On Saturday, Oregon State hosts Fresno State at Reser Stadium in a matchup that carries weight beyond a typical non-conference game. As future Pac-12 conference mates, the Beavers (0-1) and Bulldogs (1-1) will use this 12:30 p.m. PT kickoff, broadcast on The CW, to test their mettle and set the tone for their respective seasons. With Oregon State favored by a slim three-point margin and an over/under of 47.5 points, this contest promises to be a tightly contested affair defined by execution and physicality.
Oregon State enters off a disappointing 34-15 loss to California in their season opener. Head coach Trent Bray, also serving as defensive coordinator, pinpointed poor execution as the primary culprit. Quarterback Maalik Murphy, a transfer from Duke, showed promise with 244 passing yards on 21-of-33 attempts, including a standout performance from wide receiver Trent Walker, who amassed 136 yards on nine receptions. However, the Beavers’ ground game struggled, with running back Anthony Hankerson limited to 42 yards on 15 carries, and the offensive line showed signs of fatigue late in the game. Bray emphasized the need for better decision-making from Murphy, particularly in reading defenses post-snap, and a more consistent rushing attack to alleviate pressure on the passing game.
Defensively, Oregon State had bright spots against Cal, notably holding the Golden Bears to 2-of-13 on third-down conversions and limiting their rushing attack to 122 yards, though big plays through the air exposed vulnerabilities. Special teams miscues, including 151 return yards allowed, further hampered field position. Bray noted improvement in the second half, with young players like freshman cornerback Trey Glasper showing composure. Still, the Beavers must tighten their pass defense and coverage units to avoid similar setbacks. With a strong home record—19 wins in their last 25 games at Reser Stadium—Oregon State will lean on the Corvallis faithful to provide an edge.
Fresno State, under first-year head coach Matt Entz, brings a physical identity honed from his successful tenure at North Dakota State. After a 31-7 loss to Kansas and a commanding 42-14 victory over Georgia Southern, the Bulldogs showcased their run-heavy approach, amassing 351 rushing yards in their win, including 167 yards and a touchdown from sophomore running back Bryson Donelson. Backed by the speed of Rayshon Luke, Fresno State’s ground game accounted for 220 yards after contact, a testament to their physicality. However, quarterback E.J. Warner, son of NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner, has yet to find his rhythm, throwing four interceptions without a touchdown pass across 355 yards in two games. This presents an opportunity for Oregon State’s secondary, led by Skyler Thomas with 14 career pass breakups, to force turnovers.
Fresno State’s defense, anchored by senior cornerback Al’zillion Hamilton, brings veteran leadership and versatility. Hamilton, an all-Mountain West honorable mention last season, recorded 13 pass breakups and two interceptions in 2024, making him a potential game-changer against Murphy’s aerial attack. The Bulldogs’ defense has been solid against the pass but less so against the run, which could open the door for Hankerson and Oregon State’s ground game to find traction.
Both teams are motivated by perceived slights. Fresno State players, like linebacker K’Vion Thunderbird, embrace their underdog status, fueled by a belief that they’re being overlooked as 3-point underdogs. Oregon State, stinging from its Week 1 loss, is channeling frustration into focus, with Bray praising the resilience of his young roster. Adding intrigue, Oregon State’s wide receivers coach, Pat McCann, brings insider knowledge from his 2022-24 stint at Fresno State, potentially giving the Beavers a schematic edge.
This game hinges on execution in key areas: Oregon State must protect Murphy and establish the run to keep Fresno State’s aggressive defense off balance, while their defense needs to pressure Warner into mistakes and contain Donelson’s rushing prowess. Fresno State, meanwhile, will aim to dominate the line of scrimmage and limit Walker’s impact in the passing game. Given Oregon State’s home advantage and defensive potential to exploit Warner’s turnover tendencies, the Beavers are poised to edge out a 27-23 victory, though Fresno State’s physicality could keep it close enough to cover the spread. This early-season test will offer a glimpse of both teams’ potential in the evolving Pac-12 landscape.
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