Pac-12 Football - 2021 Oregon State Beavers Preview
Our Oregon State Beavers preview 2021 acknowledges that this football team still has a long way to go before it can put together a winning season. In 2012, the Beavers were 9-4, and in 2013, they went 7-6. Since then, Oregon State is 21-58, going through four coaches in the process. Head coach Jonathan Smith is in his fifth year after his Oregon State Beavers posted a 2020 record of 2-5, finishing fourth. The 28.9 PPG the Beavers averaged was overshadowed by the 33.3 PPG they allowed.
Oregon Offense
The Beavers offer a balanced attack. Exactly who will take charge of that attack is up in the air. Three contenders will battle for the starting spot. All took snaps in games last season. Junior Tristan Gebbia returns with the most experience, having thrown 129 passes for 824 yards. He hit for three TDs while also giving up three picks. Sophomore Chance Nolan tossed 91 passes for 537 yards. He completed six for scores while throwing two INTs. Finally, Ben Gulbranson took limited snaps, tossing nine passes and completing six for one TD. Of the three, Nolan is also a clear running threat. Last season, he was Oregon State’s second-leading rusher.
Four of the team’s top five pass catchers return. That numb er includes WRs Tyjon Lindsey and Zeriah Beason, each of whom had three TD catches. Also back is Trevon Bradford, who led the team with 24 receptions and 239 receiving yards, and tight end Teagan Quitotiano, who recorded 14 receptions, 185 yards, and one score. Top running back Jermar Jefferson, who went to the NFL, is the biggest loss on this side of the ball. Last season, he recorded 133 carries for 858 yards and seven TDs. There’s no one to take his place, although South Carolina transfer Deshaun Fenwick will try. Great news, as the O-line returns intact.
Oregon State Beavers Preview 2021 - Defense
Seven starters are back on defense, including junior ends Isaac Hodgins and Simon Sandberg. The Beavers have not had playmakers upfront in quite some time. Can these two be difference makers? Three-of-four starters return to the linebacking unit, including ILB Avery Roberts, the team’s top tackler with 69, and ILB Omar Speights, who was second with 63 bringdowns. They were also one and two in the Pac-12 in tackles. Also, together, they recorded six TFL. There’s talent in the backfield, however, there’s less experience than one would like. Junior nickel back Jaydon Grant, who recorded two picks and two PBU last season, is the veteran and glue of this unit.
Specialists
Placekicker Everett Hayes, a sophomore, returns after hitting all 19 of his extra point attempts and five-of-seven field goals. Punter Luke Loecher, who averaged 44.8 YPP, is also back. He placed three of 12 within the 20. Our Oregon State Beavers preview 2021 notes that on kick returns, Champ Flemings averaged 23.5 YPR while Trevon Bradford was good for 13.4 YPR on punts. Both are solid.
Oregon State Beavers Preview 2021 - Projection
Our Oregon State Beavers preview 2021 observes that if Smith can’t get this team to perform at a higher level, he probably won’t be back for a sixth season. Expecting this team to be bowl bound, something that has not occurred in seven years, would be overly optimistic. But five wins would be a sign that this team is improving. In 2021, don’t expect anything but a last-place finish from the Beavers.
Pac-12 Football - Oregon State Beavers 2021 - Predictions:
Sixth Place - Pac-12 North
No Bowl Berth