Oregon
3 keys to victory: No. 21 Washington State vs. No. 14 Oregon State
Good morning, Coug fans!
I don’t know about you- but as excited as I am for tomorrow, I’m also pretty nervous. Oregon State is an impressive opponent, and this game (while highly joked about, myself included) is a chance to open conference play and show exactly who we are. The Beavers are favored, and have run through their last three opponents by significant margins.
There are a few things for Washington State to anticipate heading into the Pac-2 Championship, but I’ve named three!
KEY 1: Washington State needs to keep pressure off Ward
Oregon State’s defensive line is… really good. Not only will our O-Line need to keep pressure off Ward so he has plenty of time to make decisions, they need to be proactive about creating opportunities for the rest of our offense, and containing Oregon State’s defense, which has quickly morphed into something of a powerhouse.
In their last game, Oregon State’s defense got on the line for a four and drop seven, and managed to disarm the SDSU Quarterback with just those four downlinemen. Andrew Chatfield (linebacker) landed his first sack out of two for that game, which was made entirely possible by the rest of the line doing their jobs, and creating an opening through the right tackle.
Will they get away with that against us? I will be the last person to have that staring contest with fate.
These guys are slick, and operate like a well-oiled machine. They’re able to fluctuate between containing quarterbacks, and applying a difficult amount of pressure to them, as shown by their performance against San Jose State week one.
I’ll be bold enough to say it’s essential for us to anticipate their defensive pressure off the bat, contain those breakout rushes, and prevent them to our best ability from running up on Ward. I was anticipating more pressure from Wisconsin, and I believe Oregon State will bring it.
Granted- Ward has proven this season that he can be capable under pressure. There will be a degree of strain, that’s inevitable, but as long as our line is able to keep it relatively at bay, Ward should be able to make things happen.
For example- SDSU had some success with slants and drags, focusing on the middle of the field, forcing the OSU defensive back to scramble. Did he still make the tackle? Yes. But he had to hustle for it. Hopefully our quality of offense is higher than SDSU’s, she says with her tongue in her cheek, and will cause that mixup to prevent tackles, rather than open the door for them.
Oregon State made it clear at the beginning of the season that they would be prioritizing going after QBs. Their secondary has significantly improved since last season, and while we’re allies off the field, I fear there’ll be no holds barred during the game. Both teams will want this win. But more on that later.
KEY 2: Washington State needs to limit DJ Uiagalelei’s options
Oregon State runs an efficient offense, despite their struggles around pass protection, and will seize any opportunity to run away with the game. DJ Uiagalelei has more interceptions than Cam Ward (so does almost every quarterback, shameless flex), and he’s throwing 61.8%. That’s 11% and some change lower than Ward (72%), our defense should be tracking that, and keeping an eye on the way Oregon State makes up for it.
WSU should be able to recognize the limitations around OSU’s passing game if Oregon State tries to focus on it. Selfishly, I hope they do, so our standouts in Devin Richardson, Ron Stone Jr., and Brennan Jackson can really sink their teeth into Uiagalelei.
I thought about having this key be entirely about WSU capitalizing on that weakness, I even drafted something where I did go into it, but then I got to thinking. If Oregon State is worried about their pass game, and knows WSU will be looking for holes there, I bet they’re making sure that their running game is especially up to par in the event that they can’t put the ball in the air. Obviously the goal for any offense is to be strong on all schemes, and strengthening something you already have on lock doesn’t make a ton of sense, but I just have a feeling that when their backs are against the wall, they’re gonna try to run.
This concerns limiting Uiagalelei because he can basically do it all with the options he has.
For example, Damien Martinez rushed against SDSU for 102 yards over 15 carries, Anthony Gould and Silas Bolden both have strong and speedy games, and if Uiagalelei isn’t having a particularly excellent passing game (which he didn’t really against SDSU), he’s able to change things up quickly. Gould’s 75 yard rushing touchdown that came from a short pass is evidence of that. Also, yes, that video is in Spanish. It was either the Spanish version, or a horrible, Hudl-esque instrumental hype song. Sue me!
Basically, I find the entire Oregon State offensive spread rather slippery, and I hope our defense can catch ‘em.
OSU also sits further down the list than WSU for 3rd down conversions, 32nd compared to our 4th. If we keep them at third and long, I’ll feel more comfortable that they won’t be able to convert as well as other teams might.
Especially in Pullman.
Essentially, if we’re able to get them off the field quickly and contain Uiagalelei, we’ll be in decent shape. Seems easy enough, no? *eye twitches*.
KEY 3: Remain mentally resilient
I need to take a minute to praise these guys. We haven’t seen a mentally tough group like this in a long time. There were several points during the Wisconsin game where earlier squads would have let the Badgers take control, and the game would have been washed. Specifically, the third quarter. But they stayed strong!
I think mental fortitude as a key to success is undervalued, which is why I want to touch on it here. We can prepare for key aspects of Oregon State’s game, plan for their spreads, watch all the film we want, but at the end of the day, the ability to recover from mistakes and adjust when necessary will make a huge impact in this game.
