This game will come down to Bo Nix being hobbled a bit, and the Ducks run D. Even before Nix was banged up I thought the Beavs would win this game by at least 7, so I’m upping that to 14. The big wildcard becomes Martinez vs the fairly stout Duck run D. I don’t think they’re anything elite, but they’re pretty good there. Martinez is so shifty, and our line is good, so I think we’ll do enough there to be effect. I think Martinez might look something like 80 yards and 2TDs. Colletto 1TD. Something like that. Then we need Gulbranson to have a 2TD to 1INT ratio.

Get out to the game, and…..go crazy folks, go crazy!

35, 21 Beavs

Just a few words:

35-28, Beavs

Book it.

I’m sticking with Oregon State 31, Arizona State 17. There’s a guy in the prior thread looking for a tailgate – if any other Beavs will be down in AZ hook him up.

Go Beavs!

With just two games left, there’s a good argument to have Gulbranson finish the season and gain the valuable experience for next year. If Smith wants to start Nolan, I don’t have a huge issue with that, but if we’re being objective about the situation the reality is (a) he is not the future and (b) you risk Gulbranson transferring and having to start from scratch and (c) he’d be on a short-leash anyway. So even if the coaches feel Nolan gives them the best shot to win this week, it would be short-term thinking to start Nolan. Gulbranson hasn’t been perfect, but he’s shown more upside. He needs to play better on the road, so @Arizona State would be great experience in that regard, and they’re a mediocre team where he could gain experience.

I think the Beavs win out. So 9-3 puts us where?

I had the Beavs at 9-3 in the pre-season and don’t see how we don’t get there. We took a circuitous route, but should get to that destination. Oregon is very beatable at home, and right now we’re playing more as a complete team than they are.

@ASU is usually a tough draw due to weather, but that’s in their favor this week with 70 degrees and sunny. Playing them late in the season is some rare good luck for Da Beavs. This week’s prediction…

Oregon State 31, Arizona State 17.

Go Beavs!

Oregon State 27, Cal 24