Oregon State Beavers Football: Smith updates QB’s, injuries
5 questions with Arizona expert
Matchup Breakdown: Arizona Wildcats vs Oregon State Beavers
In just two days, the Oregon State football team will be back in action at Reser Stadium for their Pac-12 opener, as the Beavers (1-2) host the Arizona Wildcats (1-2) in a matchup that’s a prime opportunity for OSU to show the progress and growth they’ve made early in the Smith regime.
Head coach Jonathan Smith met with the local media on Thursday to offer injury updates, his thoughts on Khalil Tate and slowing down the Arizona offense, and how his team has responded in the week of practice following the 37-35 heartbreaking loss to Nevada last week.
“The guys had a very good week of work,” Smith said. “We had a lot of corrections on Sunday, but Tuesday and Wednesday were good and we’re tightening up the details today, but I’ve like what I’ve seen so far. We have to take care of the ball and tackle against Arizona because they’ve got some really good athletes. Turnovers have hurt us, so limiting them has been a point of emphasis. Big picture, we have to take care of the ball and tackle.”
If Oregon State is going to start the Pac-12 season 1-0, they’ll likely have to do it without the services of senior quarterback Jake Luton.
Luton, who’s had a couple very untimely injuries this season, is dealing with a high-ankle sprain that has kept him out of practice all week with the exception of some very limited work on Thursday.
Smith has labeled Luton as "doubtful" going into the game and noted that barring something drastic changing, they don’t expect to have him available and will go with redshirt-sophomore Conor Blount as the starter, with sophomore Jack Colletto backing him up.
“Unless there’s a huge turn, he’s doubtful, but he’s not 100 percent out,” Smith said. “We feel good about Conor (Blount) and Jack (Colletto) has had a good week of practice. You never know how these games play out, but we’ll have to see how it goes.”
In terms of positive injury news, Smith said that the Beavers expect to have wide receiver Trevon Bradford, who didn’t play against Nevada with a shoulder injury, available on Saturday.
In addition to Bradford, the Beavers might also regain the services of star tight end Noah Togiai on Saturday. Togiai suffered a knee injury in OSU’s final scrimmage in Bend in late August and has been practicing this week and is listed as questionable for Saturday.
“We’re optimistic,” Smith said of Togiai. “He has lightly practiced this week and we’ll see how he responds after this practice and we’ll make the call on Saturday.”
As far as the long term injuries go, Smith offered updates on defensive lineman Jeromy Reichner and safety David Morris, who are two of OSU's top defensive players and have both missed the majority of fall camp with foot injuries.
“I think Reichner is closer than Morris, but you won’t see Reichner this weekend,” Smith said. “It is what it is, but we don’t have an exact timeline on either guy.”
Last but certainly not least, Smith talked about how kicker Jordan Choukair has looked and responded in practice following an 0-for-2 performance against Nevada.
“He’s responded very well,” Smith said. “He had a good practice today, and I think he went 6-for-6. That’s what he’s been in practice and so I think he’s bounced back great.”