Oregon State’s defense on a mission to fix its glaring takeaway problem
Updated Apr 08, 2021;
Posted Apr 08, 2021
Oregon State is hopeful to pull out the turnover chainsaw more often this fall. Photo by Karl Maasdam/Oregon State athleticsKarl Massdam/Oregon State athletics
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A bowl is the goal for Oregon State football this season, which among other things means the Beavers defense must make a significant move forward.
In three years under coach Jonathan Smith and defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar, OSU’s defense has taken baby steps of improvement. Last season, Arizona State was the only team to amass more than 500 yards of offense against the Beavers.
Oregon State coach Jonathan Smith liked progress of defense in 2020, said Beavers have a ‘sound scheme’
Updated Jan 08, 2021;
Posted Jan 08, 2021
Oregon State s Hamilcar Rashed Jr. (9) gets set for a play as the Oregon State Beavers take on the Washington State Cougars in the Pac-12 football season opener at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon, on Saturday, Nov. 7, 2020. Photo by Leon Neuschwander for The Oregonian/OregonLiveLeon Neuschwander for The Oregonian/OregonLive
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It’s a time-honored tradition among Oregon State football fans: the annual open season on the defensive coordinator.
The latest target on message boards and social media is Tim Tibesar, the Beavers’ third-year defensive coordinator. The 3-4 scheme isn’t working. OSU doesn’t blitz enough. Blitzes too much. Defense can’t tackle.
Oregon State Beavers Jermar Jefferson, Nathan Eldridge, Avery Roberts earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors
Updated Dec 22, 2020;
Posted Dec 22, 2020
Oregon State running back Jermar Jefferson (6) is brought down by Stanford inside linebacker Levani Damuni (30) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 12, 2020. Stanford won 27-24. (AP Photo/Amanda Loman)AP
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The last time Oregon State had a player earn first-team All-Pac-12 honors was in 2013, but this year three Beavers were named to the conference’s top team.
Oregon State junior running back Jermar Jefferson and senior offensive lineman Nathan Eldridge on offense and junior linebacker Avery Roberts on defense were named to the All-Pac-12 first team Tuesday.
Arizona State’s big-play firepower, Oregon State mistakes lead to 46-33 Beaver loss: Game at a glance
Updated Dec 19, 2020;
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Arizona State’s big play offense was too much for Oregon State to handle as the Sun Devils rolled to a 46-33 win Saturday night at rainy Reser Stadium.
ASU (2-2) had four touchdown plays of more than 25 yards as Oregon State ended its pandemic-impacted 2020 season with a 2-5 record.
The Beavers also contributed to ASU’s romp with two turnovers and two punt team mistakes.
Chance Nolan threw for two touchdowns and Jermar Jefferson ran for 103 yards to lead the Beavers.
A rare season-ending win, cornerback issues, what if Jermar Jefferson can’t play: 5 things to watch for Oregon State vs. Arizona State
Updated Dec 19, 2020;
Posted Dec 19, 2020
Arizona State wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk dives into the end zone as Oregon State defensive back Nahshon Wright tries to tackle him during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis, Ore., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Oregon State won 35-34. (AP Photo/Steve Dykes)AP
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1. That winnin’ feeling
It’s been four years since Oregon State finished a season with a win. In fact, since 2008, only twice has Oregon State ended the season with a win (2013, 2016). If ever there were a season to leave on a high note, this is it. It won’t make up for the lost opportunities, but it will give players and coaches a good feeling heading into the holidays. It also gives the Beavers a little extra evidence that they’re on the right track.