I was rooting for Stanford in this one (only because I believe it helps Oregon more) but it would not have hurt my feelings at all to have OSU prevail. You guys hung with a top 10 team very well. Not a knock, just an observation...but your defense has steadily improved throughout the season. But, still gave up almost 6 yards per rush to Stanford...who has questions at OL. Mannion needed to come through in this big game against a foe with a winning record and a decent defense. He was sacked repeatedly and had a 33% QB rating. Additionally, you had 24 rushing attempts for 17 yards. Somehow, Riley needs to find a way to present a balanced offensive attack. A testament to the OSU team that with stats like this, they kept it close. Final four games against good opponents. I'm pulling for you, except on Nov 29.
We lost because we went for it on 4th and short and tried to run it up the gut. Poor coaching decisions imo. We actually out-played Stanford I thought.
Mannion pissed me off. He took way to many sacks. Get rid of the damn ball... throw it away! He also settled for his check down option too much, often time going to the 3rd/4th option right away.
...a majority of this had to do with the play calls! Stanford executed their defensive game plan perfectly and the Beavs coaching staff failed to make adjustments on the fly! Instead of long developing plays they should have incorporated faster plays and quicker routes. 5 and 7 step drops versus a defensive that is blanketing the secondary and rushing the QB is bound for disaster...hence of all the sacks and instant check downs. I don't believe any of the next four defenses are as good as Stanford so hopefully that turns into a few more wins!
...I was wondering the same thing -- especially considering he single-handedly marched them down to the red zone!