Oregon State Football: What to Expect - Oklahoma State

Every game week here at BTD, I will be making a post going over what to expect going into that week’s game. First up is Oklahoma State and their high powered offense.

Oregon State’s Defense Will Still be Shaky

Although the Beavs have added a lot of new faces to the defensive side of the ball, don’t expect them to come out against one of the best offenses in college football and look like the Beaver D of old.

Jonathan Smith told the media on Monday that Andrzej Hughes-Murray is out indefinitely with a foot injury, but if there is a position Oregon State can handle an injury like that, it’s outside linebacker. So, with a solid line backing core and safeties (although Jalen Moore might not be 100%), Oregon State will be tested early by the Cowboy’s passing game. For me, defense all starts up front with the defensive line, and the injury to Jeromy Reichner is an absolute blow to an area already lacking depth. If the Beavers can’t get pressure on the QB (like they had trouble with last year), Oklahoma State will pick the Beavs apart.

Another thing to watch out for are the CB’s, specifically Isaiah Dunn, who will most likely be matched up with one of college football’s best WR’s, Tylan Wallace. The junior CB has pulled away from the pack and locked down the first starting spot. If he can hold Wallace to under his averages from last season, I would chalk that up as a win for week one.

Lots of Points Will be Scored

Oregon State’s defense obviously impacts this point, but although I think the Beavs will give up a lot of points, I think the offense will put some points on the board as well. It’s reported that WR Trevon Bradford will not play which is a pretty big blow, but luckily the Beavers have one of the deepest receiving cores in the conference. Bradford’s absence will pave the way for receivers like Champ Flemings, Jesiah Irish and Kolby Taylor to help fill in the gap.

There’s no doubt that the Beavers will be a run first team next season. With one of the best RB groups in the country it would be stupid not to. But I think the passing game is going to get back to being at least serviceable game in and game out. Play action passing will be utilized and an improved offensive line will actually give the QB’s time to pull that off. Oklahoma State’s defense wasn’t great last season, allowing 32.5 points per game (97th out of 130 FBS teams) and 452.5 yards per game. All things considered, the Beavs are setup to be successful on offense, it just comes down to whether they can outscore the Cowboy’s or not.

Both QB’s Will Play

It was announced last week that Jake Luton will start at QB, but I still think we will see at least a little bit of Tristan Gebbia, especially if Luton struggles. Gebbia sparked up the QB competition late in fall camp with improved play, so it’s clear the coach Smith thinks he might be able to help the passing game. The only way I think we don’t see Gebbia get some action is if Luton comes out and completely balls out. Either way, I’m sure Beaver fans would be fine with that last scenario happening.

Also to note, Oklahoma State coach Mike Gundy has stated that both Cowboy QB’s Dru Brown and Spencer Sanders will see action against the Beavs. However, Gundy still has not said who he plans on starting.