Quick Hits and Quotes from DC Tim Tibesar

With Oregon State defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar meeting the media in advance of Saturday's road contest against the Arizona Wildcats (4-4, 2-3 Pac-12), BeaversEdge.com recaps the most important pieces of information with another edition of quick hits and quotes.

Between figuring out Arizona's two-headed quarterback attack and trying to slow down dynamic running back JJ Taylor, the Beavers' DC knows they'll have their work cut out for them in Tuscon.

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- After Arizona running back JJ Taylor had career-high 284 yards and two touchdowns against Oregon State in Corvallis a season ago, defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar expects the Wildcats to look to do the same this season. Between the run-pass options (RPO's), quarterback Khalil Tate's running ability, and Taylor's steady production, OSU is expecting a balanced attack that is anchored in a solid ground attack. However, given that the Beavers have shown wholesale improvement in that area from a year ago, it might be tough-sledding more the Wildcats between the tackles. Arizona has been a bit of a mixed bag offensively this season, being very efficient and precise at times, while also looking out of sorts and lost at others... If the Beavers can manage to slow down Arizona's rushing attack and make the Wildcats somewhat one-dimensional, they'll be in good shape in Tuscon.

- In terms of confidence continuing to build after the Cal win, Tibesar added that he's hopeful that after the defense came up with a game-clinching turnover, they'll continue to make them in the coming games. He noted that turnovers can be contagious and that hopefully now that the players have seen that they can execute in the clutch moments that it'll soon become second-nature.

- The biggest key for Oregon State defensively against Tate per Tibesar will be locking him down before he's able to get loose. He noted that it looked like '(Tate) was shot out of a cannon against USC' and that it would be key to get hats to him before he's able to get loose. With the Beavers boasting a much-improved front seven this season, this will be an opportunity for the defense to further showcase growth.

Tim Tibesar on facing the dynamic Khalil Tate

"He presents some real challenges to defenses with his ability to throw and make plays with his legs. He's been an explosive player in the Pac-12 for several years now and he'll be a challenge for us to slow down. We have to prepare for the best version of him that we know, and that's being able to change a game with his feet and his arm. We have to play our best game."

Tibesar on whether or not the UA offense changes when Grant Gunnell takes over at QB

"The offense is going to be the same... Each quarterback brings a different skill set in terms of what they do well. Obviously Khalil is going to run it a bit more when he's in there, but systemically it doesn't change anything."

Tibesar on having David Morris back in the secondary and what he brings to the table

"David is really sharp and has a real understanding of what we're asking him to do on defense. We feel that he can be that field general as far as getting the checks in communications done. His athleticism and instincts are really a bonus for us out there."