Home Football Montana State @ Oregon State

Montana State @ Oregon State

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Fans (and players) likely take a deep breath this weekend after getting through the toughest part of the non-conference schedule, but Montana State has outscored their opponents 103-30, so the Beavs can’t sleep on these guys. I haven’t watched a snap of Montana St football in my life, so I’m in no position to talk about them outside their impressive scoring differential. That kind of dominance says, to me, that they can beat most Pac-12 schools in any given small sample of 1 game, even though their recruiting disadvantage says they shouldn’t. Put the Beavs on upset alert if they think this is a cakewalk where they just show up. I’m guessing Smith with his Montana ties and all will be telling them not to sleep on these guys.

Beavs 45, Montana State 17

270 COMMENTS

  1. My best friend lives in Missoula and his son just graduated from MT State. They had an awesome Frosh QB, but I believe he got hurt in the playoffs last year.
    This is a losable game if they try to sleepwalk to victory.

  2. Montana State lost in the FCS championship last year. Beavers need to show up for this one. Especially after the emotional win in Fresno.

  3. Can anyone tell me why Oregon is ranked? Except the fact that it gives Georgia a Top 25 win. We all know the AP poll just exists to feed the ego of SEC football fans.

  4. Montana St’s opponents so far have been bad by FCS standards. Don’t take their margin of victory this year to mean they can beat everyone in the PAC. They’re a solid football program, but we should be able to take care of business if we’re not caught looking ahead to USC.

    Going off PFF grades..

    Offense
    -QB is good
    -There isn’t much of a running game
    -OL has one good T, but the rest are average

    Defense
    -Former Beav Jeffrey Manning Jr starts at safety
    -They have one really good DT, but he’s undersized at 6’3 260
    -The rest of the defense grades out as merely above average, though it’s probably hard to draw conclusions from such lopsided victories over weak opponents

    • Exactly. Their two wins were over Morehead State (Pioneer League) and Mcneese State (Southland). Both of those two teams have been blown out in their first two games. Beavs will win sleeping or awake.

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        Common opponent who player Morehead State is Mercer. Mercer had the same exact score against Morehead as Montana State had, 63-13
        Montana State had a balanced offense against Morehead: 290 rushing yards and 295 passing while throwing 2 INT and fumbled once against Morehead State.

        We shall see how the defense does this weekend. My hope is similar defensive turnover margin as the Boise State game, 2+ INT and 1+ Fumble recovery.

        Last game I predicted 38-24. This game I am predicting 49-24 I think Montana State’s Offense will be better than Boise State, but I think they get their points later in the game.

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          Forgot to mention Mercer lost @ Auburn 42-16. Not that this means anything from transitive properties perspective. Can’t sleep on Montana State though.

    • Well I didn’t say they could beat everyone in the Pac-12. I said they can beat most Pac-12 schools in any given small sample of 1 game. And then I predicted OSU to win 45-17.

      I’d put OSU in that “most” category. USC, Oregon, Utah are not in that category. App State et al these past few weeks shows anyone truly can beat anyone, though, but those are real outliers. So yeah, Montana State can win this game if the Beavs sleepwalk and take them for granted.

      • This is a very good point. This is a prime example of poor scheduling. We knew Fresno would be a tough game, should have scheduled a breather before USC. Need to put the clamps down early on defense. Set the tone.

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          I disagree. If you want to be the best, play the best. It would be nice to be up 24+ at halftime this game. If that does happen, we better put up 50+ points total in the game. I want this team to not take plays off. Get it to a point where the coaches are able to pull Nolan and Fenwick and get the backups in the game in the middle to end of the 3rd quarter. I don’t see this happening at all, but I don’t see us being close at halftime either like we were against Fresno State. My guess is 17-7 at halftime.

