No More Gold to Smith

Alex Smith, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 NFL Draft,
will most likely be looking for a new job in 2013.
Courtesy: HuffPost

By: Michael Rivera
Sports Editor

All season since he’s started, since he got a chance to play, I have been an avid Colin Kaepernick hater. Yes, I am now going to tell you why my deep seeded hatred has turned into an atypical respect for the second year quarterback out of Nevada. Why? Statistically, the should have kept playing Alex Smith. Yet, if you look at if from a different angle, you’ll see that it was inevitable for Smith to leave. Here is the story of how numbers could have predicted the future that is to come.

Looking at Smith, you could tell from an early standpoint of why an organization would want to get rid of him. Based on information provided by ESPN.com, the Niners signed him to a six year, 49.5 million dollar contract with 24 million guaranteed. That means for the past five years, Smith has been averaging about $8 million and change (with incentives); 24.5 million to be paid out in the final two years of the contract.

Here’s the best part: Smith only played in 54 games (out of 80 games not including playoffs), averaging 54.9% completion rate, 1,879.8 passing yards, 7.6 TDs and 10.6 interceptions in his tenure from 2005-2010. He went through six different offensive coordinators over his first six years of play, while struggling great with recurring injuries.

At the end of 2008, the Niners restructured Smith’s deal to a two year contract, paying out around $4 million a year. This was nearly half of what he was making per year beforehand. Yet, it did make Smith a little more competitive, eventually winning the starting job back from Shaun Hill.

The biggest success didn’t come Jim Harbaugh took over the Niners that the Smith showed signs of being a reliable quarterback. He went from zero to hero in the matter of 16 games, completing 61.3% of his throws, throwing 3,144 yards, 17 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. This ended up being great for Smith, who looked to have a great year going into free agency, right? Wrong.

Smith was left out to dry and San Francisco was making a big grab for Peyton Manning. Smith’s contract was up and he had free choice to look around. When the Niners lost Manning to Denver, they had no choice but to stick with Smith, who more leverage from the first time they redid his contract.

So in May 2012, they redid Smith’s contract to include a $3 million dollar signing bonus, with $5 million on his schedule in 2012. If they keep him all year, he is then guaranteed $1 million, getting $9 million if he plays for the Niners in 2013. And here enters Kaepernick as the savior.

Kaepernick was the 32nd overall pick of the draft in 2011. I’m guessing this was to light a fire underneath 2005 1st overall pick Alex Smith, who had been playing poorly up until Kaepernick was drafted. Kaepernick signed a four year deal, worth $5.2 million, which $3.8 is guaranteed.

You can put good money down that after what he’s done in five regular season starts and one playoff victory that San Francisco is ending their expensive rendezvous with Smith. If they cut or trade Smith, the only take a cap hit of $1 million versus the $10 million they would have paid him in 2013. Plus, Smith is 28 years old and Kaepernick is 25. Smith’s career looks to be sketchy where Kaepernick’s looks to be promising.

Even so, how do you cheat on the quarterback who still holds the third highest quarterback rating in the NFL? How do you justify it? If you watched the the NFC Divisional Playoff Game against Green Bay, Kaepernick sealed Smith’s fate single-handedly. He passed the ball well, going for 231 yards, 2 touchdown and one interception (was a pick six, but he bounced back quickly).

He showed how dangerous he is as a running threat, putting down 181 yards on 16 carries, followed by 2 touchdowns. This is the most yards a quarterback has ever rushed for in NFL postseason history. He is an unbelieveable freak of nature. He is by far the best passing/running threat in this league, complimented by his amazing team around him.

But here’s the even more lucrative part behind it. He’s the sinister conspiracy I have come up with behind the whole reason Kaepernick has now just inherited the starting job in San Francisco: you’re investment paid for itself. Smith screwed that organization for so long, that there is no way they could justify paying him more and more money to keep doing the same thing he’s done most of his career: wasting their time. He’s injury-prone, inconsistent, and unmalleable.

If you had to learn six different offenses over your career as a starter, the likelihood of you being successful is minimal and you haven’t been able to develop. With Harbaugh and Kaepernick in their second seasons, they will be able to build a chemistry that Smith will not have. You can’t blame Smith, since he’s had to divorce so many coaches over the years.

All-in-all, San Francisco doesn’t really want Smith anymore and he knows it by now. He will have an advantage going into free agency with teams like the Chiefs, Jaguars and the Cardinals: he has played so many different offenses, he could fit into any that is willing to stick with him.

