NorthWest Sports Blog brings you daily features on Oregon, Washington State, and BC amateur and pro sports teams.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down five things to watch for in the Alamo Bowl matchup against the Texas Longhorns on December 29th. Highlighting the list are seniors Markus Wheaton’s and Jordan Poyer’s final game as Beavers, as well as the chance at a big statement to finish off a stellar season.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the NSU vs. OSU week 14 matchup. Markus Wheaton has a prolific end to his career, and the Beavs put together some great prep before their bowl game. The only negative is the return game is still nonexistent against underwhelming competition.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the UO vs. OSU week 13 matchup. The defense puts out a surprisingly tough effort, and the running backs do everything right to keep the game in OSU’s favor. But a flurry of mistakes—many on the shoulders of Markus Wheaton—puts the Beavers to rest in this 48-24 loss.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on high flying cornerbacks Jordan Poyer and Rashaad Reynolds. While the Beavers are known for their dominating run defense, the secondary has had to take it’s lumps this season. They rank 59th in the FBS, allowing 236.4 passing yards per game. But despite the stats, that doesn’t take away how good these two players have been for the Beavs.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on this week’s football matchup against the Oregon Ducks in NCAA football Week 13 action. It’s not quite the battle of the unbeatens we were all hoping for, but it’s still the biggest game of the season for these two teams. OSU needs a win to cap off their underdog season, while UO has to win to stay alive in the Pac-12 North.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on explosive defensive ends Scott Crichton and Dylan Wynn. Both players exploded on the scene in 2011 as freshmen (Wynn a true freshman, Crichton a redshirt) and have continued their heavy hitting ways into 2012. With their strengths and weaknesses, these guys work together perfectly.
NWSB Insider and Oregon St. Beavers blogger Rick Stella looks at the Beavers post Jared Cunningham. The Beaver’s 2011/12 leading scorer forwent his final year of eligibility to join the NBA. Now Craig Robinson is left wondering who fills the void. With a group of able players, it could be anybody’s role.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin reports on the wide receiving corp of Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks. Together, these two average a combined 202.5 receiving yards per game, and equate to 43 percent of the Beavers touchdowns. If there’s a more integral part to Oregon State’s offense, I’d like to see it.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the Cal vs. OSU week 12 matchup. Oregon State finally plays a complete game, topping Cal 62-14 at home. The offense was the biggest winner, moving the ball in every way imaginable while getting everyone involved. If there’s any bad in this one, it’s a couple injuries and some disappointing play by the defense up front. Mike Riley got plenty of chances to rest his starters.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State blogger Jonathan Irwin reports on this week’s football matchup against the California Golden Bears in NCAA football Week 12 action. With hopes of a Rose Bowl bid out the window, Oregon State directs their attention towards finishing strong and getting the best bowl bid possible. Facing a Cal team that does everything wrong against OSU’s strengths, that shouldn’t be too hard.
NWSB insider Jon Irwin brings us his thoughts on the 2012/13 Oregon State Beavers basketball program’s strengths and weaknesses. Even without 2011/12 standout Jared Cunningham, the Beavers have amazing depth and scoring options. But the lack of a true game changer could hurt them when playing from behind.
NWSB Insider and Oregon State Beavers football blogger Jon Irwin breaks down the OSU vs. Stanford week 11 matchup. The coaching staff called on of their best games of the year, and Storm Woods was really impressive. With that said, a frigid streak by Cody Vaz and struggling line play inevitably drop the Beavers to 7-2.
