Home Football Washington Huskies @ Oregon State (Game Week)

Washington Huskies @ Oregon State (Game Week)

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The Beavs get snubbed by Gameday for James Madison. What a joke that is, but ESPN basically owns the Ducks and probably does not want to give the Beavs any added pub if the game next week is for all the marbles. That’s what this joke of a game has become.

My gut says the Huskies are the better team with a passing attack we can’t fully stop. So the questions becomes can we stop that passing game enough, can we feed off the home field, can we feed of the Gameday snub, can we run on the Huskies enough to setup a few big plays downfield, can we get a big play or two on ST, and can Smith call an appropriate game? These are the ways you win games you’re not supposed to win. Regarding Smith: I do think this is the type of game it’s appropriate to be more aggressive than usual. That doesn’t mean stupid, but say it’s 4th and 1 at the 40. Go for those types of plays in this type of game.

Logic pick: Huskies 35-28
Heart pick: Beavs somehow pull out a nail biter 33-30

Go Beavs!

570 COMMENTS

  1. 2
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    Have to agree with your analysis on this one Angry.
    Smith loves the trick plays, so I hope he has a couple of good ones and can spring them at the appropriate time.

  2. Vegas has this game going both ways right now. MGM has UW as a 1pt fav and fan duel has the Beavs as a 1.5pt fav. Everyone else is in between.

    So basically it’s going to be a pick em game by game time.

  3. Using Chiles for about 3 strategic, context-dependent series would be great – maybe short field where his run threat may open things up passing bit more. I also think DJ should get to run a bit more similar to how Colletto (oh what a great Beaver!) was used.

    We may see someone very different targeted on a TD throw, such as Hodgins, or off Hodgins as a FB decoy…ST trick play if need be (hopefully not awkwardly bad).

  4. 1
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    Interesting info on the line for this game:

    “Oregon State is an underdog for the first time this season, but that could change as the week progresses.

    No. 5 Washington opened as a 1-point favorite (courtesy of DraftKings) over No. 12 OSU (No. 10 AP) for their 4:30 p.m. Saturday game in Reser Stadium.

    Oregon State and Washington are the only two Pac-12 teams favored in every game this season.

    It’s anyone’s guess as to where the point spread will move by kickoff. Washington was favored by 3 in advance wagering last week. On Sunday, sports books have the game anywhere from pick ‘em to Huskies by 1½.”

    And yet media are trying to marginalize OSU because they’re “not supposed to be in this position ” and the lawsuit.

  5. 10
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    Keep Penix off the field and Beavs will be fine. You didn’t mention how bad the refs have been….especially when the Beavs play the Huskies. After Oregon, ASU, and Utah (there could be others), the fix is obviously in. I can’t think of one (not one) gaming changing blown call that went against the Huskies in any over those games — yet the other teams had multiple. Watch for a ton of ticky-tack PI calls when UW isn’t able to move the ball very well. That will keep the Huskies and the “agenda” on track. Someone in Seattle is influencing these games….

    • 3
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      Why do we even watch this game? It’s clear there’s an overall fix in…from ESPN, the PAC, to REFs, etc…even gameday’s snub is part of the fix.

    • 3
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      I mean the refs have to be getting paid “extra” right? What other incentive would their be to make calls against the two teams that may keep you in a job the next couple years? And if not, why would you listen to the upper management if they told you to make calls against them if you are out of a job anyway in a few weeks? Money has to be involved.

        • 9
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          Yeah, it’s all very sad….I will be at the game this weekend, really only to say farewell to the PAC and all of the great memories. It is fitting that ESPN snubbed one of the best games on TV this week….I love the fact that the Beavs were/are a part of the misfit degenerates that could crash their party. Would be poetic justice to take UW to the woodshed even with a bunch of blown calls against them….

          • 4
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            I think that’s what we will have to do to win this game the more I think about it. Take them to the woodshed where the Refs just can’t be a factor. That’s probably the only way we’re winning as I think about this more.

          • I’m mixed about JS being too aggressive. I mean, control what you can, go for it on 4th down, and pound the shit out of them — but I also wonder if the Beavs do get up by double digits….do you go for broke, even 4th downs in your own territory, on-side kicks ala CAL, etc. Beavs are built to run the ball and shorten the game, so I would think that’s what JS SHOULD do….but the gambler may show up and ruin a good thing.
            I don’t mind the occasional home run shot at the end zone, but once up by 10+, shorten the game and leave the trickery for the endg of the game should you need it there.

          • “I also wonder if the Beavs do get up by double digits….do you go for broke, even 4th downs in your own territory, on-side kicks ala CAL, etc. ”

            No. Emphasize ball security and continue to run. Martinez and Fenwick are primed for special games.

            I can see a 4th down on the other side of the field.

    • That’s funny….we’ve been saying the same thing the last few weeks…..especially after Utah was literally grabbing and holding our receivers the entire game.

  6. 6
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    Can OSU send in film this week to the conference RE UW WRs stiff-arm technique to “get open” (e.g. offensive pass interference) and call it out? Be proactive instead of reacting on sideline during game? It could help get a couple “fair” calls?

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        Yeah, it should be mentioned we probably have to dominate Washington to win this game just because the Refs will give them any call. So that makes me think Washington wins this. If it were a fair game, the Beavs would have a shot, but I doubt it will be called fairly. I’m already asking people on Twitter to film/DVR all events and post them to expose the corruption. People should definitely do this.

      • 2
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        Yes.

        They can ignore it and likely would. But the point would be made.

        If its a permissible action, OSU is at least due a response and interpretation of the calls so they can discuss with Beaver players.

        It’s primarily and functionally rhetorical, but still worth it I think and OSU needs to get in front of it.

    • 3
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      ….correct, AND they don’t want eyeballs seeing OSU beat down the pups and getting all the pub, should that happen, so totally makes sense to shut it down now. Move along now….Nothing to see here!

      • 2
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        Yep a 2 for 1 screw job. I hope we sue their balls off and somehow wind up getting poetic justice. It’s unlikely, so the other option is never watching their programs again.

    • It is important to watch the momentum swing calls in the first half. If think many games have been on the brink of 2 or 3 score separation in the first half but a key call keeps the game close into the 3rd quarter and the loss of momentum tends to help the “favored” team.
      We’ve seen blatantly bad PI calls against the Beavs in Utah and UCLA games (2nd half) to try and help them get back into the game but neither could.
      We saw the horrible roughing the passer at UA in the first half and it actually shifted the game.
      WSU oline never had a holding call. At this point, I embrace the conspiracy of it and it is obvious, and makes sense that the refs could be getting kickbacks from some in the T10. Not to outright throw games but to make it much more difficult for OSU to succeed. This is why I bummed that WSU didn’t Coug it against OSU. Now OSU has little margin for error and a few well timed key calls will sink the Beavs.

      Things to watch for:
      1) No call offensive PI on Odunze for ANY big play downfield/PI on OSU db if Odunze doesn’t catch the ball downfield. This sequence will be on repeat throughout the game if JS doesn’t get on the sideline refs to call the PI on Odunze. Refs will keep UW in drives with this subjective call several times I suspect.
      2) Roughing the passer if Beavs hit Penix slightly late or around the shoulder pads, easy first down with no review
      3)UW won’t be called for holding unless it is atrociously obvious.
      4) Fuaga will be called for holding because he is too good.
      5) Martinez/Fenwick will be tossed back 10 yards after the whistle and no call for unnecessary roughness. UW will take advantage of these slow whistles and attempt to strip the ball and get in cheap shots
      6) UW dbs will need to hold Gould and Bilden to keep them from streaking on deep routes, no PI calls on UW
      7) possible DJ will get hit low or late and no call for roughing the passer
      8) Early whistle/late whistle on running plays for first downs or touchdowns, depending on who it would favor
      9) When are reviews called and does the review create an extended stoppage to slow momentum for OSU.
      10) Spotting the ball forward by a half yard or short by a half yard, helps or hurts and is a hidden way to force OSU to execute more positive plays over the course of the game. UW gets better spot and easier first downs based on spotting of the ball if it is close. This will happen multiple times in the game.
      11) Targeting calls in the secondary will be quick if it is the Beavs tackling, not for UW.

      • Forgot this on too:
        Guaranteed flag for holding or illegal block of Bolden or Gould have a 40+ yard kick/punt return. Momentum killer and always puts the ball back inside the 20 to start.

      • I honestly haven’t seen #10 this season. Whoever that line judge was either is no longer a line judge or is gone.

        He was probably that wandering back judge in the Wazzu game, trying out a new position.

        • you missed a pretty bad one in the Arizona game. Think it was Martinez running to the sticks before stepping out of bounds on a 3rd down, and the ref ran up and spotted it a full yard short, which forced us to run a DJ QB sneak on 4th down. Fortunately we converted, but it was almost a drive killer and the spot wasn’t even talked about.

          • I’m talking about when they would spot the ball when it’s in the middle of the field.

            This line judge would trail the play and then run the spot in a full yard short. And it would continue for a while.

            Then he would spot the opponent an extra yard, going the other way. Usually a second quarter phenomenon.

      • You think Odunze needs to offensive PI on corners? You obviously don’t watch the games. It’s like when people would try to hold Shaq cause he was so darn good. Eventually Shaq pushes off of those bugggers….

  7. I wonder how the players feel about getting snubbed by Gameday, do they even care? I also wonder if they’re thinking about the refs potentially controlling this game. On one hand you might think JS is aware of the potential and is warning his guys to be extra clean in this game, but on the other hand he probably doesn’t want that to affect their intensity and aggression.

  8. With the PAC 2 lawsuit legitimacy, and fear of discovery by the traitors and popular media, OSU’s obvious relevance in national standings and bowl positioning is being marginalized by popular media.

    SOMEONE, needs to do an article on this. Early in the season, with everyone abandoning the PAC for more money elsewhere, the Beavers were identified as “America’s team” and one everyone should root for.

    I think Eggers could do a thoughtful piece, but it would be better coming from other, leas regional media and commentators.

    • Would it?

      Eggers has always been thorough with details. Others have a tendency to generalize situations, even coming to some strange conclusions.

  9. It’s a real disappointment that the speaker system is STILL not installed, this is the last home game, and sound is a real impact to getting the crowd coordinated and hyped.

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    Apologize if anyone has brought this up already but I have been (unrealistically) daydreaming at work about a 2-loss Oregon State making the playoff. But when you think about it, it’s not *that* crazy to think there’s a (very narrow) path.

