Oregon State football a surprise Pac-12 contender in 2020

Oregon State continues to push defensive efficiency

For several seasons, Oregon State’s biggest problems have been their lack of efficiency or the lack of progress towards a more stable unit.

Usually, the Beavers would be ranked near the bottom in defensive efficiency and scoring defense as compared to other Power Five programs. This past season, they have been seeing more progress overall as they ranked 105th (10th in the conference) in points allowed (32.5) and 108th (ninth in the conference) in total yards allowed (445.7).

The biggest reasons for the improvements are from the coaching of defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar. In just two short seasons, Tibesar has analyzed the biggest attributes that have made the defense and gave them a boost in production.

Last season, the Beavers accounted for 32 total sacks and 14 forced fumbles. Expect the Beavers to be more consistent in all three of the units on the defensive side of the ball.

While the defensive line has potential and talent, they will need more production out of them. Oregon State has only two sacks accumulated from defensive linemen who are projected to make the start in 2020. Defensive end Isaac Hodgins returns to the Beavers with 23 starts under his belt. Last season, Hodgins accounted for 4.5 tackles for loss and one sack for the Beavers.

Simon Sanberg will look to be a full-time starter for the first time after two starts last year. Last season, Jordan Whittley had 14 total tackles and 3.5 tackles for loss in one start this past season. He looks to start at defensive tackle in 2020.

Plenty of experienced playmakers return at linebacker. There are two main starters and a few great role players returning for a rush defense that was ranked 79th (10th in the conference) in rushing yards allowed (169.5). There was an improvement with the Beavers defense this past season and they expect to get back better with their top three tacklers returning. Avery Roberts returns as one the starting middle linebackers after leading the team in total tackles (84).

Hamilcar Rashed Jr. returns as a preseason first-team All-Pac-12 selection as well as second-team All-American selection by Athlon Sports. He was the main pass rusher for the Beavers this past season as he accounted for 22.5 tackles for loss and 14 sacks. Omar Speights returns after starting six of the 12 games he played in last year. As a true freshman, Speights accounted for 71 total tackles, 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks.

The Beavers return three starters in the secondary as well. This is the unit that needs to see the most improvement from 2019. They were ranked 117th (eighth in the conference) in passing yards allowed (276.2). Oregon State as a whole allowed 149 passing first downs and a completion rate of 63 percent.

While the pass rush from the defensive line wasn’t helpful overall, the secondary needs to develop.

Cornerback Isaiah Dunn returns after starting in 22 of the 26 he has played in his career. He led the team in pass deflections with eight. Nashon Wright returns as the starting cornerback for his junior season after starting in 10 games in 2019. Jaydon Wright returns at safety after starting nine games.