Find your OWN Way

By: Michael Rivera

positive minds make for positive gains,

we define our own idiosyncrasies;

yet, take every thought captive with salty grains.

Issues we find imperative to our social function are full of ignorant refrains. 

It’s the superfluous contrast of good or bad, 

we defined as a pot to piss in or life riddled with shit-stains. 

pound for pound, we piled on the cynicism,

defined under the pressure of preposterous pretensions; 

like a depressing cold bowl of failed criticism.

Look past the position of self-created power schism.

Look in your OWN mirror, drink from your OWN glass of matriculated melancholy;

learn in life by the consequences of your OWN rhyme and rhythm.

Oregon State ends Season with a Bang; Highly Considered for Alamo Bowl; QB Controversy 2012

Courtesy: Bleacher Report
Mannion & Woods both had 2 TDs
in their 77-3 win agains Nicholls State.

By: Michael Rivera
The LBCC Commuter
Video/Sports Editor

Corvallis, Ore., 11:30am - A crowd attendance of 32,427 at Reser Stadium is the smallest crowd for the largest point win in the school history. Oregon State made good on their word of “revenge” as the manhandle Nicholls State 77-3.  

Nicholls State, who is now 1-11, where simply outscored and dominated the Colonel’s in every facet of the game. Oregon State put up an impressive 683 yards of offense, yet the Colonel’s barely put up 174 yards. Oregon State had 42 first down conversions to Nicholls State’s 12. Oregon State didn’t punt the ball at all the whole game and scored on every single possession they had. Oregon State was perfect in red zone situations, going 10-10 and converted all three of their 4th downs. On the defensive side, Oregon State got 2 picks, recovered 2 of its 3 forced fumbles and 2 sacks. Jordan Poyer received his 7th interception, putting him #1 in the PAC-12 and a three-way tie for 2 in all of Division for most interceptions this season.

So what bowl is Oregon State going to receive? I’d like to think that Oregon State has a good chance at the Alamo Bowl, since their representatives have attended the last 3 home games. This would be great exposure for Oregon State recruiting, since they would probably face Oklahoma State (No. 23 in the BCS and 24 in the AP Poll). Since Oregon will be heading to the Tostitos Bowl and Stanford to the Rose Bowl, it’s either Oregon State or UCLA for the Alamo Bowl. So one of two ways, Oregon State will be looking like a likely hopeful for the Alamo and guaranteed the Holiday, if anything.

Going into their bowl game, it is imperative that Oregon State gets Storm Woods and Terron Ward going on the ground. This takes a lot of needed pressure off Mannion, who has been faulty under pressure. Like their game today, Oregon State needs to have the ability to control the ball, run down the clock and capitalize on their strong defense having plenty of time to rest. What it really comes down to is the Beavers making the other team play on their own terms.

Markus Wheaton will be a hard man to replace for Oregon State starting lineup, but with receivers of the future look quite promising for Oregon State. First, you have sophomore Brandin Cooks, who went for 1,000+ yards this season. Cooks, from Stockton, Calif., will be the number one receiver going into next year, no contest. He’s proved to be a deep threat and will fight for the jump ball. Cooks has never suffered from being under the shadow of Wheaton, showing that he is the receiver of the you have Connor Hamlett, who did play wide receiver in high school, will be taking over the starting spot at tight end. Hamlett has shown his ability to create yards after catch and check the defense on the short slants and dump passes.

Other key receivers is Micah Hatfield and Richard Mullaney. Hatfield has seen more time on the field this year and has nice acceleration. Mullaney is a very promising candidate, who could be the next Beaver to break Markus Wheaton’s record, is a redshirt freshman with size and speed. Standing at 6-3, 191 lbs., he will be a big target, something Oregon State hasn’t had the pleasure of this year.

The issue that will be on everyone’s mind is at quarterback for the Beavers next year. You have two great guys with Mannion and Vaz. We see two different styles of play that are both attractive and off-putting.

Mannion has the size and strength to execute the deep ball play and can see downfield, given he has the protection. On the other hand, Mannion has a tendency to force the ball into double, even triple coverage. His slow release has also plagued him in the interceptions category, since many of them were tipped throws right into the waiting defender’s hands. Mannion is also very consistently hot and cold. He’s either going to have a really good game or bad one.

