Oregon State got a cleaner, more complete special teams outing against Montana, and JaMarcus Shephard made sure the Beavers knew exactly what was being asked of them.
Xayvion Noland answered the challenge in a big way. He brought back three kickoffs for 79 yards, highlighted by a 46-yard return, and added four punt returns for 37 yards, including a 29-yarder, in Oregon State’s 52-17 win.
That production came after Shephard had poked at special teams coordinator Ricky Brumfield during the week, telling him OSU would not manage a punt return of 10 yards or a kickoff return beyond the 35. Noland and the return units clearly took that personally.
“He took it personal” Shephard said. “The whole team took it personal that I was giving them that challenge. I figured something out about our team; I give them the challenges and see if they’ll meet them.”
The night still wasn’t spotless. Noland lost the final punt return of the game, and Montana recovered it. The turnover didn’t change the outcome, with Kai Wheaton later intercepting a ball in the end zone, but Shephard still viewed it as a preventable mistake from a special teams group that has been “too up and down” early this season.
Penalties also dragged that phase down. Three of Oregon State’s seven flags against Montana came on special teams: an illegal block to the back by Logan Knapp, a face mask on Malachi Durant and a false start by Kord Shaw. Shephard called those “total focus” issues, the kind he believes can be cleaned up.
There were solid individual efforts elsewhere, too. Punter AJ Winsor averaged 38.3 yards on three punts, placed one inside the 20 and didn’t have any of his kicks returned. Shephard said the punt team “makes one of the biggest difference in the game”
Caleb Ojeda was good from 22 yards for his first week without a miss this season, and the operation around him stayed steady with no problems on snaps or holds. Jaydn Oh also helped limit return chances, with six of nine kickoffs ending in touchbacks.
Oregon State is 1-2 heading into its game at UTEP, also 1-2.
In Other News...
Beavers Finally Have This Over Oregon And Fans Cant Enjoy It
Oregon State may only be 1-2, but the Beavers have looked like the better team in the early going, and that has made the latest chapter of the rivalry feel a little upside-down. Oregon has the prettier record at 2-1, yet the Ducks have not matched the same level of play, while the Beavers have shown enough life under JaMarcus Shephard to keep the idea of a winning season on the table.
Kevin Griffin, Oregon States athletic director, framed the rivalry as something bigger than football, saying it matters to the culture of the state as the teams head toward a long gap before they meet again. The odd part for Beavers fans is that even with the satisfaction of seeing their side play better right now, there is not much immediate room to savor it, with the matchup not set to resume until several years from now. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon State's O-Line Gets Relief As Bigger Fight Still Looms
Oregon State got a timely bit of good news for its offensive line on Tuesday, when the status of Van Wells and Jaheim Patterson was settled well enough to keep them on the field for this season. For a program trying to protect its depth up front, any clarity along the line matters, and this ruling gives the Beavers a little breathing room in a spot where continuity can be hard to find.
The broader issue, though, is still not fully done. The eligibility fight had already moved through one layer of approval with the NCAA, and the case was headed toward a fuller hearing before the latest court decision was made public, leaving the larger picture unresolved for now. For Oregon State, it is a useful reprieve, but not the final word on a situation that has been hanging over two key players. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon State Just Got A Huge Ruling On Two Key Veterans
Oregon State got a meaningful break in court this week, as Benton County Circuit Court judge Matthew Donohue granted a preliminary injunction that lets Jaheim Patterson and Van Wells keep playing while their case against the NCAA moves forward. The two veterans are challenging the five-for-five eligibility rule, and their lawsuit is aimed at regaining eligibility while also shielding the Beavers from any penalties tied to their participation.
The ruling keeps the situation in motion, not finished, with a status hearing set for Oct. 27 before a trial date is established. For Oregon State, the immediate benefit is obvious: Patterson and Wells remain available as the legal fight continues, and the next court date will help determine how long that relief lasts. [Read more 🡒]