Oregon State Football: Will the Beavers reach bowl game in 2021?

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Nov 21, 2020; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; California Golden Bears wide receiver Nikko Remigio (4) avoids the tackle of Oregon State Beavers defensive back Akili Arnold (0) during the first half at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports /

Can the defense play better against better competition?

The Oregon State defense has been a work in progress since Jonathan Smith came to Corvallis. However, the Beavers have been incrementally better every season. Though they gave up nearly the same amount of points and yards as 2019, the Beavers were not blown out because the defense could not get off the field.

The Beavers have two solid inside linebackers in junior Avery Roberts and sophomore Omar Speights. Both linebackers combined for 133 tackles. Where the Beavers fell short last season was in turnovers and sacks.

Oregon State had just seven sacks and six turnovers last season. One of the issues with the Beaver’s defense is with the defensive line. Sure, the Beavers have experience upfront; what they do not have is size. There is not a true space eater along their defensive line.

The closest Oregon State has is Minnesota transfer Keonte Schad at 295 pounds. It is hard to keep linebackers clear when you don’t have the beef to take on double teams.

There is promise in the secondary led by Jaydon Grant, who is the veteran in the secondary. The Beavers replace two cornerbacks, so expect Oregon State to rotate several players around in hopes of generating some interceptions on the back end.

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