Vaz is the complete opposite of Mannion. He’s calm, cool and collect when he walks up to the line of scrimmage. He doesn’t force throws as often, throwing only one pick this year. You can see that he has a nice touch as well, throwing nice lobs that land perfectly over defenders and his quick release and patiences allows for receivers to get open. The problem I have with Vaz is his willingness to take a hit. This is a guy who will sacrifice his body, just to get that perfect separation for the receivers. You can’t hate on him for that; but you gotta worry. Oregon State relies on the face they can create time in the pocket for their quarterbacks. We saw how Stanford’s consistent rush kept Vaz out of a rhythm and costed him his job after the ankle injury.

All in all, I think you have to give Mannion the start next year. He has two more years to grow, where Vaz has only one left. You know Vaz is better coming off the bench, anyway. The key is for Mannion to lower the amount of interceptions he has and spread the ball out a little more through his receivers. He won’t have Wheaton to rely on next year and needs to find that second receiver to balance out Cooks.

Big questions for next year

Game Recap:

Opening Drive on the Oregon State 28 yard line, Sean Mannion leads the charge down the field, finding five different receivers, going 6-6 on passes. Cody Hamlett grabs an 11 yard dump pass then lays out a Nicholls State player for a 20 yard game on the next play. On 2nd & 5 on the Nicholls State 8 yard line, running back Storm Woods takes it in for the 8 yard touchdown run. With the PAT good, lead 7-0 with 9:50 left in the first quarter.

91 yards, 12 plays 5:13 seconds

6:33 in the first, Oregon State shows extreme patience on this scoring drive. Mannion finds Wheaton for 14 yards to bring the ball to their own 23. Storm Woods gets four straight carries to for a gain of 29, putting the ball in Nicholls State’s 48 yard line. 2nd & 6, Mannion finds wide receiver Kevin Cummings for a 28 yard gain. Two plays later, Mannion finds Woods for a 12 yard gain, ball on the Nicholls State 20 yard line. Nicholls State shows some resistance, holding Oregon State to a 4th & goal situation. No problem for the Beavers, though, as Woods barrels into the endzone for a 1 yard touchdown run. The extra point by Romaine is good, as the Beavers lead 14-0 with 5:38 left in the game.

The Beavers start their drive at their own 13 yard line with 13:45 left in the half. Mannion comes out hot, finding Hatfield for 28 yards, then Wheaton for 9, bring the Beavers to midfield. Mannion then finds Wheaton for 8 yards, but Nicholls State is flagged for a 15 yard personal foul penalty, moving Oregon State to the Colonel’s 27. Mannion keeps the momentum going, finding Wheaton again for 11 yards and Cummings for 6 yards. This sets up a Wheaton 10 yard touchdown run for the Beavers. With the PAT good, the Beavers lead 21-0 with 11:09 remaining in the first half of play.

Backup Cody Vaz enters the game and the Beaver Nation gives him a warm welcome. Oregon State stars the drive at their own 38, Vaz goes 4-5 on passes, finding Wheaton for a 12, 16 and 17 yard gains. Then, running back Terron Ward finds some open space, juking and jiving for a 15 yard touchdown run. Romaine keeps up with the good PAT and Oregon State pulls ahead to a comfortable 28-0 lead with 7:40 left in the first half.

Oregon State looks to continue their rampage. This drive, Wheaton becomes the all-time record holder of receptions by an Oregon State receiver, beating out James Rodger’s 223. Wheaton’s 225 reception comes on a 2 yard touchdown score, solidifying him in the Oregon State greats.
With the PAT good, Oregon State leads 35-0

First play of the second half, Nicholls State quarterback Landry Klann throws a pick to Jordan Poyer. Oregon State gets the ball at the Colonel’s 24 yard line. Sean Mannion back in the lineup, fires across the endzone to freshman Richard Mullaney for a 4 yard touchdown pass. Romaine hits another PAT, as the Beavers lead 42-0. The Beavers went 24 yards in 6 plays on this scoring drive.

Oregon State starts at their own 33 with 10:45 in the third quarter, Ward starts off the drive with a nice 15 yard run up the middle, placing them at their own 48. Two plays later, Mannion finds Ward for a 13 yard gain. Nicholls State is flagged for a personal foul, moving Oregon State to their opponent’s 22. Next play, Mannion makes a nice throw over the defenders head to Cummings, who reels it for the 22 yard score. PAT is good and the Beavers lead 49-0.

Nicholls State starts to show some life. Starting at their own 15 with 8:56 in the 3rd quarter, Nicholls State’s Klann finds a rhythm with his receivers, going 6-8 on passes. In the redzone, Nicholls State can’t convert so settles for the field goal. Kick is good and Nicholls State puts a score on the board, making it 49-3.

