2020 Oregon State Offense:
Oregon State’s offense has some decent returning pieces, but needs some players to step up and fill roles. Tristan Gebbia, the Nebraska transfer, is expected to compete with junior college transfer Chance Nolan for the starting job. Gebbia completed 38 of his 60 attempts for 347 yards, two tds, and one pick last season for the Beavers. Nolan completed 236 of 358 attempts for 3315 yards, 38 tds, and six interceptions for Saddleback College last season. He also rushed for 1069 yards and six tds on 176 attempts.
Jamar Jefferson is the main skill player to keep an eye on, but the Beavers have some complementary pieces as well. Jefferson rushed for 685 yards and eight tds on 142 carries in only eight games because of injury. BJ Baylor is expected to fill that #2 roll in the backfield after a breakout 2019 spring camp.
The receivers are one of the question areas for this Beavers offense. The Beavers top targets in 2019, Isaiah Hodgins and Noah Togiai (TE), are gone. Champ Flemings is the leading returning receiver, with 32 receptions for 457 yards and three tds, but Trevon Bradford is expected to be the number one receiver for Oregon State after an injury shortened season in 2019.
The offensive line is the other question area, although maybe not that big of one, for the Beavers offense. They do lose three key pieces from last season; including Blake Brandel who started 48 straight games for the Beavers. However, the starting o-line could potentially be all upperclassmen who have had decent playing time. Nathan Eldridge is expected to lead this unit and could be a key piece in getting this offense going.
2020 Oregon State Defense:
Oregon State returns a lot of production from the 2019 season on the defensive side of the ball. The Beavers lose the massive Elu Aydon (6’3″, 377 lbs) on the interior, but returns some size at the end position of their 3-4 defense. OSU has three DTs playing DE in their defensive scheme: Simon Sandberg (6’3″, 271 lbs), Tavis Shippen (6’5″, 275lbs) and Auburn transfer Charles Moore (6’4″, 275lbs)
The linebackers are the core of this defense. The top three leading tacklers (Avery Roberts, Omar Speights, and Hamilcar Rashed Jr) from 2019 are back, with Rashed Jr being the one to watch for. He was a 2019 First-Team All-American after finishing the season leading the nation in tackles for loss with 22.5 and finished tied for third nationally in sacks with 14 (which is a single-season school record).
The secondary is the question area on the defense. They struggled against Hawaii and Washington State but settled down throughout the year. The Beavers brought in four juco transfers to bring some depth to the secondary. Isaiah Dunn is the man to watch as he led the team with eight passes defended last season.
Final Thoughts and Game Prediction:
Colorado State can’t be down for this game. Oregon State will be looking for revenge after the rout in 2017. Steve Addazio will be looking to make a strong impression after the Colorado game, win or lose. If the Rams can win the game, it could be a key to a successful season.
The Rams offensive line will need to come together and be prepared. This game will be an early test of the cohesiveness of the unit with the departure of two starters from last season. Control the pass rush and dominate the line of scrimmage in the run game and this should be a good win for the Rams
Oregon State will look to pound the rock as the Rams struggled against the run last season; letting teams average nearly 200 yards per game on the ground. The Rams pass defense was decent last season because no one needed to pass the ball. Oregon State could run away with this game if they get firing on all cylinders.
Not many players on either side remain from their match up four season ago, but you can bet those that did play in that game will remind their teammates about it. This has the makings of an early season shootout. Either team can win, but Steve Addazio’s coaching experience wins out here.
Final Score Prediction: Colorado State 52, Oregon State 48
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