5 Burning Questions
BeaversEdge.com offers five burning questions for Oregon State headed into the Washington game at 3:30 P.M.
1. How will McMaryion look?
After weeks of this column questioning if Darell Garretson can finally step his game up, we now turn our attention to the Beavers' sophomore gunslinger. Marcus McMaryion has a very tough test as the team's new starting quarterback, but it helps that he's been the starter in a big situation before with the Civil War game last year, and he got his feet wet last week against Utah. Our prediction is that McMaryion will show today that he is the best quarterback on Oregon State's roster - even when everyone is healthy.
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2. What will see see from the OSU rushing attack?
And who will be healthy? This is a banged up running back group in a game that they will be desperately needed. Ryan Nall is doubtful and Artavis Pierce is probable. In other words, it's unlikely that Nall will play and Pierce should be good to go but could be limited. Tim Cook and Paul Lucas will be called upon, and the offensive line has a tough task in blocking the impressive Washington defensive line.
3. Can the secondary keep it up?
This group has been fantastic all season other than the big play debacle against Colorado. A big story of the OSU 2016 season has been injuries, but this group has dealt with them and hasn't missed a beat. It has truly been a "next man up" situation with Treston Decoud leading the younger cornerbacks. Devin Chappell and Brandon Arnold have started every game at the safety positions and have been solid.
4. Can the Oregon State front seven handle their biggest test?
This group played really well against Utah in the second week of last week's game. Caleb Saulo and Manase Hungalu will need a big game at their inside linebacker spots as will outside linebacker Bright Ugwoegbu. The defensive line, led by nose tackles Elu Aydon and Sumner Houston, will have to plug up holes in the middle of the field or it could be a long, long day.
5. Can the wide receivers step up?
We called upon the wide receivers to step up last week, and they had a bad performance. Will they be able to rally around McMaryion? It's time for Jordan Villamin to have a breakout game. It's time for Seth Collins to get the ball back in his hands. Could we even see a resurgence from Hunter Jarmon? This passing attack cannot have unforced errors by dropping easy passes like they did last week.