Oregon State doesn’t stop their assertion of dominance. On their own 35, with 2:32 in the 3rd, Vaz comes back in the game. Vaz hits fullback Clayton York with a nice swing pass that goes for 31 yards, moving Oregon State to the Colonel’s 33. After a couple incompletions lead to 4th & 6 for the Beavers, Vaz completes to Mullaney for 20 yards. With a 2 yard run for running back Malcolm Agnew, the 3rd quarter expires. First play of the 4th quarter, Vaz finds sophomore receiver Obum Gwacham for a 7 yard touchdown pass. PAT is good and the Beavers extend their lead to 56-3.

Oregon State ball at their own 10 after a muffed punt by Terron Ward goes out of bounds. 13:36 left in the game, Agnew starts the drive with a 12 yard run, putting the Beavers at their own 22. Vaz finds walk-on Mitch Singler for a 23 yard gain, putting the Oregon State at their own 45. Agnew gets the ball again and breaks out a nice 21 yard run to set up another first down at the Nicholls State 34. Agnew gets the 6 yards on the next carry, fumbles it, but luckily recovers. On 3rd & 10 on the Nicholls State, Vaz finds running back Jordan Jenkins for a 20 yard touchdown pass. Romaine hits another PAT and the Beavers lead 63-3.

9:09 left in the game, Oregon State puts in freshman quarterback Richie Harrington. 3rd &13 on the Nicholls State 33, Harrington hooks up with Mullaney for a 14 yard gain. Couple plays later on the Colonel’s 11, Agnew fights through the middle for an 11 yard touchdown run. Romaine hits the extra point and Oregon State leads 70-3.

Oregon State capitalizes on a Nicholls State fumble by starting out at Colonel’s 43. Agnew pushes the ball out to the 35, when Harrington finds Singler for a 18 yard completion. Next play,  Singler rushes for a 13 yard gain, spotting the ball at the 4. Freshman Michael Balfour takes the carry up the middle for a 4 yard touchdown run. PAT is good and Oregon State caps the game 77-3.

Oregon State Destroys Cal

By: Michael Rivera
The LBCC Commuter
Video/Sports Editor

Corvallis, OR. 7:30 p.m:

Cold weather at Reser Stadium as the University of California-Berkley Golden Bears visit the #16 Oregon State Beavers. The Beaver Nation has much to cheer for as Oregon State easily breezes by Cal, 62-14.

Sean Mannion gets the start after Cody Vaz suffered an ankle injury in their last drive against Stanford. Riley describe Mannion as “chomping at the bit” during this week’s practice. Well, it definitely showed in this career performance. Mannion looked sharp after returning to the starting role, hitting 24 of 34 passes, 325 yards, 4 touchdowns and one interception. Freshman QB Richie Harrington got some playing time and capitalizes by throwing his first career touchdown. Harrington is a freshman walk-on could this year.

Cal basically handed Oregon State yards, getting called for 13 penalties for 159 yards. Many of these penalties lead to Oregon State scores. Beavers dominated the statistics columns this game, giving the Beavers a much needed boost in morale. Oregon State’s offense accumulated 559 yards and 9 touchdowns (5 passing, 4 rushing). Cal managed only 322 yards and two touchdowns.

The Oregon State defense looked strong as always, forcing 4 turnovers. CB Jordan Poyer receives his 6th interception of the season (17 total for Oregon State). Poyer also had 5 tackles, a broken up pass and a fumble recovery. Rashaad Reynolds and Anthony Watkins both had forced fumble and John Braun recovered a fumble as well.

Oregon State’s running game looks to be a tough machine to stop. Storm Woods went 64 yards on 11 carries with a touchdown as the starter. Terron Ward showed what he can do with a little bit of time, getting 14 carries for 128 yards and 2 touchdowns. FB Tyler Anderson also adds a score to make it 4 rushing touchdowns on the day for the Beavers.

Oregon State is came back nicely against Cal, as they lost a very physical game with Stanford, who beat #2 Oregon tonight in over time. Oregon State will have much built up momentum as they face a Oregon at home Nov. 24 at noon.

1st Quarter:

Beaver’s draw first blood after a couple Cal penalties move Oregon State into the Cal’s 17 yard line. Mannion hooks up with Markus Wheaton, who battles his way into the endzone for a 11 yard touchdown. With the extra point good,, Oregon State caps a 5 play, 44 yard drive, leading Cal 7-0.

