Pac-12 Football: Each team’s top Heisman Trophy candidate for 2020
By Dante Pryor
If the Oregon State Beavers make a run toward a conference championship, it is because Nebraska transfer quarterback Tristan Gebbia was the trigger man behind an experienced offense. If the Beavers have an advantage coming into this season, it is they have experienced players all over their offense.
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The Beavers return star running back Jermar Jefferson, but will have to hope for a go-to receiver to emerge since Isaiah Hodgins left for the NFL. Gebbia gets the nod over Jefferson because defenses that play Oregon State will game plan to stop Jefferson.
It’s up to Gebbia and his receivers to make plays that give an opportunity to Jefferson. Expect for him to see a lot of man coverage when defenses load up to stop Jefferson. If he and his receiving corps can take advantage of man coverage, Gebbia can put up some serious numbers.
Gebbia will play behind an offensive line that will likely plan only one underclassman. Though the Beavers’ two leading receivers are gone, this season’s starters are all veterans. He’ll have a good 1-2 punch in the backfield with Jefferson and junior running back B.J. Baylor.
An Oregon State run means Gebbia has stepped up and taken his game to an unforeseen level.