OWH: Riley Was Looking for Changes in His Offense

[Mavric]

Really nice article from Sam McKewon about Riley's offenses

On Sunday, Nov. 30, perhaps right at the moment Shawn Eichorst was in the explanatory phase of his firing of Bo Pelini, Mike Riley was making a guarantee to a Oregon State beat reporter.

“A definitive statement from me: We have to make changes," Riley told the Portland Tribune.



As the story progresses, it's clear that the “changes” Riley has in mind is for his offense.
"We have to score more points, that's the bottom line," Riley said. "In this era of the Pac-12, you have to score 35 or 40 points to win."
Almost, anyway. Teams in the Pac-12 – perhaps the nation's strongest conference this year – averaged 33.5 points per game. Oregon State was last in the league at 25.7 points per game. Last in the league with 23.7 points per Pac-12 game. Last in the league with 25.4 points per game against FBS teams. Miserably last in third-down conversions at 31.74 percent. Last in red zone touchdown rate at 50.94 percent.
And in no game did the stark disparity between a great offense and Oregon State's stinky one rear its head more than the Civil War, in which Oregon whipped the Beavers 47-19 at Reser Stadium. One should not underestimate the intensity of that rivalry – nor should one underestimate how the one-sided nature of it began to wear on the Beavers' program. Oregon has won seven straight. Riley won three of five from 2003-2007.

 

[mnhusker]

Nice read and I like the insight that it provides. Seems that Riley understands the need to balance change with player development while not embracing fads.

 

[BigRedBuster]

What I like about this is a coach that is willing to reevaluate what they are doing as far as everything from recruiting, coaching and scheme. Many times coaches get egotistical about "scheme" and think all they have to do is recruit or coach better to that scheme and it will all work. Sometimes it takes changing the scheme too.

PS...and when I say "react" to what the defense is doing, I'm talking about within the play. The offense basically does what it wants to do. The players have a couple reads at or during the play and BAM, the go.

 

[Count 'Bility]

Lol. What have been preaching about lack of total offensive overhaul since Riley was hired and about the excessive emphasis being put on the "pro style" perception?