Viewer - Live chat: Oregon State plays at Stanford in a matchup of top-25 teams; John Hunt takes yo

Live chat: Oregon State plays at Stanford in a matchup of top-25 teams; John Hunt takes yo

Wednesday November 7, 2012

1:58

The Oregonian:

Hello and welcome. We're waiting for John to grace us with his presence. Meantime, get your questions ready.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 1:58 The Oregonian

1:58

John Hunt:

You're graced.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 1:58 John Hunt

1:59

The Oregonian:

Bring on the questions. ... I know you're out there.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 1:59 The Oregonian

1:59

The Oregonian:

Meantime, John, what's up with the Beavers?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 1:59 The Oregonian

2:00

John Hunt:

The Beavers? They're 7-1 and headed to Stanford, where the Cardinal have lost once since 2009.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:00 John Hunt

2:00

The Oregonian:

Do they have a shot?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:00 The Oregonian

2:00

John Hunt:

...or Cardinal has...always mess that up.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:00 John Hunt

2:01

The Oregonian:

When do we quibble about stuff like that here? Never.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:01 The Oregonian

2:01

John Hunt:

According to most Beaver fans I've talked to, this should be an easy victory. But seriously, they do have a shot, mainly because Stanford is playing a very inexperienced quarterback. Granted, Cody Vaz isn't exactly grizzled.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:01 John Hunt

2:01

The Oregonian:

Is the Stanford D-line tall? Will we see Vaz' passes batted down much?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:01 The Oregonian

2:02

John Hunt:

Not as tall as, say, BYU, but plenty big. Beavers need to establish some sort of run against the No. 1 rush defense in the nation.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:02 John Hunt

2:02

The Oregonian:

(And those of you lurking, feel free to ask questions)

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:02 The Oregonian

2:02

The Oregonian:

Will Storm Woods be ready? Running back by committee?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:02 The Oregonian

2:03

John Hunt:

The Beavers are getting better at moving Vaz around to minimize that bat-down thing, too.
Storm should be ready, but he's a little iffy - right now, he's always a good hit away from being pretty hobbled.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:03 John Hunt

2:03

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

We hear about how good the Stanford D is, but they gave up 48 to Arizona. Can OSU move the ball on this D?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:03 Guest

2:04

John Hunt:

Arizona was clicking, and their tempo was so fast. Stanford couldn't deal with it. The Beavers, even though they don't no-huddle, can be pretty quick, and you might see them try to push the tempo, too.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:04 John Hunt

2:04

[Comment From CrayCray: ]

John, who in your opinion should be the starting QB for OSU?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:04 Cray

2:06

John Hunt:

It's hard. I think Mannion has the better upside, but he's out of sync. Can he get back into sync if he's not playing? Probably not. So it's hard, but you have to agree with Mike Riley's decision to play the QB who's playing best right now - you owe it to your team to play the guy you think gives you the best chance to win.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:06 John Hunt

2:06

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

What's the threshold for Sean Mannion getting a shot again? Would it take a bad half? Bad game? I still say OSU's offense is better with Mannion in. He was lights out against Arizona.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:06 Guest

2:07

John Hunt:

I agree. But Riley is at the point where, if Vaz struggles and he puts in Mannion, what if Mannion struggles, too? What then? Any more shuffling could be pretty harmful. I think he has to go with Vaz unless he throws a couple of bad picks.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:07 John Hunt

2:07

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Do you think Poyer will be 100% by Saturday?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:07 Guest

2:08

John Hunt:

Not 100 percent. Probably 75 or so. That's still pretty good.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:08 John Hunt

2:08

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Terron Ward or Storm Woods at RB? Ward looked awfully good last week...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:08 Guest

2:08

John Hunt:

He did look good, didn't he? I watched the game again, and Ward really did help out quite a bit in pass protection, too. You'll see Ward get carries Saturday, but Woods will most likely get more.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:08 John Hunt

2:09

The Oregonian:

More questions? Or will this be The. Shortest. Chat. Ever?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:09 The Oregonian

2:09

John Hunt:

Wow, I get off easy this week.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:09 John Hunt

2:09

The Oregonian:

So far. In the Ducks chat, a guy kept trying to sneak in a photo of a naked guy.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:09 The Oregonian

2:09

[Comment From CjCj: ]

How do you see our db's matching up with furds big tightends?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:09 Cj

2:10

John Hunt:

Ah, those crazy Duck fans. ... Those tight ends are huge - 6-6 and 6-8. They just have to hit 'em low and make 'em fall hard. They are weapons, though.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:10 John Hunt

