Blount, Luton still fighting to be Oregon State’s starter

Just two games into the the Jonathan Smith era at Oregon State, there’s been a lot to like.

If you were to highlight one aspect of the Smith regime that perhaps is ahead of schedule, it would be the Oregon State offense which has found a nice rhythm through two weeks under offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren.

As the Beavers prepare to travel to Nevada for their last non-conference game of season, one very important question about the Beaver offense is still yet to be answered.

Who’s going to be the starting quarterback?

Two games into the season, senior Jake Luton and redshirt sophomore Conor Blount are still vying for the starting job as Smith and Co. believe that they have two capable quarterbacks that can move the offense.

Luton, who won the job coming out of fall camp and was the Beavers’ starter before suffering a concussion against Ohio State, knows that while he’s in a quarterback battle again, his mindset of preparing to be the starter isn’t going to change.

“I’m just doing what I can,” Luton said. “I treat everyday like game day and I’m coming out here working hard so I’m not too worried about what’s ahead and what they decide. I’m handling what I can control and working my hardest.”

After only playing the in the first series against Ohio State, Luton returned to action against Southern Utah, playing the entire second half, finishing with 63 yards on 4-of-9 passing. While the numbers on the surface may not be eye-popping, Luton was primarily running with the 2nd and 3rd team with the game in hand in addition to the Thunderbirds owning time of possession in the third quarter heavily.

“Jake was really sharp stepping up in the pocket in the passing game,” Lindgren said of Luton’s return to action.

While Luton was temporarily sidelined, then-backup QB Conor Blount made the most of his opportunity against Ohio State, and with a very solid performance against Southern Utah, he’s played himself into a starting role.