          • Yes, I agree with you on playing the best. My point is if you are going to schedule an FCS team. Don’t schedule a good one. I would much rather have Oregon State be playing an FBS opponent this week. It’s better for the sport. But all teams typically end up scheduling an FCS game and there is no point in hurting the perception of your program by playing a good FCS team. The only good result is OSU putting up 50 plus. Not sure that happens against a team like Montana State.

        • In retrospect, BSU and FSU will help a lot with USC, though objectively those were stupid games to schedule. But given that we won them they’re amazing tune ups for Pac play. MSU should be a fairly easy win because of that, but again, this comes down to the Beavs and their mindset and if they let up thinking it’s a guaranteed win. That’s the only way they lose is if they’re just not into and looking past MSU to USC.

        • In all fairness, this game was probably on the schedule 4-5 years ago back when they were a fringe playoff team or worse.

          The schedule this year is still horrible. Make sure the road game has poll value if you win it.

    • Luck O the Beavs they get OOC opponents who always seem to be trending upward and onward — two big tests passed and completed….Montana State next! My biggest worry is injuries — would be nice to be up by 30 points going into the 4th quarter so the starters can rest, but doesn’t sound like that will happen against MSU.

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    Beavs fall a little short of cracking the top 25 but get 42 “other” votes. Right on the cusp. There’s really no reason Oregon should be #25 ahead of us, but that’s the shitty bias of NCAAF. I doubt the MSU game moves us, and USC is probably a loss due to that QB (win otherwise, so this one is hard to pick), so it looks like our next opportunity to be ranked will be Utah.

    • Beavs at #36 in Sagarin. But we also have the 18th toughest schedule through Week 2 (a fact that’s being overlooked by voters) and we’re close behind a whole bunch of teams with SOS in the 100+ range (e.g. Miami with the #220 SOS).

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      The whole notion of preseason rankings is horseshit, period.

      Once a team has been ranked there is pretty much noting to do to rise into the top 25 aside from knock off one of the top 15 teams, good luck if you’re not playing one of them.

      You can’t convince me a blow out loss, even if it is to a semi-pro team, and a blow out win, against an FCS team, ranks you in the top 25. Certainly not above two quality wins against two G5 schools, one on the road.

    • “and USC is probably a loss due to that QB (win otherwise, so this one is hard to pick).”

      Probably have to hope USC’s D isn’t quite yet together, and need a great OSU run game performance that we haven’t seen yet this season. That’s going to be an entertaining game…London was mostly unstoppable last year, and they might have upgraded over him with that WR transfer from Pitt.

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        Outside the first half of the USC Stanford game, USC was held to 6 points in the second half by Stanford. Did Stanford make better halftime adjustments than USC? Stanford passed for 220 yards and rushed for 221 while throwing 2 INT and giving up 2 fumbles. Fresno State game looks to be more and more intriguing as the week progresses. I will be watching that game on Fox for sure.

        • I think the best hope for Fresno/USC is for Fresno to put up a good fight but lose again. I think i’d rather have SC coming in off a win rather than a loss. I hope Julian and Musgrave are full speed for that game…Lolohea too.

          Hope the Beavers aren’t looking ahead to USC like I am here!

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        I actually think we’d have to pass a lot to beat USC. Or give Martinez all the carries. I don’t think Fenwick is good enough to carry a run game. The run blocking hasn’t been very good, either, so far. I’ll try to watch more USC this weekend. Since they’re playing Fresno it will be a pretty good scouting opportunity.

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          I would say the blocking has been inconsistent. Sometimes the holes look great. Sometimes they just aren’t there. But I just haven’t seen the vision that guys like Baylor and Jefferson had. They knew where to go. Fenwick is a great north south back that can churn out 5-10 yard carries on a regular basis, but we need a guy to step up and be able to break some big runs. I am looking at Martinez. He has looked a bit timid in the first couple games though. I think we will see him break out in the next couple games.

        • “I actually think we’d have to pass a lot to beat USC”
          Nope, running and controlling the clock is the only answer to SC. Gotta limit their offensive opportunities and exploit their questionable D.

