Oregon State heads into Saturday night’s trip to Fresno State with a clear task: lean on the depth that has carried the Beavers so far, because the Bulldogs present a solid all-around test in a tough road environment.
The backfield looks like one of the biggest keys. Oregon State piled up 208 rushing yards in its most recent game against Washington State, and sophomore Cornell Hatcher finished the job when it mattered most.
After the Cougars scored late to trim the margin to ten, Hatcher ripped off three straight carries for 48 yards and a touchdown on the final OSU drive, helping put the game away after a failed Washington State onside kick. It was the kind of burst the Beavers will want again on the road.
That same game also showed what the offense can look like when the ground game is rolling and the passing attack finds a splash play. Newberry went over 100 rushing yards for the second time this season and also led Oregon State in receiving yards.
The Vanderbilt transfer delivered the big-play element Mitch Dahlen pointed to in preseason, breaking a screen pass for an 88-yard touchdown late in the first half. Against Fresno State, the Beavers will be looking for another productive night from their running backs.
If the Bulldogs focus heavily on Jesse Legree in the secondary, Oregon State will need another wideout to step forward. Aaron Butler has averaged nearly 15 yards per catch this season, but he was limited to one reception against Washington State. Getting him involved more often would go a long way toward keeping the offense steady.
On the other side of the ball, Houi has continued to make his presence felt. The FCS transfer has answered questions about cornerback depth by making plays all season, and he was everywhere against Washington State. He finished with 13 solo tackles, the most on the team, and added two pass deflections.
Mike Macintyre also highlighted the value of Hickle earlier in the week. The standout defensive end has not only shown an ability to pressure the quarterback, but he has also been strong at stuffing run lanes. That matters in this matchup, because if Oregon State can slow Fresno State’s halfbacks, it can turn its attention more fully to the Bulldogs’ many receiving threats.
In Other News...
Oregon State Faces A Road Test Their Coaches Clearly Respect
Oregon States coaches spent part of the week sounding a clear note of respect for the challenge waiting in Fresno, where the Beavers will be tested by a team that has given them plenty to think about on both sides of the ball. Head coach JaMarcus Shephard and defensive coordinator Mike MacIntyre both pointed to the need for cleaner offensive execution and better defensive control, with the matchup shaping up as one that could demand sharper play from Oregon State than it has shown at times.
MacIntyres emphasis on containing Fresno States quarterback and receivers underscored how quickly this game could get away from a defense if it loses discipline in space, while offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen added another layer by leaning on his own past coaching experience at Fresno State. He also helped set the scene for what should be a lively game environment, which only adds to the sense that Oregon State is heading into a road test its staff is taking seriously for good reason. [Read more 🡒]
Oklahoma State Suddenly Has Two Major Availability Concerns For Iowa State
Oklahoma State heads into its matchup with Iowa State with a pair of availability questions hanging over the offense, and both stem from what happened in last weeks lopsided win over Colorado. Quinton Hammonds is listed as questionable, while starting tight end Carson Kolb has already been ruled out, leaving the Cowboys to sort through a thinner game plan than they would prefer this early in the week.
Coach Eric Morris said he is hopeful Hammonds can make it back, but the availability report still leaves room for concern beyond those two names. Landon Dean and Dayvon Standard are also listed as questionable, so Oklahoma State is waiting on several fronts as it prepares for one of its more important Big 12 tests. [Read more 🡒]
Jesse Legree Just Gave Oregon State Fans A Reason To Dream Bigger
Jesse Legree gave Oregon State another jolt of optimism this week when he made his latest commitment public during a ceremony at his former high school. The move drew praise from coach JaMarcus Shephard, who pointed to Legrees buy-in as the kind of sign that can steady a program, reinforce its culture and help the Beavers sell a bigger vision to future recruits.
For Oregon State, the timing matters as much as the message. The Beavers are still navigating a Pac-12 season with broader questions hanging over the roster, including contract discussions with quarterback Braden Atkinson, so every public sign of stability carries extra weight. Legrees return gives the staff something tangible to build around, even as the bigger picture remains in motion. [Read more 🡒]