Oregon State Football: Keys To Victory vs. Colorado State Rams
If the Oregon State Beavers want to improve their 2024 record to 4-1, they'll have to get through a 2-2 Colorado State team this weekend at Reser Stadium. If they want to do that, they'll have to key in on a few specific aspects of the game, in all three phases.
Here are the keys to victory for Trent Bray's team against Jay Norvell's Rams.
Expect a Balanced Attack From CSU
Colorado State's two wins have come against winless teams and scored a total of nine points over their two losses. So, it's tough to say whether or not they're achieving the things they want on the offensive side of the ball. While the Rams have found some success running the ball with 4.8 yards per carry, their best offensive player is undoubtedly wide receiver and All-American receiver Tory Horton, who averaged 94.7 receiving yards per game in 2023. The Beavs' defense will need to be ready for both methods of attack.
Take Some Play-Action Shots
Jay Norvell noted in his media availability this week that the Rams' biggest defense focus for this game is on Oregon State's rushing attack, which averages 267.75 yards per contest. Ryan Gunderson and Gevani McCoy can use that to their advantage. The Beavs have not really needed McCoy to be a star quarterback this season, and they probably won't again on Saturday. However, there's so much focus on shutting down Jam Griffin and Anthony Hankerson, that some opportunities to take some deep play-action shots should present themselves. A few of those did come through in the Idaho State and San Diego State contests.
Keep Dominating on Money Downs
Defensive coaches often refer to third and fourth down situations as "Money Downs." The Beavers have been very good on those downs to start the year. Oregon State have yet to allow a fourth-down conversion and have allowed opponents to convert only 36% of third down attempts. It's played a very big role in their early success this season.
More Reading Material From On SI
Former Dutch Bros CEO Donates $3 Million to Oregon State Basketball
3 Things We Learned About Oregon State Football Opponents During The Bye Week
Oregon State Football: Best Bets vs Colorado State - Odds, Props, Over/Under
Joe Londergan joined the SI brand in 2023 with G5 Football Daily. With over 15 years of experience in covering and working directly in college and pro sports, Joe's expertise has been featured in Front Office Sports, SB Nation, and XRAY.FM. He is a member of both the Football Writers' Association of America and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association. Joe holds a bachelor's degree from the University of Louisville and a master's degree in sports administration from Seattle University. Outside of his writing career, Joe enjoys golfing, although he admits that while he hits driver decently, his short game is a liability.