Tag: Oregon State

Sep 23, 2023; Pullman, Washington, USA; Oregon State Beavers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei (5) is stopped by Washington State Cougars defensive end Ron Stone Jr. (10) in the second half at Gesa Field at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports

Mountain West finalizes agreement with Oregon State, Washington State

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Mountain West Conference, Oregon State, Washington State and the Pac-12 have reached a football scheduling an agreement for the 2024 season.

The MWC announced the agreement on Friday.

Next season, the 12 Mountain West teams will play seven games against conference opponents plus one against either Oregon State or Washington State. The Beavers and Cougars were looking to fill out their schedules next season, when 10 schools leave the Pac-12 for other conferences.

“This is a unique and unprecedented opportunity for Oregon State and Washington State to play against highly competitive Mountain West football programs in 2024,” Mountain West commissioner Gloria Nevarez said in a news release. “The scheduling agreement will expand the Mountain West footprint and enhance our national brand, while providing our student-athletes with new opportunities, all in line with our strategic priorities. The scheduling agreement strengthens the league’s non-conference schedules, and we look forward to having Oregon State and Washington State be a part of the 2024 slate.”

The two remaining Pac-12 schools will not be eligible to play for the Mountain West championship, and results will not count toward the conference standings.

The Mountain West did not release any contract terms, but a report from Yahoo Sports this week said the conference would receive a fee of about $14 million for its part in the scheduling agreement.

At this time, the scheduling partnership applies only to football. Yahoo reported talks are in progress for a potential scheduling agreement for men’s and women’s basketball, and the two Pac-12 schools are discussing affiliate memberships with leagues for other sports.

The Mountain West consists of Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State and Wyoming. Hawaii is a participant in football.

UNLV (9-3, 6-2 MWC) will host Boise State (7-5, 6-2) on Saturday in the Mountain West championship game.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) runs with the ball for a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State’s Damien Martinez out of bowl game after arrest

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez will not play in the team’s upcoming bowl game following his arrest on DUI charges.

“We are aware of the alleged law violations involving Damien Martinez and take these matters very seriously,” athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement released Thursday night. “Damien will not be participating in the upcoming bowl game and we will continue to gather more information about the investigation.”

Martinez was pulled over for allegedly speeding in Corvallis, Ore., on Wednesday and subsequently cited for DUI and possession of marijuana by a minor.

Martinez addressed his situation in a post on social media Thursday.

“Made a mistake, I am fine, I WAS FINE, I’ll be fine…” Martinez, a sophomore from Lewisville, Texas, wrote.

The No. 20 Beavers were 8-4 in the regular season, and Martinez led them in rushing with 1,185 yards, good for second in the Pac-12. He scored nine touchdowns.

Oregon State will learn its bowl destination on Sunday.

–Field Level Media

Nov 11, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the first half against the Stanford Cardinal at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon State RB Damien Martinez arrested on suspicion of DUII

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State running back Damien Martinez was arrested Wednesday on suspicion of driving under the influence of intoxicants, according to police in Corvallis, Ore.

The Corvallis police log notes a 19-year-old male, confirmed to be Martinez, is accused of DUII, reckless driving and reckless endangering after a traffic stop for running a red light.

Because Martinez is under 21, he was also cited for possession of marijuana as a minor.

Martinez addressed his situation in a post on social media Thursday.

“Made a mistake, I am fine, I WAS FINE, I’ll be fine…” Martinez wrote.

It was unknown what discipline Martinez would face as the No. 20 Beavers await a bowl game assignment.

The Beavers went 8-4 in the regular season, and Martinez led them in rushing, ranking second in the Pac-12 with 1,185 yards. He scored nine touchdowns.

Oregon State already was in a state of flux with coach Jonathan Smith leaving for the Michigan State job and quarterback DJ Uiagalelei reportedly preparing to enter the transfer portal.

–Field Level Media

Oregon State Beavers quarterback DJ Uiagalelei warm ups before the annual rivalry game against Oregon on Friday, Nov. 24, 2023 at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

Reports: Oregon State QB DJ Uiagalelei to transfer

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State quarterback DJ Uiagalelei is entering the transfer portal again, multiple outlets reported Thursday.

He passed for 2,638 yards and 21 touchdowns in his first season with the Beavers after transferring from Clemson.

Uiagalelei will decide in the coming weeks whether to choose a third school or enter the 2024 NFL Draft, per ESPN.

He led Oregon State to an 8-4 season (5-4 Pac-12), adding 219 rushing yards and six touchdowns on the ground.

