Beavers Beat

The pads are on, and the hits are getting bigger. But so, too, is the injury list.

On the latest episode of Beavers Beat, we look at the OSU offensive line as it works its way back to health, and some individual players standing out as camp progresses.

The first scrimmage of camp is coming up on Saturday for the Beavers.

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The Oregon State Beavers begin their second week of fall practices this week, coming off a first four days filled with exciting moments and intriguing storylines.

At the top of the list is the offense, remade under offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson with the added element of Maalik Murphy at quarterback. Murphy’s ability to make big throws downfield has been on display throughout the first week of fall camp, highlighted by a long touchdown pass to speedy wideout Zachary Card on Saturday.

The latest episode of Beavers Beat highlights the excitement surrounding the OSU offense, and previews the toughest games on the Beavers’ 2025 schedule

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It’s football season.

The Oregon State Beavers are set to kick off their 2025 fall camp, and The Oregonian/OregonLive will be on the ground providing in-depth coverage.

A new aspect of that coverage? The Beavers Beat podcast — a short-form podcast covering the biggest storylines of the moment for Oregon State.

Beavers Beat will feature news, analysis and interviews throughout the OSU football season. In the first episode, beat writer and host Ryan Clarke introduces the podcast and runs through his 5 major storylines to keep an eye on ahead of the Beavers’ fall camp

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Should Oregon State have started Ben Gulbranson at quarterback from the outset? Does the defense need a tweak, or a major overhaul? What are the Beavers’ biggest transfer portal needs?

With Oregon State’s 2024 season in the rearview mirror, it’s time to get cracking on improvement and returning to bowl eligibility. Former Beavers defensive end Isaac Hodgins and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel discussed OSU’s final game and the future on the latest Beaver Banter podcast.

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Isaac Hodgins admits he’s not sure he would have had Trent Brays’ go-for-it guts late in Oregon State’s 41-38 win over Washington State.

But the Beavers’ former defensive end liked the result, as well as the subtle differences on defense that made a difference. The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and Hodgins discussed everything that went into an OSU win that ended a five-game losing streak.

Also on the podcast: a 10 a.m. kickoff in Boise, getting ready for an opponent on a short week, and Thanksgiving is a perfect day for a starving lineman.

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Is Oregon State on the right track, despite a five-game losing streak and the likelihood that the Beavers won’t play in a bowl game in 2024?

Former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel talked about the ramifications of Saturday’s 28-0 loss at Air Force. What does it mean, and what has to happen to get the Beavers turned around.

Whatever it is, Hodgins – who played for coach Trent Bray for six years – believes the Beavers have the right head coach.

“This is the long game here. He’s going to build a culture that can build this program back up,” Hodgins said.

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Are Oregon State bowl hopes dashed, or is there hope?

In this week’s Beaver Banter podcast, The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins discuss the possibilities. Hodgins makes a case that OSU coaches will play video clips from Saturday’s 24-13 loss to San Jose State and show players that they’re not that far away from making big plays.

The podcast examines the good and bad of Saturday’s performance. One area that Hodgins explains is what it takes for a quarterback and receiver to get on the same page (he has personal experience).

They also get into a little basketball talk, and the relationship between the football and basketball programs.

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This week’s Beaver Banter podcast, with The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins, explores the team’s relevant issues as it heads into the final four games of the season.

Should Oregon State make a change at quarterback?

Are the Beavers capable of winning at least of their final four games and become bowl eligible?

What is the danger of players checking out when heading into November on a three-game losing streak?

What is a locker room like days before a presidential election?

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Oregon State finds itself heading to a critical juncture of the 2024 football season after the Beavers lost to UNLV 33-25 Saturday night.

Among things discussed on this week’s Beaver Banter podcast is whether the Beavers know how to put away an opponent. For a third consecutive week, OSU built a double-digit lead, only to lose it.

The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel and former Oregon State defensive end Isaac Hodgins discuss how experienced teams usually don’t let up when they have the opponent down. They also talked about improvements on defense, and why the offense had issues during the second half.

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Where does Oregon State go from here after its run defense failed in a 42-37 loss at Nevada? It is a significant portion of the discussion on this week’s Beaver Banter podcast, featuring former OSU defensive end Isaac Hodgins and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel.

On the podcast, we talk at length the issues on defense and whether they’re fixable. On the flip side, the Beavers’ offense was as good as its been all season, save for the interceptions. We answer a few listener questions toward the end, including one about whether OSU has enough talent on defense. You’ll be surprised at Isaac’s answer.

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