    Let’s say you have the following happen:
    #1 Undefeated SEC champ Georgia
    #2 Undefeated B1G champ Ohio State/Michigan
    #3 Undefeated ACC champ Florida State

    So who is left for the 4th spot? The looming team to grab it in a scenario where Oregon State wins the PAC-12 is a 12-1 Big 12 champ Texas. They would be in for sure. But what if they lose? They have had three different one possession wins in conference play thus far. They travel to Ames this weekend to play a plucky Iowa State team that has won 4 of their last 5 in a night game. I see that as a possible loss. They will likely end up playing Oklahoma State or Oklahoma in the Big 12 title. Don’t really like the odds of Texas losing to either of those teams at this point, however.

    But let’s say Texas stumbles against Iowa State or Texas Tech, or better yet, just doesn’t win the Big 12. Who is left to take the 4th playoff spot? They aren’t going to put in a non-SEC champ 11-2 Alabama… right? The only other possibility is an 11-1 Ohio State/Michigan. But do either of them have enough of a resume to get in over an 11-2 Pac-12 champ Oregon State? After all, if Oregon State were to win the PAC-12, that would mean they beat a Top 10 team in 3 consecutive weeks with Washington, Oregon, and Washington again. Is that enough to overcome a loss at Washington State? It might not be. And if you believe in conspiracies with the networks colluding against Oregon State, then of course you think there is no chance they let Oregon State in over Ohio State/Michigan.

    All that to say, if you want to dream with me about Oregon State getting into the playoff, you aren’t rooting for chaos down the stretch here other than Texas losing at some point. If this all did happen though and Oregon State gets left out, the Washington State and Arizona losses will haunt us all until the day we die.

  11. 1
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    The fun conspiracies/rabbit holes to follow this week,

    Michigan talked about leaving the BIG10 after the conference suspended Harbaugh before completing the investigation. Theory being the conference does not want Michigan to win. Hey, come join the new PAC2, all other schools will bow down to them if they did. Apple would come back aboard.

    Oregon and UW both worrying about their coach being targeted by Texas A&M. A&M will look to make a hire quick. UW should worry about their OC being targeted by Miss St. Both coaches will extract every dollar from their own school with an undeserved extension or A&M to get them to leave.

    • Yeah, I still don’t understand the Harbaugh suspension.??? I guess it’s the guilty to proven innocent. Michigan is really good! I think our Beavs play a similar style/type of game, but currently do not have the horses that Michigan has. I think Michigan has a great shot at winning the championship. Obviously will be tougher without Harbaugh.

      • Well. it is Harbaugh after all; he must be guilty of something! I actually like the guy and think he is a great coach, especially how he could get under Carroll’s skin. Now Pete, he’s pretty shifty, and it was pretty convenient for him to be able to bail out of USC just before the sanctions hit and land with the Seahawks.

        Headed to Corvallis with my wife this weekend to meet up with my Sister and some fraternity brothers and their wives. Can’t tell you how many times it has been brought to my attention how close this game is to Thanksgiving…I got a magical feeling about this ones, almost like that game in ’85 in Husky Stadium.

  12. 8
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    Husky here, not to comment on your analysis/thoughts regarding the “fix being in,” but to make sure you’re referencing correct stats/ facts when making you’re predictions regarding ref calls: UW is literally the ninth most penalized team in the nation; 122nd out of 130. UW is second in the nation in penalty yards; 129th out of 130.

    • Interesting facts. I’m not one to blame the officiating on losses. Is there bad calls, unfortunately yes. You’d like to believe they even out. There are tons of plays that were or were not made that generally determine the outcome.

      • It’s also what kind of penalties.

        Procedural? PI? Holding? Roughness or targeting?

        There are a lot of Petersen guys on the team still. That last one is a part of his legacy.

    • Please admit three years ago the Beavs got shafted twice against the pups, via bad spots. Beavs win that game….why haven’t Oregon, ASU, and Utah gotten game changing horse shit calls to go in their favor? Explain that! ‘Til then, we’ll be as skeptical as a yellow flag thrown on a UW CB pulling jersey on an ASU receiver…..or a non-call targeting against Bo Nix….or a Yvensen Bernard TD scooped up by a pup in the end zone…. Pups have it coming to them one way or another….

    • OSU is 132nd in opponent penalty yards and 112 in opponent penalties. That’s last in the PAC by both measures. Watching the DL get held in the vicinity of plays and no calls helps explain that, as well as untouched PI’s etc. OSU is only 80th in penalty yards, but opponent percentage of first downs by penalty is 22nd most in the nation (UW is second (are they spectacularly undisciplined?).

      The lack of opponent penalties help make the Beavers offense nationally the sixth worst on percentage of first downs from penalties (UW is 42nd best). So it’s kind of like the unstoppable force vs. the immovable object clash this weekend in terms of OSU offense becoming the beneficiary of UW’s defensive penalties. Or not, we’ll see.

      Another thing that sticks out though appears to be the schools headed to the ACC, in percentage of first downs gained by penalty, Stanford #3, Cal #9 (and SMU #22). Where are the PAC12 refs headed next year?

  13. When wondering about how the team responds to bad calls and JS approach to it, last year’s Civil War and the team/program resiliency is a standout factor in how JS has decided to build the locker room. He has a lot of intelligent guys who aren’t unaware of biases within sports. I’d guess his goal has been to create a mindset of expecting several garbage calls a game but continue to play with intensity and drive to the point that refs can’t overcome your production/will to succeed. There is now other way to explain the success of the last 2 years. Only Utah last year got out of hand but the 4 other losses were by 3 points and the Beavs haven’t ever quit on JS. He has created a driven competitive program that isn’t crushed by bogus calls as in the past.

    Beavs will stop UW running game. OSU will score on UW, and possibly overwhelm them with the home crowd. Odunze will get his yards but Penix will not be comfortable and the Beavs deny him his Heisman on Saturday. UW will be pressing as the Beavs gain rushing yards at will and control the clock. Beavs secondary is finally healthy and will have more shots at ints as Huskies abandon the run in 2nd half to try to get back in the game.
    Finally this is the type of game DJU has been in before and the scene won’t overwhelm him. I think DJ outplays Penix and OSU rolls.
    Beavs 42 UW 24

    • I’d give UW 10 more points.

      I think we need 35 to win, and we do it.

      But it could be a blowout either way. I think Vegas is right to push this game.

    • I don’t think they go away from it. That’s their game and they’re used to the rain too.

      Now if its raining AND windy with gusts, they might struggle.

    • I think weather ends up being like this past week. Rain early in the day but by game time, it’s not bad. It was pouring and really windy in the morning in Corvallis on Sat. Then by game time, it was nothing.

      Wind forecast looks pretty tame. Likely not a factor.

  14. It will be interesting to see what kind of defensive game plan Bray comes up with. Do youo play press coverage with frequent blitzes to disrupt the passing game? I would rather be aggressive versus playing a soft zone keeping everything in front of you. What about stopping the run? The Dogs might mix in some screens or delayed draws to counter blitzes. It will be fun to watch!

    • UW receivers are too good for press coverage and Penix gets the ball out quick. They’ve given up fewer sacks than the Beavs with only 7 allowed. UW’s run game has been getting better so it makes their offense even tougher to defend.

      They’ll need to be very creative in getting pressure and moving Penix off his spot.

      • The key would be jamming them at the line scrimmage slowing their route down and hoping you get to Penix before the receivers can get open. Gawd, I hate the coverage where the corners are 7 yards back from the receivers!

      • You know I think its all the more reason to play press converage and jam their receivers. If Penix is only taking a 2 or 3 step drop back, you better be on their receivers to defend the completion or tackle them for hopefully a short gain.

    • You have to find the right times to Double A Gap blitz Penix. Doesn’t matter how good a QB is, they don’t like pressure up in their face. If you do that, super high premium on tackling his hot route receivers. That is where Bray has to stress the need for wrapping up as opposed to trying for the big hit.

  15. There is a lot of history with W and officials. I remember Evanson Bernard running in a touchdown and fumbling in the endzone. W picked it up and took it back to the 45. Ref’s gave them the ball and no review from the booth. ( The crew was barred from post season officiating ). Fortunately, OSU still won. When we were #6, James Rogers had his head removed before the pass got there and no PI, big change to a loss. And a few years ago, we made a first down 3 times, but they kept placing the ball short. Big game changer as we were near the ten and ball went over to W and we lost. My question at the time was why coach didn’t throw the challenge flag. Maybe afraid of retaliation. Just seems calls are bad more often with W than anyone else.

  16. 9
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    I look in on this site for how it describes itself. A critical view of OSU athletics, which for the most part I appreciate. But guys, I gotta say this tin foil hat belief that pac 12 officials have it in for the Beavs is embarrassing. PAC 12 officials are incompetent, not bias.

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      You clearly don’t watch Beaver games or understand the increased ESPN/conference hate for the Beavs right now. If Gameday didn’t show that to you nothing will. Maybe after Saturday you’ll see it.

      • Not seeing the correlation between College Game Day and incompetent officials. Saw my first Beaver game in 1960. Pretty sure I’ve seen more Bever games than most people here.

    • I would say that’s fair.

      And it’s the least important thing to focus on, at this point. If it happens, we can scream bloody murder, and the I-told-you-sos will have a day.

      Until then, run the dam ball.

    • 2
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      It isn’t incompetence when it’s predictable and not spread across all times in all games. How does incompetence work if the advantages go to the same teams over and over?
      Here are the explanations for why bad calls or no calls are made:
      You aren’t going to get that call in this situation.
      This moment in the game is too big for the refs to determine the outcome, until they do.
      Hand fighting is pet of the game.
      If they don’t call it, it is legal.
      Savvy veteran move to hold the jersey there.
      It’s a judgment call for the ref right there.
      You could call holding on any play.
      The refs are letting them play today.

      All of these broadcasting tropes allow room for just what we are frustrated by: gross incompetence, wide range of interpretation of the rules, broad subjectivity, easily explainable and easily corruptible

    • 5
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      It is very easy for fans to believe the refs have it out for them. Every single fan base in the country thinks there is a plan to screw their favorite team over. Pac-12 refs made some egregious calls against UW and equally egregious calls against Utah. The ones that have benefited UW just have happened in the 4th. They’re completely incompetent but it isn’t rigged. If it was rigged, UW and Oregon wouldn’t be 2nd and third worst in penalty yardage per game on the season. 7 Pac-12 teams are in the bottom 33 in penalty yardage per game. Pac-12 refs just suck. It is fun to create narratives that somebody is pulling the strings behind the scenes to impact the result. Part of being a sports fan is being irrational.

    • Well, I’m not going say the Pac12 refs are being paid off or not, but we know it’s happened before, so it’s not unfathomable. Just watch “Operation Flagrant Foul”.