Something I’ve noticed is the work Washington State has put in during the offseason in terms of both physical game, and mental game. The Cougs have some tricks up their sleeves for sure, but it’s clear that having a more stable leader in Coach Dickert, and having Coach McGuire back for the offensive line has improved their mental game.
At around 4:00, Dickert starts talking about how they’re getting ready for Oregon State. He talks about the need to take things “old school” – and keep up that mental fortitude against their opponent, who he says are undeniably strong on both sides of the ball. It’s important prep work to evaluate where you are mentally when facing a team like Oregon State.
The outside world shouldn’t be the focus when you’re on the field- but the narrative lately around both teams in the media has been pretty overwhelming, and I’m not even a student athlete at either school! I wouldn’t be doing my job well if I didn’t bring up things we could possibly be carrying onto the field, and point out how important it’s going to be to shove those thoughts back. This is an opponent that we genuinely respect, and are currently fighting a bigger war alongside. But we have to leave that behind, put it in the box and slide it under the bed, and take them down to our best ability.
This is Oregon State’s first real test this season, something that I’m sure is playing a mental role for both the Cougs and the Beavs. Having defeated San Jose State 42-17, UC Davis 55-7, and obviously SDSU 26-9 doesn’t give us a clear indicator at how the Beavers will fare against a Power-5 school.
Like it or not, that’s what we are.
Wisconsin was, undeniably, a huge win for Wazzu (both times!!)- but even Dickert said how he almost expected more from their running backs, and anticipates what he assumed Wisconsin would be, Oregon State is.
Either OSU gets cocky after their blowout success, or they come in cool and ready to work- but that shouldn’t impact our game. We can only control how we perform.
Overall- this is going to be an excellent game of football. Technically speaking, and otherwise. I am really excited to see what goes down.
Do you agree with my keys? Tell me what you think!
Go Cougs!
Trent Bray’s Oregon State Beavers kept the spirit of #Pac12AfterDark alive on Saturday night with a roller coaster of a win over Colorado State that went to double-overtime. The Beavs managed to secure a 39-31 victory behind a career high in rushing yards for Anthony Hankerson (113). In total, the Beavs’ running game was once again the spark for the win, totaling 251 yards and five touchdowns.
While Gevani McCoy showed he still has plenty of room to grow in the passing game (16/28, 147 yards, one interception), his three rushing touchdowns and 91 rushing yards were critical in the win.
The Beavers are now 4-1 to start the season and 3-1 within the confines of Reser Stadium. They’ll try to move to 5-1 on October 12 against Jeff Choate’s Nevada rebounding team.
The Colorado State defense made an interception at the Oregon State 12-yard line on the Beavs’ first possession of the game. The Rams immediately capitalized with a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Justin Marshall. The Beavers tried to get back to business on their second possession, but lost a fumble by Jam Griffin.
Griffin would leave with an injury in the first quarter and did not return.
Gevani McCoy 29-yard touchdown run on an option to the right side to cap a ten-play, 82-yard drive on their opening drive of the second quarter.
CSU answered with a 25-yard field goal on the ensuing possession.
The Beavers were fortunate on the final possession of the second half, benefitting from two penalties on the Colorado State secondary inside the five-yard line, which gave them enough chances to eventually punch the ball in with Anthony Hankerson from one yard away. That made the score 14-10 heading into the break.
In the second half, the third quarter was a stalemate with the two sides trading punts. However, in the opening moments of the third quarter, McCoy scored his second rushing touchdown of the day: a seven-yard rush on fourth down that saw him run through multiple CSU defenders to make it 21-10.
Anotha one for @Gevani_McCoy 🙌
📺: @TheCW pic.twitter.com/Wk1Y2Zbi57
— Oregon State Football (@BeaverFootball) October 6, 2024
For Colorado State, Tory Horton grabbed his first receiving touchdown of the season with eight minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. That came after a 14-play, 75-yard drive that took six minutes and 53 seconds off the clock. The Rams went for two and did not convert.
With two minutes remaining in the game, Avery Morrow was able to give CSU their first lead of the game on a one-yard touchdown rush after a direct snap from a wildcat formation. Horton converted the two-point attempt on a reverse.
OSU kicker Everett Hayes nailed a 44-yard field goal to tie the game at 24-24 with 26 seconds remaining. CSU then mounted a drive into OSU territory, but did not score, bringing on overtime.
On Colorado State’s first OT possession, the Rams needed six plays and help from a pass interference call on Sailasa Vadrawale to eventually set up a touchdown reception by Caleb Goodie. The Beavs answered with Gevani McCoy’s third touchdown run of the evening, this time from 19 yards away.
Hankerson quickly put the Beavers on top at the start of the second overtime with a 25-yard touchdown rush and McCoy hit Jermaine Terry for the two-point conversion. Then, once again, the Beavers appeared to have Colorado State stopped on fourth down, but OSU committed a blatant pass interference to set CSU up at the two-yard line. However, the Beavs’ defense managed to hold and keep the pass out of Horton’s hands on the final play to wrap things up.