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            I don’t think so based on what I saw of USC’s line and our line. Ideally we’d run, but I just don’t think it will work.

            Martinez could be a wildcard, though. He’s actually on their level and could make it work.

          • Angry-Martinez has 15 carries at this level. I am wondering what it is that makes you so convinced that Martinez is better than Fenwick? I am not saying he isn’t, or he is. But he has a small body of work to base your thoughts on. I have seen nothing that says he should be the focal point of the run game even though he may work to that point. Fenwick has averaged over 5ypc while at OSU. I will happily take that though I would like to see more speed from him. He does not seem to have that next gear.

  6. It’s not just that the Beavs need to avoid overlooking MSU. They need to start firing on all cylinders in preparation for USC. Need their absolute best to have a chance in that game.

  7. Beavs still need to learn to focus for four quarters and treat every opponent with respect, respect requires preparation. I think they will win comfortably, but it’d be great to see them play well for four quarters in all three phases.

    • When was the last time we saw that? Maybe that last CW that we won. Beavs tend to always play toward the level of their opponent, which is a terrible mental trait. I’m not sure how you break that other than recruiting players who want to be their best always. Could try a sports psychologist…

      • How many years have you been touting for a sports psychologist?

        On that note, Mike Riley teams took 3-4 games to get to their full mental potential. They would have been CRUSHED by Fresno State if Mike Riley were coaching. This team has players that are down when others are up and when those that are up get down, the ones that were down are up. Nolan seems to be playing better. The WR group needs to find a way to focus on catching the ball. I don’t like calling out certain players, but when you raise your hand and call for the ball and drop it, expect to be benched.

        • The baseball podcast by Josh Worden talked a lot about the psychologist Casey used with his players. I don’t see why with all of the money and staff members, Smith wouldn’t have one on his staff. I was hoping for a consistent Lindsey this year but game 2 and he already disappeared.

          • From what I read, sports psychology has been seen most in baseball. Visualization, “tapping” to calm and focus have been part of the Beavs, even under Miiiiitch.
            Gotta think a little visualization could help some WR’s hold onto passes.

    • I just don’t get it. What other games are on at 6:30PM that this has to be pushed onto the PAC-12 Network? This will no doubt be one of the marquee matchups of the week and it can’t kick off at like 3:30 at the very least?

      • It’s really killer being on the east coast man. Finally went to bed at 2:30am after the game Saturday.

        I’m hoping winning cures the late start times.

      • From everything I read re: realignment, the networks and Pac love it, it gives them zero competition for eyeballs. Sort of the Sunday/Monday night NFL game idea.

        And based on all this money it ain’t going away.

    • Note Fresno @ USC is at 7:30 pm…not much love their either for what could be a decent matchup….though its on a slightly better network….

    • Good thing I saved my free trial of Fubo for another week.

      As much as we all know this should be a good matchup, whoever is making the media decisions probably realizes the Beavs aren’t a big draw (yet).

    • LA Times says it’s on P12 because they are guaranteed three USC games and the bigger networks passed on our game so they can carry “more important” USC games later in the year.

      • Yet it is OSU’s fault for not having high viewership for TV games. Hence to the MWC for lost Beavs.

        Larry Scott should’ve left after Texas/Oklahoma didn’t merge with PAC 12. He has done no favors even when he is no longer around. Klaikoff was dealt a horrible situation by a tennis moron.

      • They’ll be sorry, but at the same n time, they’ll have to carry Oregon State games the rest of the year too since Montana State and now USC are the pac12 Network games for our 2 non conference games. So the rest will be nationally televised. Silver lining i guess.