      I just think there’s a lot of room for interpretation and judgment on certain penalties, and referees being human are always going to have some internal biases that can tilt their decisions one way or the other.

  17. “Oregon State – last agent of chaos?

    Say this for the soon-to-be-erstwhile Pac-12. It has given us one heck of a last ride. Washington and Oregon have the inside track to a rematch, with the winner likely to earn strong playoff consideration if not an outright guarantee. But one of the teams left behind in the realignment derby might have a last laugh.

    Oregon State gets a crack at both league leaders in the final two weeks of the regular season. The Beavers are fresh off hanging 62 on Stanford, not exactly welcome news for Washington’s struggling defense as it prepares to visit Corvallis next week. The Beavers then head to Eugene looking to upend the Ducks for a second consecutive season. Oregon State fans would love nothing better than to spoil the Pac-12’s last party. It probably won’t happen, but we’ll certainly enjoy the show.”

    https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/2023/11/13/college-football-week-11-overreactions-big-ten/71515219007/

  18. 2
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    What kind of exit fee should OSU and WSU withhold from the 10 schools? We could compare to what other conferences would do.

    In the mountain west it would be $17 mil per school. SMU is paying the AAC $18 million. In the SEC it would be $30 million per school. Texas and OU are paying the Big 12 $50 million a piece. The ACC told Florida State it would owe $120 million if it left.

    The only way to be fair would be to average those numbers out. Somewhere about $50 million per school, about $600 mil total.

    • None, the other schools are leaving when the media deal expires. There’s no contract they are breaking. The other schools won’t have any access to revenue that comes after Aug 1.

    • This isn’t an exit fee scenario. they’re not moving to their new conference till the current media deal with the Pac12 expires, so at that point they’re free agents.
      But there’s the conversation about penalties that could come up, for any damages that come from them announcing their departure (court costs seem like a reasonable expense they should be expected to cover.
      I’d imagine if OSU/WSU touch a penny of the current year’s media share, there will be some additional lawsuits, which is where those other teams expose themselves in discovery

    • There is no exit fee, because it’s understood by all who signed the contract that leaving the Conference means you leave all the assets behind.

      That was easier to do, when it was just the network and some reserve funds. But now we know it’s a lot more than that.

      That’s their exit fee.

    • That’s awesome Jonathan said “yeah we want a QB to be well over 50 percent but we understand the style that we play we don’t just add to that completion percentage by throwing a bunch of bubble screens and stuff like that”

  19. I’m sure it’s just speculation at this point, but The Athletic lists Lindgren as a candidate for the SDSU job. God knows they need some offense in that beautiful new stadium.

  20. Is this the biggest game ever in Corvallis? 2000 CW was probably bigger, but I don’t remember any others where both teams were ranked in the top 10.

    • certainly the biggest game since the 2000 Civil War. the strategic implications actually transcend football, thinking now of the future conference etc.

  21. Can’t take the Beaver out of Glenn Taylor Jr, just watched him go one one-on-one and get rejected by a Michigan big and then get beat backdoor with a flush. St John’s lost big and Taylor had 5 points.

  22. With it being Senior Day on Sat, Beavs press release notes 24 guys will be honored. There’s 20 listed seniors on the roster so a few more with eligibility look like they’ll walk. Wonder if DJU will walk. A guy like Gray would probably walk, he was an early enrollee back in 2018. Maybe BG? He already graduated.

  23. 2
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    I’d like to see one game changing non-called penalty or called penalty go against either UW or Oregon….then I’ll shut my mouth regarding this BS.
    When was the last time a Beaver fan said “Wow, the refs really handed us that game….about time!!!!”….I can’t recall one damn game. I do remember UW taking out Markus Wheaton in 2012. I also remember Jordan Poyer getting a fumble recovery scoop and score against Stanford and Andrew Luck that got called a penalty because Poyer tackled the guy hard enough to make the ball pop loose and the guy got concussed when his head hit the turf (turns out, the Stanford player had been concussed like three times already the week before….he should not have been cleared to play). Beavs are due!!!!

  24. 38-34 Beavs.
    How I visualize it playing out.

    UW 7-0. 75 yards 3 plays.
    Beavs 3 and out after holding call brings back 16 yard run.

    UW 14-0. 82 yards 7 plays. Aided by horrible PI on 3rd and 21. Fans boo loud.

    UW 14-7… 75 yards 9 plays. Velling TD from Chiles. end of Q1

    UW 21-7. 62 yards 6 plays. UW appears to lose fumble… play is not reviewed. Extra security lines the sidelines. Fans throwing trash on field.

    UW 21-14 at half. Beavs beginning to establish run. DJU 1 yard TD run. 89 yards. 10 plays. Beavs overcome 2 holding calls.

    21-21 Beavs get ball to start 2nd half. 10 play. 79 yards. 9 min drive. Martinez 6 yard TD. Crowd is rocking.

    UW 24-21. UW kicks 33 yard FG to end Q3.
    Beavs 28-24 … bedlam brewing. Fenwick breaks 85 yard run for TD. Beavs flagged for excessive celebration after TD.

    UW 31-28. UW answers with 31 yard FG.

    Tied 31-31. Beavs settle for 45 yard FG after getting called for illegal pick on TD pass to Bolden.

    UW 34-31. UW 42 yard FG with 4:50 to go after Beavs strip sack returned for TD is called back for targeting on Penix. Chatfield ejected… questionable call that has enormous impact on CW

    Beavs 38-34 … bolden 23 yard TD catch with1:04 left.

    Penix intercepted at 50 yard line by Robinson. Victory formation and the fans storm the field. Goal posts come down.

    UW 389 total yards… 303 passing. 1 TO. No punts. 21 first downs. Time of possession 27 minutes. 3 penalties for 20 yards.

    Beavs 420 total yards… 208 rushing. 0 TO. 1 punt. 26 first downs. 11 penalties for 110 yards.

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    2

    How about closing the new visitor locker room for “plumbing repairs” and forcing the Huskies back into Gill. Let them do the walk of shame down the ramp one last time in the rain.

  26. It would be an amazing day to see the Beavs just flat out destroy the Huskies. Not only on the field but also in the courts today! But my bigger concern is whether WSU pres Schultz has a good security team around him 24/7. The playoff system has so much big money at stake that he is the one man standing in the way of switching the rules to eliminate PAC from playoffs.

  27. Apparently Jonathan was on the radio with with Dave “softy” Mahler in seattle and said OSU is working with the fire dept to see how many standing room only tickets they can sell

    • I looked those tics up the other day. They’re $160, before fees.
      That’s crazy high for an OSU game’s “get in” price. The demand must be there

      • 1
        1

        I just dropped more for a pair than I’ve ever paid for tickets but ever since I wasn’t one of the lucky ones selected in the student ticket lottery for the 2000 civil war I told myself I can never miss this big of a game again.

  28. I’m Jonathan’s interview in Seattle it sounds like the schedule might be pretty much set. He said they’ll still be playing power 5 schools, said there will be some mtn west opponents. Also said the school will continue to fund the program at a power 5 level.

  29. 2
    1

    Does anyone know if Beavs control their own destiny to championship game? I’ve seen different statements. Looking at P12 tie breaker guidelines, I interpret that if Beavs, UA, and Ducks finished tied for 2nd, the Beavs would win tie breaker because head to head is only considered if all 3 teams have played each other. The next criteria is record against highest placed teams that all 3 have played. That would be UW which both UA and Ducks lost to. If Beavs beat UW and Ducks, then they would play in championship, right? What am I missing?

    • That’s how I interpret it. The biggest threat to OSU even if they keep winning every game is a scenario where Arizona also keeps winning AND UW drops their game to WSU.
      In that scenario, Oregon/Arizona are the final 2 via tiebreaker, because the common opponent equation changes to a 4 team tiebreaker.
      (This is also assuming Oregon beats ASU)

      We really want Utah to beat Arizona this week and cut them out of the conversation completely, then we will 100% control our destiny.

  30. Eggers quotes Scott Barnes on the game day snub: ““They’re afraid,” he said on the sidelines at Reser as the Beavers were putting the finishing touches on their win over Stanford. “They don’t want to tell our story. I’m so mad. I can’t wrap my head around it.”
    Jonathan said: “That(s) not huge on my end, I’ll be honest. … we have a great opponent coming in, so I hadn’t put a lot of thought into it.”

    Worth reading the whole article:
    https://www.kerryeggers.com/stories/no-espn-crew-in-corvallis-so-beavers-aim-for-their-own-game-day-vs-huskies

      • I especially liked his concluding remark:
        “It could turn out to be an instant classic. Herbstreit will be on the scene, working with Chris Fowler on ABC’s telecast, even with rest of the GameDay crew in Harrisburg for the Sun Belt showdown that will be seen live on ESPN-plus. Hmmm.”
        Hmmm indeed!

  31. For tho that have time this afternoon…Zoom Court info Per the twitters:

    Cougar Collective
    @CougCollective
    Zoom Info:

    Meeting ID: 848 4162 0389

    Passcode: 950767

  32. RUN THE BALL!! I hope Coach Smith doesn’t try to be smart by half and try to match UDub’s passing game. We need to control the clock, time of possesion and stick to the run. I don’t think our corners will be able to match up to the Husky’s receivers. We will need to pressure Pennix to get him off balance in a hostile environment. I hate making predictions but I’m going 31-27 Beavs.

    • WSU/OSU will present case, traitors will present case, then they’ll respond to one another, and then the judge they will reach an agreed settlement or the judge will make a ruling, no time limit so it may go on for hours.

    • WSU/OSU came in with a big PowerPoint laying out their case around notice of withdrawal and precedent set in how the conference punished USC, UCLA, and Colorado by removing from the board and covered all the basics points well.

      Traitors now presenting about the “fear” and “uncertainty” they are facing and that they have “no agenda” and are just trying to “get work done” for the benefit of all 12 schools.

    • UW lawyer arguing that according to the bylaws it “isn’t possible to give notice of withdrawal before the end of the media contract” and therefore announcing the intent to leave for another conference after the completion of the media contract is not actually a “notice of withdrawal” and does not remove their position on the board (even though the conference treated USC, UCLA, and Colorado in this way).

      UW has a better lawyer and is making much more complete arguments but still stupid.

    • UW arguing that a ‘notice to withdrawal’ is only a ‘notice to withdrawal’ if a school intends to leave before the media rights deal expires. If a school says they are going to leave the conference AFTER the media deal expires, then it cannot be considered a ‘notice of withdrawal’

      The gymnastics this guy is doing to re-interpret the bylaws is pretty fascinating. Continuing to re-direct to the “what are they going to do if they have all the power, it’s scary!” when that’s not even what the case is about.