Fans stormed the field in Corvallis in celebration as the Beavers improved to 4-1 on the season.
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Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 as the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes come to Autzen Stadium. On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.
Consensus five-star defensive lineman Jahkeem Stewart is visiting the No. 6 Oregon Ducks on Oct. 12 for the top-10 matchup with the No. 3 Ohio State Buckeyes On Oct. 5, Stewart announced he will be reclassifying from the class of 2026 to the class of 2025.
One week after revealing his plans to graduate a year early, Stewart will be in Autzen as the Buckeyes take on the Ducks.
Oregon coach Dan Lanning and Ohio State coach Ryan Day both have undefeated teams with College Football Playoff aspirations, but the recruiting never ends. Stewart projects as a player who can make an immediate impact.
After his visit to Eugene on Oct. 12, Stewart has plans to visit LSU on Nov. 9, USC on No. 16, and Ohio State on Nov. 30. Typically, the team with the last visit
The early signing period begins on Dec. 4, giving Day and the Buckeyes the last chance to make an impression on Stewart. That being said, LSU and USC have both been considered favorites throughout Stewart’s recruitment.
🚨NEWS🚨 5-star DL Jahkeem Stewart has reclassified to the 2025 cycle, per @SWiltfong_‼️
Read: https://t.co/ZTuincsC7N pic.twitter.com/bPD8QrNm37
— On3 Recruits (@On3Recruits) October 5, 2024
Stewart was already high-profile recruit, and he is now the No. 3 defensive lineman recruit in 2025 according to the 247Sports Composite.
247Sports Scouting Analyst Gabe Brooks thinks highly of Stewart, writing about the elite defensive lineman’s athleticism.
“Reportedly highly productive sophomore campaign with 85 tackles, 33 TFL, 20 sacks. Still developing pass-rush repertoire but has shown encouraging technical awareness,” said Brooks. “Elite young defensive line prospect given outstanding physical tools and promising movement ability who could become a serious NFL Draft candidate down the road.”
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Oregon is undefeated, coming off its third straight convincing win and despite some unremarkable plays in recent weeks, is starting to look more and more like a team that should to be favored to land a spot in the College Football Playoff in December.
Now comes the most anticipated game of the regular season.
Bring on the Buckeyes.
The No. 6 Oregon (5-0, 2-0 Big Ten) will play No. 3 Ohio State – which is 4-0 heading into its game Saturday against Iowa – at 4:30 p.m. next Saturday in Autzen Stadium, a game between the two highest ranked teams in the conference.
“I think it’ll be a great challenge and a great opportunity for us in front of our home crowd,” quarterback Dillon Gabriel said after Oregon defeated Michigan State 31-10 Friday in Autzen Stadium. “You dream for moments like these and games like this and I think everyone’s excited for it.”
Despite this mid-October gem on its schedule, coach Dan Lanning said his team hasn’t looked ahead to Ohio State while it opened the season with wins against Idaho, Boise State, Oregon State, UCLA and now the Spartans.
“They’ve done a really good job of not listening to you guys, right?” Lanning said to media members Friday night. “But finally, you guys can talk about it. We’re finally there. We’re going to play them now. A great team. … There’s a reason why they’re one of the best teams in the country. It’s going to be a great challenge for us, and our fans are gonna have to show up.”
Lanning said the team would turn its focus to the Buckeyes at midnight on Friday. That wasn’t soon enough for wide receiver Tez Johnson.
“Right now,” Johnson said. “We turn the page right now. Obviously, it’s a big game … we’ll got out here and practice physical knowing that they got some really good players. But so do we. It’s going to be a really good matchup.”
Heading into their game against the Hawkeyes, the Buckeyes are the most prolific team in conference. With former Oregon coach Chip Kelly in his first season as offensive coordinator, Ohio State is ranked No. 1 in the Big Ten in scoring (48.8 points) and yards (534.8) per game, and No. 2 in passing yards (307.8) and No. 4 in rushing yards (227.0) per game.
They’ve also allowed the fewest points per game (6.8) for a No. 1 point differential of 42.0.
“I played Ohio State two years,” said defensive tackle Derrick Harmon, a Michigan State transfer. “I know what they bring. We just have to compete that game. That’s a game we’re gonna have to compete. Everybody run to the ball, everybody in the right gaps, everybody playing for each other. That’s what we gotta do.”
In 2021, the Ducks upset the Buckeyes in Columbus, 35-28, the only victory for Oregon in 10 games against Ohio State. The two games prior were a 42-20 loss in the 2015 national championship game and a 26-17 defeat in the 2010 Rose Bowl.
“We’re two great programs that have been known for playing good football,” Gabriel said. “The things you look to as a young man playing the game is big-time moments and great atmospheres. So, super excited for it.”
Chris Hansen covers University of Oregon football, men’s basketball, track and field, cross country and softball for The Register-Guard. You can reach him on X @chansen_RG or by email at chansen@registerguard.com.
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