Cal comes to answer the Oregon State. 1st & goal, Cal RB Isi Sofele runs in the 9 yard touchdown. With the extra point good, Cal finishes 82 yard drive in 9 plays as they tie the game 7-7 with 6:30 left in the 1st quarter.

Oregon State capitalizes on many Cal mistakes. RB Terron Ward breaks out a 38 yard run to the Cal 17 yard line. Illegal hands to the face brings the ball to the 8 yard line. Storm Woods takes it up the middle for a 7 yard gain, which looks like a touchdown, but is ruled short. Next play, FB Tyler Anderson punches it in the 1 yard touchdown. Romaine hits the extra point to take back the lead, 14-7. The Beavers went 68 yards in 9 plays.

2nd Quarter:

Cal’s Daniel Lasco fumbles the ball  and Oregon State’s John Braun recovers the ball at the Oregon State 38 yard line. Mannion throws a bomb downfield and Cooks pushes back to catch the ball and zig-zags his way into the endzone for a 48 yard touchdown. Romaine hits another PAT to cap a 62 yard drive in just 3 plays. Oregon State leads by 21-7 with 10:56 in the first half.

Oregon State ball at their own 31, with 9:17 left in the first half, Mannion hits Cooks for 12 yards to bring it to the Oregon State 42 yards line. Cal’s Josh Hill gets called for a 15 yard penalty moving Oregon State to Cal’s 48. Mannion finds Wheaton for 10 yards, pushing to the Cal 28. Cal Denadr Coleman called for a personal foul, moving Oregon State to the Cal 14. Mannion finds Connor Hamlett for a 14 yard strike. Romain hits his extra point and the Beavs push ahead 28-7, with 7:13 left in the game. Drive goes 6 plays for 69 yards in 2:12.

2:00 left in the first half, Oregon State still drives down the field. After a couple big runs  by Terron Ward, Oregon State lands on the  Cal 6 yard line. Mannion finds a Micah Hatfield for a 6 yard touchdown pass. With the go-ahead extra point, Oregon State leave the first half of play with a cozy 35-7 lead.
3rd Quarter:

Mannion continues to settle into his groove, hooking up with Hamlett for 15 yards, then Woods for 16 on the next play. Mannion fumbles the ball a couple plays later, but recovers it to keep the drive alive. Cal Steve Williams is called for a pass interference on Wheaton, moving Oregon State to the Cal 27. Mannion finds Hamlett again for a 26 yard gain right at the goal line. Storm Woods punches through the line, capping a 75 yard drive. Beavers lead 42-7 with the extra point.

Oregon State has had no problem running the ball tonight. Terron Ward breaks up the middle and breaks 3 tackles going 47 yards on the touchdown. Romaine kicks the extra point through the uprights as Oregon State relentlessly keeps the pressure on, leading 49-7.

4:58 in the 3rd quarter,  ball at the Cal 35 after Oregon State’s kickoff goes out of bounds. Cal drives to the Oregon State 1 yard line, where Solfele pushes in the go-ahead touchdown. Extra point is good and Cal barely slims the lead to 49-14.

4th Quarter:

Cal keeps adding up the penalties, going two back-to-back personal fouls, giving Oregon State and easy 30 yards. Ball on the Cal 17, Terron Ward continues his rampage with a 17 yard touchdown run. Romaine misses the extra point, but Oregon State still leads 55-14 (NOTE: This ties for the second highest score the Beavers have ran up since a 55-7 win over UCLA in 1999).

Freshman QB Richie Harrington comes into relieve Mannion. Harrington throws his first career touchdown to RB Malcolm Agnew for a 8 yard pass. PAT is good as the Beavers record their second highest score in their history, 62-14.

Oregon State Breezes by Lewis & Clark in Season Opener

By: Michael Rivera
The LBCC CommuterVideo/Sports Editor

Basketball season has finally started, as the Oregon State Beavers take on the Lewis & Clark Pioneers. Oregon State took a while to get warm, but once they did there was no stopping them as the roll over the Pioneers, 83-58.

Starting for the Beavers was Ahmad Starks, Eric Moreland,  Roberto Nelson, Angus Brandt, & Joe Burton. In the first half of play, Oregon State Forward Devon Collier looking hot coming off the bench. Collier finishing with 12 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 3 blocks and 3 steal in just 14 minutes of play. Starks showed why he is this team’s leader, putting up 14 points, going 4-5 for three pointers, and adding 4 assists.

