CORVALLIS - Oregon State heads into its Pac-12 opener staring down one of the country’s most explosive offenses, and Colorado State has already built the kind of big-play profile that can wreck a game in a hurry.
Through four games, the Rams are tied for second nationally with 16 plays of 30 yards or more. Eight of those have gone for at least 50 yards, which is the most in the nation. That kind of production is rare enough to stand out over an entire season, let alone in the opening month.
“They’ve found various ways to hit explosive plays all throughout the game,” Oregon State coach JaMarcus Shephard said. “I’ve already shown the tape to some of our position coaches and challenged them already, but also challenged some of our players; ‘Hey, this guy right here he’s going to put you on his draft highlight if you don’t play the way you’re supposed to.’
They’ve got guys that are capable of doing that. I think our guys are really getting fired up about this challenge.”
Colorado State’s damage hasn’t come through one avenue, either. The Rams have 11 completions of 30-plus yards and five runs that have reached that mark. Only Miami matches that kind of punch on the ground while also threatening deep through the air.
“They’ve got speed all over,” defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre said. “Their quarterbacks are able to execute it not only with their arms. ...
They’re able to run with it and do some different things. They attack you on all fronts; run-wise, pass-wise and on the perimeter with their feet.”
The quarterback situation is still unsettled. Hauss Hejny was listed as questionable Wednesday with a hamstring injury, though Colorado State’s offense didn’t lose its edge last week without him.
Hejny has thrown for 619 yards with 10 touchdowns and one interception and has also run for a score. But the Rams have gotten production from elsewhere, too: UConn transfer K’saan Farrar passed for 344 yards and two touchdowns against UTSA, and Darius Curry completed 6 of 8 passes with a touchdown against BYU.
“We’re going to have to do our due diligence and say that the whole playbook is open to each one of those guys and make sure that we do our part to help our players understand what we think we’re going to see on Saturday,” Shephard said.
Colorado State’s ground game adds another layer. Running back Mel Brown is averaging 9.11 yards per carry, though that number is boosted by his 171 yards on nine carries against Southern Utah. Even so, he had 90 yards on only 12 carries against UTSA.
“They like to run a lot of stretch and he cuts it up pretty well,” defensive lineman Niklas Fisher said. “(Brown) is pretty fast, so we’re definitely going to have to shut him down pretty early.”
Oregon State has been better at cutting down on explosive plays over its last two games, allowing just three gains of 20 yards or more. But Saturday brings a tougher test, and the Beavers are dealing with their own depth concerns at cornerback.
That combination means Oregon State may need its sharpest defensive showing yet to keep Colorado State from turning the game into a track meet.
“As long as everyone is on the same page and does their job, we’re going to be alright,” nickel Gyriece Goodman said. “They have a very good running back.
They have talented receivers. We’re going to have to stay on our work.”
Oregon State (2-2) at Colorado State (2-2)
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