One crucial key stands out for how Oregon must slow down Oregon State in rivalry game
With the Oregon Ducks, we've learned a lot through two weeks. Most importantly, we've learned that no opponent can be underrated. Nobody can be slept on.And especially not during rivalry week.Yeah, the Oregon State Beavers are left behind in the Pac-12, who made a massive announcement about expansion today that has them on track to […]
With the Oregon Ducks, we've learned a lot through two weeks. Most importantly, we've learned that no opponent can be underrated. Nobody can be slept on.
And especially not during rivalry week.
Yeah, the Oregon State Beavers are left behind in the Pac-12, who made a massive announcement about expansion today that has them on track to a full conference again in 2026, but this team still poses a potential pitfall to the Ducks.
Oregon State can run the ball insanely well
In their first two games, which were on the road at San Diego State and at home against Idaho State, the Beavers showed that they want to run the ball, and run it some more.
Through two games, they've run the ball 65.4% of the time, averaging 4.6 rushing yards per play. Their 51 rush plays per game are the sixth-most in college football so far on the young season, and their 237 rushing yards per game ranks 15th.
Oregon State has a true one-two punch in their backfield, with running backs Anthony Hankerson and Jamious Griffin combing for a 40/38 split on rushing attempts. They essentially have two running backs handling what would be a normal full workload at the same time, while their quarterback has only attempted 36 passes through two games. Stopping the run is going to be paramount, and head coach Dan Lanning knows it.
"They've got some dynamic backs that have been really challenging, and they've done a good job taking some shots down the field. You know, their quarterback is a guy that we really watched prep for Idaho, because he was in Idaho last year, and he's playing good ball. He's a threat with his feet to throw the ball down the field," Lanning said. "I still think, on the same note, they've maintained a lot of what their identity was in the past few years."
Oregon State's defense has been tough on early opponents
You can only play who's on the schedule, but we shouldn't discredit the great job that Oregon State's defense has done over their first couple games.
They've held opponents to only 179 total yards of offense per game, which currently ranks fourth in the country. They've clamped down both against the run and the pass.
It's fair to say that they haven't played an offense with the firepower that the Ducks have, but teams don't accidentally hold opponents to only 15 total points through two games, including a shutout over San Diego State.
Oregon's offense will need to continue the forward progress that they made in Week 2, and will need to see vast improvement from the offensive line. Getting out to an early jump with the ball, while showing great physicality on defense to stop the run, will be how Oregon can blow this open.
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