The 3-2-1: Beavers set to hit the road
The BeaversEdge.com weekly "3-2-1" column is back, as we look at three things we learned this week, two questions we have, and give one predicition about Saturday's game.
Three things we learned this week
1. Marcus McMaryion had a great week of practice
The Beavers' new starting quarterback had a strong showing during practice. He knows the playbook well and excelled at what was asked of him. He went through all of his progressions well and didn’t make many mistakes. After the abysmal quarterback play by OSU this season, the Beavers desperately need McMaryion to play his best, or at the least show some consistency, against the Pac-12's best team. Playing in Seattle will make matters tough, but McMaryion has played in big road games in the past.
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2. Tim Cook could surprise people
The senior running back took a backseat this as the Artavis Pierce earned the No. 2 tailback spot ahead of Cook. He kept his chin up and kept working hard, and he will be rewarded for his efforts on Saturday. With starting running back Ryan Nall doubtful for the game, Cook and Pierce will get the bulk of the carries, and we believe Cook's will have his biggest performance of the season.
3. Secondary continues to lead the defense
The Oregon State defense has struggled to rush the passer this season, but they've looked better doing so in the last two weeks. This helps out the secondary a great deal as the opposing quarterback doesn't have all day to throw the football. Led by cornerback Treston Decoud, the group has played well despite injuries to Jay Irvine and Dwayne Williams. Xavier Crawford and Kendall Hill have played very well in practice and in games. The Beavers shut down Cal and Utah's passing attack, but they'll be faced with a tall task in Washington.
Two questions
1. Is Artavis Pierce 100%?
Pierce is listed as probable on the injury report, and we expect him to get the start at running back. However, how effective will he be? Pierce runs with power and speed, but he might be hampered by the injury he sustained against Washington. Back to our point about Cook - he will need to be ready to step up if both Nall and Pierce are unable to play.
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2. Will McMaryion be able to handle the pressure?
McMaryion is remembered for is valiant effort on the road against Oregon last season, but he will need to be even better than his 11-of-21 for 154 yards passing game that he had in that game to defeat Washington. If OSU is going to be successful against the Huskies, then a lot will fall on McMaryion's shoulders. They will test him, and he will need to be able to throw the ball down the field with consistency.
One prediction
The Beavers will throw for their highest total passing yards of the season against Washington
Darell Garretson threw for 228 yards against Minnesota in the season opener, and that was the Beavers' best passing game of the season. McMaryion won't shy away from throwing the ball, and the offensive line will need to give him enough time. Expect offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven to move the pocket to allow McMaryion to get away from the Huskies pass rush, which will help him.