Through the first three weeks of the season, UCLA became the pleasant surprise of the Pac-12 under first-year coach Jim Mora. Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin was leading the country in rushing yards and generating some dark horse Heisman buzz and Brett Hundley has been an exciting first-year starter.
Maybe that attention in the Pac-12 should be shifted to Oregon State. The Beavers have only played two games this year, but they’re a surprising 2-0 after going on the road and beating UCLA 27-20. Sean Mannion, after being thrown into the fire last season as a freshman, has been a solid quarterback and OSU is looked greatly improved in the trenches. Mannion has some good receivers to throw to as well. Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton both went well over 100 yards receiving.
Oregon State’s defense gave up big yards -- 444 to be exact -- but they were able to hold Franklin to just 45 yards rushing.
OSU coach Mike Riley‘s seat was beginning to get rather toasty heading into this season. Known for consistency and one or two big upsets a year, Oregon State has fallen on hard times lately. So far, OSU has two nice wins over Wisconsin and UCLA. The Beavers have a tough schedule this season, but Riley has the team generating the most recent buzz in the Pac-12.
Along with Arizona, that is, and the Wildcats have a chance to generate even more tonight against Oregon.