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The biggest change Dennis Erickson has made in his first season as head coach of the Oregon State Beavers is in the team's attitude, says the team's leading rusher.
Running back Ken Simonton took time during his bye week to chat with ESPN.com users and told them Erickson's offense has opened up the running game and that is why he has flourished so far this season. He also talked about his chances at any postseason awards and what areas the 3-0 Beavers need to improve.
An edited transcript from Simonton's Sept. 22 chat follows:
Ken Simonton: No, nothing really. It is some of the same types of zone plays. But this year my role is bigger and we are sticking with the run more this year than we would last year. Bryan Lindsey: How has the transition of coaching staffs affected the team's attitude? Ken Simonton: It has made us more professional because these new guys are more demanding. Last year they showed you how to practice; coach Erickson demands you practice. These are all professional coaches handing down their expertise. Jason: Do you think you can hold up to 30-plus carries per game when you get into the Pac-10 schedule? Ken Simonton: Unless I break both ankles, yes I can. I am a bit surprised I am getting this many carries, but it doesn't seem like that during the game. In this system, that is how it works -- whatever it takes to win. We have been sticking with what has been successful. Seattle1: Do you think the weakness of the Pac-10 will hurt you getting consideration for postseason awards? Ken Simonton: Just being at Oregon State hampers any consideration I could get, period. There are no real dominant teams this year so that will hurt, but basically it will come from the lack of respect we get as a program. Scott: Hypothetically speaking, if you have another 1,000-yard season, can we count on you staying in Corvallis another two years? Ken Simonton: Yes, I am in no hurry. That money is not going anywhere. You play it day by day, but I have full intentions of putting in my time here. Brian Coakley: I'm a big Beavers fan. What do you think you guys need to improve upon in order to stay undefeated throughout the Pac-10 schedule? Ken Simonton: We need to improve on our intensity level. We start games really well, but we need to stay aggressive and bury teams. Last week Georgia Southern almost came back on us after we had a chance to put them away.
Ken Simonton: That is a tough one. There is not really one person but if I had to pick one, it may be Jim Brown because of what the man stood for. He didn't live his life for athletics and left on top. I can't imagine modeling myself after someone that is obsessed with carrying the ball. There is more to life than that. Chris Doty: Do you regret going to OSU? Ken Simonton: No. When I signed my letter of intent, I had nights where I worried about it. But since I have been here a lot of great things have happened to me and I am very happy. Peter Simpson: What would you say to high school recruits looking at Oregon State as far as what they can expect from the program? Ken Simonton: You can expect to be counted on to be a man and taught how to be a professional in whatever you do. You learn about taking things seriously both on the field and in the classroom. Andy Nelson: Being from Pittsburg, Calif., do you get up for the Southern Cal-UCLA games more than others? Ken Simonton: I probably get up for those schools because of the recruiting process. But I basically have a grudge against the whole Pac-10 because I was recruited heavily, but when it came time to talk scholarship, I didn't hear from a lot of schools. But because my family gets to see me play in California, I do get up for those games. bvrs: What are your thoughts on the UO-USC game Saturday? Ken Simonton: After the offense the Ducks put up last week, I am looking for some big numbers being put up this week. It should be a real hard-hitting game. But I give the edge to the Ducks because they are at home and that is a REALLY tough place to play. Matt: How difficult is it maintain your focus over a two-week span, and what aspect of the USC game concerns you and the Beavers the most? Ken Simonton: I think the hardest part is getting guys to maintain their focus and intensity level these first couple of days this week. Guys are hurting and know they are not playing this week so they tend to relax a little. As far as USC, I won't worry about them until I get to see the game plan this weekend from our coaches. I am not worried about what they do, but more about how we play as a team. Roger Villeneuve: What goals have you set as a team and for yourself this year? Ken Simonton: For the team our goals are to win a bowl game. Not just to get there, but to win one. Personally I just want to do whatever it takes to achieve that team goal. Whatever I have to do, whether it is carrying the ball 40 times a game or returning kicks, I will do it. Matt Baugh: Is it the team's attitude this year that is making the largest difference? Ken Simonton: It is. Last year there was no reason to end the season the way we did. We had a heck of a team last year. But we do this year, too. But we have a different attitude because we know what it takes to be successful from what we learned last year. We just have to maintain a positive attitude the whole season. I just want to thank all the fans our there. They have been great, on the road and at home. It is like nothing I have seen since I have been here. We will keep working hard for you.
That is all the time I have for now. Thanks for all the questions.
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