10/28/2022 football Edit

Oregon State Football Midseason Superlatives

Brenden Slaughter • BeaversEdge

Publisher

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With the Oregon State football team (6-2, 3-2 Pac-12) on bye this weekend, BeaversEdge.com Publisher Brenden Slaughter gives his midseason superlatives!

OFFENSIVE MVP(s)

Offensive Line & Running Backs

-> I'm going with dual offensive MVPs for Oregon State football so far this season as no two position groups have been more important to the Beavers' overall offensive success this season than the offensive line and the running backs...

Starting with the offensive line, you've got to hand it to offensive line coach Jim Michalczik for continuing to yield good group after good group in his several seasons as the OL coach.

In terms of the PFF analytics, Oregon State's offensive line leads the P12 ranks eighth nationally in terms of overall grade (78.0) and is solid in the pass block department as well, ranking 38th (72.0) and only allowing one quarterback sack per contest...

The offensive line is also paving the way for the OSU running backs to do what they do best as the Beavers are third in the Pac-12 in rushing yards per contest at just under 195 per game...

In terms of the running backs, you've got to like where the Beavers stand with depth and versatility as Damien Martinez, Jam Griffin, & Deshaun Fenwick all rank inside the top 15 of the P12 in rushing yards per game.

That says that any of those three guys is capable of being hot and having a game, and that's why we've seen the coaching staff continue with the three-man committee even when we've seen some standout individual performances.

This award could very well be handed down to an individual by the time the season comes to a close, but for now, it's the offensive line and running backs that have been most impressive on offense...

Also considered: Damien Martinez, Jack Colletto, Tre'Shaun Harrison

DEFENSIVE MVP

Defensive Back Jaydon Grant

-> Naming a single defensive MVP was a bit tough, but I give the nod to seventh-year senior Jaydon Grant whose leadership and playmaking in the back end is a big part of Oregon State's defensive resurgence this season...

After deciding in the offseason to return for his final season because he felt like he still wanted to accomplish more with his teammates collegiately, Grant's presence in the secondary has been huge for a defense that barely resembles the unit of just a few seasons ago.

His leadership, toughness, and playmaking ability have been on full display throughout the eight games as he's always one of the best-spoken guys on the team, leads by example, and is amongst the top of all OSU's defensive stats this season.

He's tied for the team lead in interceptions with Ryan Cooper Jr. with three, is second in tackles (48), fifth in passes broken up (four) sixth in sacks, and seventh in tackles for loss.

He's also forced one fumble and ranks as the second-highest-graded defender this season (Rejzohn Wright) per PFF with an overall defensive score of 75.3 on the season.

Beyond all the numbers, Grant is a player who helps you play winning and smart football, and he's a huge reason why the defense has been so much more productive and efficient this season...

Also considered: Omar Speights, Alex Austin, Rejzohn Wright, Kitan Oladapo

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