His career totals with the Beavers and Tigers (2020-22) include 8,319 passing yards, 57 TDs and 24 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Apr 16, 2022; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State interim defensive coordinator Trent Bray looks on during the Oregon State spring football game at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon St. names Trent Bray head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State named Trent Bray its next head coach on Tuesday.

Bray was promoted after serving as the Beavers’ defensive coordinator for two-plus seasons. He joined the Oregon State coaching staff in 2018 as the linebackers coach, holding that position until the middle of the 2021 season, when he was named interim defensive coordinator.

The 41-year-old Bray is taking over for Jonathan Smith, who is now Michigan State’s head coach.

“I’m excited to be able to announce Trent as our next head coach,” Oregon State athletic director Scott Barnes said in a statement. “After interviewing several qualified candidates, we realized our top choice, Trent, has already been a mainstay at the Valley Football Center and Reser Stadium. He’s been a part of Beaver Nation for a long time and love for this place is real.

“The connection and trust he has built with our student athletes is unmatched. His energy and determination as head coach will be a catalyst for continued program success.”

Under Bray this season, the Beavers’ defense is ranked 33rd in the country in scoring defense (21.5 points allowed per game) and 14th in rushing defense (104.1 yards allowed per game), and has recorded 36 sacks, tied for ninth most in the nation.

Leaning heavily on that unit, Oregon State went 8-4 in the regular season and is in position to appear in a bowl game for the third consecutive season.

The Beavers came in at No. 20 in the latest College Football Playoff rankings released Tuesday.

“I’ve been a part of Oregon State for a long time, as a coach and a student-athlete, and know how special Beaver Nation is,” Bray, who was a linebacker at the school from 2002-05, said in a statement. “I’m excited to lead an outstanding group of men our fans can be proud of.”

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers fans cheering during the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Washington State, Oregon State finalizing MWC alliance

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Oregon State and Washington State are finalizing an agreement that would ally the two remaining teams of the Pac-12 conference with the Mountain West Conference for the 2024 football season, Yahoo Sports reported Tuesday.

The Mountain West would receive a fee of about $14 million under the one-year agreement, which has a renewal option for 2025, per the report. A formal announcement could be made this week.

Under the agreement, the Mountain West teams would play seven conference games, plus an eighth against either Oregon State or Washington State.

Oregon State and Washington State were left behind when the other 10 teams of the conference decided to leave the conference for the 2024 season.

The Mountain West consists of Air Force, Boise State, Colorado State, Fresno State, Nevada, New Mexico, San Diego State, San Jose State, UNLV, Utah State and Wyoming. Hawaii is a participant in football.

Under the agreement, Oregon State and Washington State would not be eligible to play for the Mountain West title and they will play as “quasi-independents under the Pac-12 banner,” Yahoo reported.

At this time, the scheduling partnership would apply only to football. Talks are in progress for a potential scheduling agreement for men’s and women’s basketball, and the two Pac-12 schools are discussing affiliate memberships with leagues for other sports.

Oregon State finished the regular football season at 8-4 (5-4 Pac-12). Washington State began the season 4-0, which included a win over the Beavers, and concluded with a 5-7 (2-7) mark.

UNLV (9-3, 6-2 MWC) will host Boise State (7-5, 6-2) on Saturday in the Mountain West championship game.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith looks up at the video board during the second half against the Washington Huskies at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan State dismisses staff, hires Jonathan Smith as head coach

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan State dismissed its football coaching staff on Saturday and quickly moved to hire Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith to rebuild the program.

Athletic director Alan Haller made the changes a day after the Spartans ended their regular season with a 42-0 loss to No. 11 Penn State to finish 4-8 (2-7 Big Ten).

No contract terms were announced, and Smith’s hiring requires approval of the Michigan State board of trustees. The school said in a news release that Smith would be introduced on campus next week.

“Today is an exciting day for Michigan State,” Haller said. “… Jonathan has a proven track record of success, building the Oregon State program from the ground up by implementing a plan resulting in sustained historic success for the Beavers. He’s been a part of championship staffs, coached in the College Football playoff, and understands what’s required to be successful at the highest level, learning from some of the game’s most successful coaches.”

The Spartans started 2-0 on the season before then-coach Mel Tucker was suspended, and eventually fired on Sept. 27, amid an investigation into allegations of sexual harassment.

Michigan State was 2-8 under interim coach Harlon Barnett, who was let go. The Free Press in Detroit reported the school also won’t bring back offensive coordinator Jay Johnson and defensive coordinator Scottie Hazelton, special teams coordinator Ross Els, wide receivers coach Courtney Hawkins, tight ends coach Ted Gilmore, offensive line coach Chris Kapilovic, running backs coach Effrem Reed, defensive line coach Diron Reynolds, cornerbacks coach Jim Salgado and defensive analyst TJ Hollowell.