    • They’ve already conducted actual business with their new conferences (paying non-refundable application fees and being given consideration about current and future conference member decisions) which is why Pac2 say they are “hopelessly conflicted”. They are already doing business as part of a competing conference, so can no longer fulfill a fiduciary responsibility to the Pac conference.

      • That payment was due to the Big10 by UW/Oregon the day after the September board meeting was supposed to occur (the one to vote to dissolve the conference)
        I don’t know that anybody has provided actual proof that the payment was made, but it was a looming deadline that we can only assume was met because those teams now have schedules drawn up as members of the Big10

  33. Reports are that UCLA is preparing to fire Chip Kelly. That’s the main team I worry about poaching Coach Smith, mainly because he’s from the area.

  34. UW lawyer really just stepped on his own argument when saying that teams wouldn’t be allowed announce future plans to leave the conference under the current provision. He says they’d have to keep it secret until the last day, and announcing any earlier would be impractical.
    The judge asks why it would be impractical, and UW lawyer says “well they have to plan for future media contracts, they need to plan future schedules…it’s just wouldn’t make sense”

    ummmm….the impractical thing would be to have them still part of the conversation when it comes to future media negotiationsbecause they wouldn’t be part of that future media deal.

    You can see how the judge is viewing things by the way he jumped on that “impractical” statement.

  35. Per Canzano
    “I grew up where conduct spoke louder than words,” Judge Gary Libey said.

    Judge orders that WSU and OSU will be the only two governing members of the Pac-12 board. Provides that the other 10 schools are allowed discussion and comments, but not votes.

  36. Pac2 wins, and Pac12/UW ask for a stay to the order until the end of the week so they can seek an appeal.
    So basically nothing will change unless the appeal is denied.

    • “Conduct speaks louder than words.” I love this judge. You could tell from his responses and tone which way he was leaning even during the arguments.

      Anyone know how long the appeal process may take if granted? I have to think that was the expected outcome (2Pac win + T10 appeal).

        • It has to go through several steps before the state supreme court would see it.
          For instance, if the appeal is denied this week, it’s pretty much done. The UW Attorney will need to argue thay the County Judge mis-applied the law.
          I suppose the main concern would be jurisdiction, but the 9 other schools didnt join this hearing and it’s currently a Pac12 and Washington issue.
          If you open it up to other schools, you have to consider legal interpretations in Wash/Ore/Cali/Ariz/Utah/Colorado.

          Let’s hope the appeal is denied

  37. 10

    This is a big deal for the T-10. They want to have the meal, and leave the Pac2 with the check. They want all of “their” money and leave the Pac 2 to deal with the liabilities when they come in. After listening to the W lawyer, I really want a beat down this Saturday.

  38. I thought the UW did in fact have the most adept lawyer, but he didn’t have the facts (i.e. what the judge refers to as the “conduct”) on his side. The OSU lawyer nailed all of his best arguments and although maybe not so nimble as UW’s guy, was entirely persuasive. The conference attorney was the weakest, but then again, given what we know of the conference, who would be surprised at that? The OSU lawyer got a huge and I think unplanned and almost inadvertent break with the judge’s early stipulation of a time limit. That allowed him during the two rounds of rebuttal to go back to some of his prepared slides that he had to skip over in his initial presentation, but which anticipated the UW lawyer’s arguments, without wasting them by presenting them in the abstract. In other words, his ammo was dry and fresh and really demolished the transparent sophistry of the UW lawyer’s presentation and first rebuttal.

    So, in the end, this ended up being the Pac 2 vs UW, which is exactly what precipitated the legal development to begin with, and which anticipates this weekend’s game. So, game 1 of this week’s doubleheader goes to the good guys.

  39. From Canzano’s latest piece:

    Matthew Wand, an attorney tuned into the hearing on the Zoom call, sent me a text during that portion of the event: “That’s a very bad sign for him. You don’t have to dance this much with a winner.”

      • Sorry, copy/paste fail:

        Late in the day one of the defense attorneys made a motion to dismiss the claim. But his speech veered off course, circled back a couple of times, and was lengthy.

        Matthew Wand, an attorney tuned into the hearing on the Zoom call, sent me a text during that portion of the event: “That’s a very bad sign for him. You don’t have to dance this much with a winner.”

  40. This win today is big because it provides more clarity to the schools OSU and Wazzu have been negotiating with for scheduling in 2024 and 2025.

    I suspect OSU’s ‘24 schedule is going to be very difficult.

      • The chance of an appeal being granted is low, since the case is between two public institutions (UDub and Wazzu). Not impossible but I’m not holding my breath.

      • Which could be weeks, even months, if what I heard was correct. Transfer portal opens Dec. 4th I think, and early singling period starts Dec. 20th. To me, that’s a bigger concern than next year’s schedule.

      • 5
        1

        Even if the appeal is agreed to be heard the chance of a “stay” being ordered are very low. In that case Wazzu/OSU will be in charge and can move forward. My guess is both sides will be working on a settlement ASAP now that they both know where is the leading.

        • 1
          5

          This is not correct. For all intents and purposes, WSU/OSU will never have actual control of the board or access to the assets and revenue distributions. Today’s decision is good in that it’s positive momentum ahead of settlement talks which I assume will get underway in the near future. Time is not on the Cougs’ and Beavs’ side here though. The other schools could draw this out in court forever if they wanted.

          • The other schools want and need their 2023 media share money, and they’ll want their bowl money share.
            Those go nowhere if this is tied up un court

          • 1
            7

            True. But WSU/OSU also need it desperately. In addition, they need to have clarity on a path forward so that recruiting classes don’t fall apart. It’s in everyone’s best interest to settle IMO. Hopefully the other schools will at least find their moral compass and agree to some sort of parting gift for the Beavs and Cougs. There will never be any major windfall however.

          • That’s not the money being discussed. Nobody has a guaranteed spot. As it is now, the 6 highest ranked conference champions, as defined by the NCAA, are auto-bids.

            The money is coming from the CFP, because the Pac 12 is still contracted for two years with the Rose Bowl. But the CFP wanted it to become part of the playoffs, so they are paying hundreds of millions in 2024-2026–after the 10 leave.

          • The Rose Bowl equivalency payments for 2024/25 going to WSU/OSU only is big too.

            100M total, so basically each team will get a $25M bonus for 2 years.

          • There has to be some kind of force majore clause in the Rose Bowl contract. If the Pac-12 ceases to exist in the form it had been, I’m sure the Rose Bowl isn’t obligated to pay the Beavs and Cougs.

          • It’s obligated to pay the Pac12 conference, and the conference gets to distribute it among the members.
            There’s a payment for 2023 that will likely get split 12 ways, but the 2024/2025 payments are future revenue that the 10 teams aren’t entitled to.

          • It’s already overwritten by the CFP contract, and that’s what Bill Hancock shrugged his shoulders about a month or so ago. He said nobody thought anything like this scenario would exist.

    • Its odd to me that Libey’s ruling specifically calls put that OSU/WSU will need to treat the other 10 schools fairly with respect to their upcoming 2023 revenue payout, but the 10 schools released this as part of their appeal statement:

      “We have the right to the revenue earned by our schools during the 2023-2024 academic year, which is necessary in order to operate our athletics programs and to provide mental and physical health services, academic support, and other support programs for our student-athletes.”

      So why the need to appeal?

      • Because they’d give up all of their leverage. From their perspective, sure it’s possible that it would all work out fine and fairly if they didn’t appeal and control ended up in WSU/OSU’s hands. But why take that chance?

        • when they’re harmed, they can take it to court. They haven’t been harmed, they’re just speculating they could be harmed.
          The judge even commented on that during the hearing today. Something to the effect of “if that did take place, i’m sure we would be seeing you back here, or another court, to deal that issue”

          • 1
            1

            Their arguments to date in court are basically meaningless. The whole point is to apply pressure and force a settlement. The way to accomplish that is to bide their time and keep the case going. Sure it’s petty. But probably not a bad strategy to maximize what they can get.

      • “We have the right to the revenue earned by our schools during the 2023-2024 academic year“

        …..actually you will have the right to the revenue we decide to give you.
        Sincerely,
        The Board

  41. Another interpretation…
    From Twiteeter:
    “Immaculate
    @ImmaculateView
    I watched the entire court proceeding yesterday in Washington and perhaps the most telling part of it for me was at the end when the UW lawyer delivered the threat that the conference could still be dissolved by California law where the other 10 do not have to be board members to do it.

    So the main Complaint by OSU/WSU seemed to be that if the other 10 were on the board that they could dissolve the conference out from under the Two. The Ten deny that they would do such…until they point out that they could still do such. So they most definitely have looked into doing such.

    The UW lawyer was pretty good the entire time until that moment. At that moment that lawyer gave the Court what it needed.

    We will see what the Supreme Court of Washington says perhaps. I do not know how long it takes to get on the docket for that Court but I highly doubt it will be quick. Should that day come in Court, the Two will have that evidence given by the UW Lawyer that the Ten have so deeply looked into the option of dissolution that they know specific laws in specific States that will allow them to dissolve the conference even if they were to lose this case.

    Not a good look.”

    • As the board we should not give them one single penny of the money the conference holds. Zero point zero. As the trustees for the conference how could it benefit the conference to just give away money for any reason? We aren’t running a charity here. The 10 can get lost.

      We also need to start filing lawsuits for additional damages starting with USC and UCLA and then uw-uo next.

      • There won’t be an opportunity for that so there’s no point in worrying about it. OSU and WSU will never have legally enforceable control of the board prior to whatever settlement ends up happening.

  42. 1
    2

    The problem is per CA law they could dissolve the conference with a majority vote. They tipped their hand yesterday. This is not good.

    • 2
      6

      Just another pressure point leading to a settlement. The Pac-12 involves interstate commerce so any of the parties could also sue each other in Federal court. All sides have cards to play and nuclear options at their disposal. None of them have time for that however which strongly incentivizes a settlement.

      • Lawyer here, that’s wrong about federal court. For federal court, you either need a “federal question” (usually trying to enforce a federal statute) or diversity (different states). Here the cause of action is contract, not a federal question, and there isn’t interstate diversity, because the PAC 12 legally “resides” wherever any member is located. Also, one of the quickest ways to get a lawsuit dismissed is by saying “yo judge a different court is currently handling this case.” I’m not saying there won’t be more legal shenanigans and delay, however a separate lawsuit is unlikely, especially in federal court.

