College Football: 5 bold predictions for the 2021 season
By Dante Pryor
5. Oregon State will play in a bowl game
Despite losing running back Jermar Jefferson to the NFL draft, the Oregon State Beavers have every right to have high expectations this fall. The Beavers addressed losing Jefferson’s production in recruiting and the transfer portal.
Redshirt junior running back Deshaun Fenwick is a solid, experienced back who runs well between tackles, and diminutive dynamo all-purpose tailback Damir Collins can run between the tackles, out wide, and catch the ball out of the backfield.
Tristian Gebbia is the starter for the second year with the benefit of a full offseason. Oregon State has many young and veteran receivers that Jonathan Smith and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren like a lot. If the offensive line stays healthy, the offense can score some points.
Though the defense took a step back last season, expect the Beavers to be better. Defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar should have high expectations for his unit in year three. But, again, this is a veteran group, with every starter having two years or more in the program.
Their schedule is manageable opening the season against a Purdue team without Rondale Moore and unsure about who will start at quarterback. The only games that are guaranteed losses are USC, Washington, Utah, Arizona State, and Oregon. Keep in mind, Oregon and Washington were one-possession losses.