Barnett and Hawkins played at Michigan State.

Smith, 44, played quarterback at Oregon State from 1998-2001 but leaves his alma mater amid sweeping changes to the Pac-12. After this academic year, 10 of the 12 teams in the conference will be heading to other leagues, leaving holdovers Oregon State and Washington State with uncertain futures.

The Beavers, ranked No. 15, lost their regular-season finale 31-7 on Friday night to No. 6 Oregon. The Beavers finished the season 8-4 (5-4 Pac-12), pushing Smith’s record there to 34-35 in six seasons. In the past three seasons, the Beavers are 25-13.

“This year, Oregon State has controlled the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball, ranking among the nation’s leaders in both rushing offense and rushing defense. He’s shown not only the ability to recruit talented student-athletes who fit his system, but also to develop and maximize players once they’re in the program,” Haller said.

Smith previously worked as an assistant coach at Washington (2014-17), Boise State (2012-13), Montana (2010-11) and Idaho (2004-09).

The Spartans had one winning season in Tucker’s three full campaigns in East Lansing, going 11-2 (7-2 Big Ten) in 2021.

–Field Level Media

Nov 24, 2023; Eugene, Oregon, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bo Nix (10) throws a pass during the first half against the Oregon State Beavers at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

No. 6 Oregon crushes No. 16 Oregon St. for spot in Pac-12 title game

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Heisman Trophy candidate Bo Nix completed 33 of 40 passes for 367 yards with a pair of touchdown passes and a rushing touchdown, and the No. 6 Oregon Ducks had much to celebrate on their home field in Eugene, Ore., after their 31-7 win over No. 16 Oregon State on Friday.

The game could mark the Ducks’ final rivalry game against the Beavers for some time, gives them a spot in the last Pac-12 Championship game, and furthers their bid for a place in the College Football Playoff.

Oregon (11-1) won its sixth straight game and finished 8-1 in the Pac-12.

Oregon State (8-4, 5-4) managed just 273 yards of total offense, including 53 on the ground after what had been a successful rushing attack all season.

Oregon’s offense has often been a quick-strike unit this season, but on Friday, the Ducks chewed time off the clock with two lengthy touchdown drives in the first half.

Nix set the Ducks’ single-season completions record with his 305th of the season, a third-quarter pass to Troy Franklin for 17 yards.

The Oregon defense was determined to not allow the Beavers to trample on them the way Oregon State did with its running game in last season’s matchup in Corvallis, which the Beavers won 38-34. The Ducks held the Pac-12’s second-leading rusher, Damien Martinez, to 38 yards.

Oregon scored 10 points off two fourth-down stops in the game, the first being a Nix 16-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, making the score 14-0, and the second a 25-yard field goal for Camden Lewis in the third quarter.

Oregon State got as close as 14-7 with DJ Uiagalelei’s 9-yard touchdown pass to Silas Bolden in the second quarter, but Oregon answered with a fast touchdown. Nix needed just 40 seconds to get the Ducks down the field and throw a 41-yard touchdown pass to Franklin eight seconds before halftime.

Oregon sealed the win and a rematch with Washington in the Pac-12 Championship game with a 1-yard touchdown run by Jordan James early in the fourth quarter, followed shortly thereafter by Dontae Manning’s interception of Uiagalelei in the end zone.

The future of one of the fourth-oldest college football rivalries in the U.S., with 127 meetings between the two teams, is in doubt. Oregon moves to the Big Ten next season while Oregon State is headed toward playing as an independent if it doesn’t join another conference.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Damien Martinez (6) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Washington Huskies at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 16 Oregon St. eager to play spoiler vs. No. 6 Oregon

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The game that used to be known locally as the Civil War has the potential to be an epic battle, not just for bragging rights in the state of Oregon, but also for a spot in what could be the last Pac-12 championship game ever.

No. 6 Oregon can punch its ticket to the title game to face fourth-ranked Washington, but No. 16 Oregon State will look to spoil its rival’s plans on Friday in Eugene, Ore., before 10 teams from the conference move elsewhere.

Oregon (10-1, 7-1 Pac-12), headed to the Big Ten next season, also harbors dreams of getting into the College Football Playoff, but it needs a win on Friday and another in the Pac-12 title game to be considered.

Both teams’ coaches hope the rivalry can continue beyond 2023.

“Games like this are really important,” Ducks coach Dan Lanning said. “And it would be great if that’s something we could make happen and continue to make happen. I know everybody on our end would love to see that continue.”