        • Is it really possible then that the Washington State Supreme Court will have the final ruling on this matter? Just seems odd that all the other states would just accept that without pursuing any legal avenues they have in their own territory.

          • There could be other lawsuits, but I think they’d just be to delay and burn money, not much chance of success. More litigation in the Washington state court could happen for sure, though, like if OSU & WSU vote to take current revenue. So I totally agree with the rest of what you said – they’re likely to settle sooner or later.

        • “because the PAC 12 legally “resides” wherever any member is located”

          This is the unclear part. UW’s lawyer argued that federal courts should be hearing this case because it involves interstate commerce. What does it mean for the P12 to “reside” wherever members are located, but not reside in ALL of those locations? Sounds pretty metaphysical.

          • A contract is a contract, and all parties were welcome to participate.

            If the business does any business in the state, it agrees to abide by that state’s laws, as a matter of doing business.

            It’s not a hard thing to do, since most at-will contract law is pretty much uniform, across the country.

    • The 2Pac are suing because they are concerned the traitorous 10 will try to close down shop and steal all the assets.

      T10 state they wouldn’t do that, they’ve just looked into doing it, apparently for shits and giggs.

    • This applies to incorporated organizations, not unincorporated ones like the PAC-12. Though, it can be argued that the same legal concept applies since the conference is a “partnership”.

      If that is the case, the bylaws prevail. Otherwise, they would be meaningless.

  43. If they dissolve the conference and take the money, are they still on the hook for comcast? I saw an article that had that at 50mil each. I think Washington and Oregon thought their leaving would spur the four corners’ schools to leave and “little brothers” (their words) can just go the MWC. Then they could dissolve the conference. Looks like their deal with BIG included removing the PAC 12. Never imagined when I got interested in OSU during the Ericson years that college sports would degrade like this.

  44. Canzano has a couple updates:

    The “Pac-2” is in ongoing discussions with the Mountain West Conference about a scheduling partnership, potential one-year agreement…expect news later this week or early next week.

    Sounds like as of a few weeks ago, there were still 30 teams with open dates on their schedules

  45. PFF Position comparisons with UW

    Offense
    QB- adv. UW
    WR- adv. OSU
    pass blocking- adv. UW
    RB- adv. OSU
    run blocking- adv. OSU

    Defense
    run defense- adv. OSU
    pass rush- adv. UW
    coverage- adv. OSU
    tackling- adv. UW

    Their biggest weakness has been run defense. They’re similar to us as outliers in tackling rating amongst top 15 teams, but they aren’t nearly as bad. Their pass rush has been hit or miss, which is key because DJU has struggled most when he has to get rid of the ball quickly (though I think some of this play calling and we’ve been leaning more on longer-developing routes, less on quick screens, etc).

    This game clearly calls for a run-heavy approach. Keep Penix off the field. Exploit their weakness and our strength. Penix has tailed off since beginning conference play. Rating-wise, he’s been equivalent to DJU over the last several games.

    This will also be a psychological test as much as anything. Beavs have mostly come up just short in these potentially season-changing games under JS. Have they turned the corner in terms of self-belief? Will the Reser HFA continue?

    We all know “bad” refs will be a factor.

    Lastly, it’s hard to pick JS in a close game. You know we’re going to give away points, momentum, and crowd intensity at some point with a stupid gamble.

    30-27 UW is my call, as I don’t see us being so much better than UW that we can overcome both the refs and Blackjack Johnny.

    • Wired that PFF would say OSU has an advantage at WR. Within a millisecond, I would happily trade Bolden, Gould and Irish for Odunze (first round prospect), Polk (second round prospect) and McMillan (fourth round prospect). Besides Penix at QB, this is the best position of strength for UW, and where the game will be partly decided as far as out CB’s hold up against that group to limit YAC.

    • Spot on: “Penix has tailed off since beginning conference play. Rating-wise, he’s been equivalent to DJU over the last several games.”

      Surprised to see that OSU has the advantage in coverage, wonder by how much? Same question about “how much ?” applies to pass rushing.

      • OSU seems to be peaking at right time in terms RB production and pass rush/TFLs. UW has been getting by closer than its “talent advantage” would suggest. Throw in the crowd, healthy(?) OSU DBs, and OSU should be slightly favored.

        No way OSU has advantage at WR? They’ve been so much more consistently productive than OSU’s WRs…

        • Top 4 receivers in targets with receiving grade:

          OSU
          Bolden- 78
          Gould- 75
          Velling- 84
          Irish- 69

          UW
          Odunze- 83
          Polk- 81
          Bernard- 73
          Westover- 68

        • Thanks.
          I’m hopeful the Beavs O-line will expose that UW pass rush number, doubt they’ve faced many similar O-lines. The Beavs pass rush #s are disappointing, gotta hope Bray has a plan and that weather helps (latest forecast is for 5-10mph wind and rain).

          So, the coverage #s are pretty close; could be that DJ will do well against them if Lindgren uses the run to set up opportunities (and the wind doesn’t blow when Beavs are on O)…LOL. Actually, most of DJ’s throws seem to me to be just what is needed in the wind, with some exceptions, he is more “laser” than “rainbow”.

          • We have several common opponents at this point. I think their toughest OL opponent (Nike) is better than ours (UCLA). Another factor is their pass rush feasted on their weak OOC schedule, but ours didn’t.

          • I see they rank last in the PAC in sacking the QB; Beavs tied with UCLA for first. Apparently not enough difference to offset whatever factors lead to UW being given the advantage in the pass rush category.

          • As one of the defensive minded NFL coaches pointed out this week (Saleh?) sacks aren’t a great measure of pass rush. Overall pressure throughout the game will alter the other team’s offensive game plan more.

    • “This game clearly calls for a run-heavy approach. Keep Penix off the field.”

      Over the season, OSU has a 365:284 run:pass.

      But time-of-possession only matters so much to UW offense that can score quickky. OSU is is still going to take some downfield shots and score quickly itself some drives to keep the D off balance and get in their head. Some of those quick scores can come via Martibez and Fen runs as we’ve seen.

      I think Penix is going to get hit more than he’s used to and throw a pick or two like he did last year. Then DJ needs to take care if the ball. A +1 or +2 TO advantage will be critical for extra possessions.

  46. Fastest players of 2023:

    Cooper (21 mph) and Gould (21.6 mph) make the list. UO Bucky Irving (21.8) has made it 5 times, Troy Franklin (22.3) a couple:

    https://collegefootballnetwork.com/college-footballs-fastest-players-2023/#:~:text=Chrishon%20McCray%2C%20WR%2C%20Kent%20State,%3A%2021.3%20mph%20(Week%209)

    Interesting to me because it shows game soeed and its crazy how all the training and nutrition(?) have young players so prepared and fast.

  47. If Oregon State and Arizona win out and there is a three-way tie with Oregon, looks to be fairly mirky. Going down to common opponents the three would still be tied at 1 loss each for common opponents. I’ve been watching football since 69, so many games I can’t begin to count. The first time I ever saw someone (in a close game) try to run the kicker in from the 20 on fourth down, was this year against UofA. Maybe with last years kicker that would be understandable, but our kicker is doing well. I guess coach brain freeze.

    https://dknetwork.draftkings.com/23837550/pac-12-conference-football-standings-2023-division-names-schedule-tiebreaker-rules-usc-ucla

    • Seems Beavs win tie breaker in 3 way tie with Ducks and Arizona since Beavs would have win vs UW. As NB pointed out above, a 4 way tie with UW, UA, UO, and OSU would not be good for Beavs

  48. Really happy for the court ruling – if only to make the Traitorous 10 and the rest of BIG Football the best course of action is to bring WSU and Oregon State into one of the other Power conferences. And it may sound ludicrous, but from a cultural fit level – maybe the SEC? Small ag towns, I’m guessing most of the existing members wouldn’t mind a trip west once a year if they thought they had a good shot at winning. Great fit for baseball. OSU gymnastics, even women’s hoops. PLUS – it would avoid a potential court case with discovery – I’m guessing there are a few thousand text messages around which wouldn’t cast certain colleges, media companies and conferences in the best light.

  49. Looks like McMillan will be playing more snaps this week. Jackson might not play to preserve his redshirt.

    Aside from those three, UDub’s receiving corps is somewhat thin because of injuries. I’d expect Bray to rotate quite a few DB’s in.

  50. 3
    1

    I listen to P-12 radio on satellite sometimes. There’s a guy on the network named Geoff Schwartz and since the realignment, he has been more dismissive of the Beavs than the other talking heads saying things like they have no choice but to go to the Mountain West and he has generally ignored the litigation (and Beaver legal wins). Today he was blathering on that JS is gone because UCLA is going to fire Chip soon and that it’s a no-brainer because of OSU’s “unfortunate situation” and his SoCal ties. I thought the name sounded familiar and it finally dawned on me that he’s a former Quack player and a big homer.

    • Baseball schedule came out, second week of the season is the major test. Arkansas, Texas Tech, Michigan and Oklahoma St.

      This season’s lineup could be something special. Pitching needs to improve but not by a lot for this team to challenge for Omaha.

      Here’s the starting lineup, not batting order
      C – Smith/Weber will probably split duties
      1B – Guerra
      2B – Bazzanna
      SS – Hainline/Trosky
      3B – Caraway
      RF – Turley
      CF – McDowell
      LF – Kasper
      DH – Krieg/Cedillo

      If Turley can play like he did at the end of the year, watch out. Could see a team batting avg nearing .300 in conference play.

  51. I have been curious to about the attorneys representing the Pac-2. https://www.keker.com/Lawyers/MacMichael-Eric San Francisco lawyers.

    Wow!

    And look at the list of other lawyers working on the lawsuit. How long before the court filing, why the court in Colfax selection, was the lawsuit in the planning? Easy to see why this firm would be hired for this lawsuit, but who in Beavs/Cougs had the connection? Who’s paying the thousands of dollars of billable hour? Will it come out of the settlement? There’s a movie here.

    • It’s a high profile big case but not nearly as big as it should be because certain are trying hide it. I could totally see this being a movie one day. Especially if this team can keep continuing on their trajectory and rises to national prominence and makes a playoff run.

  52. Hmmm. DJ considering coming back for a senior season. Says he’ll make a decision after bowl game ( to see what his draft stock is). If he does stay, does Chiles transfer? Do they give Chiles way more playing more time – using two QB system? You know the coaching staff will take the high road and say they would welcome DJ to stay.

    • Ahh, the challenges of progress and success….beats “We have no legitimate 3* QBs on the roster for next season!”

      I think if he stays, you let them duke it out in spring ball. If Chiles wins, DJ could hit the portal again to try to continue to develop fir the pros.

