To be frank, it doesn’t look great.  After an abysmal 1-11 2017 season that included a coaching change after a 1-5 start, things seems to have hit rock bottom in Corvallis.  That being said, there are some bright spots for the Beavers in 2018.  They did hire new head coach Jonathan Smith, who was a quarterback for the beavers from 1998-2001, which seems to be a great fit.  They also return 7 starters on offense and 8 starters on defense which will absolutely help show the ropes to the young talent that Smith will begin to bring in.  That all being said,  I would like to reiterate, it doesn’t look great for the Beavers this upcoming season.

Prestige Ranking (If NCAA Football 19 existed): 2*… Oregon State’s last winning season came in 2013 when they went 7-6 and beat Boise State in the Hawai’i Bowl. In the past 3 years though, they have a record of 7-29, and I do not see that win total growing very much in this upcoming year.

Last Year’s Record: 1-11 (0-9 Pac 12)

Projected Returning Starters:

Offense: 7

TE Noah Togiai, WR Isaiah Hodgins, QB Jake Luton

Oregon State will be undergoing a major offensive philosophy change going from a spread offense to a more pre-style offense.  This will be led by returning starter Jake Luton who started the first 4 games in 2017 before suffering a season-ending injury.  Running back Artavis Pierce Jr. will be taking the brunt of the carries in the back field after getting limited reps last year, both Pierce and Luton will need to lead this new look offense if the Beavers will want to have any success this season.

Defense: 8

DT Kalani Vakameilalo, LB Bright Ugwoegbu, LB Jonathan Willis, LB Andrzej Hughes-Murray

The Beavers return a litany of players who played significant roles last year.  8 out of the teams top 10 tacklers are back including senior LB Jonathan Willis who was the sack leader on the team last season.  Last season, the beavers allowed a league worst 43 points per game and it will be crucial for any success that this veteran group takes that next step in becoming a reliable get off the field defense.

Key Losses:

OL Fred Lauina, WR Jordan Villamin, RB Ryan Nall, QB Darell Garretson, DE Baker Pritchard, DE Titus Failauga, LB Manase Hungalu, CB Kyle White

The team lost their top rusher, passer, and tackler from the previous season.  QB Darell Garretson completed 57.9 percent of his passes for 1465 yards, while his partner in the back field Ryan Nall rushed for 836 yards.  Nall also was the highest producers of points on the offensive side of the ball with 8 scores.  On the defensive side, Manase Hungalu is gone who recored 97 tackles with 2 1/2 sacks and 2 interceptions.  These shoes will need to be filled with even better numbers for the Beavers to get back on a path to success.

Five Year Recruiting Rank (Bill Connelly): 85

It usually takes a coach 3 years to get his guys in that he sees fit the schemes he believes in.  With a new coaching staff along with a new style of offense, it will be interesting to see what direction Smith takes the Beavers in recruiting.  He is gonna need some big boys up front be able to push around defenses to pound the rock all game long.  

Outlook: It is gonna be another tough year for the Beavers.  Looking at their schedule, they will only be favored in one game which will be September 8th at home against FCS Southern Utah.  Their two other non-conference games include the opener @ Ohio State and @ Nevada which I do not see them winning either.  Jonathan Smith needs time to both implement his style of offense, but also getting the right recruits there to make it a successful program.  I do not see Oregon State winning more than 2 games this year in what should be another long fall for the Beaver faithful.

Alcohol Prediction for Fans By Seasons End:

It’s cold and dreary in the pacific northwest come football time and nothing better than a heavy beer to get you through what should be another tough season.  No busch lattes for the people of Corvallis, I’m talking Bud Diesel’s and keep them flowing, this might be a season to forget.

The Tyroil Smoochie-Wallace All Name Team:

Kalani Vakameilalo, sheeeeeesh thats a lot of vowels.