NCAAF Pick: Oregon State Over 8.5 Wins (+120) at Caesars Sportsbook
The Oregon State Beavers continue to shock the world. The Beavers added a 10-3 overall record last year and went 6-3 in the Pac-12.
The Beavers aren’t typically a winning program. But they’ve developed incredibly well under Jonathan Smith.
Thanks to an incredible offensive line, the defense was stifling, and the offense did its thing.
The Beavers would love to add a Pac-12 Championship in the final true season of the Pac-12. Oregon State is still stuck in the Pac-12, so they’ll want to prove that they belong with everyone else.
For the upcoming season, they have a favorable schedule. Will that be enough to earn at least nine wins this season which is their total for season wins at the top online sportsbooks?
Let’s break it all down below. Here’s a preview of the Oregon State Beavers for the 2023 season.
The Offense
The Oregon State Beavers brought in former Clemson quarterback DJ Uiagalelei. He never really developed with the Tigers.
Maybe he wasn’t given an entirely fair chance. But he was taking over for a team that just sent Trevor Lawrence into the NFL Draft. Expectations were high for the kid.
Uiagalelei could use some change of scenery. He needed this opportunity to get back to his old self.
Hit the Ground Running
But if he doesn’t succeed out of the gate, don’t be surprised if Ben Gulbranson takes over at quarterback. He went 7-1 in the last eight games last year.
The Beavers lost a lot of their top receivers. However, Anthony Gould will make plays on the outside, and Silas Bolden should do work in the slot. There are always plenty of big tight ends that are solid pass-catchers.
Meanwhile, the offensive line still looks incredible, and that should help Damien Martinez, Deshaun Fenwick, and Jam Griffin in the run game. Those three added over 2,000 yards on the ground with 18 touchdowns.
The Defense
The Oregon State Beavers were insanely good defensively last year. They were dominant around the red zone, where it counts the most. That was the most crucial portion of the defense last year.
Meanwhile, the defense only added 20 sacks last season. The pass rush wasn’t always great. Riley Sharp, the leading sacker last year, will move to tight end. The defense won’t have him around anymore.
They also lost Omar Speights to LSU. However, Easton Mascarenas-Arnold should be dominant. At least there’s some experience on defense.
Finally, Oregon State should have Ryan Cooper and Kitan Oladopo back in the secondary. Those two are veterans who have played with each other previously. The more significant question marks surround the cornerbacks. However, if the pass rush develops, the corners will play better, too.
Oregon State Win Total
The Oregon State Beavers are projected to earn 8.5 wins this year, with the Over at +120.
The Beavers will take on San Jose State to begin the season. That should be a win despite the game being played on the road. They’ll also take on UC Davis, which should be another win to start the season.
The Beavers will take on San Diego State at home in Week 3. That will be a fun defensive battle, but I like the Beavers to come out of that game with a win, too.
At 3-0, Oregon State will face Washington State. These are the only two teams that will be left in the Pac-12 once the ACC makes its move for Stanford and California. Still, Oregon State’s the better football team.
They’d be 4-0 with a meeting against Utah at home. This should be an exciting matchup against the defending Pac-12 champions. But at home, I’ll rock with Oregon State to steal a home victory there.
The Beavers would be 5-0 with California next. Mark that game as a win, too. Already, the Beavers would be bowl-eligible.
I also like Oregon State over UCLA at home, and I believe they’ll beat Arizona, on the road, after their bye week. They’d be 7-0, and at this point, analysts will be talking about how Oregon State could make the National Championship and College Football Playoff.
They’d have Colorado next. That should also be a win, even on the road. They’ll also have Stanford, which looks excellent for Oregon State.
That’s already nine wins, with Washington and Oregon left on the schedule. Even if Oregon State lost both games, the Beavers would earn at least nine wins this season.
NCAAF Pick: Oregon State Over 8.5 Wins (+120) at Caesars Sportsbook
