Oregon State Beavers put 2nd straight bowl game on list of football season goals

After reaching their first bowl sport since 2013 final season, the Oregon State Beavers need extra.

“We’re not a completed product by any stretch,” coach Jonathan Smith stated. “However over the 4 years being right here as the pinnacle coach, actually pleased with the event we’ve had, the competitiveness, successful extra video games than we misplaced final yr.”

Oregon State has steadily risen beneath Smith: It went 2-10 in his first season, 2018. Final season, the Beavers completed 7-6 — their first successful report in eight seasons.

Whereas the Beavers fell within the LA Bowl to Utah State, Smith acknowledges the progress made and that they should construct on it.

A number of the keys to success have moved on, together with receiver Trevon Bradford, operating again B.J. Baylor and main tackler Avery Roberts.

However Probability Nolan is again and more likely to be the beginning quarterback once more. And the lineup contains promising freshman operating again Damien Martinez, who impressed on the workforce’s spring sport, and final season’s high returner, Deshaun Fenwick.

“We really feel like now we have a veteran group that has discovered now what it takes to win. We’ve obtained a whole lot of these guys again,” Smith stated. “I’m wanting ahead to seeing what we are able to do that yr, understanding how aggressive, particularly this league, is.”

Maturity issues

Though there was a quarterback competitors in fall camp, the beginning nod will nearly assuredly go to Nolan.

A redshirt junior, Nolan began in 12 video games for the Beavers final season, throwing 2,677 yards for 19 touchdowns. He had a 64.2% completion charge.

“What I like about Probability is how aggressive he’s. I feel he shows that in his fashion of play,” Smith stated. “Being aggressive within the pocket but in addition extending the play, getting some additional yards, gaining first downs.”

The query is who will again him up. The highest candidates are Tristan Gebbia, who began in 4 video games in 2020 however did not play final season due to an damage, and redshirt freshman Ben Gulbranson, additionally sidelined final season with an damage.

Highway woes

The Beavers beat USC on the Coliseum final yr, which was Oregon State’s first highway win over the Trojans since 1960.

The issue was that it was additionally Oregon State’s lone highway victory.

The schedule this yr features a robust sport at No. 7 Utah, however the Beavers get to host the Trojans and the No. 11 Oregon Geese.

Development zone

Oregon State’s Reser Stadium is within the midst of a $161 million makeover, with development to go on all through the season.

The west facet of the stadium is now a metal skeleton that may ultimately grow to be three tiers of latest seating. A brand new $5 million video scoreboard needs to be working by the workforce’s opener in opposition to Boise State on Sept. 3.

“It will likely be somewhat bit totally different for us in a stadium that’s half-built … Taking part in a season in about half a stadium stuffed,” Smith stated. “However we’re actually wanting ahead to, when (development) finishes … to be in the most effective soccer services and stadiums within the nation.”

Oregon State expects the stadium to be accomplished by June.

Mountain West woes

The Beavers open the season in opposition to a pair of Mountain West opponents, first at dwelling in opposition to Boise State earlier than a sport at Fresno State.

Final season, Mountain West groups have been 6-5 in opposition to Pac-12 groups, together with Utah State’s victory over the Beavers within the LA Bowl. It was the third time since 1999 and first since 2008 that the convention has had a successful report over the Pac-12.

Moreover, the Mountain West champion has gained 4 of the previous 5 bowl video games in opposition to the Pac-12.

The competitors between the 2 leagues ought to garner extra consideration as Pac-12 faces an unsure future with realignment.