Posted by: Pete Roussel on May 3, 2012

From 2006 to 2009, Mike Riley led Oregon State to thirty-six wins.  The Beavers finished 10-4, 9-4, 9-4, and 8-5 during that time, winning at least six conference games each year.

The last two years however, Oregon State has slipped to 5-7 and 3-9.

It's perhaps one reason Riley became more involved this spring with the offense.

Riley said, "One of things we tried to do this spring was mesh what we were doing offensive and defensively, getting good match-ups.  And so I talked everyday with defensive coordinator Mark Banker and tried to match it up with what we were doing offensively."

"So calling the plays, knowing what the defense was going to be in, matching it up together, challenge each other more that way --- in the right way.  The right way about spring practice is getting ready for the season, not winning the practice that day.  It's about getting ready for 13 games next fall. That's what we want to get ready for."

"I missed that involvement, too.  So that was another reason I just stepped back in and did that some more."

Oregon State hosts Nicholls State to open the 2012 season.  The schedule toughens up the next week as Wisconsin travels to Corvallis.

Here's more from Mike Riley:

----------------------------------------------

Pete Roussel is a valuable resource for coaches, athletic directors, NFL front-office personnel, and college football enthusiasts. A former college football coach, Roussel shares insight on coaches 365 days a year and is recognized as the most trusted expert on coaching transactions. Follow @CoachingSearch on twitter and send your feedback to pete@coachingsearch.com