For an OSU team that went 3-9 just one year ago, starting undefeated for the first time since 2002 should be enough to make them satisfied with the season thus far, but that is not the case with this group of players.
It’s easy to notice the change in attitude and intensity from this team, even though the roster has very few differences from last year.
That is why with only three games under their belt the Beavers (3-0) are already making a splash in the PAC-12 and national spotlight.
So far this season the Beavers have been putting up impressive numbers every week on both sides of the ball.
The offense is leading the conference and ranked 4th nationwide in the air, with 362 yards per game being thrown by sophomore quarterback Sean Mannion.
OSU has shown great poise on offense, due to solid play from an offensive line full of nine true freshmen, that is giving Mannion the time he needs to make good decisions.
Those good decisions have been apparent, especially in the red zone where the Beavs are converting 91% of their scoring attempts, which puts them tied for 18th nationally.
A pair of OSU receivers have also been making national headlines due to their impact on the Beavers passing attack. Brandin Cooks and Marcus Wheaton rank 5th and 6th in the nation in receiving with 134.7 and 134.3 yards per game respectively.
This kind of air attack is making way for the OSU run game and backs like Storm Woods to get touches. Redshirt freshman Woods is coming off a 161 yard game against Arizona where he also ran for a touchdown.
In that game OSU proved that they could not only put up big plays, but big plays when it’s most needed. Tight end Connor Hamlett’s touchdown catch with 1:17 to play in the 4th quarter capped off a nearly perfect game winning drive by the Mannion.
The Beavs offense is being backed up by a defense that is also racking up impressive stats, including only allowing 83 yards rushing per game after facing three very talented backs.
The secondary is another area of this year’s team that has made a drastic turnaround, with dominant play from guys like corner back Rashaad Reynolds.
On the year Reynolds has racked up a team high 20 tackles and is averaging 6.7 tackles, which puts him at 10th best nationwide. His biggest performance came last week against Arizona where he had 10 tackles, 5 broken up passes and a 4th quarter interception that would go on to clinch a Beaver win.
After Thursday’s practice Reynolds, a 5-11 Junior shared his thoughts on the season and the team’s attitude going into Saturday’s match up against Washington St.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tooFw9rP3F8
AC) First off how was last week’s game for this team’s confidence?
RR) We approach each week the same, right now we’re 0-0, so we’re coming at it like that and making sure we treat this game as the most important game of the year.
AC) You’re coming off a big performance last week capped off by that game winning interception, how did that feel for you?
RR) It felt amazing, definitely because I gave a touchdown up before so I came back to the sidelines and told the guys I would make a play at the end of the game, so when I did it felt really good.
AC) People are listing you as an impact player on this year’s defense, what has changed for you this year as compared to last year?
RR) Experience and confidence, I think playing confidently is the biggest thing I’m doing differently, so with that came me being able to make plays.
AC) What has the key difference been on defense this year?
RR) We have a lot of guys that want it, and I think we gel well together. We talk a lot together, we eat a lot together, so I think that close relationship helps a lot on the field.
AC) How excited is the team to be back playing in Reser this week?
RR) We’re ecstatic, we know Beaver nation is ready for us to come back, so we’re just really excited and got to come into this game and give it our best shot.
This week Reynolds and the rest of the defense will have to face yet another talented group of players on the Washington St. (2-2) offense, lead by first year head coach Mike Leach.
Leach is sticking with sophomore quarterback Connor Halliday who will be at the helm of a passing attack that is currently 3rd in the PAC-12 with 333 yards a game.
One weapon the Cougars will definitely be utilizing is junior wide out Marques Wilson, who is currently the active leader for the PAC-12 with 2893 yards receiving on his career.
Head coach Mike Riley, who will be looking to add on to his record of 75 wins as an OSU head coach, shared his thoughts on the new system Leach has put into place this year.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k4Ge4w5rFuw&feature=youtu.be
“It’s a variable passing attack, they have a lot of different guys making plays and they have some outstanding players. We’re going to have to cover well and put pressure on the passer.”
Riley went on to address the obstacles that will face the OSU offense, mainly in the form linebacker Travis Long. Not only has Long brought in 27 tackles, but has also recorded 6.5 sacks and a fumble recovery on the year.
“He’s a really good player, I think he’s one of the best defensive players in the conference, we’ve seen him for a long time now and he is really an effort guy with good ability.”
With talented players across the board and a bad taste in their mouths after last Saturday’s loss against Oregon, Washington St. will be yet another test for this Beavers team that is trying to prove themselves as a force in the PAC-12.
That is why after a season full of impressive numbers, the only one the Beavers are focusing on now is getting that 4th win.
OSU takes on WSU on the PAC-12 network Saturday October 6th at 3pm
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