      • Pretty wild both safeties have gotten dpow awards in the first 2 weeks. Julian hasn’t even played yet I don’t think. Nice to have talent and depth at that position

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          Julian suited up but no snaps. I’d love to see him out there but with the safety play so far, I’d get him completely healed instead of rushing it. Montana State might be a good team for him to get reacquainted on game speed again but signs were initially pointing to USC if I’m not mistaken. Be a tough one to come back to right out out of the gate.

  8. Congrats to Covey in the CBS Pac12 Pool, winning this week with 10 correct picks and also takes the overall lead at 18 out of 24 overall pts.
    Hoping the pt spreads will be released tomorrow for the week 3 games and also hoping they will include the OSU game, since they occasionally skip Big Sky pt spreads.

    GoBeavs

  9. I agree with the first poster. I think the Beavs win this weekend but it won’t be easy.

    I could be way off base here and jumping the gun. But this could be like 2000. Didn’t look very impressive through the first 3 weeks. Opened PAC play at home against USC.

    Had to come back late to win a few games. 44-38 over UCLA ring a bell for anyone? Keep an eye on UW in Seattle……

    Just sayin. And hoping. Or it’s late, too many napkins and I’m overthinking shit again…..

    Go Beavs

  10. Looking through some of the highlights and the depth chart for MSU, Beavs have some pretty large advantages.

    Biggest advantage is the OL vs their DL and LBs. They’ll try to use their speed to disrupt the Beavs offense. To beat speed, have to go right at them. Power I formation should be a common look. Full back leading the way. Fenwick is the same size or larger than most of their LBs. If the OL can get him into the second level, he and the rest of the RB will do a lot of damage. I would expect around 40-50 rushes in the game.

    I expect very few dropped balls in the game this week.

    MSU offense is going to have to be pretty creative. They are down their top 4 running backs. Lots of misdirection and new formations. I’d guess the Beavs try to be fairly aggressive early on and get the QB off balance. Don’t need to sell out, I think 4-5 guy rushing can get home often. Make the QB get the ball out fast. Beavs will need to be disciplined in their reads and not over pursue.

    I’m not really feeling like there is a lot of upset potential in this game. Beavs know this could be a good season, they won’t overlook MSU.

  11. Looks like Montana State are super thin at RB with 4 RB’s out and left with 2 RB’s. I’m hoping Montana State is going to limit their carries and run game to limit the chances of injuries to their RB’s. Seems like they will be doing more jet sweeps, QB designed runs, bubble screens, etc to try to get their playmakers the ball. So already they aren’t able to run their full playbook. Defensively they are full strength.

    https://billingsgazette.com/sports/college/big-sky-conference/montana-state-university/notebook-taco-dowler-honored-kaegun-williams-out-for-season-montana-state-prepares-for-oregon-state/article_2b2810c1-314a-5f0a-80c6-016d009d137d.html

  12. Are you guys watching the Instagram live interview with colletto? He’s got this woman interviewing him biting her lip… It is funny to watch, she’s so damn into him it is comical.

  13. Sweaty Junior had a JV football game last night. Low and behold Coach Smith walks by in front of us. His kid is the QB for Crescent Valley JV football. Pretty good QB, accurate passer, a little better runner than the old man was. Sweaty Junior got close a couple times, but was able to sack him.

  14. So Smith said what I pretty much thought, that Oladapo was manned up a lot so his guys kept making catches but he did a nice job of tackling them as soon as he caught the ball.

    Does anyone know how many drops they’ve had the first 2 games? Its got to be about 10.

    Although they stiffened up in the red zone Bray’s defense didn’t look too good against Fresno. They only had the 1 sack while Cal poly had 3. They allowed almost 500 yards and had not turnovers. I know that Garner and the receiving core is very good but should we be concerned with just 1 game before USC? Their passing offense is probably going to be even more potent than Fresno’s.

    • Bray’s strategy wasn’t super effective against Haener. That guy reads the defense so well and gets the ball out so quick. I wouldn’t be too concerned at this point. We probably won’t face another QB like him.

