Oregon State’s 28-0 Loss to Air Force: A Look Toward the Future in Seven Takeaways
Oregon State football fans are enduring a rough patch, and Saturday’s 28-0 loss to Air Force was a new low. Let’s break this down with an eye on what’s ahead. From coaching questions to roster decisions, here are seven key takeaways that highlight both the struggles and opportunities for the Beavers.
1. Oregon State Fans Have Checked Out
When the fan base tunes out, that’s when things get truly dire. And after the last five games, who could blame them? Head coach Trent Bray had built up hopes during the offseason, selling the team’s potential for 2024. Instead, fans are left reminiscing about 2018—a season best forgotten.
Here’s the rub: even in losses, there has to be a glimmer of hope. A reason to stay engaged. Lately, there hasn’t been much reason to watch past halftime. In two of the last three games, the Beavers were essentially out of contention by the break. Against Air Force, the passing game was abysmal, the run game nonexistent, and the defense allowed one of the nation’s least effective offenses to dominate the field.
Emails and social media were on fire with frustrated fans sharing their despair:
- “The coaching staff seems over their heads.”
- “This feels hopeless, like the program will never recover.”
- “Never thought I’d rely on Wayne Tinkle to cheer me up, but here we are.”
Oregon State needs to give its fans something to believe in. Right now, basketball season seems like the only refuge for their sports-driven optimism.
2. Is Coaching the Problem?
When things go south, the coaching staff inevitably ends up in the crosshairs. Is that fair? Maybe. Maybe not. Injuries are a factor, yes, but that excuse has a shelf life. The team’s execution on Saturdays is all that matters, and the results aren’t encouraging.
Questions abound:
- Is the team improving week-to-week?
- Are the play calls creative, or predictable?
- Is there a spark of fight and passion on the sidelines?
To be fair, Trent Bray inherited a tough situation, and he deserves time to see this through. But college football in 2024 is a high-stakes business, and patience is in short supply. The hard questions—about the staff, the schemes, and the culture—can’t wait. They start now.
3. December: A Crucial Month for the Beavers
Mathematically, bowl eligibility is still possible, but let’s be real: it’s a long shot. Oregon State will be heavy underdogs against Washington State and Boise State. Realistically, the focus has to shift to 2025—and that makes December pivotal.
- Early National Signing Day (Dec. 4): The Beavers will bring in a new crop of freshmen.
- Roster Reevaluation: Tough conversations need to happen. Not everyone on the current roster will fit the vision for the future.
- Transfer Portal Strategy: This is the game-changer. The Beavers must use the portal to address glaring weaknesses, but that takes money.
NIL funding is a major question mark. Bray admitted the program needs “millions,” but didn’t specify how much. If boosters and fans are expected to chip in, transparency is key. Without clear goals, it feels like throwing money into a black hole.
4. Quarterback Woes Hit a New Low
The quarterback situation is bleak—possibly the worst it’s been since 2018. Gevani McCoy looks a shadow of his early-season self. Gabarri Johnson is an athletic runner, but his passing inspires little confidence. And Ben Gulbranson? Injured.
Against an Air Force defense that had been near the bottom in sacks, OSU’s quarterbacks still struggled mightily. The Falcons sacked OSU five times. Looking ahead, Boise State—currently ranked No. 2 nationally in sacks—looms large. The Beavers’ only chance in upcoming games might be high-scoring shootouts, but it’s hard to imagine this quarterback group pulling that off.
5. Receiver Struggles Compound Offensive Woes
If quarterback play is an issue, the receiving corps isn’t helping. Through ten games, OSU’s receivers have a paltry 119 catches. Trent Walker accounts for more than half of those with 65 receptions. The next closest? Jeremiah Noga, with just 19.
This lack of production is glaring, even for a team that leans heavily on the run. Receivers coach Kefense Hynson praised the group’s progress a few weeks back, but the numbers don’t lie. Some players may break out in 2025, but others might not make the cut. This position desperately needs reinforcements from the transfer portal.
6. The Defense Wasn’t Blameless
Yes, the shutout grabs headlines, but the defense didn’t cover itself in glory, either. Air Force’s offense, ranked near the bottom nationally, had no trouble moving the ball. The Falcons held possession for nearly 42 minutes, racking up 23 first downs and averaging 5.7 yards per play.
Even their passing game—typically an afterthought—was surprisingly effective. Air Force completed all six of its pass attempts for 139 yards, with four catches going for over 25 yards. These were mostly 50-50 balls that the Falcons’ receivers consistently won. OSU’s defense needs to figure out how to be more disruptive and finish games strong.
7. A Bright Spot: Special Teams
Amid the gloom, special teams delivered a solid performance. Punter Josh Green was exceptional, averaging 56.8 yards on four punts, including a 68-yarder that pinned Air Force at its 3-yard line. The Beavers also forced two missed field goals, one of which was blocked.
If there’s a nitpick, it’s Walker’s decision to fair-catch a punt deep inside OSU’s 10-yard line. Still, special teams provided a glimmer of competence in an otherwise forgettable game.
Final Thoughts
Oregon State football is at a crossroads. Fans are understandably frustrated, but this program still has opportunities to regroup and rebuild. December’s recruiting and transfer decisions will set the tone for 2025. While questions about coaching, quarterback play, and roster depth linger, the Beavers can’t afford to wallow in self-pity. The next steps are critical, and they start now.
For fans, hope might feel hard to come by—but it’s not gone. The future of Oregon State football depends on smart decisions and a renewed commitment to fight for relevance in today’s ever-changing college football landscape.
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