Know The Enemy 2023: Oregon State Beavers
A friend answers our questions
We asked our friends over at Building the Dam to answer some questions about OSU football for us. Marcus Russell graciously answered the call to be our go-to expert for the upcoming matchup.
EDITOR’S NOTE: Some answers were edited slightly for clarity. Any additional input provided will be clearly denoted with “WFC:” at the start.
Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?
MR: Damien Martinez is the name to know. He's Oregon State's star running back and will be the engine that moves the chains for Oregon State. Look out for Silas Bolden as well. He's developed into the Beavers' #1 receiving option this season. He's a small wide receiver but an electric playmaker with the ball in his hands (153 total yards and 2 TDs against Utah last week).
How has the transition with DJ Uiagalelei under center been? Has his presence been a meaningful upgrade over Chance Nolan and Ben Gulbranson and will thus help you in the big games?
MR: DJ Uiagalelei has absolutely been an upgrade over Chance Nolan/Ben Gulbranson, but he has still struggled at times. He's got a huge arm and is a force to bring down when he takes off and runs. Oregon State doesn't exactly have a plethora of tall receivers, but Uiagalelei will need to play better especially on the road if the Beavers are going to challenge for a Pac-12 championship this season.
Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?
MR: Andrew Chatfield Jr. In my opinion, he is Oregon State's best pass rusher. The Beavers did a great job last week pressuring Utah's quarterback and Chatfield was a huge reason why.
OSU’s defense has been lights out against everybody but Wazzu. What did the Cougs do to score points other than “Cam Ward was awesome”?
MR: Oregon State's secondary isn't as strong as last season, but they are better against the rush. Washington State played really well and their receivers made some incredible catches. Also, Cam Ward was awesome.
Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for you?
MR: Anthony Gould. Silas Bolden has been the more effective wide receiver this season (Gould has not been 100%). But I think this could be the week that Anthony Gould uses his speed to make a huge play or two for the Beaver offense.
One of my favorite players on the roster is someone who doesn't even start, Aidan Chiles. How do Oregon State fans view him and what he may be in the future?
MR: Aidan Chiles is going to be a future star for Oregon State. He beat out Ben Gulbranson to be the backup QB as a true freshman and clearly has immense talent. Last week Aidan Chiles played in the 3rd series of the game (which apparently was in the plan before the game started). In my opinion, it was a really weird decision to throw Chiles out there against the best defense in the conference when Oregon State already had the lead and all the momentum. Chiles made a great throw, but some procedural issues led to penalties and the drive stalled. Aidan Chiles has already played in 3 games this season and probably won't redshirt as a true freshman.
Jonathan Smith is unequivocally a rising star in the coaching ranks, he's done nothing short of a masterful renaissance rebuild after Gary Andersen left. What are his best characteristics and where does he need to improve to get the Beavers over the top?
MR: He is just a fantastic football coach. He knows his team's strengths and coaches winning football: a great X's and O's type of guy. If Oregon State really wants to take the next step, Jonathan Smith will need to up his recruiting game. The Beavs have landed a number of high-profile transfers, but they have never landed a 5-star recruit out of high school.
What does Oregon State need to do to win the game?
MR: Run the ball and stop the run.
What does Cal need to do to win the game?
MR: Shut down Damien Martinez and DeShaun Fenwick and force DJ Uiagalelei to make quick throws in tight windows.
How do you see the game going?
MR: Oregon State has settled in at just over a touchdown favorite. I would feel a lot more confident if this game was in Corvallis, but I still think the Beavers will grind out the win in the 4th quarter.
We don't condone violence at W4C, but we like this question as an opportunity for folks to air it out. Whom do you most want to punch in the face?
MR: Pat McAfee and ESPN. Beaver fans have obviously not enjoyed the demise of the Pac-12 and getting left in the Pac-2. I have no idea why Pat McAfee has such obvious disdain for Wazzu though.