    • 8
      1

      Why would Chiles transfer?

      What’s wrong with DJ playing another year? Chiles isn’t some prima donna floozie QB who thinks the world revolves around him.

      And if he was, I probably wouldn’t like him so much… or at all.

      • Chiles knows damn good and well that he’ll only benefit from another year in the gym. He’s talented but he’s young and skinny. Another year of DJ taking point would be best case for everyone.

    • Current draft outlook is as a late-round pick. The way the NFL is going, that gives him a 50% chance at starting some time next season.

    • I think WSU and OSU understand the harm from getting left behind, so agreed to it.

      This is the part I don’t like, CFP was a huge piece of leverage, but if they can eliminate the PAC-2 from the CFP without a vote that eliminates that leverage.

      “Commissioners also established a policy requiring a conference to have eight members for its champion to be eligible for an automatic qualifying spot. That policy does not need presidential approval, multiple CFP officials told Yahoo Sports.”

      • Regarding the CFP, if the Beavs have a year good enough to win the pac 12 they would also probably be good enough to win the at large non-auto bid. I think the most important thing for the program is that we will continue to fund athletics at the level of a major program and we’ll be fine as long as we find a way to continue to do that. The settlement looks like it could help us achieve that through til the next cycle of media rights negotiations in 2030 or so. At that point I would imagine at least Cal and Stanford, and possibly UW and uo, would be ready to call off the experiment.

        • The issue is the next 2 years, the leverage was for the next two year regardless of size the PAC had a automatic qualifying spot. Winner of OSU/WSU and you were in the the CFP regardless of other record. If they can impose 8 team rule without a vote that eliminates that and if we go 12-0 next year playing MWC teams we aren’t automatically qualifying.

          • The PAC did NOT have an automatic spot, no conferences get automatic spots. The top 6 conference champs get spots. Yes, ideally the PAC 2 would count but even if it doesn’t, they never had an automatic spot.

          • The as currently agree too models guarantees the Pac 12 champion a spot. They are try to change that, the 5+7 to 6+6. That has to be voted on. This is saying they can add a 8 team conference clause without a vote.

          • No, the current model gives “the 6 top ranked conference champs”

            So hypothetically if say a 9-4 team somehow wins the Big Ten/SEC/Big 12/ACC that team could be left out.

            The point is, the P2 would’ve been competing with every conference to be one of those 6 conference if the rule stayed in place but wouldn’t have been guaranteed a bid.

    • Leave any schools in our footprint behind… watch another conference come in and acquire and elevate them, to be in our footprint.

      We need to lock down the West and tell everyone else to go away. We’ve played the game, and we’re done with it.

      • I don’t see anybody coming for San Jose State or Nevada. I just think including the bottom of the MWC in any future deal means they might as well just join the MWC. Calling it the PAC-Whatever won’t change the perception.

        • Oh… and by “any” school, I also mean schools who bring value in Olympic sports and more access to California.

          This kind of money grab doesn’t stop at just football. And recruiting for those sports in Cali is just dangling there, abandoned by a bunch of schools who can’t guarantee many games their families and friends can come watch.

          Also probably some fun baseball seasons to be had with some of these schools.

          • So do you want a 20 team conference?

            That just doesn’t interest me. And I don’t think it would be as valuable to individual schools as a smaller leaner conference.

            But who knows. Not like I have any real say.

          • It gives us a lot more content and opens more markets. Olympics won’t be paid as much as football schools. But if Zags makes a title run, the Conference distributions should reward them more.

            Their base distributions would increase, though. And it will keep poachers who can see the future of streaming and the interwebs from taking what was always sitting under our noses.

            And I know I keep beating this drum, but esports is also the future. The first conference to go all in will be first to market.

          • While we just disagree on that.

            I got no problem with Olympic schools and of course would find a way to fit Gonzaga if they were interested but I don’t see the value. And I personally find conferences where you don’t play everyone annoying. Have never really even embraced the PAC 12 for that very reason.

            Give me 9 football schools plus Gonzaga and call it good.

          • The first value is it protects the conference with numbers and geographically. We can also make a bunch of noise about elevating the school associations with schools like Irvin and Santa Barbara. Baseball was already mentioned, but some of those SoCal schools are committed enough to be top level, if given the chance. And it would be fun to have several appearances in California, for obvious recruiting opportunities.

            More variety means more top level teams meeting each other, means more fan interest, means more money in the streaming future.

          • I think (football specific) being able to guarantee more good matchups maximizes value. I also think playing everyone yearly builds rivalries which builds fan interest.

            I guess if they want to go bigger for Olympic sports I’d probably take a “whatever” attitude to that. Probably wouldn’t go over 12 still but that said, I think these large conferences are gonna implode sooner rather than later and prefer a smaller regional conference.

          • Is it the esports you disagree with?

            The beauty about that is that the NCAA would not govern it. It would be ours as a Conference.

            And it will generate revenue.

            We package it as a Conference event, and it will drive subscriptions on the same platform as our sanctioned sports.

          • Nope, I’m fine with esports, I’ll never watch but go for it.

            I just don’t see the value in such a large conference that is still very regional. And I personally hate large conferences.

          • So do I, but every school brings value in things other than football. And to be relevant in all sports, our teams need to play the regional game and elevate those teams.

            The fear in the MWC is the weak baseball slate. So add some quality SoCal programs, and start some new rivalries. Elevate some natural destinations like SDSU and UNLV. Maybe convince some schools to drop the program. Maybe do this with several sports, and the schools can concentrate their efforts on what they excel.

  53. No way the Ross D report is accurate. Not at all what I’ve heard with regards to scheduling. Beavs will have several games vs MW teams but it will not be as Ross is describing it. This is fake news being fed from those with an agenda… other conferences, UW/T10, MW, etc. The only way the P2 would agree to anything remotely resembling what Ross is reporting would be if all of potential options fall through.

    • Ross’s reporting has usually been from the MW perspective, even early on. So makes sense that he would have this information earlier than others.
      Could be some truth and some wishful thinking on the part of the MW, guess we’ll see.
      Makes sense that the Pac2 would want to get their schedule nailed down sooner rather than later, so this at least helps fill most of the gaps.
      I don’t like the financial penalties related to partial MW vs full MW member movement, but if anybody should understand their concerns, it would be us.
      As much as it sucked to be the 2 left behind in the last round, it would be a pretty big dick move to then take 8 or 9 out of 12 MW teams and leave a handful behind in a similar scenario, and they’re trying to protect against that happening.

      • They shouldn’t take more than 7 leaving the MWC with 5. The MWC could easily find 3 replacements. Maybe even agree to continue some kind of scheduling agreement long term but a 14 team conference made up of the PAC 2 and the current MWC would be garbage.

        Give me SDST, UNLV, Fresno, Boise and at most 2-3 more (I could make a few different cases on who that should be depending on how spread out you want to go, maybe even a few AAC schools instead) but a full merger would be disaster

    • 1
      1

      I think we have to face reality. When it’s all said and done, the PAC conference isn’t going to be part of the “Power” conferences. There will be 2 maybe 3 Power conferences. Likely we’ll be shut out of the CFP discussion because the Power schools don’t want to share the CFP revenue with non-Power schools. There is a conflict between the NCAA Board of Governors and the remaining Power conferences. The SEC and Big10 don’t like giving the current autonomous 5 conferences equal rights in decision making, so eventually they’ll separate from the NCAA and make their own rules when it comes to the CFP.

  54. 2
    1

    I wonder at this point if the Pac2 can dial up Apple to see if any deals can be made. Bring in the MWC and 2 other schools, have a Pac20 with an Apple deal to boot.

    • It would have been helpful on this front for a MWC to have a splashy season this year like JMU is having. Air Force had a shot, but blew it. With WSU sucking, this group of teams won’t have a lot of cachet.

      • UNLV?

        They can be a top level team. SDSU is a good hire away from becoming a destination school. Fresno and Boise with money could be a constant pain in the ass. Even SJSU has upside.

        UNM and Nevada have work to do, and UH needs to figure out their facility situation. But every conference needs bottom dwellers. And those schools are valuable hoops schools.

        There’s a lot to work with.

        • I could see an argument for a purely Pacific 8 school conference

          OSU, WSU, SDST, FRST, Boise ST, UNLV, Hawaii (the extra games plus late windows for games is nice), and SJST (with some serious promises to upgrade) working. And it fits your desire to cover the entire footprint. 2 Nevada schools makes no sense so I don’t want Nevada.

          I just don’t see how a 14 team MWC renamed the PAC has any real value to OSU.

    • We are still the owners of a television network.

      Pac-12 networks made 40 million in profit last year

      We should take advantage of the fact that we own the media rights to all departing schools games and play them on reruns for most of the programming.

      Then we play our home games as the PAC-X Game of the Week.

      We could market the network nationwide for a low price for TV providers for the next 2 years. It wouldn’t demand a high price but it doesn’t matter it’s all gravy and it is easy exposure. Live football games drop from about 40 a year down to about 13-14 but that’s okay it’s all profit.

      • Eh, I’m highly dubious that there would be a national market for Pac-12 reruns plus live Beav/Coug games. There’s still a fair amount of overhead involved in keeping the P12 network afloat. Even breaking even under that model would be difficult.

        • The Longhorn Network pulls it off and they only had one live football game all year—Texas vs Wyoming. This is the last year of the longhorn network as it will be absorbed by the SEC Network next year but we can take their place.

  55. also on mp talked about leaving space for some of the t10, to come back after they realize the grass wasn’t greener. I think that is a smart move, just have a better contract if they decide to come back.

  56. Is the Big 12 even a remote possibility anymore? Hopefully all this MW talk is just posturing. I don’t see any way that can prosper in the long term.

    • 5
      1

      That’s probably because you’re not a builder.

      We started this dam conference. We put it back together, after the pay for play scandal. We put up with malcontent schools for a long time.

      This isn’t anything new for us.

      If you don’t have vision, you succumb to the panic of the moment.

      Imagine the bridge will be there, and it will be there.

    • Because it’s not long term. It’s to remain relevant and schedule enough P5 to compete for a playoff spot. After 2 years everything is going to be different. There will be a lot more realignment.

  57. Programs that are big and relevant now weren’t always that way and some that used to be big are less so now.

    Money is the life preserver. If OSU wasn’t in the PAC, the program would already be in the MWC or worse today.

    Success on the field fuels everything. Just look at Boise State: they were a juco 20 years ago.

    If the new PAC wants to be a power conference, they have to consistently have a good OOC record against other power conference teams. That’s what it takes. Everything else will follow.