Pioneers showing some resistance to Oregon State in beginning of the 1st half of play. The Pioneers outrebounded Oregon State 22 to 18, but Oregon State recorded 5 steals and 3 blocks.Pioneers were shooting 33% field goals, 18.8% for 3 pointers and and a staggering 50% from the free throw line. Oregon State has made 48.3% of field goals, a measly 20% for 3 pointers , but 83.3% at the free throw line.

In the second half, Oregon State dominated in scoring and defense against a very tired looking Lewis & Clark team. Ahmad Starks finished with 14 points as the Beavers finished off the Pioneers 83-58

Oregon State will be gearing up for the start of the regular season with two games against Niagara Nov. 9 and New Mexico State on Nov. 11.

Oregon State Bounces Back to Beat ASU, 36-26

"RB Terron Ward ignited, as starter Storm Woods
isat out the game, nursing a bruised knee." 
Courtesy: OregonLive

After Win Against Sun Devils, Oregon State Stays Put in Ranks

By: Michael Rivera
The LBCC Commuter
Video/ Sports Editor

After a tough defeat at Washington a week ago, Oregon State was looking for victory and spoils as the Arizona State (ASU) Sun Devils came into town. Being the very eventful Dad’s Weekend in Corvallis, the Beavers came to show why they are a top contender in the PAC-12 as Oregon State goes on to win 36-26.

For the first half of play, the Beavers struggled to stop ASU from scoring. In the second half, the Beaver’s started putting the pressure on ASU QB Taylor Kelly. Kelly finished with 22-41 for 153 yards and a TD and interception. ASU was able to rack up 150 rushing yards on Oregon State, matching them in the stats column.

Oregon State and ASU were basically similar in the stats columns in many aspects. Both had 19 first downs until the Oregon State offensive line buckled down and set Vaz up for huge gains for scores. Oregon State total offensive yards were 424 to ASU’s 303. Lot of this also has to deal with Oregon State being very successful on Special Teams.

Oregon State got it’s running game sparked when RB Terron Ward ignited, as starter Storm Woods is sat out the game, nursing a bruised knee. The Beavers were without lockdown cornerback and all-around star Jordan Poyer as well.Ward finished the game with 19 carries for 146 yards and a touchdown. Ward (5’7” 198 lbs.), a sophomore out of Antioch, Calif., gives the Beavers a similar look of Jacquizz Rodgers (5’6” 196 lbs.). Ward not only showed that he has great eye for open lanes & breakaway speed, but his ability to stop-n-go behind blockers and runs tough. Multiple times through the game, Ward put his put a Sun Devil on his back or when he sidestepped his way past a defender to break out his 53 yard touchdown run. As far as I can see, Ward looks to be a real good option with Woods still questionable.

Oregon State got to the a rough start and showed little answer to a severe pass rush by ASU. Oregon State QB Cody Vaz was sacked 6 times in the game, along with a couple hits after pass (one which was call roughing the passer). Vaz, how has taken over the starting role as Sean Mannion continues to heal his knee, may have shown the Beavers that he is the right quarterback for the team, right now.

Vaz has shown solid performances throughout all the games he’s played at qb. It’s hard to say right now if you should put a healthy Sean Mannion back in for the season. After he faced his 1st quarter woes, Vaz came out and owned the football field. After what seemed to be struggle with protection up front, Vaz was able to get lots of time in the pocket, buying time for his receivers to get open.

That’s a key factor to Vaz’s game; the wisdom and the curse: he will hold onto the ball as long as possible to make that throw. This can be detrimental to his health, though, with Mannion still recovering. Vaz getting sacked so many times has to make the team and fans cringe. Yet, this is a great indicator of why Vaz has only one interception and has one touchdown less than Mannion in less starts. Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton were able to get in sync with Vaz, who ended up 14 completions on 33 attempts, 267 yards, 3 TDs and threw his first career interception.

Oregon State, now ranked #11 in the BCS, gets ready this week as they face Cal this weekend, for what should be an easy win right before they travel to play the very tough Stanford team, who is ranked #14.

Game Recap:

First Drive of the game, 3rd & 8,Cody Vaz fumbles that snap forced by ASU DT Will Sutton. Ball is recovered by ASU DE Junior Onyeali to put Arizona State on the board first. ASU leads 7-0

Next Drive, 14:33 in the 1st quarter,  Oregon State shows signs of life as Markus Wheaton breaks out for a 35 yard run lead a charge down to the ASU 27, where Trevor Romaine hits a 41 yard field goal to make it a 7-3 game, ASU lead.

