How Oregon transfers, former signees fared in Week 0
Tracking how former Oregon Ducks players and signees performed during Week 0 of the 2022 season:
Trey Benson, RB Florida State: 11 carries for 105 yards and a touchdown in a 47-7 win over Duquesne
WATCH 2022 COLLEGE FOOTBALL LIVE
Mycah Pittman, WR Florida State: 4 catches for 44 yards and a 7-yard punt return in a 47-7 win over Duquesne
Daewood Davis, WR WKU: 6 catches for 124 yards and a touchdown and 1 carry for 15 yards in a 38-27 win over Austin Peay
Kahlef Hailassie, DB WKU: 6 tackles with a sack and pass breakup in a 38-27 win over Austin Peay
Jayvaun Wilson, RB UNLV: 1 carry for 7 yards in 62-21 win over Idaho State
Cross Patton, RB Nevada: 2 carries for 6 yards in 23-12 win over New Mexico State
Spencer Curtis, WR Nevada: 1 catch for 8 yards in 23-12 win over New Mexico State
Cooper Schults, TE Nevada: 1 catch for 6 yards in 23-12 win over New Mexico State
Kai Aneson, OL Nevada: Played on offensive line that blocked for offense that gained 257 yards on 68 plays in 23-12 win over New Mexico State
Louie Cresto, DE Nevada: 1 tackle in 23-12 win over New Mexico State
Five bold, and perhaps misguided, predictions about Oregon State and its upcoming 2022 football season:
1. This is Oregon State’s best defense in a decade
Oregon State hasn’t finished among the Pac-12′s top six in defense since 2014, and top three since 2012. That changes in 2022, as the Beavers are among the conference’s top half in total defense. There is talent and experience throughout the defensive roster. The return of John McCartan, addition of Andrew Chatfield and improvement of Cory Stover significantly upgrades OSU’s pass rush. The secondary is terrific (more on that below). Inside linebacker Omar Speights has a chance at first-team all-conference honors, and Easton Mascarenas-Arnold is emerging. All that appears to be missing is a dominant defensive tackle. Which is a big deal. But the Beavers are good enough up front to hold their own. The move to promote Trent Bray to defensive coordinator, while not fully tested on game day, seems to fit the personnel. OSU will be good enough against the run, and better against the pass. What upgrades this defense are takeaways. If the Beavers can average two takeaways a game, a winning record is on the horizon.
2. Secondary will be as good as any in the Pac-12
This isn’t all that bold, really. Many preseason lists rank OSU’s defensive backs among the top three in the Pac-12. Still, given what we’ve seen over the past half dozen years from Oregon State’s secondary, it feels bold to see it in print. But to be the best, the Beavers must surpass Utah. The Utes have two preseason all-conference first team picks in Clark Phillips III and Cole Bishop. The Beavers are in the conversation, as I believe they have four DBs capable of landing on the all-conference team at season’s end in cornerbacks Rejzohn Wright and Alex Austin, and safeties Jaydon Grant and Alton Julian. What impressed me during OSU’s preseason camp was the ability of many defensive backs to cover and defend passes without grabbing the receiver. It’s a group that can make a big difference this season if a) they improve takeaway numbers, and b) get a little help from the pass rush.