Well, one thing is for sure when it comes to the football season for the Oregon State Beavers: it has not been boring.
In the first game, they were a 26-point favorite against FCS division foe Eastern Washington, only to lose 49-46. Then, against Hawaii, the game was tied at halftime before the Beavers pulled away in the second half, 33-14. And in the most recent game at Utah, it took three interceptions by the OSU defense and superman performances by quarterback Sean Mannion (443 passing yards, 5 touchdowns) and wide receiver Brandin Cooks (210 reception yards, 3 touchdowns) to scratch out the overtime victory, 51-48.
Eastern Washington? Ouch. Hawaii? Whew. Utah? Never doubted it for a minute. Yeah, right. Defining would be more accurate. Last Saturday showed where this team is going. Offensively, with the air attack they possess, this team will never be out of a game. Defensively, they are erratic. Capable of making big plays along with defensive stops, yet susceptible to allowing the opposition to score with ease.
The win against Utah may go down as the season changer. On the record books, 2-1 looks a lot better than 1-2. Furthermore, the crucial stop by the defense only allowing a field goal in OT could be a massive momentum builder. If they study game film and learn to tighten things up as they did in the first quarter and overtime against Utah, this defense can find the improvement needed as they confront more challenging offenses. Cornerbacks Steve Nelson (twice) and Sean Martin (once) picked off Utah quarterback Travis Wilson to provide a plus-3 turnover ratio for OSU. Despite the offensive heroics, these interceptions turned a likely loss in to victory. Opposing offenses need to be put in a position of worrying about a strong OSU secondary. A three interception performance is a great start.
Which brings us to the offense. Each week it becomes easier to believe in Mannion. He looks more and more comfortable in the pocket and is responding to pressure. On the year, he has 12 touchdowns to only one pick. But as the schedule gets tougher, will he? His benefactor, Cooks, is on pace for 100+ receptions and almost 2,000 yards. These staggering numbers are unlikely to stay on pace, but his ability certainly will never be questioned. And as stellar as those two have been, the real intangible is sophomore receiver Richard Mullaney. His 142 reception yards last Saturday felt like 242. His impact makes the Beaver passing game more than one dimensional (Cooks). If the Beavers ever get that paltry running game on track, Beaver nation might just be looking at a sunny Fall in Corvallis.
As Oregon State looks toward the game at San Diego State, any thoughts of the Beavers playing conservative might be dispatched thanks to Coach Mike Riley. Against Utah, facing a fourth and one in their own territory (going for it was clear), the flea flicker call (handoff to Terron Ward, back to Mannion to Cooks for the 48 yard gain) was brilliant. Best play call since the Yvenson Bernard 2-point conversion with 23 seconds left to beat Missouri in the 2006 Sun Bowl, 39-38. With a sparse running attack, Riley has shown it is not all about having Mannion drop back and toss.
The Aztecs give up 41 points a game, ranked 118th. Conversely, OSU has surrendered 37 points per contest (110th). The Beavers are certainly favored. However, through three adventurous games, Oregon State would like you to check your heart rate at the door.
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