My Q&A answers for BeaversEdge

[Alex Markham]

Here’s my Q&A over at the OSU site:


With the Oregon State football team (4-2, 2-1 Pac-12) set to host the Utah Utes (4-2, 3-0 Pac-12) at Reser Stadium, BeaversEdge.com caught up with Ute Nation Publisher Alex Markham to learn more about the Utes...

1. From a standpoint of momentum, how big has this 3-0 start to Pac-12 play been for Utah after the 1-2 start?​

Alex Markham: "It’s huge. They are who so many thought they were, but it took a quarterback change and overcoming the adversity and heartache of losing their second team in nine months, for them to rally together and realize their potential. Truthfully, “big” or even “huge” might be the wrong way to describe it. There’s definitely some “woulda coulda shoulda” among the fanbase because it’s proven to be pretty apparent that their record would be better had Cam Rising been the starter from game one."

2. Cameron Rising has been playing really good football since taking over... what's he brought to the offense?​

AM: "Swagger. Honestly, he’s brought a lot of things, but swagger has been the biggest thing. Rising is the complete package. He’ll attempt some risky plays at times, but for the most part, he’s really unlocked the potential of the whole offense. Whittingham already has the utmost trust in him and it shows with the play calling. He throws a good deep ball, throws his receivers open, and keeps the defense on their toes with his running ability.
Another important thing that his style of play does is mask the struggles of the offensive line. Charlie Brewer wasn’t the only reason the Utes lost those early games, the struggles were in large part due to a domino effect from a struggling and injured offensive line. With Rising’s scrambling ability, it exposes the line less. Unlike Brewer, his success isn’t dependent on a clean pocket."

3. Oregon State boasts an elite-rushing attack, how do you think the Utes plan to slow it down?​

AM: "When Utah has struggled with defending the run this season, it’s been because of poor edge containment, but that improved against Arizona State last week. The Sun Devils have a deep and dynamic rushing attack and the Utes held them to only 134 yards. If Utah has the opportunity to put their foot on the gas on offense, they’d be wise, to gain enough separation to force the Beavers to throw the ball. I fully expect Baylor to get his typical yards per carry because he’s just that good. After early-season struggles though, Utah’s defensive line is beginning to look like a typical stout Utah defensive line."

4. Who are a couple of Utah players that Oregon State fans need to be aware of on both sides?​

AM: "On offense: Rising, Tavion Thomas, Britain Covey, Devaughn Vele, and the tight ends. Rising just has the “it” factor and is a difference-maker. Tavion Thomas is a bruiser that’ll put up Baylor-like numbers when he holds onto the ball. Covey is so dynamic and slippery while Vele has turned into Rising’s favorite down-field threat. Utah won’t hesitate to go to the “heavy” formation with three tight ends because all of Brant Kuithe, Dalton Kincaid and Cole Fotheringham are reliable targets.
I named a lot for the offense, so I’ll keep it short for the defense. The linebacker tandem of Devin Lloyd and Nephi Sewellhas developed into one of the best around."

5. What's your score prediction and why?​

AM: "This is a completely different team with Rising leading it. Normally conservative with how he wants his offense to perform, Whittingham has allowed offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig to go for more big plays with his sophomore signal-caller. That’s something they need to do in order to keep the Beavers from a ball-control offense with their running game. Overall, I just feel like Utah is the more complete team and they have too many playmakers that Rising can utilize. Additionally, the defense will take some time to adjust to stopping Baylor, but they’ll come through with the big stops when needed."
Utah 34, Oregon State 20