After a disappointing road loss, Beaver football returns to Reser Stadium for their homecoming game and takes on the 5-1 University of Nevada, Las Vegas Rebels.
UNLV is off to a strong start with only one loss against Syracuse in an offensive overtime showdown.
While UNLV may be arriving at Reser Stadium riding a high after their 50-34 win against Utah State, Beaver football head coach Trent Bray is not worried, despite falling to Nevada last Saturday in a come-from-behind win.
“(UNLV) is a very talented team on both sides of the ball,” Coach Bray said. “Defensively they play fast, they’re fearless and they got some really good players like that inside linebacker (Jackson) Woodard.”
Rebels senior Jackson Woodard leads his team in total tackles and has four interceptions.
The Oregon State offense relies heavily on their running backs but intend to shift focus toward the passing game, as UNLV allows an average of 99 rushing yards a game. The Beaver’s passing game has struggled to score receiving touchdowns, tallying three touchdowns in six games.
Beaver quarterback Gevani McCoy will get the start against UNLV.
McCoy threw a record four interceptions against the Wolfpack, however, proved he has an arm after he threw for 348 yards and had one touchdown.
“Yeah we have to clean up the interception part, but when you look at (Gevani) in-game and at the end of the game, he’s doing what we need him to do to have a chance to win games,” Coach Bray said.
As the season progresses, Coach Bray and offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson are looking to integrate the tight ends into their offense.
“What we’ve seen the last couple of weeks has opened up the ability to use those tight ends a little bit more,” coach Bray said. “They are weapons for us, so we are finding unique ways to get them the ball.”
On the defensive side, the Beavers need to tie up some loose ends.
“We have to be more disciplined and detailed in run fits,” Coach Bray said.
UNLV averages 262 rushing yards per game, with a season-high of 504 against Utah Tech.
Oregon State allows an average of 26.33 points per game, while UNLV scores 45.33 points.
Saturday’s game marks offensive lineman Joshua Gray’s 51st start, breaking the Oregon State career start record.
“When covid hit a lot of me and the older guys would talk about it like how many years we could potentially play and i told them everyday like ‘yeah I’ll never use that last season like there’s no way I’ll still be here for that’ and here I am,” Gray said. “It’s fun, I’m glad my family is a lot more excited than I am.”
Gray is on the watchlist for the Outland Trophy–an award given to the nation’s top interior lineman–and the Lombardi Trophy, given to the nation’s top offensive or defensive lineman or linebacker.
The game will air live on the CW on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 7:00 pm.