        • held them to 3 field goals in the redzone in the first half where they went 2/3. Second half they were 1/1 in redzone field goal. This is good enough for 75% accuracy rating when in the redzone. Outside the redzone they were 1/2. Fresno State was 66% on field goals all together. Fresno state had 1 touchdown in the redzone out of their 2 touchdowns(1st possession and last possession). So Fresno State’s redzone efficiency for getting touchdowns is 20%. getting points they are 80% efficient.

          Oregon State had 3 punts with 2 touchdowns in the first half. Then had 2 punts, 1 turnover on downs and 3 touchdowns with one 2 point conversion try that was good. Oregon State was 4/4 in redzone scoring with all 4 being touchdowns with a 100% touchdown efficiency in the redzone.

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    Rumor has it Amazon is a strong contender to land the PAC-10 media rights if FOX/ESPN don’t give satisfactory offers. Apparently Kliakoff is focused on digital presence for future visibility and Amazon put up a large, but losing bid for the Big 10 rights.

    I think this would be a great move, as the money is likely to be good, it provides for visibility opportunities they wouldn’t get elsewhere (imagine getting a box from Amazon with Jack Colletto on it), and they won’t have the same kind of competition with other conferences they would have at ESPN or Fox. Could provide for a little more broadcast flexibility, too, due to Amazon not needing to worry about overlapping games from other conferences.

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      More people have Amazon Prime than have Pac12 currently. That would put the Pac in most US homes and as you state, no competition for time slots. Digital makes more sense in the cord cutting culture than something like CBS, and at ESPN the pac would always be the unwanted stepchild.

    • That would be the forward thinking leadership we need. Perhaps this is the pathway to keeping the current PAC10 together.
      Screw USC and UCLA for f’ing up my two conferences.

      • That would be fortuitous; a competitive team, an improving recruiting trend, a “new” stadium, and a new media deal.

        8 conference games, a late season cupcakes, and new, late season relevance for the PAC.

    • The schedules could and should be scheduled in advance as well. Time slots pre-determined for the season. 12PM-5PM Saturdays during conference play, 12PM-7PM for non-conference games as not all Pac-10 teams will have home non-conference games at the same time. I honestly think this is a good move. The Pac-12 Network tv already has the regional streaming package and if it’s kept the same way on Amazon, each region can have a home game while the other regional team is away. No Oregon and Oregon State playing on the same day and moving to an 8 team conference schedule would allow an extra non-conference game to be played somewhere in the middle to late of the season like the SEC does.

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      All eyes on the Rose Bowl. Pasadena, here I come! Better get it in now before UCLA heads to the Big 10 and it will be a Big 10 hosted site instead of a Pac-12 hosted site. Could change the dynamic where the Big 10 lobbies for the Rose Bowl committee to switch conferences from Pac-12 to SEC to make it a Big Ten champ vs SEC champ.

    • Notre Dame will be lucky to make a bowl game this season. Already 0-2, lost their starting QB for the season and still have to play BYU, Clemson, USC so that’s at least 3 more loses.

  16. Its being reported that ESPN might take the USC@OSU game and potentially has it on radar for game day.

    That could be a big distraction for team and would need extra emphasis on focus for MSU and against USC.

    With USC #10, both teams having potential to be undefeated, USC’s free agent haul, and OSU’s upsets history against USC, it could be compelling.

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    OLive now speculating ESPN has USC@OSU on its gameday “radar” and might at least telecast the game.

    Lots of compelling reasons: USC’s new coach and free agents, top 10 ranking, potential for both schools to be undefeated, OSU’s entertaining style of play and history of upsetting USC….

    This could be distracting and increases need for focus the next two games.

  18. I don’t think they’ll pick Corvallis. They tend to pick a game where both teams are ranked. Beavs aren’t going to sneak into the poll by the time they make the announcement. There will have to be a number of upsets to tilt the odds in the Beavs favor.

