Oregon State Football: Is It Time for Beaver Nation to Panic?
Oregon State Football: Is It Time for Beaver Nation to Panic?
The Beavers lost yesterday to Sacramento State, an FCS (formerly Division 1-AA) school, in overtime by a final score of 29-28.
The shocked Beaver crowd looked on as their team fell apart at home to a far inferior team.
With such an embarrassing loss loaded with Oregon State turnovers and sloppy penalties, should Beaver Nation be worried? Or is this just typical Oregon State, starting weak, but finishing strong?
Where are the Beavers on the panic meter?
Penalties and Turnovers
Two key turnovers and a missed field goal for the win were what led to Oregon State losing. The inability to close drives and commit costly turnovers hindered the offensive production.
Quarterback Ryan Katz had a poor day throwing the ball, completing only 11-of-22 passes for 87 yards, no touchdowns and an interception. The Beavers also committed seven killer penalties for 75 yards.
In such a close game, penalties can cost you ball games…and it probably did.
Pass Defense
The Beavers’ run defense held its own, holding Sacramento State to 71 yards and a low 2.2 yards per carry average.
It was the pass defense, however, that struggled all day.
CSUS quarterback Jeff Felming (and a trick play pass from wide receiver Morris Norrise) completed 23-of-36 passes for 296 yards and all four of their touchdowns.
If OSU can’t stop Sacramento State’s passing game, how are they going to do against Wisconsin, Arizona, Stanford and Oregon?
Schedule
As mentioned in the previous slide, the Beavers’ schedule is not a favorable one. The Beavers take on four of the best passing teams in the country: Wisconsin, Arizona, Stanford and Oregon, all with a Heisman quality quarterback. Oregon State has four remaining games against top-25 teams, and making it to a bowl game is looking like a stretch.
Malcolm Agnew
Oregon State’s running back Malcolm Agnew was the lone bright spot for the Beavers on Saturday.
Agnew rushed for a career high 223 yards and looks like the future replacement to Jacquizz Rodgers (NFL).
Along with rushing for over 200 yards, Agnew scored all three of the Beavers touchdowns.
With how poor Oregon State’s passing attack was and James Rodgers injury situation, Agnew will likely be the primary offensive weapon.
Riley Has a History of Strong Finishes
The other area of ease “Beaver Believers” can find comfort in is that poor starts are no new trend for Oregon State.
The Beavers have played not fared well in their non-conference games (none as bad as Sacramento State), but they have seemed to find a way to right the ship and be competitive for the conference title.
In fact, in 2008 and 2009, only a loss to rival Oregon cost them from playing in the Rose Bowl.
Head coach Mike Riley and the Beavers missed out on a bowl game last season. How concerned should Beavers fans be?
Panic Meter: 8
Why eight? Because the Beavers are behind the eight-ball. Fans should definitely be concerned, but it isn’t time to complete panic.
The Beavers have a history of finishing strong, and it isn’t time to throw in the towel. On a scale of one to 10, the Beavers are at a risky eight.
Expect a huge blowout from Wisconsin (I’m talking 50 points), and then the Beavers need to prepare for the start of the Pac-12 grind.