⚡ CFB Dashboard

Similar to the BeaverBlitz Confidential, What I'm Hearing is another opportunity for me and the staff to post what we're hearing, this time breaking down what the coaches are saying and adding our insight. It is a Lodge Only feature. • The run game is still the elephant in the room. Coach Dahlen basically said the issue isn't protection or the running backs. It's getting the offensive line to move people and keep linebackers from flying downhill. He specifically pointed to Reichle's downhill running and those 4-5 yard carries. That's the consistency they're looking for. • Don't expect Coach Shephard to suddenly become a “run the ball 35 times” guy. He was pretty clear that he wants to spread the ball around and keep defenses guessing. If a back gets hot, they'll ride him, but they're not going to force themselves into being conventional just because that's what people think they should do. • They're going to keep getting creative with the personnel. The Newberry-to-Atkinson touchdown wasn't some random trick play. They saw something on film, filed it away and eventually used it. That's kind of the theme with this staff. Find what your guys do well and figure out ways to create problems. • Atkinson doesn't need to throw for 400 every week. Dahlen's comments about Atkinson were interesting. The next step isn't volume. It's making the big throw, managing the game and continuing to show the toughness he's shown when he's taking hits. • Jesse Legree is going to continue to see the ball. A lot. The staff knows what he can do in space, and they're actively trying to create those opportunities. Defenses are going to have to account for him, which should open things up for everyone else. • The offensive line is still a little bit of a moving target. Shephard said they've been working multiple guys at center and moving players around because of the availability issues. That's something I'm watching closely on Saturday. • Blake Thompson is one to watch. Shephard's comments about him were pretty eye-opening. He talked about Blake's athleticism, speed and ability to change direction, and went as far as saying he believes Blake could eventually be an NFL-level corner if he's developed properly. The staff has been impressed with how he's handled his reps during practice. • Noble Thomas and Eddie Freauff sound legitimately close. Both are getting very close to returning. Noble doing more in practice is obviously a good sign, and getting either one — or both — back would change the depth picture. • Harlem Howard is still truly day-to-day. I don't think there's anything to read into here yet. Shephard was about as honest as you can be: Harlem could be a day or two away from playing or a day or two away from not playing. • The young guys on defense are going to keep getting chances. MacIntyre talked positively about the young defensive front and the versatility they give him. Takari Hickle moving inside, Jerrel Comer and Logan Knapp making plays — they're clearly not afraid to put these young guys on the field. • Montana is going to test the defense's communication. This isn't just about stopping one running back. Montana changes personnel constantly and can go from 12 to 13 to 22 to 11 to Wildcat. The defense has to recognize it and adjust quickly. And after what MacIntyre said about tackling, I think that's the biggest thing I'm watching Saturday. Montana has a running back in Eli Gilman who is really good at breaking tackles. Oregon State can't give him extra yards. • Finally, the coaches aren't treating this like an FCS “get-right” game. The message I'm getting is pretty simple: worry about playing Oregon State football and don't worry about who you're supposed to beat.