The 3-2-1: Beavers look to spoil Colorado State's new stadium opener
The 2017 college football season is upon us, and the Beavers will have the center stage as they try to upset the Colorado State Rams in the unleashing of their brand new stadium.
Today, we look at three things we know, two questions we have, and give one prediction about the OSU-CSU matchup.
Three Things We Know
1. OSU is going to be reliant on the run game
Air raid this, air raid that. How about Ryan Nall, Thomas Tyner, Artavis Pierce, and Trevorris Johnson? The Beavers have arguably the deepest and most talented running back corps in the Pac-12, and we think it could be the best in school history. The offensive line should be better than most think, so the Beavs will pound the rock first and then go over the top with their strong armed quarterback, vertical threats at receiver, and safety blanket tight end.
2. The Beavers are going to be multiple on defense
Expect a lot of different looks from Kevin Clune's defense to confuse Rams' quarterback Nick Stevens and his offensive line. The Beavs can bring pressure from just about anywhere in their front seven. OSU has used different sets all fall camp in terms of down lineman whether that be 2, 3, or sometimes 4. OSU has shown a 2-4-5 look in addition to their more common 3-3-5 or base 3-4 look. Also, expect Clune to keep his guys fresh by rotating in guys such as Kee Whetzel, the Payne brothers, and freshmen such as Davis Morris and Kesi Ah-Hoy.
3. Jordan Villamin is ready to lead the receiving corps
With Seth Collins out, Villamin is looking to lead the young group of receivers back to the level they were pre-Andersen. If Villamin can have a big senior season, the Beavers' offense could explode and be one of the best in the conference. OSU has been able to get Villamin involved early and often in practices and if he can carry that same swagger to game days, OSU could have a big passing day on Saturday with the Rams keying on Nall and company.
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Greaves' 5 Keys for Oregon State to beat CSU
Notes: Oregon State releases injury report and depth chart
RECAP: BeaversEdge Team and Recruiting Chat
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Two Questions We Have
1. How will the Beavers be able to share the sugar with their depth at running back?
Thomas Tyner and Trevorris Johnson didn't transfer to Oregon State to sit on the bench, but after Ryan Nall and Artavis Pierce shined in the Beavs' backfield last year, they aren't going to just give up their hard earned carries to the other guys. With Tim Cook graduated, the Beavs returned just Nall and Pierce (as well as Bailey who medically retired this week) so OSU brought in Johnson to provide depth. When Tyner came calling to return to football, the Beavs couldn't turn down the former five-star back. Oregon State has all of these talented backs, but how will they 'share the sugar?' Nall is the No. 1 guy, plain and simple, and we believe that Tyner will receive the second most carries. Pierce will also get carries here and there and be showcased in the red zone, as will Johnson, who is another big back.
2. How will Jake Luton fare with the hostile crowd in Fort Collins?
During his time with Idaho, Luton played at USC in 2015 and completed 8-of-13 passes for 46 yards, so he has a small sample size of playing on a big stage. Luton must feel pressure as the starting quarterback that pushed Marcus McMaryion to transfer to Fresno State after not winning the quarterback battle. Rams' fans have the expectations to win their conference in 2017 and being a top 25 team. Luton will need to stay poised and control the offense in his first game as a Beaver. Look for him to target Noah Togiai early and often.
One Prediction
The Beavers will rush for over 200 yards with their bevy of running backs.
As mentioned, Oregon State has a very deep running back group, but for the most part, their success will be based on their offensive line. The great thing about the Beavers' running backs are their ability to pick up yards after contact and ability to break a big run. If the offensive line is able to create the holes for the backs, then watch out Colorado State.