    • That’s why the MWC is so painful though. To me the concern isn’t with OSU. I’m sure that they’ll maintain their investment in the program at current levels, and will likely dominate, at least in the near future. However, none of the other programs in that conference have provided any evidence historically that they have the resources or willingness to invest to the degree it would take to truly compete at the highest level. Outside of a few exceptions here or there, it just won’t be possible to get quality wins or compelling games out of that schedule. This will lead to erosion in fan interest over time. Angry is already saying he won’t watch and I’m sure he isn’t alone. I’m not quite that pessimistic but it really will be difficult to take a step down in relevance and competition level and maintain the same level of fan enthusiasm over the long term.

      • 2
        1

        This is why it can’t be 14 teams. Too many schools with zero interest in competing at the higher level.

        A few (Boise, SDST for sure) seem to want to step up. Those are the schools OSU/WSU should work with.

        • You all forget they, not the Pac 12, are the last conference to renegotiate their media contract. They have existed without current market levels of funding. It’s not that they don’t want to spend on it. It’s that they’re still operating on an old budget.

          And nobody loves a rags to riches story?
          One that has brought with it a shit ton of publicity?

          • 2
            3

            Maybe, I think a 14 team MWC rebranded as the PAC has little to no value. I know I wouldn’t watch most of the matchups. And I’d have a vested interest.

            If TV execs think it has value so be it but I can’t see how.

          • Love rags to riches. Until college football implements a promotion/relegation model though it just isn’t realistic. The absolute pinnacle seen from the Mt. West is Boise State winning a bowl game over an Oklahoma team that didn’t want to be there because they were disappointed they weren’t in the national championship. Promotion/relegation would be absolutely awesome though. Then you really could work your way up. Until then the Mt. West will be an inferior league whose champion will always be cannon fodder in the playoff. If they even qualify.

          • Tbf, OU would have also lost the ccg in heartbreaking fashion, as well.

            If your example of their futility and that none of them can amount to anything is that one of them did, what’s your argument?

          • My point was that was an all time pinnacle and was still nowhere near being in the conversation for a championship. If the Pac 12 had stuck together going in to this new playoff format, there would at least be an outside chance of competing for a championship. The MWC winner will never be competitive in the playoffs. Sure there could be a couple teams in the top 25 with decent overall programs. But they will always be a tier below. I guess being a top 25 team at best isn’t all that bad for the Beavs. It’s essentially what we’ve always been. Just sucks to know that the truly special season won’t materialize and the week to week games will be less interesting to boot.

          • Let’s get real.

            The only way we’re competing for a championship is if the TV networks allow it.

            That is, if it’s allowed to remain the same, and not be actually about proving any kind of championship.

  58. 5
    1

    One thing to consider with the MW scheduling agreement news is we don’t know where this trial will end. As Alan Thayer alluded to, the discovery process is only now opening up to gather information from the other 9 schools besides UW, as well as FOX/ESPN and any other parties connected to the downfall of the Pac12.
    Once we start digging around in all of those parties files, we could find out this whole ordeal is much a much bigger deal to those parties and they don’t want to open themselves up to further damages? That could lead to a much more significant settlement than we’re even considering right now as our best case scenario.
    Right now, we just need a method to operate for 2 years, but beyond that, anything could still happen. I would consider a mountain west merger a fall back plan at this point in time.

    • 1
      1

      Just onto the next step, better sooner than later. They can try to drag it on (it’s their only play) but as OSU/WSU get more wins it just gives them that much more leverage towards a potential settlement.

      It sounds like they are telling recruits that they’ve got a good plan in place at least? (Pac-2 with Power-4 heavy independent schedule for 2 years, adding teams from MWC, AAC/CUSA and maybe CALFORD back after that if the ACC folds).

        • 1
          1

          Yes, it’s just a stay on the preliminary injunction taking effect on Monday. Now they have to file briefs by Nov 28th with a decision no later than Dec 8th. OSU/WSU are likely to win. Washington is likely to appeal to the supreme court at some point soon as well and then there will be a timeline on when/if they decide to hear the case.

          • P2 have until 28th to state their case. UW has until Dec 8 to respond. Then it will take at least a week for the court to rule. Best case is that P2 gets control in about a month.

  59. 5
    2

    Beavs need a schedule before the reg season ends so recruits/players can determine whether or not to stay. And needs to be strong enough to convince players that they’ll have something to play for at the end of the year

      • Exactly if the Beavs can finish out strong in the top 15 they could be easily climb and compete for a playoff spot.

        I agree they do need a schedule asap. I wonder if this Washington thing isn’t to try to draw this out and hurt the remaining 2.

        • I’m leaning towards letting them drag it out. If their wsh is to keep the TRO in place indefinitely, (as stated in the appeal filing)that means no business gets conducted since all board decision require unanimous consent.
          Fine, just keep them on the board until August 2024 and at that point they start their new conference board positions and lose what little leverage they think they have. And no money would have been distrbuted at that point, so now all of it is left to the 2 remaining board members.

          Might have to live pretty lean for 9 months, but so be it. Somebody from the 10 will cave before the 2 do.

          • Do we know that for sure? No 23-24 revenue will be distributed till everything is settled?

            Or are there previously determined payout deadlines that will execute in the absence of a board member decision to revise?

          • I guess there’s the potential for automatic payments, but considering the Comcast liabilities have to come out of that Revenue, I would suspect there has to be some type of board sign off before distributions of that magnitude are made. Especially if the board has other liabilities to consider before payments are made.

          • Nobody is going to stop normal distributions, as they have been paid over the years.

            That’s the whole of their dumb imaginary argument, which is why the appeal should be pretty short-lived.

        • I think it is the usual thing most people are interested in – money! Would they like to punish the little guys for challenging them an not going away quietly, sure. But they are more interested in getting some of that tens of millions that the conference has.

  60. 1
    2

    I hate to be the Debbie Downer here, but as I have written earlier, there is going to be another major CFB conference alignment that will consist of 30-33 “blue blood” teams, kicking most schools to curb. I think it is inevitable. The Beavs need to position themselves financially for that eventuality so they can stay relevant and hopefully compete for Champioships.

    • I’m not sold on that scenario, which has been passed around for the last couple of years. Even if it does happen it won’t be for another 10 years.

      • I don’t know. Who would have guessed the break up of the Pac and all of the others schools going to different conferences five years ago?

      • if the Pac 2 endures for the two upcoming seasons I can guarantee that this ultimate step of the top 32-40 breaking away from the NCAA will happen when the current TV contract expires after the 2025 season.

    • It’s all viewership numbers. More eyes on less games is more profit. Does anyone know how much the media or companies buying advertising estimate the worth per viewer? Like for every viewer that watches an ad that equals X number of dollars or cents.

    • Winning cures everything. If you’re consistently good and in the top 10-15 every year for the last few years before the Great Rift, you won’t get left behind.

    • Good.

      Off to the NAIA with them… or wherever they may go.

      Bye bye.

      After they leave, we can tell ESPN to shove all their bowl nonsense, and we’re going to have a for-real NCAA Football Championship, where we will name the first NCAA D1 Football Champion ever. And then we’ll do it again… and again… and again.

      Fuck them. They can take all their fans’ money and spend it on shitty design concepts that waste space but play the vanity card really well, if that’s their end goal.

      I’m here to watch a game.

  61. PHIL STEELE REPORT

    Favorite has won 10 straight but is just 3-4 ATS since ’16. Beavers are 8-11 SU but 13-6 ATS since ’04 including covering last 3. Last year this game had blustery winds which affected the pass and kick games. A partial power outage stopped the game for 25 minutes early 4Q. Oregon State was playing its first game as a ranked team since 2013. Washington had a 398-262-yard edge. Oregon State opened with a 75/9 TD drive, then drove 63/12 before being SOD at the 7, and Washington’s P dropped the snap at the 33 and Oregon State was then SOD at the 15. Washington drove 85/15 for a TD but Oregon State got a 37-yard IR TD with 1:10 left to lead 14-7 at halftime. Washington drove 66/9 for a TD with 11:36 left to tie the score, 21-21. Washington punted, then drove 92/18 but after a 1&G at the 2, settled for a 22-yard FG with :08 left to secure the 24-21 home win. Washington is 10-1 SU & 6-5 ATS in series since ’12. Visitor is 3-5 SU but 7-1 ATS since ’15. Only non-cover was last time here (‘21), Huskies (+2) trailed 14-10 at halftime but led 24-17 4Q before allowing 10 unanswered including the GW FG w/:00 left. Washington opened a perfect 9-0. Last week on a blustery day, it was a tale of two halves as in the 1H Utah led 28-24 with Utah’s Barnes the top QB hitting 13-17-238. The 2H was defense as Washington went 47/7 for a FG, and 52/6 for a TD, and led 33-28. Tuputala returned an interception 76 yards but dropped ball at the 1 and Utah recovered. Washington got a safety on the next play. Washington did miss a 32 yd FG with 1:38 left, but secured a 35-28 win with a 457-382 yard edge. QB Michael Penix is hitting 68% with a 28-7 ratio and Dillon Johnson has rushed for 790 (5.8). The Huskies are allowing teams 10 ypg above their season average. Oregon State opened 7-2 with a pair of road losses to Washington State and Arizona. Last week Oregon State moved to 17-1 SU and ATS at home, leading Stanford 34-10 at halftime in a 62-17 win with a 598-324 yard edge. DJ Uigalelei is hitting 59% with an 20-4 ratio and the Beavers are holding foes to 39 ypg below their season average. Oregon State is at its best when it can run the ball, and Washington is allowing 4.6 ypc in Pac 12 play. Oregon State is +84 ypg in Pac-12 play and Washington is +10! My computer has Oregon State 37-33 and my Last 4 weeks AGG has Oregon St by 11.6!

