Oregon co-offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Mario Cristobal met with the media on Tuesday. Here’s some of what he had to say:
Happy Halloween, do you have a costume?
“No. We’ve just got to work. It’s a good day with a good opportunity to get better and get prepared for a team that has had tremendous success, especially defensively. They’re real sound and real physical with players locked into what they do. I’ve seen them before, last year where I was at (Alabama), I’ve seen them a bunch this year, and I’m looking forward to this opportunity.”
How pleased are you with the steps the offense took last Saturday?
We’re getting better. Coach Taggart addressed it, but I’m sure you guys have seen how close we were in so many different games, but it never showed on the scoreboard. It’s like it’s easy to talk about, but hard to do. While we took those steps to close the gap in execution vs. almost execution, and it showed up as we got in the end zone a few more times, especially in that well designed, perfectly executed trick play, right?”
Tight ends was an area where you didn’t have a lot of experience coming into this season. How have those guys done, as an extension of your line, and also catching the ball?
“I’m glad you mentioned that. Those guys probably haven’t received enough credit. Inline blocking requires a lot of guts, determination and toughness. Those guys have really done a great job buying-in, and understanding angles, hat position, hand placement, how to create leverage with their footwork and they’re a team. For us to be a successful team and a successful offense, particularly running the ball, you have to have tight ends that can block. You can’t live in the open edge lifestyle offensively because there’s answers to that. If you have a tight end that creates the extra gap, then you can make a dent at the line of scrimmage and you’ve got yourself a complete offense.”
Coach said yesterday he thinks Tyrell (Crosby) is one of the best offensive lineman in the country. Do you think he’s playing to that level?
“I do. You always try to remove yourself, so that you’re not biased and it doesn’t come across like you’re gushing over a guy, but I can say that without any reservation. I say it just because of the performance itself. Anytime I address his play, I just tell people to turn on the tape and watch him perform; watch him execute. You almost take it for granted because he’s not the blinking light on the Christmas tree. He’s always making sure that he’s taking care of his assignment and he’s doing it at a high level with high effort and it affects everyone else around him.
You have the bookends playing pretty well, too right? Calvin’s had a pretty good season?
“He’s done a heck of a job. When you play offensive line, you’re in the service industry. You’re unselfish and you do things so that others can have success. Calvin’s had a tremendous season and I think both those guys, their approach to the game, the way they practice and their football IQ, combined with their energy, they’re helping us get better and better each week offensively.
Follow Zak Laster on Twitter: @zlast3445