Football season is officially underway.
For the next few months, football games will be heard across college campuses and living room televisions nationwide. Although it’s just getting started, there is already plenty to be excited about.
For Oregon State fans, this weekend marks the Beavers’ first “in-conference” game. And while people may not feel as interested in this season due to the Pac-12 conference jumble, this weekend’s matchup between Oregon State and San Diego State should reinvigorate excitement for the Beavers season.
Oregon State is coming off a dominant win over Idaho State, although it didn’t look that way in the first quarter. Up by nine going into the second quarter, the Bengals may have felt a glimmer of hope, but those hopes were quickly dashed. Beavers quarterback Gevani McCoy threw nine for ten and 114 yards, one of which was a 55-yard rocket to freshman wide receiver David Wells Jr., who capitalized for a touchdown. Additionally, the pair of junior running back Anthony Hankerson and senior running back Jam Griffin clinched four touchdowns.
For an opening game of the season, that’s a pretty hot start.
Although Oregon State could not cover the spread, its dominant performance in the opening matchup is undeniable. But San Diego State had just as much of a fiery start against Texas A&M Commerce.
Like the Beavers, the Aztecs have a new coach this season, Sean Lewis, who served as head coach of Kent State and was an offensive coordinator and quarterback coach under Deion Sanders at Colorado this past season. Additionally, San Diego State heralds a true freshman quarterback in Danny O’Neill, who completed 22 of 33 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. With such young talent quarterbacking the team and breakout running back Marquez Cooper, who tallied 223 yards against the Lions, the Aztecs have unexpected talent for the average football fan to look out for.
Oregon State is not a heavy favorite for when it lands in San Diego, but it is still a near six-point favor. The Beavers’ defense is as good as it was hyped up to be, with some evident growing pains, but Oregon State is utilizing the physicality of the new defensive line. Idaho State could sneak 15 by the Beaver defense, but with it being a nearly entirely new roster, a few points were to be expected.
In a recent press conference, Oregon State coach Trent Bray mentioned that the Aztec offense runs a similar game to his own, so he felt prepared to face them—especially with his solid defensive lineup.
One piece of the Beavers puzzle that was missing against the Bengals was Michigan transfer and Oregon native Darrius Clemons. The junior wide receiver was injured opening weekend, unable to showcase his talents donning the Oregon State jersey — but if he’s healthy, he will be a valuable asset to the Beaver offense that has already showcased a variety of talent.
While San Diego State may have held Texas A&M Commerce to a measly 63 yards rushing on 34 attempts, the Hankerson-Griffin combo is one the Aztecs may not be ready for. If San Diego State can hold the pair and force the Beavers into punting, it could figure a way around the inexperienced defensive line and force an upset.
At the same time, McCoy’s throw to Wells was an indestructible play. And if Oregon State can pull off plays like that again, it could leave the Aztecs defense in the dust.
San Diego State exceeded expectations against the Lions last week, but Texas A&M Commerce wasn’t an opponent of the same caliber as the Beavers, so it’s unrealistic to assume the Aztecs will perform the same against them.
At the same time, Oregon State underperformed — to an extent — against Idaho State. It still had a dominant victory, but having a slow start against San Diego State simply won’t be an option, as the Aztecs were a clear second-half team last week with 42 of their 45 points in the second half.
San Diego State will put up a fight, but the Beavers will ultimately edge out the home team. It will likely be a one-possession win for the victorious team, which might put the Beavers in a better position against Oregon next week.
All this being said, whether you’re an Oregon State fan or a San Diego State fan, expect a good game. It’ll be a battle of the rookies, but it’ll be a fun game to watch and see Oregon State play in its new conference.
