Oregon State quarterback Probability Nolan fingers off the ball to working again B.J. Baylor in the course of the LA Bowl in opposition to Utah State in Inglewood, Calif., Saturday, Dec. 18, 2021. Nolan returns in 2022 and is in a three-way battle to be the beginning quarterback this season. Ashley Landis, Related Press
Editor’s word: Third in a collection of articles analyzing every of the Pac-12 soccer groups heading into the 2022 season.
Earlier than final season, Oregon State hadn’t had a profitable season, or gone to a bowl recreation since 2013.
That modified in 2021, because the Beavers completed with a 7-6 report and performed in a bowl recreation — a loss to Utah State within the L.A. Bowl.
On prime of that, Oregon State handed Pac-12 champion Utah its solely convention loss final season, a wild 42-35 shootout victory in Corvallis.
Earlier than the annual rivalry recreation in opposition to Oregon, coach Jonathan Smith signed a brand new contract that carries him by way of the 2027 season.
“Coach (Jonathan) Smith has led the resurgence of our soccer program in a method that has made all of Beaver Nation proud,” stated athletic director Scott Barnes. “Their regular progress, enchancment and success on the sector, within the classroom and the group is clear. A powerful basis has been laid for fulfillment and the way forward for Beaver soccer is vibrant on account of coach Smith’s management.”
OSU completed No. 19 nationally speeding final season, gaining 260 on the bottom in opposition to the Utes.
The Beavers ranked fourth within the Pac-12 in complete yards and scoring a yr in the past.
Smith, who’s getting into his fifth season on the helm, is rebuilding the offensive line as a result of the Beavers want to exchange middle Nathan Eldridge and guard Nous Keobounnam.
“What we return on the offensive line, the athleticism, the veterans in that group, they’ve had a fantastic spring,” Smith advised the Pac-12 Community. “It begins up entrance and we really feel now we have a great group of O-linemen.”
Additionally gone is working again B.J. Baylor, who rushed for 1,337 yards, No. 16 within the nation. DeShaun Fenwick, who ran for just below 450 yards, is predicted to exchange Baylor. Freshman working again Damien Martinez must also see a variety of enjoying time.
Quarterback Probability Nolan threw for two,677 yards with 19 touchdowns and 10 interceptions final yr. He’s battling for the beginning job with Tristan Gebbia, who began in 2020, and redshirt freshman Ben Gulbranson.
“And I feel that’s wholesome for Probability to know that he’s acquired two guys on his heels,” Smith advised The Athletic. “There’s loads that Probability desires to take a step up in his recreation and enhance on, which he emphasised in the course of the spring — his command has actually grown since he’s began. He desires to be extra correct on the deep ball down the sector. I feel we had some examples of that this spring. I feel all three guys we are able to win some video games with and rating factors. We’re simply going to resolve just a few weeks into camp who offers us the perfect likelihood to do this.”
Defensively, OSU has a brand new coordinator in Trent Bray and wishes to exchange linebacker Avery Roberts. The energy of the Beaver defensive is predicted to be the secondary with safeties Jaydon Grant, Ron Hardge III, Wynston Russell and cornerbacks Alton Julian and Reizohn Wright.
2021 report: 7-6 (5-4 Pac-12).
Native ties
LB Riley Sharp (Skyline HS).
DL Omarion Fa’amoe (West HS).
2022 schedule
Sept. 3 Boise State
Sept. 10 @ Fresno State
Sept. 17 Montana State
Sept. 24 USC
Oct. 1 @ Utah
Oct. 8 @ Stanford
Oct. 15 @ Washington State
Oct. 22 Colorado
Nov. 4 @ Washington
Nov. 12 California
Nov. 19 @ Arizona State
Nov. 26 Oregon
Subsequent up: Stanford