    #11 OREGON STATE 39, #5 WASHINGTON 33

    COMPUTER FORECAST (WASH-ORST):
    Rush Yards: 87-200
    Pass Yards: 344-296
    Total Yards: 431-496
    Score: 32.7-36.6
    EXP: 17-57

    VEGAS LINE: Oregon State by 2.5
    VEGAS TOTAL: 63 Points
    +/- Rating: Oregon State by 4.3
    Game Grade: Oregon State by 2.5
    L4W Game Grade: Oregon State by 11.6
    Last Met Line: Oregon State -1.5
    Last Met Score: Oregon State -3
    Points per Yards: Oregon State by 4.7

    PAC-12
    Washington State 35, Colorado 28
    #6 Oregon 37, Arizona State 13
    #22 Utah 24, #17 Arizona 20
    USC 38, UCLA 30
    California 38, Stanford 30

    NATIONAL
    #1 Georgia 34, #18 Tennessee 24
    #2 Ohio State 40, Minnesota 6
    #3 Michigan 37, Maryland 13
    #4 Florida State 51, North Alabama 7
    #7 Texas 21, Iowa State 20 (BEST BET: Iowa State +7.5)
    #8 Alabama 48, Chattanooga 7
    #9 Missouri 31, Florida 21
    Miami FL 26, #10 Louisville 23
    #12 Penn State 30, Rutgers 13
    #13 Ole Miss 48, UL Monroe 13
    #14 Oklahoma 45, BYU 13
    #15 LSU 57, Georgia State 20
    #16 Iowa 20, Illinois 9 (COMPUTER BEST BET: Iowa -2.5)
    #19 Notre Dame 38, Wake Forest 6 (COMPUTER BEST BET: Notre Dame -24.5)
    Clemson 31, #20 North Carolina 23
    #21 Kansas State 38, #25 Kansas 23 (BEST BET: Kansas State -8)
    #23 Oklahoma State 34, Houston 20
    #24 Tulane 23, Florida Atlantic 20 (COMPUTER BEST BET: Florida Atlantic +9.5)

  62. 11
    6

    I don’t know the answer for best positioning from this point. My whole family are Beavs with many alumni from the last 100 years so where ever the Beavs go I will follow. But I think we need to be real here. How many times have the Beavs been a PAC champion, in the Rose Bowl, or played for a national championship? We are not and probably never will be an Alabama or Ohio State. But we are a the blue collar tough sons of bitches from A small town called Corvallis. And in that light aligning our team to for the first time in its existence to be the big fish in the conference pond would not be a dumb move. As said earlier it is about winning. Set yourself into a position to do that…. Move from occasional giant killer to the giant in the land you dwell in. I don’t want to be the little guy in the BIG10 or SEC. I’d rather start a new conference setting myself up to be relevant in that conference.

    Let the down votes begin.

  63. Pretty much a guarantee we’ll have rain at game time tomorrow.
    Afternoon forecast is 100% chance and about 1/4″ and showers should continue into the evening

  64. I am wondering if there is any thought of promotion/relegation in regards to a super conference. 150 schools are not going to stop their sports programs. Maybe at some point the power conferences adopt the g5 schools in a promotion relegation model to have control over basically 2 conferences. In that sense, the Pac could do that with a couple g5 conferences and promote the good teams into their new power conference which would be tied to the sub conference such as New Mexico etc. I think you could get some of the better g5 programs and have a legitimate power conference. Unfortunately for Stanford and WSU, next year they would be playing in the weenie hut jr league. I hope in rebuilding the Pac, that the 2 who have been on the receiving end of some interesting Pac 12 officiating will make that a priority. From our experience some officials should have lost their jobs.

    • I thought the same thing. 25 players with lots of starters and contributors. Post says last time in Reser which sounds pretty final but also seen reports dj still may come back so seems like mixed messaging.

      Fuaga, Levengood, Broomfield, Gray
      Higgins, Rawls, Chatfield
      Cooper, Hart, Robinson, Oladapo

      Obviously I’ve left off quite a few but that’s a lot of good players and depth

      I know Fuaga is the stud on the line but I’ve always appreciated Levengoods pumping up the crowd leading into the 4th quarter

      I hope these dudes lay it on the purple pup punks

      #LFG

  65. 1
    1

    I think the Oline needs to come out and be dominant. They can’t have negative plays like penalties, TFL, and let pressure get to DJU. Obviously these happen but if our offense is going to keep up with the pups it starts with them and keeping us ahead of the chains.

    Defensively they have to not allow big momentum shifting plays. Asu blitzed up the a gap with success and expect to see that but they should try having chatfield lined up there some on passing downs. Shutting down their run game is a must imo. We’re not going to completely shut down their passing but if they can make them one dimensional that will allow the defense to more effectively defend the pass.

    I also think field position will play a big role. The offense is a 100% in the redzone so it’s important to win the position game to set us up with short fields and long ones for them. Hopefully Gould and Bolden will be able to make some big games on special teams.

    Ultimately if the Oline can be dominant and defense can limit big plays and yac they should be able to win. Obviously there are plenty of other things like winning the turnover battle that will play a big role. But if they do those 2 things they’ll win.

  66. 1
    1

    Has anyone else noticed the last couple of games the pass rushers have been disciplined and not gotten any roughing the passers especially on 3rd and 4th down that they were committing earlier in the season? They’ll have to do that again tomorrow. They can’t afford to gift Washington first downs.

  67. Nice to see WSU winning for a change and Colorado continue to lose.
    Dionne is a narcissist. He sucked in the major sportscasters with his shit.
    It’s a problem the country has.

  68. Really anxious to see what kind if defensive plan Bray and the coaches come up with. I have a feeling the Huskies are going to run more than pass. Partly do to the weather and partly because the last couple games they have ran more than pass. Do you want to die from a thousand cuts or quickly???

    • They are going to get big olays, yards in chunks…can’t get discouraged.

      OSU will likely pressure Penix more than he’s used to, I think he serves up a 1-2 TOs….

      Pressure from different places (CB blitz anyone?) Chatfield amok, Mascerans eveywhere….Cooper Oladapo making plays…

      C’mon Atticus!

  69. NCAA president, in Pullman Wa for some reason (hmmm) comments on rule preventing James Madison from olaying in post season. Interesting to note the point of the rule:

    “Baker acknowledged the rule should be reexamined. It was essentially designed to prevent teams from making a hasty move up the ladder in college sports to the detriment of its teams and support staff.”

    No hasty moves? How does that square with realignment?

  70. Seattle Times predicts UW narrow win:

    “Against an uber efficient rushing attack intent on dominating time of possession, in perhaps the most hostile environment the Huskies will see this season,…”

    https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/what-to-watch-for-when-no-5-washington-meets-no-10-oregon-state-plus-mike-vorels-prediction/

    Interesting to see OSU’s homefield acknowledged multiple times in multiple articles:

    “The Huskies know it will likely be the most hostile place they’ve been all year. The fans will be screaming, the pressure will be high and that dang chainsaw is going to be loud.”

    Actually, as a form of piped in noise, I suspect the chainsaw is capped at some limit? And they don’t know the speaker system sucks. But the crowd? Yeah..loud.

    https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/uw-husky-football/no-5-huskies-embracing-underdog-role-ahead-of-hostile-road-game-at-no-10-beavers/

    • UW has benefited from some enormous game changing plays this year that have bailed them out. They haven’t forced a lot of turnovers but they’ve sure got them at the right times especially vs ASU and Utah.

      • Fact. Maybe blame the fact that the o line was trash and they had no running game nor really even attempted to.

        Poor coaching/roster management

        Is anything ever HIS fault?

        • I don’t think Sanders is much of a strategist. He won at Jackson St because he had far superior athletes and even with that nobody bothers to mention, that he lost both championship games. I watched some of both and he looked clueless on the sideline when the games were slipping away.

      • 2
        1

        There was an article pre-season- Keeler: CU Buffs QB Shedeur Sanders says if Cam Ward can tear up Pac-12, so can he. “Bro, it’s the same thing.” didn’t quite work out that way for Shadeur. Also a Denver Post paywall article about how Deion has allowed his kid to keep getting beaten up.

  71. The game today comes down to an extra point. 1 to tie 2 to win. What will the gambler call and will it be successful. I’m starting my antacids early this morning in preparation. This is a huge stage to be on, I hope the beavs step up to the occasion.
    FYI just read the beavs have the best home cover percentage in fbs over the last 3 years. Hopefully Vegas is right.

  72. 7
    2

    College Gameday is completely unwatchable, right? I just tried for the first time in years and had to turn it off after three minutes. Pat McAfee’s voice and mannerisms are beyond annoying. The rest of the crew sounds just like they did 10 years ago. I’m not feeling the angst about them passing on Corvallis except that ESPN was predictably cowardly.

    • 5
      2

      Yep, it’s cringe. ESPN made a huge bet on all things McAfee and it will backfire in the long run. He captivated everyone at first with his over the top enthusiasm but there’s really no substance underneath it. He isn’t offensive or anything but it’s really nothing other than manic energy. Becomes grating after a while.

      • 6
        1

        They’re just following the WWF model. Rece Davis is Mean Gene Okerlund, and McAfee is the Hulkster. I don’t know who Corso is, maybe Rick Flair? Herbstreit must be Vince McMahon.

  73. We wanted Utah to win for championship game implications, right? Might not be happening, Arizona is gashing Utah 21-0 still four minutes left in the first quarter. Utes have a ton more injuries apparently.

      • Per Nicebeaver above:

        “That’s how I interpret it. The biggest threat to OSU even if they keep winning every game is a scenario where Arizona also keeps winning AND UW drops their game to WSU.
        In that scenario, Oregon/Arizona are the final 2 via tiebreaker, because the common opponent equation changes to a 4 team tiebreaker.
        (This is also assuming Oregon beats ASU)

        We really want Utah to beat Arizona this week and cut them out of the conversation completely, then we will 100% control our destiny.”

    • I believe they are in if it’s a 3 way tie for 2nd with Oregon and AZ. Posters above have said they lose out if it’s a 4 way tie but I’m not sure on that. Would be ultimate irony and “luck-o-da-beavs” if WSU knocks us out by beating UW in the Apple Cup.

  74. it is unbelievable and hilarious how bad the basketball team is. nebraska currently on a 32-4 run and the beavs are shooting 25% with 1-12 from three and 0 free throws. i don’t even understand how you can have that many coaches on a team and put out the offensive product that they do.

    • Part of the offensive issues are how the lineups they put on the floor. Marial and Ibekwe should see 10 minutes a game combined at most. Marial has no offensive game whatsoever. Ibekwe has terrible footwork and no lateral quickness. They clog the lane every single possession. As soon as they were both off the floor, the Beavers started making shots. You’d think a head coach at the D1 level would be able to see this but Wayne is obviously clueless, so he never will.

    • 1
      1

      I’m not totally sure and I’ve seen different takes on the rules, but I think with how the tie-breakers work that we want Washington to win next week and then we’d rematch them in the P12 title game in a 3-way tie with Oregon and Arizona for 2nd place (assuming Beavs win civil war). I think that if it’s a 2 or 4 way tie with Arizona then Beavs are left out.

      Like all things Pac-12, it makes perfect sense.

  75. Chip was caught in a PR trap by the 5* freshman and the leverage of transfer portal which ended up costing him about 2-3 wins this year.
    It looks like Garbers should have been their starter instead of Moore.

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