receiver and the secondary would seem to be the two deepest positions on the roster. It's also at least a little surprising that they didn't got after another running back and some higher rated linebackers, but we'll see how these guys progress during camp. Has anyone seen these guys play and think they've got a shot at sticking around? Do the additions of wide receivers and defensive backs make sense to you?

OSU vs. Cal in Pictures

PLUBeaverBeliever — Sun, 16 Nov 2008 06:06:52 -0000

I would like to take this opportunity to formally introduce the newest member of the Building the Dam team, Blake. He's a photographer who can be found on Flickr at Blake James Photography. Sit back and enjoy some of his pictures from today's game. --jake

The view from Section 11, row 18...

BIG TIME win for our program! Reser was ROCKING...about as loud as the USC game I thought. Great job Beaver Nation! One.game.at.a.time!

The Beavers take the field for the huge match up with the Bears. The visiting team had won the matchup for the last five years.

Captains meet at midfield prior to kickoff. Oregon State won the toss and deferred to the second half.

The OSU Student Section during Oregon State's 34-21 win over California.

Lyle surveys the defense. He threw for 145 yards on 14 completions.

Shane "Money" Morales bringing one in. It was nice to see him back after he had to sit out the UCLA game due to the infamous goalpost incident.

Brandon Hughes

Sammy ready to rock....Gotta have your big time players play well in big games....Sammie came to play today. Great performance.

Layborn tracking down Best

Victor Butler putting heat on Kevin Riley. Oregon State sacked Riley five times during the game.

Chris Johnson almost taking it to the house.

Scoreboard with the Alma Mater....BIG WIN for the program.....time for the Wildcats!

Malicious Internet Interrogation with Building The Dam

BSD — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 19:30:06 -0000

Jake, from SBNation's fine Oregon State blog, Building the Dam, was kind enough to sit down with BSD and answer a few questions for us this week. Enjoy.

Ok, so last year Oregon State had the toughest run defense in the nation averaging just 70 yards rushing allowed per game. Last week they gave up 210 yards to Stanford, and 147 of those yards were by a guy coming off of major knee surgery wearing a knee brace. Was this just a fluke, or are Beaver fans concerned this could be a problem that plagues them all season?

Well, the cliche answer to this question is that we had to replace our entire defensive front seven. However, we feel like this year's group has more overall speed, and has the potential to be just as good as last years' group. We didn't see that from them last game, so we're hoping they needed a game to acclimate and develop as a cohesive unit. We'll have safety Al Afalava back this game, which whill help

How much will the return of safety Al Afalava improve the defense this weekend?

Having him back could loosen up the defense. Our new linebackers will likely take more risks if they know that one of the conference's best safeties is behind them. He's great in coverage and is one of the hardest hitters we've seen in awhile. I'm not sure if he's the answer to the defensive woes we experience last week, but he will definitely make an impact.

Last week your passing attempts were almost a 2:1 ratio versus the run attempts. The passing yardage was over four times the rushing yardage (404:86). Would you say that is the kind of split the OSU coaches shoot for or would they like to see a little more balance? And how will they go about achieving that balance?

Um, no. Oregon State takes pride in its running game, and the coaches would probably like to see us excel more on the ground. It's not our style to put up 400 yards in the air, but that's what happened at Stanford. We got a surprise performance from WR Shane Morales that was excellent, and gave us 150 yards that we usually don't have. Sammie Stroughter also had about 150 yards receiving, and the rest made up the final 100. On the ground, we just couldn't get anything going. Our O-Line really needs to step up against the Lions, because we need much better blocking both to help the rushing game, and to give Lyle more time to get the ball downfield-- an area I think the Beavers can really excel.

How do Beaver fans feel about their situation at quarterback? Lyle Meovao had 400 yards passing and three touchdowns, but he also gave up a few turnovers.

We're happy with Moevao-- he only had one noticible bad decision against Stanford, and that was an interception thrown to one of the conference's best safties. He's the best leader we have at the quarterback positions, and he makes good decisions for the most part. We're much more concerned with the offensive line and the running backs.

The Beavers have to fly across the country and ride a bus two hours up into the mountains to get to Penn State. They will have 107,000 fans intent on disrupting everything they try to do. There is a possibility the remnants of hurricane Hanna may be passing over Pennsylvania that day mixing driving rain with 30 mph winds. Can things get any worse for the Beavers?

If you think back to the last time the Beavers were in a situation like this-- 2004 at LSU-- you'll notice that the Beavs fared well despite the tough situation. The Beavers didn't pull of the win in that game, but it was much closer then all of us expected. There was also a rain storm before that game, and us Oregonians live for the rain. Weather shouldn't be a problem unless we're dealing with lots of heat (a la Stanford last week), although wind could make things interesting.

Thanks again to Jake from Building the Dam.