11:21 in the 1st quarter, ASU QB Taylor Kelly leads all the way to the Oregon State 1 yard line. On 3rd & goal, ASU RB Cameron Marshall dives over the Beaver’s D-Line and gets into the endzone. With the extra point good, ASU extends their lead to 14-3.

8:36 in the 1st, Oregon State gets the Beaver Nation back into the game as Cody Vaz hooks up with Markus Wheaton for a 50 yard pass over the heads of a two ASU defenders. Trevor Romaine kicks the extra point good to put the Beavers back into fighting position. ASU leads 14-10.

3:02 in the first, the Sun Devil’s push Oregon State back to their 1 yard line, forcing a punt. Punt is blocked in the endzone by ASU S Kevin Ayers. ASU gets the safety, putting their lead up to 16-10.

2nd Quarter:

Oregon State starts to make a comeback as Vaz hooks up with Connor Hamlett for an 11 yard gain. Next play, Oregon State RB Terron Ward breaks a run 53 yards for a touchdown. Trevor Romaine’s kick fails at the extra point, but Oregon State caps an impressive 3 plays for 65 yards to make it a one score game. ASU still leads 19-16

5:47 in the first half of play, Oregon State moves the ball downfield well, but is shown some hinderance as Vaz gets sacked twice for losses. With only seconds left, Romaine manages to kick a 45 yard to tie up the game at 19-19

3rd Quarter:

Oregon State comes out gunning on their first drive. Vaz hooks up with Cooks for a 25 yard gain bringing the ball to the ASU  20 yard line. 2 plays later, ball on ASU’s 17, Vaz tosses a 17 yard touchdown to Wheaton. Extra Point is good as Oregon State leads 26-19.

7:31 in the 3rd,  ball on the Oregon State 4 yard line, Vaz connects with Cooks for 15 yards, getting the ball to their own 23 yard line. 2 plays later, Wheaton sweeps for a nice 18 yard gain, putting the Beavers up to their own 41 yard line. After another first down conversion, Colin Kelly gets called for holding as the Beavers have to settle for a Romaine 33 yarder to make the game 29-19, Oregon State lead.

4th Quarter:

Oregon State’s running game shows its legs as Terron Ward finds room to violently gain 29 yards, bringing the Oregon State to the ASU 49. Vaz shows his touch as he bombs a deep pass to Brandin Cooks for a 49 yard touchdown. With the extra point, Oregon State gets comfortable after the push ahead, 36-19.

ASU Kelly shows that the Sun Devils still have some fight left as Kelly hooks up with Marion Grice for a 2 yard touchdown. With the extra point good, the Sun Devils cap 77 yards in 9 plays as Beavs lead and win 36-26.

10 Ways to Avoid Being a Hated Co-Worker

By: Michael Rivera
The LBCC Commuter
Video/Sports Editor

I worked on a piece last year called “10 Ways to Avoid Being a College Asshole”. Recently, it has come to my attention that “dick coworkers” are a real issue in the workplace. Mind you, I might not be the most humble at times, yet I find ways to get along with people at work.The problem I have with these people is that they seem to incite actual hate from me, which is really hard to do.

This column is mostly dedicated to a certain person I work with. I will keep his/her name from the text because I, personally, don’t like my name being called out in publications. Plus, I have a very good feeling that this person already knows who they are; they’ll either hate me for this or laugh when they read it. However, not everything is centered around that person; just snippets. So here are some tips in here that could help avoid being despised in the workplace.

10. Don’t Criticizing People’s Personal Lives:

There is a vast amount of people with different lifestyles; it just so happens that we have to share space with each other at work. You’d be surprised on how critical we can be of people. For example, girls are so there for eachother, ready to unleash their claws of fashion upon the lone gazelle who happened to be having a bad hair day. How about you give that guy who happened to write something that wasn’t too clear in his article a break and not write a whole response back that is an apparent slap to his face?

There is constructive and destructive criticism. Constructive is great in the workplace. It makes for efficiency and helps you get better at your job. Destructive criticism can only bring about resentment and have the opposite effect on the person improvement at work.

9. Hold Your End of the Job:

The beautiful thing about work is when everyone contributes to an end goal that you can be proud of. It really sucks when someone can’t pull their weight around the job, making it harder for other people to do the work. Let’s face it; the second you can’t pull your weight around a job, the second you set yourself up for unemployment. If you’re coworkers end up having to do your work on a routine basis, don’t expect to gain their respect.