    Wake Forest vs Clemson would seem like a front runner. Unlikely they’ll be upset this weekend.

  19. Went to the Twins game last night and saw our boy Caleb Hamilton in action. Sadly it was only catching the ceremonial first pitch.
    Was sitting in the lower level on the first baseline and almost got hit by a baseball bat! It landed five seats over and one row back.
    Left-handed batter launched it completely over the netting while I was putting my beer down.

  20. 38-10 Beavs. Offense needs to establish the run game this weekend.

    Happy w/ the Beav effort vs Fresno, even though I predicted a blowout. IMO best win since 2014 vs #6 ASU

  21. A couple of nice tidbits in this article:

    https://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/2022/09/oregon-state-football-offensive-line-gonna-play-a-lot-better-jake-overman-ready-for-a-big-moment.html

    Michalczik says OLine has been too incosistent and thinks “we’re gonna play a lot better;”

    Tyler Morano, a freshman offensive lineman pulled on a No. 85 jersey to be eligible to line up at tight end to block on Colletto’s 2-yard TD for the game winner @ Fresno;

    Michalczik spent seven years (1992-98) coaching at Montana State.

    Is Michalczik perhaps the best position coach on this team? Last year’s line received some very good recognition and its his O line, the way he has the ready to play, the way he recruits, that makes me think the Beavers can compete consistently with the better programs in the PAC.

  22. 2023 QB commit Aidan Chiles has been updated as a 4* on 247.
    So any day you can expect a slew of new offers from teams trying to slide in and steal him away

    • I see Hendrix’s “Voodoo Chile” players ng over his highlights on the new large video at Reser…one for f the coolest rock intros ever in my opinion….

    • He’s solid with Oregon State though. His mom interacts with Oregon State fans and likes comments regarding Coach Smith and Lindgren recognizing his skill set before all the “big time” schools and such. If anything, this really helps recruiting big time and hopefully get WR recruits.

      • The TE’s are almost 4 Star TE’s. I don’t see a lot of commits flipping once they commit.

        Along the notes of recruits and their respective ratings, about half to 2/3 of the class are high 3* where they could potentially be 4* by the end of the season. The team rankings only take the 247sports composite ratings, not the 247sports ratings that grade as the season goes along. Not sure what the composite one is exactly, but that’s what I’m seeing.

  23. WEEK 3 PHIL STEELE REPORT:

    First Meeting. Beavers have won 6 straight vs FCS opponents but are 3-3 ATS. Bobcats finished 12- 3 last year (2nd in Big Sky) making it to the FCS Championship but lost 38-10 to North Dakota State. Montana State is picked #3 in the strong Big Sky conference and were #4 in the FCS Preseason poll nationally! Last year was the first for former Wyoming DC Brent Vigen and he got them to the national title game. This year the do lose a #2 DC in LB Anderson who was the Big Sky Defensive POY. Last year Frosh QB Tommy Mellott took over as starter and in the playoffs after the starter left. Mellott did injure his ankle in the title game on the 4th play after leading 3 playoff wins. The top 2 rushers are back but 5 of the top 7 receivers are gone as are 4 starting OL. The defense has 6 starters back from a unit that allowed 310 ypg and 15 ppg holding foes to 78 ypg below their season average. Montana State was -17’ in the opener vs McNeese and won 40-17 with a 541-303-yard edge. Last week they were -43 at home vs Morehead State and as expected, rolled 63-13 with a 585-260 yard edge. Mellott’s backup is ex-Wyoming starter Sean Chambers who rushed for 127 vs Morehead State. Oregon St was a perfect 6-0 SU and ATS at home last year and opened strong with a 34-17 home win vs Boise State leading that game 24-0 at halftime. Last week at Fresno State, there were 3 lead changes in the final 1:50 and on the last play, Oregon State, down 3, went for the win and with Colletto’s 2-yd TD run, Oregon State won 35-32 with Fresno State having a 492-397 yard edge. It was Oregon State’s first win in 6 trips to Fresno. Fresno State had 7 red zone trips but 4 FG, 1 miss FG and just 2 TD. Oregon St has covered 3 in a row vs FCS teams, winning by 34.3 ppg. Montana State 6-2 vs FBS teams ATS and only lost at Wyoming 19-16 last year.

