Greaves' 5 Keys for Oregon State to beat CSU
Former Oregon State running back Marcus Greaves shares gives his five keys to the game for the Beavers to knock off the Colorado State Rams on Saturday.
1. The Oregon State defensive line must get pressure
Colorado State had a very high powered offense last year, ranking 28th in the country with averaging 35.3 points a game. Their 2017 offense expects to be dynamic once again, and Oregon State's defensive line must get pressure on quarterback Nick Stevens.
If they can, then the timing will be off between the quarterback, receivers, and the offense as a whole. Defensive linemen Elu Aydon, Baker Pritchard, Paisa Savea, and Kalani Vakameilalo need to set the tempo early by controlling the line of scrimmage, and the Beavers' edge rushers need to finish the job by bringing Stevens down. If they can get a push at the line of scrimmage and make running the ball difficult, it will force CSU to throw the ball. Then, Oregon State's elite defensive backs can make plays on the ball.
2. OSU needs to be the more physical team
Both OSU and CSU pride themselves on being tough, physical teams. It's safe to say that this game is going to be a dogfight. The team that comes out and proves they are the more physical team on both sides of the ball will have the best shot to win. The Oregon State offense will need to run the ball to their potential. The Beavers' defense is going to have to prove to CSU's offense that they are the dominant unit on the field.
3. Take the crowd out of the game early
41,200 CSU fans will be there for the season opener in their brand new stadium. It's going to be jumping. The fans and players will be hyped beyond measure, so momentum will already be in CSU's favor. They will ride their wave of hype as long as they can and potentially try to put Oregon State out quick.
If Oregon State can get one or two big momentum shifting plays, maybe a long run, deep pass, or interception. CSU fan will have a rude awakening in their first game in their new home.
------
Jaylynn Bailey medically retires from Oregon State
Oregon State running backs looking to etch place in OSU history
RECAP: BeaversEdge Team and Recruiting Chat
Notes: Oregon State releases injury report and depth chart
------
4. Oregon State must put up 30 points
Oregon State's offense has struggled to consistently put up points under the Gary Andersen regime. Against a team like CSU, Oregon State will have to keep up with their scoring. If they can score at least 30, I think they win down the stretch. Oregon State has too many weapons who will produce in late game situations.
5. Villamin and Hodgins must show up
The Oregon State offense is in good hands with their balanced run game, but the passing attack needs to have excel with new quarterback Jake Luton. He needs to find a go-to receiver early this season, and we've seen Jordan Villamin and Isaiah Hodgins perform well in fall camp practices.
The real question is which one of them is going to assert himself as the go-to guy?With Luton's strong arm and an offensive line that we believe will give Luton enough time, he is going to get the ball to his receivers, but they are going to have to make plays in order to beat CSU.
Game Prediction
This game is going to be a dog fight. Both are tough teams with weapons on both sides of the ball. CSU has an explosive offense as well as the hype behind them with the new stadium and a sold out crowd.
Oregon State is coming in with momentum from last season. They have swagger and big time ballers in Ryan Nall, Xavier Crawford, Manase Hungalu and Jake Luton. Oregon State's stars will show up and show out. It will be close though.
Oregon State 37
Colorado State 30