2:11

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Where was Richard Mullaney last week? Don't recall seeing him much. He deserved to get in some more against ASU, given his play at UW

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:11 Guest

2:12

John Hunt:

He backs up Wheaton at split end, so he did not get many reps. It's a little like Woods/Ward, but the running back will need to be spelled more than Wheaton would. Ideally, Mullaney would be able to be plugged in at the other WR spots, but he can't now.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:12 John Hunt

2:12

The Oregonian:

Two more ways to ask about Mannion. ...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:12 The Oregonian

2:12

[Comment From RFRF: ]

when do you think we will see Mannion again?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:12 RF

2:12

[Comment From CrayCray: ]

Well, I would like John to answer his opinion on who should start at QB. We know what Riley thinks.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:12 Cray

2:14

John Hunt:

I thought I answered that: I'd go with Vaz right now, too - not because I think Vaz is better than Mannion, because you kind of have to at this point. Hard to say when Mannion will reappear, but it will take injury or ineffectiveness by Vaz.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:14 John Hunt

2:14

[Comment From JBJB: ]

Why do you think Agnew isn't playing more?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:14 JB

2:15

John Hunt:

Ball security, pass catching and pass protection - he's not as good as Ward in those areas, although he's nice to give the ball to and let him bang it in there and maybe break one.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:15 John Hunt

2:15

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Why does Trevor Romaine hit 40+ yard field goals, but seem to miss one PAT, or a short chip-shot field goal, every couple of games. One of those misses is really going to cost OSU, especially in these tight games...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:15 Guest

2:16

John Hunt:

It's funny. Did you know he's easy the best FG kicker, percentage-wise in the Pac-12 this year? It is surprising because he has his shaky moments. I think you're seeing better holds these days, and the long snapper, Morovick, is playing very well.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:16 John Hunt

2:17

[Comment From CjCj: ]

Do you see us committing to the run like we did successfully last week? Is it going to be a Wheaton-cooks show? With furds defense can we afford to be one dimensional with the passing game?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:17 Cj

2:17

John Hunt:

No. ASU is much, much easier to run on than Stanford is. The Beavers, like it or not, will be a little one-dimensional, and they'll just have to make that dimension work well.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:17 John Hunt

2:18

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Does either Stanford or OSU's run defense have a chance at slowing down the Ducks O?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:18 Guest

2:19

John Hunt:

Actually, I think OSU's defense is better equipped to slow the Ducks, because of the speed of their linebackers and their versatility in the d-backfield. Stanford probably will do its usual hang-with-them-for-a-half, then lose by 20.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:19 John Hunt

2:19

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Sounds like we had a few NFL scouts at practice today. who do you think will picked up in the draft and what round?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:19 Guest

2:20

John Hunt:

There is a lot of interest in Poyer, of course. Wheaton is an NFL receiver, and Colin Kelly might get a look as a FA.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:20 John Hunt

2:21

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Any Beavers recruiting news/rumors that you find interesting?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:21 Guest

2:22

John Hunt:

I'm not focused on the recruits right now, although I know the winning has definitely helped. The Beavers have a pretty good class going after that really slow start.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:22 John Hunt

2:22

[Comment From CjCj: ]

I know the mantra is 0-0 every week, but is there a sense of what is truly at stake in this game not only with the players but with Riley? Games like this, ones that could put us in a great bowl, Riley always seems to never win...what's your prediction or feeling about what will transpire Saturday?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:22 Cj

2:24

John Hunt:

Yes, the Beavers know. They know how the standings look. But Stanford is a really good team with a slew of really good, big, guys who were four-star talents. It's going to be really hard to beat the Cardinal in Stanford, and if they lose, it won't be because Riley "can't win the big one."

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:24 John Hunt

2:25

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

With Stanford's power run offense, I feel that the Beavers D Line is going to need to step us and fill those gaps. Our secondary will be able to handle the receivers just fine. Do you think the LB core is what is going to be most important for the Defense this week? Thanks

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:25 Chris

2:26

John Hunt:

Yes, the Beavers have done well when they've stopped teams on first and second down, and their third-down defense has been great so far. Stanford has the ability to pound the ball for 4 or 5 yards every time - if they can do that, then the Beavers defense will struggle.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:26 John Hunt

2:26

[Comment From CjCj: ]

Since you say we will be one dimensional with the pass, do you feel our o-line can handle or will handle what furds defensive line is going to throw at us?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:26 Cj

2:28

John Hunt:

I'm just not confident there will be running lanes against this defense. They do lead the nation in tackles for loss, too. I shouldn't say the Beavers WILL be one-dimensional, but I think they'll probably 1 1/2-dimensional.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:28 John Hunt

2:28

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

is there an update on whether or not OSU will cancel the rescheduled game against Nicholls State? Do you think they should?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:28 Guest

2:29

John Hunt:

It's a go at this point, but I wouldn't be surprised at all if they pull the plug. There's no way OSU is going to jeopardize a Top-14 BCS finish by playing them.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:29 John Hunt

2:29

[Comment From RazRaz: ]

If we struggle to run the ball, I think we should use the fly sweep more often to open things up. Can you suggest that to Riley if you see him ...lol It seems that we don't use it enough!!!!

