Improvements to Oregon State’s offense were evident in last Friday’s game against Houston. For 50 minutes, the Beavers controlled the Cougars’ defense.
It wasn’t enough, starting the work this week in practice as OSU prepares for Saturday’s game at Appalachian State. To help Oregon State climb out of an 0-5 hole and start winning games, offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson said his squad needs to start simple — talking.
“I think our communication in those heavy moments can improve,” Gunderson said. “More plays are ruined by poor communication than poor scheme.”
That become a bigger deal Saturday as the Beavers play a road game where communication could be difficult.
“For us, it’s getting our feet in the ground and driving them, being on our assignment, communicating before the snap happens, making sure we’re calling out everything and making sure we’re being clear with each other,” offensive lineman Tyler Voltin said. “I think last game, a lot of the mishaps were that we weren’t communicating right. We just have to communicate better and be clear.”
At times the Beavers struggled with relaying calls to the players and making sure the entire offense was making adjustments and running the same play.
“It’s a little bit of everything,” Gunderson said. “So when I stand out there at practice, I stand right behind the line. And if they don’t make the call, I go back to the huddle and we do it again.”
Next game: Oregon State (0-5) at Appalachian State (2-2)
When: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium — Boone, North Carolina
TV Channel: ESPN+ (Not available on traditional broadcast TV, only streaming on ESPN’s live sports streaming platform. Here’s a look at how you can watch ESPN+ live on your TV.)
How to watch streaming live: You can watch a live stream of this game for less than $12 on ESPN+ (It’s just $11.99/month or $119.99/full year subscription, and you can cancel anytime.)
Odds (9/29): Oregon State by 1.5; over/under 54.5 (Action Network)