    OREGON STATE 41 MONTANA STATE 20

    POSITION BY POSITION EDGES:
    N/A for FBS/FCS Comparisons

    PROJECTED BOX SCORE (MTST-ORST):
    N/A for FBS/FCS Comparisons

    Las Vegas Line: Oregon State by 13.5
    Las Vegas Total: 52.5 Points
    +/- Ratings: Oregon State by 19.8
    Game Grade: Oregon State by 17.6
    Computer Yards: Oregon State 563-260
    Computer Points: Oregon State 45-11
    Spreadsheet Prediction: Oregon State by 30

    UCLA 38 South Alabama 17
    Notre Dame 27 California 3 – BEST BET (NDME -10.5)
    Minnesota 41 Colorado 10
    Oregon 31 BYU 30
    Washington State 30 Colorado State 17
    Washington 30 Michigan State 23
    Utah 38 San Diego State 10
    USC 45 Fresno State 33
    Arizona State 35 Eastern Michigan 23
    Arizona 27 North Dakota State 24

    • I know Cal isn’t that good but I’d be tempted to take the points there as Notre Lame has impressed no one.

      Lock BYU at -3.5

    • What is Phil Steele’s record anyway? Well, here’s his predictions and record thus far:

      He’s averaging 2 wrong predictions a week so far and his score predictions are way off on pretty much every game.

      Week 2 = 9-2
      FRESNO STATE 27 OREGON STATE 24 – L
      Wisconsin 35 Washington State 10 – L

      Week 1 = 10-2
      OREGON STATE 27 BOISE STATE 26 – W
      Utah 28 Florida 24 – L
      San Diego State 27 Arizona 17 – L

        • He is garbage when it comes to score predictions. when it comes to picking the winners, he’s decent. I will be tracking his weekly record all season long in hopes we can lay the weekly Phil Steele predictions to bed as most ignore this post or say he’s garbage every week. He will go 7-4 or 9-2 after this weekend. There is no way he gets these all correct. ND is not the same coached team as last year. Washington is at home, but unproven. Ucks are completely unproven other than they have college students dressed up like football players and they can’t even sell out a top 25 matchup. USC is unproven as well, but will be tested this weekend. If USC’s defense is worse than Oregon State’s defense, then Haener will expose them tomorrow.

          Go Golden Bears over the Golden Domers
          Go Cougs(both of them)
          Go Puppies I guess just for the sake of backing the Pac-12 and they’re playing a Big Ten team.
          Go Bulldogs over the Oh so high and mighty Money Grabbing Trojans

          • Just to be clear, he analyzes every team and every single game so he’s not like ESPN who doesn’t pay attention if you’re not in the SEC. But as far as predictions go, there’s a difference between a score prediction and a best bet. Best Bets are spreads he’s actually putting his money on. The other write ups are more to provide more in depth analysis and benefit those watching the upcoming game. Unlike other handicappers, he says up front that there’s no such thing as a sure lock, and just tries to give the most detail on the matchup.

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      This might be the week where he gets more than 2 wrong. I see the following games as potential wrong picks:

      USC 45 Fresno State 33 – I see Fresno State putting up a really good fight in this game and either coming close to win, or pulls off the upset.
      Washington 30 Michigan State 23 – This game could easily be flipped where Michigan State scores 30 and Washington scores 23. Coin Flip game
      Oregon 31 BYU 30 – another coin flip game, or Oregon is heavily outmatched and out coached again by a bigger team than the Oregon players.
      Notre Dame 27 California 3 – BEST BET (NDME -10.5) I see this game being closer as I think CAL is a team where you don’t know which team will show up. ND is on the verge of a downward spiral with Brian Kelly gone.