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:29 Raz

2:30

The Oregonian:

John pretty much tells coach Riley what to do, right?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:30 The Oregonian

2:30

John Hunt:

I'll run that by him. I'll tell him to throw it to Mullaney, too...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:30 John Hunt

2:30

The Oregonian:

Couple related questions. ...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:30 The Oregonian

2:30

[Comment From Emanuel dumitruEmanuel dumitru: ]

So what do you thing is the key for the beavers this Saturday at Stanford for a win? Because I think we can pull a win

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:30 Emanuel dumitru

2:30

[Comment From Emanuel dumitruEmanuel dumitru: ]

Do u think the beavers can win at Stanford this weekend?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:30 Emanuel dumitru

2:31

[Comment From Emanuel dumitruEmanuel dumitru: ]

Tell mike Riley to play Cody Vaz more

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:31 Emanuel dumitru

2:32

John Hunt:

Those are uncannily similar questions. I think the Beavers have to get something of a running game going, and Vaz has to play better than he did last week. The offensive line needs to be its best game of the year to keep Vaz in a comfort zone and get a few yards on the ground. Remember, Stanford is allowing 1.9 yards per rush this season - ain't gonna be easy.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:32 John Hunt

2:32

[Comment From RazRaz: ]

lol....nice

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:32 Raz

2:32

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

how has prictice looked so far this week

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:32 Guest

2:32

John Hunt:

Good, from what I've seen. They have to like the fact that Woods and Poyer were set to go on Monday.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:32 John Hunt

2:33

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

Kickoff returns have been pretty dismal this year. It was so much better with Poyer (fellow Astorian) was running them back. Any return specialists waiting to step up and give us some field position?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:33 Chris

2:34

John Hunt:

Jovan Stevenson had a good one the other day, and Ward can do a pretty good job. But yeah, I don't think anybody besides Poyer is going to break one.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:34 John Hunt

2:34

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Doesn't Vaz's quick release (certainly compared to Mannion) help alot here given the pressure he'll face? He seems to have one of the fastest releases around....

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:34 Guest

2:35

John Hunt:

Yeah, it's quick, and it helps. And like I said, rolling Vaz out and changing that launch point has been really helpful.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:35 John Hunt

2:35

[Comment From Ding BatDing Bat: ]

It seems like the defensive front 7 of each team will jam the line of scrimmage, slow the run games and make the QB's make plays. If this happens I like our wideouts v their tightends, our QB v theirs. Do you see this game playing out differently?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:35 Ding Bat

2:36

John Hunt:

You're right, but I think Stanford has the edge at offensive line. I'm not sure Vaz is going to have a whole lot of time, rollouts or no.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:36 John Hunt

2:36

[Comment From CjCj: ]

How do feel about our defense going against the new qb hogan? He has been praised for what he did against Colorado, but do feel he will have trouble against our front seven? Do you think we see nunes

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:36 Cj

2:37

John Hunt:

I could probably put up some good stats going against my son's 7th grade defense, too. The jury is out on Hogan, but he can run - he adds a dimension there that Stanford hasn't had. Luck was a great runner, but they run read-option stuff for Hogan that they didn't really do with Luck.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:37 John Hunt

2:38

The Oregonian:

Go. Ben. Hunt!

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:38 The Oregonian

2:38

[Comment From What?What?: ]

Just post one question? Bowl prediction????

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:38 What?

