Oregon State could shift balance of power away from Oregon Ducks

Oregon State could potentially have a lot on the line Saturday when they take the field at Autzen Stadium.

If Washington beats Washington State on Friday, then the Beavers can win the Pac-12 North Division with a victory against rival Oregon.

Oregon State was in a similar situation in 2008 and 2009, needing a win against the Ducks to clinch the conference title in the old 10-team configuration. The Beavers lost both times.

It’s quite an accomplishment to be even this far in Jonathan Smith’s fourth season as head coach considering he inherited a team that went 1-11 in 2017.

For Oregon (9-2, 6-2), the path to winning the division is easy: Just win.

The Beavers (7-4, 5-3) are trying to win in Eugene for the first time since 2007, and trying to beat the Ducks twice in a row for the first time since 2006-07.

Think about what that would mean, especially if the Huskies win Friday.

Oregon State would be the 2021 Pac-12 North champion and have a two-game winning streak against the Ducks.

That would mean bragging rights in the state, sure, but it could mean a shift in power in the conference.

The Beavers are catching the Ducks at the right time, after they were embarrassed 38-7 at Utah last week.

“Certainly, I was disappointed with Saturday. I think if you burn it, it means you're just blowing it off. You're just forgetting about it,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said after studying film of the loss to the Utes.

“And I think if you don't assess it, analyze it and take it right between the eyes, I think if you don't do that, it can happen to you again. So we're very honest with ourselves.”

As for the Beavers, they come into Saturday’s rivalry game having won two in a row, including a 24-10 win against Arizona State last week to finish 6-0 at home.

Oregon State hit a rough stretch in the middle of the season, allowing more than 30 points in four straight games.

Smith then jump-started the defense by firing defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar.

The Beavers are 2-0 since the move, allowing a total of 24 points in two weeks.

“I think they’ve played with some great energy,” Smith said about his defense the past couple weeks. “They want to play well.”

Despite playing well, Oregon State will have its hands full.

The Beavers are 1-4 away from Reser Stadium this season, and the Ducks are 6-0 at Autzen Stadium.

Oregon will be motivated too, not just because of last week’s debacle, but also last season’s loss to Oregon State. The Ducks are trying to win the Pac-12 for a third straight season as well.

Smith said his team will be ready for a battle.

“We’re aware that it’s a rivalry game. We’re aware of how good that football team is,” Smith said. “It’s going to be a challenge, and I know the guys will be excited to play.”

Contact reporter Pete Martini at pmartini@statesmanjournal.com.

This article originally appeared on Salem Statesman Journal: Oregon State could shift balance of power away from Oregon Ducks