As usual, let's take a few minutes to see what Oregon State's next few opponents are up to today.
September 25, in Boise
Boise State at Wyoming (CBS College, 8pm)
Everyone is calling today's matchup with Louisville Oregon State's trap game-- is this Boise State's trap game? The Broncos will travel to Laramie, where the wind and altitude sometimes make things interesting. Boise State has the depth to substitute liberally, and has Wyoming outmatched on paper. When you give Chris Peterson an extra week to prepare, the Broncos are nearly unbeatable. Next week: Oregon State
October 2, in Corvallis
Arizona State at Wisconsin (ABC/ESPN2, 12:30)
Finally, a non-FCS opponent for the Sun Devils. The Badgers are knocking on the door of being a top contender this season, but they haven't looked unflappable in their two wins against UNLV and San Diego State. Steven Threet and Arizona State will now try to present another challenge today. The key to this one for the Sun Devils will be slowing down Wisconsin's running backs, because the Badgers are 22-2 in the last three seasons when they rush for over 200 yards, which as you can see, they do regularly. Next week: Oregon
October 9, in Tucson
Arizona at Iowa (ESPN, 7:30PM)
This is the first big road test of the year for the Wildcats, and a matchup of two undefeated teams. Nic Grigsby and the offensive line should be able to establish the running game-- the Huskers have been giving up around five yards per rushing attempt through their first two games. The Wildcats will need production on the ground because tight end Rob Gronkowski is out, and Delashaun Dean is dealing with a hamstring injury. Both teams need this win to put an exclamation mark on their non-conference schedule, and the team that controls the clock with their running game will do it. Next week: Iowa
October 16, in Seattle
Washington vs. Nebraska (ABC/ESPN2, 12:30PM)
The Huskies are going to need a big day from Chris Polk and their offensive line, because establishing the running game is the best way to beat Nebraska. I'm interested to see how Washington's defense handle's the Husker rush--which has some similarities to Oregon's zone-read attack. If Nebarska is able to run on Washington on the ground it won't necessarily provide a blueprint for Oregon State to use, but it will expose a weakness that Oregon State can hopefully exploit. Next week: Bye (USC is next)
--Jake | (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)