  24. Interesting that Nike is favored over BYU when BYU is ranked higher and has legitimate wins under their belt.

    It will be good to see UW finally tested to see how real their seeming resurgence is. Arizona vs NDSU will also be very interesting.

        • They have talent and the offense is better with a competent QB at the helm. Defense will probably take a step back this year after some key losses (e.g. Trent McDuffie).

          MSU isn’t going to score a ton of points, so the question is how much do you trust Penix? Historically, he’s played well against MSU.

        • I thought Coach Deboer was an under the radar pretty good coach at Fresno. Not the flashiest hire UW could have made, but I think he’s be a better coach for UW than anybody the last couple decades outside of Peterson.

  25. For any Beavs coming in for the game from out of town….. Do not…..I REPEAT, DO NOT…..try to park anywhere near the stadium. Plan on getting dropped off or riding the Max there. Downtown parking garages are walkable if you give yourself enough time.

    • Concur, street parking near the stadium is very limited and i cant imagine trying to navigate that area unless youre already familiar with the streets. Find a smart park and plan to walk or take the street car/max to get to the stadium.

      • Church parking lots will most likely be filled up as well. Max line runs right by there and is easily accessible from Beaverton Hillsdale area if I remember correctly. Park and ride in Hillsboro, Jones Farm is another one. There is food truck/court in the area by Millikin Way. Lots of choices.

  26. MBB projected starting PG is injured and g9ne for the season.
    Plus we lost Alitishe a couple weeks ago.
    Could this team be worse than the 3 win team from last season?…..yikes

  27. Two teams competing with the Beavs for a top 25 spot in action tonight. Air Force goes down to Wyoming, but Florida State scrapes past Louisville on the road.

  28. Good set of PAC12 games today.

    Beavs should win handily 45-16

    Ducks lose, UW wins, WSU wins, Cal wins close, uSC gets a big scare but escapes

    Get right week for the conference
    Go Beavs

        • Sprained knee. Likely out 6 weeks. Key is to heal and then build strength. He could probably come back sooner but risks more severe injury. No way Musgrave risks it given his potential NFL opps. My hunch is they’ll give him thru bye week and we’ll see Musgrave for UW game… unless tests show something worse than a sprain.

  29. 1
    1

    The much-talked about 650+ lbs of beef on the right side of the line – and the line in general – ought to be plowing the way for over 250+ rush yards. Good day to see if Fenwick can spring a few long ones, and more importantly, grow the confidence of Martinez with plenty of carries, and some passes to Overman for the same reason. Receivers: Hands. Hands hands hands.

    Defense play with discipline and respect for the opponent.

    Colletto should be on the pine for the second half. No sense risking injury to him.

    Why are they even playing this game in Portland? Its more convenient for MSU, and the stadium capacity is not any better than Reser.

  30. Apparently no fight for the departed Frosty with #TPB. Nebraska getting rolled by Oklahoma 28-7. Who would have thought nothing would improve after they axed Smilin’ Mike?

  31. 41-27 OSU
    Beavs let Montana St hang around for too long is my thought. Separate more in back half of 3rd quarter but game remains within some doubt until 8 or 9 minutes left in the 4th.

    Hope I am wrong as would like to win by 17+, but not expecting the crispest of outings especially without Musgrave. Harrison and the other receivers need to catch the ball first then worry about extra yards. As long as defense plays a pretty solid game this should be a definite win. Nolan just has to manage the game and throw with relative accuracy to keep drives going.

    Look for Colletto to again make a needed 4th down and score a TD.

  32. Three more Beavs out for today’s game, per Daschel:
    Brewer, Chatfield, and Joe Golden.
    Both Brewer and Chatfield have been pretty solid so far.

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