Greaves' 5 Keys for Oregon State to beat Minnesota
Former Oregon State running back Marcus Greaves shares gives his five keys to the game for the Beavers to knock off Minnesota on Saturday.
1. Control the clock
This Oregon State offense has seen much success when it controls the clock and plays the game at their own pace. If the offense can take its time and chunk away yards like they did against Arizona and Oregon, it's going to keep the Gophers defense on the field and will wear their players out. It's also going to keep the ball out of Minnesota's hands, because with a running back crew like Minnesota's, limiting the amount they can get the ball anytime during the game will be a positive for the Beavers.
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2. Get Tyner involved
I have been preaching this for a while now. When you have someone as talented as Tyner, you need to get him the ball. He has playmaker written all over him. If Oregon State gives him an opportunity to run the ball at least 15 times, I am guaranteeing at least four or five explosive runs. These runs will flip the momentum in Oregon State's favor and put them in a good position to win.
3. OSU's defense needs to wrap up
Oregon State gave up over 500 yards of total offense against Portland State due to missed tackles. If Oregon State does not wrap up and secure tackles this week, these running backs are going to make them pay big time. If Oregon State can wrap up on first contact, then I believe they can hold Minnesota to under 150 rushing yards.
4. Can't afford miscommunication
This is short and sweet. If Oregon State has as many miscommunications as they did against Portland State, Minnesota will run the Beavers out of Reser Stadium. The defense, mainly the secondary, has to be on the same page to limit big plays.
5. Offensive line, do your thing
The one thing that stood out to me the most playing Minnesota last year was their great defensive line play. That position groups single-handedly changed the outcome of the game, recording four sacks and one forced fumble. That being said, this Oregon State offensive line is better in pass protection than I have ever seen in my years at Oregon State. If they can keep up their great play and protect Jake Luton, he will be able to find the open receiver and produce great drives and put up points like he has.