Mike Riley Radio Interview

Oregon State coach Mike Riley appeared live on 1080 the Fan AM today in Portland. In case you missed it BeaverFanOnline listened for you and took notes.

We were able to jot down the questions asked of coach Riley and his responses. We were also able to translate his answers. Coach-speak and cliches be darned!

Is the EM Bowl better than the Sun Bowl?
I think it is for sure.... We earned our spot in this bowl... It's great for our fans and it's right in the heart of our recruiting area.
Tranlation:
Who wants to go to El Paso? Plus it would be nice to find some players from No. Cal.

On adversity early in the season? How do they bounce back to make something of a slow start to the season?
I wish we could bottle it and I wish we were better in September. Two things make us better each season: If the players are engaged and willing to be coached and coaches keep coaching.
Translation:
We traditionally stink in September. I wish we didn't, but that's been our pattern. Boy, it would be nice to get hot early in the year and carry it through from there. At least then we could shoot for some bowl other than the Sun Bowl.

What have you learned scouting Maryland?
They are very physical defensively. It looks like they have a system to use and they are sound. They don't give up big plays. I like how they play... and I saw them beat BC this year. Ralph Friegan is very experienced and alot of good things were said about what he did with San Diego (NFL). I like his approach at Maryland.
Translation:
Look... Maryland is way the heck across the continent from here. Why would I watch what the 6 placed ACC team is doing week to week. Other than that it's tradional for me to compliment them even if I know very little about what they do.

Your QB's were some of the worst early on this year. How did manage you win 8 games them calling the shots?
Startled... long pause. They were talented but they hadn't played. When they figured it out...much like a guy I had in Winnipeg, who finally figured, "If I don't mess it up we can win". Our guys learned that and gave our D a chance to shine.
Translation: Uh, yes... They did stink early on. It was embarassing to answer the same questions week after week. I mean how many times do you think I told them not to make questionable throws. It's really very simple... If you kind find something open just take the sack. Let our defense help us play the field position game and we eventually will score some points.
See the Cal win as an example...

How are your QB's looking now?
Canfield looked very comfortable and he has worked hard on his rehab. He probably can't get hurt any further. He will be backup and Lyle will start.
We will stay status quo there...
Translantion: We have one a bunch of games and played well ever since the Cal game. Why would I risk the health of Canfield and upset the momentum we have created by taking Moeva out. If it ain't broke... don't fix it.

How will you approach the QB battle next year? How have you benefited with the extra month of practice?
Two things - One: We want to get to a bowl game each year as a goal as it shows we had a successful year. Two: we get a ton of bowl prep and we get to work on the development of our 29 redshirts. Some days we don't even play our starters in practice.
Translation: From where we started (again) this year we are plenty happy just to be in a bowl game. Also the extra practice helps us figure out if some of our young guys can play. We have some holes to fill with our seniors graduating and we could use evey second of practice there is to evaluate our players.