After Idaho suffered a rough loss last week in Indiana, they’re now set to have their second straight away game against an FBS opponent. A 56-14 loss doesn’t inspire confidence for the Vandals’ potential chances, but Oregon State has not been a good defensive team this season.
Oregon State is ranked No. 106nationally amongst FBS teams in total defense — allowing 427.5 yards a game. The Vandals can get yards and move the ball during this game, but it probably won’t be on the ground. Despite the poor overall defense, Oregon State is tied for No. 30 in the nation in run defense, allowing only 88 rushing yards a game and giving up three touchdowns in two games.
This is the perfect game for quarterbacks CJ Jordan and Mike Beaudry to make their final cases to be the starting QB against UC Davis. With both Beaudry and Jordan having strong performances in one game and poor performances in the other, this game will likely be the final showcase for both quarterbacks.
Going away from the running game did not work against Indiana, but if the Vandals can have success in the passing game from the opening snap, it may open the running game and the offense more for the running back room. It may also allow quarterback Zach Borisch to see more snaps and more offensive packages than he saw against Indiana.
Another key to victory for the Vandals will be to neutralize the dynamic offensive of the Beavers. Oregon State ranks No. 39 in the nation in total offense, but they don’t have a lot of points to show it. The Beavers average 33 points per game on offense and if the Vandals want to make sure that they can win they need to take away the run game. Indiana killed the Vandals on the ground and if they want to win this one, they need to contain the Beavers’ running back B.J. Taylor, who has 195 yards on 7.2 yards a carry with five touchdowns.
If the Vandals contain the Taylor and the overall running game of Oregon State, there is a chance to neutralize the overall offense of Oregon State. The quarterbacks have not played particularly well this season, with Chance Nolan and Sam Noyer combining for two touchdowns and one interception.
If the Vandals manage to contain Oregon’s offense and pass the ball effectively, this is a winnable game. The momentum from the win would be solid for the Vandals as they look ahead to a much-needed bye week before facing UC Davis in their conference opener on Oct. 2.
Kickoff for Saturday’s game will be at 12:30 p.m. PST.
Live updates of the game can be found on Twitter @VandalNation
Teren Kotwatsch can be reached at [email protected]