Beavers optimistic heading into Fall Camp

Ah yes, we are finally at that time of year again: Media Day has come and gone, and the start fall camp is upon us. Before you know it, Oregon State will be kicking off against Minnesota on the first of September.

This is a great time of year because the slate is clean, one could talk themselves into this team winning six, seven or perhaps eight wins this year. It can happen. All you need to do is look at the 2012 team who bounced back from going 3-9 in 2011 to 9-4 and a berth in the Alamo Bowl. Team’s can come out of nowhere to win games.

That is one of things that I noticed during Media Day. This team did not shy away from talking about their 2-10 record and are using it as motivation. Similar to the fashion that Jordan Poyer and Markus Wheaton spoke about the team leading process in 2012.

Does this team win nine games and compete for the Pac-12 crown? Probably not.

So should Beaver Nation feel optimistic heading into the 2016 season? Depends on what you are looking for, if a Pac-12 title is the expectation--this season might disappoint you. But if you are looking for improved play and competitiveness--than there is plenty reason to be excited about the upcoming season.

If you need some reasons to feel optimistic, here are the three reasons to get excited before the team opens fall camp in Bend.

FALL CAMP HEADQUARTERS: POSITION BREAKDOWNS

This is the obvious one. Last year was all about learning; Swapping out the pro-style offense for a read-option attack and transitioning from a 4-3 to a 3-4 defensive scheme, adjusting to the new expectations and coaching styles proved to take longer than expected in the first year.

But in year-two of this coaching staff, learning turns to refining and perfecting. Year one was building a foundation, now it’s time start building a team that can compete in the Pac-12.

Now there is a sense of trust, amongst the players and coaches that might not have been there in first year under Gary Andersen.

“We believe in each other“ said senior corner Treston Decoud. “Last year there was a lot of selfishness.”

Having players and coaches on the same page will be beneficial for the team moving forward.

Consistency was also a big theme last season, that will continue into 2016.

"I think the biggest thing for me was just consistency and being ready to play at any time," Paul Lucas said. "You can't come in and be the man one day at practice and then be missing the next week and expect to play on game day. You just have to be consistent in practice, in the weight room and every day."

Another year under the new regime is the obvious choice, but having a set plan at quarterback might be the biggest difference in the 2016 season.

Remember in 2011 when a third-string quarterback named Sean Mannion leap frogged returning starter Ryan Katz and backup Cody Vaz in the second game of the season, then started every game the rest of the season despite throwing more interceptions than touchdowns? That was bizarre.

But 2011 pales in comparison to the head-scratching coaching decisions and play from the quarterbacks in 2015.

In case you forgot what happened (or have mentally blocked out the 2015 season), let’s quickly recap:

Seven quarterbacks started spring, which was reduced to three by the end of the first week. Seth Collins and Nick Mitchell ended spring ball and started fall camp as 1A and 1B on the depth chart. Luke Del Rio and Kyle Kempt decided to transfer, Tanner Sanders and Brent VanderVeen switch to play tight end. (Big Inhale)

Collins and Mitchell duke it out, Marcus McMaryion appears to be on the outside looking in. Then out of the blue McMaryion is going to be the starter for the first game? Then the argument becomes Collins vs. McMaryion, poise vs. athleticism, better arm vs. better legs. Andersen says the team is at their best when both quarterbacks play.(Inhale)

Collins starts game one, splits time with McMaryion. Collins then takes all the snaps. A hurdle here, a flip there, but is mostly ineffective. When the offense can’t stay on the field, the coaches turn to McMa...wait, Nick Mitchell? Mitchell now receives a bulk of snaps. Collins injures knee while stretching, Mitchell is now the man. Mitchell has three mediocre games, then can’t complete a pass against Washington and gets benched. With Collins injured, it’s McMaryion driving the offense. (One last inhale)

Collins’ return seems questionable, until Civil War week when he is seen running routes with the receivers? McMaryion starts at QB, Collins at receiver. McMaryion manages the game well and leads a spirited second-half rally while Collins rushes for three touchdowns. Season ends, Mitchell and Collins transfer, then Collins changes his mind and stays, misses spring camp and permanently moves to receiver.(Exhale)

Wasn’t that exhausting? That was over 250 words on a “quick recap” of the 2015 quarterback saga without diving into any of their stats. That was a pain to write--and is probably even more of a pain to read as well.

Now imagine having to game plan for a Pac-12 game when the most important position on the field is constantly up in the air? That’s a tall order for any coach to overcome.

Flying under the radar while the Beavers played musical quarterbacks, is a transfer quarterback from Utah State. After sitting out a year due to NCAA transfer rules, Darrel Garretson gets his chance to run the show.

He quickly established himself as a leader on the team--being named a team captain in the spring, and then earning the starting quarterback job before the conclusion the spring ball. Garretson was also coached by new co-offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven while playing for the Aggies.

In 14 games between the 2013 and 2014 season at Utah State, Garrettson completed 63 percent of his passes, tossed 18 touchdowns to only eight interceptions, while finishing with a 10-4 record in games he played.

But there isn’t going to be many Hawaii's, New Mexico's or Air Force's making up the bulk of the schedule. A daunting Pac-12 North awaits him.

But that doesn’t mean he can’t succeed in the Pac-12, Garretson is proven and knows McGiven's offense. In 2014 he walked into Provo, UT. and carved up the BYU secondary like he was Cody Vaz in 2012 to pull off the upset against the 18th-ranked Cougars.

If Garretson can stay healthy and perform to the level he played while at Utah State, the offense should take a jump from last year’s squad that was held under 14 points five times in conference play in 2015.

I remember sitting in the press box of Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. watching Cal pile up 760 yards of offense without breaking a sweat. At one point during the game the defensive secondary was made up of three players who had been offensive players during spring camp.

Cal’s Jared Goff showed no mercy as he picked apart the secondary, tossing six touchdowns.

As hard as Gabe Ovgard, Malik Gilmore and Kendall Hill (all converted from wide receiver) including linebacker Ricky Ortiz (converted fullback) played that night, it looked like a varsity team scrimmaging against a JV team.

The effort was there, the knowledge of the playbook and the positions were not.

It wasn’t just the Cal game that the defense looked overmatched. Seven times during conference play the Beaver defense surrendered 40 or more points and four times giving up over 50 points.

Andersen preserved many of the incoming freshman eligibility, electing to redshirt many of the freshman despite the depth issues and growing list of injuries on the defensive side of the ball.

The coaching staff beefed up the defensive side up the ball with their recent recruiting class. Sixteen of the players were signed in the 2016 class are pegged on the defensive end, including five JC defensive players who are expected to contribute right away.

"I'm happy with some of the guys who have stepped up," defensive coordinator Kevin Clune said. "Bright (Ugwoegbu) at outside linebacker has done a tremendous job and I hope he will continue to keep improving. I see great things out of him if he can continue improve upon his play in the spring."

So unless the injury bug really strikes down on the OSU should be able to field a defense that isn’t going to be relying on players going through a position change.