PLAYERS TO WATCH
–RB Artavis Pierce is starting to look again like the player who ran for 259 yards and three touchdowns in Oregon State’s first two games, including 168 in the season opener at Ohio State. The junior ran for 44 yards and had five catches for 72 yards against Cal.
–DE Jeromy Reichner made his season debut against Cal and logged one tackle. Coach Jonathan Smith said there was definitely rust on the 6-foot-2, 270-pound junior college transfer but he should be able to contribute more with each game he plays.
–LB Hamilcar Rashed Jr., Oregon State’s leader in sacks (2.5) and tackles for loss (6.0), already has as many TFLs as last year’s season leader. The sophomore has been one of the few bright spots on a defense that is second-worst nationally in yards allowed per game (541) and third-worst in scoring defense (47.3).
SERIES HISTORY: Oregon State is 5-5 all-time against Colorado, including 2-3 since the Buffaloes joined the Pac-12. The Beavers have dropped three straight in the series, falling 36-33 at home last October, and is 2-3 in games played in Boulder.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Keep on doing what you’re doing, knowing the light is at the end of the tunnel. The immediate results aren’t coming, so it’s hard not to want to make drastic changes,” — OSU coach Jonathan Smith when asked if he plans to make any significant changes to his team.