Opponent Preview: Oregon State Beavers
The Oregon State Beavers travel to Salt Lake City this weekend to face the University of Utah after a huge win in their rivalry game over the #9 Oregon Ducks in a thrilling 41-38 win in Corvallis. Despite their 2-2 record, the Beavers have proven to be a tough out all season, having lost to Washington State and Washington by ten and six points, respectively. Then, following those losses with a 31-27 win over Cal before snapping a three-game losing streak to the Ducks. In the unique, COVID-19 world that we inhabit, the Beavers are just one win away from becoming bowl eligible since 2013.
The Basics - Season notes
Record: 2-2
Points per game: 30.3
Passing yards: 208.0
Rushing yards: 190.8
Points allowed per game: 32.5
Passing yards allowed: 242.0
Rushing yards allowed: 200.8
Strength: Running back
Jemar Jefferson ran for 226 yards and a pair of touchdowns against Oregon, hitting 100 yards or more for the fourth straight game. Jefferson was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week for his rivalry game record efforts against Oregon. The junior out of Harbor City, CA is averaging over 168 yards per game this season, and he is on pace to hit the 1,000 yard mark in this shortened season. He has seven touchdowns and is averaging 7.4 yards per carry. Kyle Whittingham defenses are known for shutting down the run, and that will be key for the Utes to take down the scrappy Beavers this weekend.
Question Mark: Quarterback
Starter Tristan Gebbia has been up and down this season so far, throwing for three touchdowns and three interceptions, averaging just over 200 yards each game. Gebbia threw for 263 yards and a touchdown to go with a touchdown run before exiting the game. He likes to look to his tight ends, and Washington’s tight end gave the Utes defense issues last week, so keep an eye on those targets. A hamstring injury has Gebbia questionable for the Utah game, so sophomore Chance Nolan may have his first start against what is proving to be a raw, but talented Utah defense.
X-Factor: Offensive line
Regardless of if Gebbia or Nolan starts against the Utes, it’s clear that the Oregon State offense is riding the tough running of Jemar Jefferson. This edition of the Utah defense is proving to continue to uphold the tradition of stifling run defense, which means the Beavers passing game will need to be efficient in moving the ball. The Utes have struggled to generate consistent pressure and sacks so far, with only three sacks in two games. Once again, this Utah matchup will be determined in the trenches. If Oregon State cannot open holes for Jefferson to continue his great season, the Utah pass rushers should be able to pin their ears back on third-and-long situations. On the flip side, if the OSU line can win the line of scrimmage, this could be another tight battle for Utah.
Prediction: Utah 30, Oregon State 21