2:38

John Hunt:

I'd go with the Alamo Bowl.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:38 John Hunt

2:39

The Oregonian:

More on Jovan. ...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:39 The Oregonian

2:39

[Comment From CjCj: ]

I thought jovan Stevenson looked good in the return game, is he there to stay?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:39 Cj

2:39

[Comment From RazRaz: ]

Good Question Chris, #19 forgot his name but he is capable Severson?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:39 Raz

2:40

John Hunt:

Yeah, he has done it all year in practice, but he's just been behind Poyer and Marable, etc. But yes, you'll probably see him do that again on Saturday - he's good, he's fast - that's why they switched him to DB.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:40 John Hunt

2:40

[Comment From Ding BatDing Bat: ]

Why doesn't Stanford score much? If you look at their scores with1 exception, they struggle to score more than 2 or 3 TD's per contest against decent teams. 13 v ND, 13 v Washington, 23 v Wash State, 20 v San Jose State etc.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:40 Ding Bat

2:41

John Hunt:

Well, that's why you're seeing a new starting quarterback. Nunes just hasn't been as productive as he should be. Will Hogan help? We'll find out.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:41 John Hunt

2:41

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Arizona spread out Stanford with 4 WR sets? Do you think we might try some of the same? They couldn't stop them.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:41 Guest

2:42

John Hunt:

Not sure. They definitely will put three out there, but tight ends are such a big part of OSU's offense, I'm not sure they will totally go away from that. Good question - we might see some of that.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:42 John Hunt

2:42

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

Vaz may not have much time, but do you see Riley utilizing screen passes to make Stanford pay for trying to sack?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:42 Guest

2:42

[Comment From What?What?: ]

I think OSU wideouts are in for a huge day! If Vaz has time, do you agree?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:42 What?

2:43

John Hunt:

Yes, they'll have use the screens against this defense that spends a lot of time in the offensive backfield. And yeah, if the Beavers win, they'll surely get more big numbers from Wheaton & Cooks.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:43 John Hunt

2:43

[Comment From RazRaz: ]

we did play a comparable OL in Wisconsin and they run almost the same offense. could be the same type of game. Do you see that happening?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:43 Raz

2:44

John Hunt:

Badgers were a bit of an anomaly because they were dysfunctional on the O-line. Plus their QB was woeful. But that game should give the OSU defense confidence.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:44 John Hunt

2:44

The Oregonian:

Quick comment, then back to questions. ...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:44 The Oregonian

2:44

[Comment From MattMatt: ]

Who are the idiot Beaver fans who think this should be an easy win? This game is going to be the toughest one yet for OSU. I think our best hope is to rattle the young QB like we did to ASU's last week and play turnover-free ball.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:44 Matt

2:44

[Comment From sudsmagoosudsmagoo: ]

do you think the new QB will be the difference in this game? I do.. beavs have trouble stopping good running qbs

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:44 sudsmagoo

2:45

[Comment From What?What?: ]

I agree Matt

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:45 What?

2:46

John Hunt:

Yeah, I think Shaw likes that matchup, but this is a different OSU defense this year - not as susceptible to the running QB. ... Turnovers will be huge, huge.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:46 John Hunt

2:46

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

How much do you think Riley calling the plays again has impacted the offense this year?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:46 Guest

2:46

[Comment From ChrisChris: ]

I agree with Suds, We always get hurt against the running qb due to the man defense in the secondary.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:46 Chris

2:47

John Hunt:

It's helped, but it's also helped Riley that he has more to work with. But the playcalling has seemed really good to me, for the most part.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:47 John Hunt

2:47

[Comment From What?What?: ]

Gotta ask, Duck vs. Beaver score prediction??

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:47 What?

2:48

John Hunt:

Ducks-Beavers? I'm focused on Stanford. I'm 0-0 this week. :)

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:48 John Hunt

2:48

The Oregonian:

Another comment, then back to questions, then we have to let John go. ...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:48 The Oregonian

2:48

[Comment From GuestGuest: ]

When Arizona spread out Stanford it slowed down their pass rush. Arizona WR's were open all afternoon. Looks to be a great strategy against Stanford.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:48 Guest

2:48

[Comment From CjCj: ]

Seems like Stanford fans never turn out for home games and that the stadium is really not that imposing on visiting teams, agree?

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:48 Cj

2:49

John Hunt:

Stanford Stadium is ... well ... you don't exactly fear for your well-being if you're a visiting fan or player. But hey, they've won 18 of their last 19 there.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:49 John Hunt

2:49

The Oregonian:

Last one:

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:49 The Oregonian

2:49

[Comment From PaulPaul: ]

Mannion may have a slower "release" but his decision making is quicker and the ball is normally there in plenty of time. We may need him to win a game for us but if he does not get any playing time then it will not matter. How do you get him some more game action to get him in "synch?"

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:49 Paul

2:50

John Hunt:

That's the problem. Every game the Beaers play is close - there's no garbage time. And you can't go by practice performance this late in the season.

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:50 John Hunt

2:50

John Hunt:

Beaers? I meant Beavers...

Wednesday November 7, 2012 2:50 John Hunt

2:50

The Oregonian:

Thanks, everyone. Thank you, John. Great questions and answers all around. ...