Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher had himself a day against Oregon State, finishing Saturday with 11 total tackles, 5 solo tackles and 2 pass breakups. He was instrumental in Oregon’s defense slamming the door against a Beavers offense that ran the ball effectively in the first half.

Boettcher met the media following the win to give his takeaways on Oregon’s performance and what the rivalry win meant for him as an Oregonian.

On how important it was for Oregon to finish like they did against Oregon State amid national noise

Boettcher: “It was huge. First two games obviously we didn’t play to our standard whether it’s getting our feet wet, a new team, whatever you want to call it. But I told the guys I’m a firm believer in the rule of threes and this third game, this is the game where we’re gonna take off. I think everyone bought into that and it showed out on the field today.”

On what changed in the second half to hold OSU offense to low output

Boettcher: “We just came out at half, made a couple adjustments when it came to coverage, just getting our eyes into the screen game a little bit so we can stop those screens. And made a couple adjustments with the run game, but it was honestly just a mindset. That mindset in the second half, knew we had to finish and we did.”

On what motivates him personally about a game like Oregon/Oregon State

Boettcher: “Yeah I grew up, I mean I think I missed three Civil War games since I was five years old, so just being a part of the rivalry, knowing how their fans act when they win. And having family on both sides of the rivalry, just the feeling and the rights to knowing that you got this game for the entire year is what motivated me for this one.”

On how he channeled and managed his emotions in game

Boettcher: “Football’s a little bit different. You can definitely be more outward with your emotions, especially on the defensive side of the ball. So that’s what definitely fuels me, but at the end of the day I’ve had a good amount of experience over the years knowing how to handle big games like this and those emotions. So I just try to channel it into my teammates and make sure they feel my presence and make sure they’re juiced and at the end of the day obviously channel my energy into the ball carrier.”

On what was different about practice this week

Boettcher: “I think everyone just got through their minds that it’s a rivalry week. Obviously when it comes down to the game and the practice you gotta play yourself. Like Oregon’s playing Oregon but there is that extra edge, which I told the guys is you gotta do your assignment and know what you gotta do for the team but at the end of the day you gotta bring extra juice for this game. ‘Cause that’s what Oregon State’s bringing. The know that they gotta bring that extra chip on their soldier and they have it ’cause they’re Oregon State and throughout the rivalry’s years I feel like Oregon’s dominated it, so they know they gotta bring it. If we don’t we’ll get caught in the mouth.”

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