Oregon State’s Jonathan Smith was part of the rivalry game as a player and now as a coach. He guided the Beavers (8-3, 5-3) to last season’s 38-34 upset of the Ducks when his team was ranked No. 21 and its in-state rival was ranked ninth, knocking Oregon out of the Pac-12 championship game.

Smith said a continuation of the rivalry would be a “good thing.”

“Living in this state for multiple years, there’s emotion and pride. If you win this game, you get to talk about it for a full year,” Smith said. “The intensity and emotions that come with it is a cool thing about college football.”

Oregon’s offense has been clicking all season with Heisman Trophy candidate Bo Nix at quarterback.

Nix, who has the most career starts in NCAA history (58), leads the nation with a 78.1 completion percentage, is second in passing touchdowns (35), third in passing yards per game (321.7) and fourth in total offense (333.4 yards per game).

Nix tied a school record with six touchdown passes last Saturday in a 49-13 win at Arizona State, and he has at least four touchdown passes in three straight games. All six of his scoring throws against the Sun Devils came in the first half.

His favorite target has been wide receiver Troy Franklin, who leads the Pac-12 with 1,221 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. Franklin’s yardage total is a single-season Oregon record.

Oregon State has lost two of its past four games to drop out of conference title contention, including a 22-20 loss at home to Washington last Saturday. The Beavers rely on a punishing ground attack, led by Damien Martinez and his 1,147 rushing yards. Martinez has six rushing touchdowns over his past two games.

Clemson transfer DJ Uiagalelei has thrown for 20 touchdowns against six interceptions while completing 57.5 percent of his passes for 2,418 yards.

Oregon leads the all-time series with a 67-49-10 record, but Oregon State has won two of the past three.

–Field Level Media

Nov 18, 2023; Corvallis, Oregon, USA; Washington Huskies wide receiver Jalen McMillan (11) goes up for a pass during the second half against the Oregon State Beavers at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Craig Strobeck-USA TODAY Sports

No. 5 Washington outlasts No. 11 Oregon St., 22-20

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michael Penix Jr. threw two touchdown passes and Dillon Johnson rushed for 89 yards as No. 5 Washington survived a scare and edged No. 11 Oregon State 22-20 on Saturday night in Pac-12 play at Corvallis, Ore.

Rome Odunze caught seven passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns for the Huskies (11-0, 8-0 Pac-12), who clinched a spot in next month’s Pac-12 championship game. Penix was just 13-of-28 passing for a season-low 162 yards.

Though high-powered Washington won its 18th consecutive game, it had just 69 yards and three first downs in the second half. Overall, the Huskies had 272 yards, well below their average of 503.9 yards.

Damien Martinez rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns for Oregon State (8-3, 5-3). DJ Uiagalelei completed 15 of 31 passes for 166 yards and two interceptions for the Beavers, who gained 319 yards.

Oregon State trailed by 12 at halftime and cut into Washington’s lead with a punishing 16-play, 78-yard drive that chewed up 9:56. Martinez capped it by scoring from the 5 to pull the Beavers within 22-17 with 1:29 left in the third quarter.

Atticus Sappington booted a 35-yard field goal with 10:40 remaining to bring Oregon State within two.

The Beavers forced a punt and took over at their own 5-yard line with 7:55 remaining. Though Oregon State possessed the ball for 5:47, the Beavers didn’t reach midfield and Uiagalelei’s fourth-and-5 pass was incomplete and the Huskies took over with 2:08 left.

Washington soon faced third-and-3 from the Oregon State 40 and Penix completed a 19-yard pass to Odunze with 1:52 left to wrap up the contest. Oregon State suffered just its second home loss in 18 games since the start of the 2021 season.

Penix and Odunze teamed up twice in the first half as Washington held a 22-10 lead at the break.

They combined for the game’s first points on a 12-yard scoring play with 9:55 left in the first quarter. Oregon State knotted the score on Martinez’s 3-yard run with 5:09 remaining.

The Huskies took a 9-7 lead late in the first quarter on a safety. Oregon State was punting from its own 40-yard line and the snap from Dylan Black sailed over the head of Josh Green. Once Green caught up to the ball in the end zone, he kicked it through the back to give Washington the two points.

Penix scored on a 5-yard run to give the Huskies a nine-point lead with 9:33 left in the first half. The Beavers cut their deficit to 16-10 on Sappington’s 38-yard field goal with 4:57 remaining.

Penix connected with Odunze again, this time from 32 yards out, with 54 seconds to go in the half.

–Field Level Media