8. Stop Bitching About Work:

For the most part, people dislike their jobs. There are the few who actually do what they love to do, but most of us are stuck with something we aren’t leaping for joy over. This is especially the case in college; we take the jobs that we can get because it pays the bills. What makes work even worse is that person who repeated talks about how they hate their job, I don’t get paid enough,  I hate working too many hours, I don’t get enough hours, blah blah blah...

I understand it might not be the most kosher job, but please do us all a big favor and shut the hell up. Being a Negative Nancy will accomplish you nothing. Why not try and be cheerful help people around you stay positive.

7. Be Accountable:

Look, no one is perfect; we all tend to make big and small mistakes. Regardless of their scale, we all need to own up to our errors. At times, you will take heat for them, but its better to take the licks than to avoid them. Running from the problem or pawning it off on someone else just drags out the inevitable; you will get caught. If you are accountable for your actions, you then are able to move on from them.

Also, if you are struggling with something at work, it’s always good to have someone there to keep you accountable for the issues you’re trying to work on. The key to this golden rule is, ultimately, to let yourself take responsibility for everything you do.

6. Don’t Try an Be a Self-Appointed Boss:

I hate that person, who feels they are in charge of everyone. They routinely kiss your bosses ass, talk in a condescending tone and try to assert dominance in every way possible (well, officewise at least). I wouldn’t worry too much about these people; their bark is way worse than their bite. Just enjoy being another peon without taking on responsibilities that aren’t yours. Enjoy doing your job and getting rewarded for it rather than looking like a complete tool.

5. Don’t Be a Tattle-tale:

We’re not in grade school anymore. If someone is still taking your lunch, at this point in time of life, you’ve got issues that I’ll leave for a column in the future. If you have  problem with someone at work or a type of behavior, confront them first. Anything short of workplace sexual harassment, violence, drug use or anything that is required to be reported to your supervisor should be manageable between you and that person. Wait until its a big enough issue where you need to involve outside sources.

4. Avoid Discrimination:

I worked with a guy a couple years ago who used to make derogatory comments about men and women based on gender, sexual orientation and ethnicity. I remember him always inviting people to his house or to hang out after work. The funny thing was that no one EVER took him up on his offers. If they ever did, no one ever mentioned it. The day he quit, I remember a more harmonious workplace. Perfect way to be hated around the office is to be that person who holds prejudices against people. You wouldn’t think that would be a big issue now-a-days, but it is still around.

3. Avoid Cutthroat Politics:

Now, I’m not talking about American Politics, but office politics. Don’t be the person who will consistently screw anybody over in order to move ahead. You will find that it is better to build bridges and maintain them, rather than to decimate them. Occasionally, we have to compete for an in-office job and, sure, you’re going to make yourself look like the best candidate for the job. It is possible to do this in a manner that allows two parties to maintain a professional relationship. Summary: don’t fuck people over unless you can unfuck the situation.

2. Keep Out of People’s Business:

It’s annoying when people take it upon themselves to spread gossip around like a Twitter feed. It’s those people who always want to hear the dirt and then have to make sure everybody knows. They are relentless and despised. The only reason we keep talking to this people is that fact that we can’t help but listening to other people’s shit.

I’ve learned over the years to keep a polite distance between people I work. Why? In order to work more efficiently with them. Now, I do open myself up to some people more than others, depending on the situation. This is just because there is some people you want to be friends with and others you have to put up with. Sad, yes, but those are facts of life. So, if I don’t volunteer information about my personal life to you, please don’t try to find out.  

1. You’re Not Always Right:

There are certain people that you work with who (regardless of whether you are speaking factually) will not cease to let go of any issues until they are either proven right or you give up. These types of people are generally closed-minded and prejudice to the core. I happened to work with one of these individuals, who arrogantly waves his opinion like it is the banner of all banners. The lingering asshole who will argue semantics in order to gain a molehill. At first, I brushed it off. As time developed, I started to realize that I am really starting to dislike this person, but it’s okay; we all are here to do our jobs. Eventually, it dawned on me that I would never like this person, plain and simple. Coming to this realization, I find that this most of my other coworkers shared the same feeling.

What am I trying to say here? To the guy who always needs to be right: Do yourself a favor; just shut the fuck up! Oh, so you found out something wrong with something I said; it must have felt great that you got to rub it in. Well, go ahead and revel in it, asshole. I have a lot more to live for then your petty game that you want to play every time we see each other. I wonder how it feels to be right all the time, but secretly hated by other employees? I’m glad that your opinion differs than mine (this is America, after all), but why should I want to have an intellectual debate with you if you don’t even respect my opinion?