The stage has been set.
For the second time in this young season, Oregon State is set to do battle with a top-ten opponent on national television.
Just over two weeks ago, it was No. 25 OSU heading into Cowboys Stadium to give TCU a run for their money. This week, No. 24 OSU is headed to Boise with aspirations of putting a kink in the National Championship conversation.
Boise State is 2-0 on the year after wins over Virginia Tech and Wyoming. They return 22 of the 24 starters from a team that went undefeated a year ago and won the Fiesta Bowl. This year, they're set on bursting into the National Championship game, and the Beavers are the last legitimate threat remaining on the schedule.
But in order for the Beavers to have a shot to win come Saturday, some things still need to be cleaned up.
Adam Froman completed 22 of 38 passes against the Beaver defense for 288 yards on Saturday. He rushed for another 46, while Louisville combined to rush for 165 yards. The Beavers can't afford to give up nearly 500 yards of offense again.
Jacquizz Rodgers finally established himself with a 132-yard performance. He'll need another big day in Boise to keep the trend going.
While there is legitimate reason for Beaver fans to be worried about Boise State after watching OSU against TCU and Louisville, Riley continues to trust his process.
"If we can continue to get better and work, then we can go over and give Boise a good game and do everything we can to win it."
That all starts today, as the team begins practice for Saturday's clash on the Smurf Turf.
--Jake | (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)