Oregon State has every right to be disappointed after the ACC, Big Ten and Big 12 spurned them for what could be perceived as weaker teams.
The Beavers had a better team than Colorado and probably better than both Los Angeles schools in 2023. Unfortunately, it’s not about the talent on the field those decisions were made in the way they were.
Especially the defense.
The Beavers had a good defense last season and it seems as if there is little to no drop off on that front here in 2024. That unit opened some eyes after pitching a shutout on the road at San Diego State.
“Their defense, as it always has been since I’ve been here, is very sound and create some tough looks, so it’ll be a fun challenge for us,” Oregon Ducks coach Dan Lanning said.
It makes sense the Beaver defense wouldn’t have a drop-off since they hired defensive coordinator Trent Bray to replace Jonathan Smith as their head coach.
The Beavers are giving up just 7.5 points a game and 77 yards on the ground. In order to come out of Corvallis with a victory, Oregon is going to have to make a significant dent in both of those categories.
Oregon State has also just allowed 168 yards through the air and a couple of reasons they are that good are defensive backs Jaden Robinson and Skyler Thomas. Both are upperclassmen and both lead the Beavers with nine tackles each.
Look for the Beavers to blitz the Ducks with outside linebacker Nikko Taylor, who has two of their three sacks. Oregon has had some trouble up front protecting Dillon Gabriel and the Beavers will try to exploit that as much as possible.
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