I read through the previous comments, and see there’s some angst about the Beavs being ranked for the first time in ten years, and also some fear of Penix. I’ll start by saying the Beavs have a good team. That alone should solve both sources of angst. If you have a good team, there should be no stress about being ranked – you belong there. If you have a 6-2 team in the PAC, it means you have faced good QBs and beaten them already. There should be no fear about facing more good QBs. So, I get it, Penix has looked pretty good, but he’s been facing relatively weak competition. If anything, Penix should fear the Beaver. As Beaver fans we are too traumatized to realize this works both ways.

We know what Penix is. A feisty QB with wheels who will play hard and win games; a QB who’s passing game has improved every year, but is still not elite in that regard. We know what the Beavs are. A feisty defense that will pressure QBs and let their secondary play free. A run game that’s been steadily improving, along with WRs who have been steadily improving. So Penix isn’t the only player improving. We have key guys doing that, too. Therefore, the wildcard remains the Beavers QB. The only thing we don’t yet know is how good Ben Gulbranson is. My eye test says once the game truly slows down for him we might wind up with the best passing QB in the conference. Since he’s not there yet, let’s say we get 70% of that [future] guy.

So we’re looking at a future PAC 12 passing champ in Gulbranson who is at 70% his potential and improving rapidly, a nasty Beavs D and run game, WRs who are improving every week, a really good Beavs secondary and pass rush, and we’re afraid of an opponent who has put up some numbers versus questionable teams? I don’t see it. I think the only thing that can stop the Beavs on Friday is the Washington crowd overwhelming Gulbranson in his toughest environment yet. But he doesn’t seem like a guy who is easily phased. I think he’ll play at at least 70% of his potential yet again, and that should be good enough given the other pieces the Beavs have.

So, personally I have no fear, and in fact I’m upping my prediction from 28-27 Beavs to…

31-24, Beavs!

Go Beavs.

With the bye it’s likely Nolan comes back for this game. Could be a distraction. I think Smith has to have the difficult talk with these guys. Big elephant in the room. I think the plan has to be start Gulbranson and have him on a short leash. I think that’s the plan for either QB. If Nolan starts, he has to be on a short leash, too. I’m in favor of Gulbranson. He’s got more upside and has been very good outside of some normal mistakes for a young QB. Shows a lot of promise.

If the Beavs were at home I’d like them in this game, but on the road it’s a toss up. I think Washington is overrated and not that great a team, but their QB will cause some problems, and the environment will cause some additional problems.

I’d take the Beavs 28-27.

Go Beavs

45-17 Beavs

Posting in Angry’s absence today.

(WSU game recap from Ohiobeav)

Good win by Beavs. When does Bray get his extension?
BG is growing up and the idea should be Learn how to manage the game without losing It. He is now 2 for 2.

Lindgren play calls are still alarming at times. JS didn’t resort to any absurd gambling, which is growth.

Kickers/field goals are an adventure and may force different approach for future games.

TEs contributed for the 1st time since Fresno St, that was nice to see.

Martinez, Colletto, Grffin in that order please.
Sacks and Turnovers, check

Go Beavs, JS has a victory over every conference team and all streaks have been broken.

Bowl eligibility next up

Gooo Beavs.

30-24 Beavos.