Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith met with the media on Monday to update his team’s progress as they prepare to open the season against Oklahoma State on Friday night. Among the challenges he addressed were the Cowboys’ offense and injuries.
“It’s going to be a great challenge for us,” Smith said about going up against Mike Gundy’s offense. “They’re explosive throwing the ball and they’ve got some playmakers who can make a lot of plays in space. I like the way we’ve been working and we feel good about the group we’re putting out there, so we’ll learn a lot on Friday night.”
One factor that will make the matchup against Oklahoma State’s offense is the loss of outside linebacker Andrzej Hughes-Murray. Smith said that Murray would miss the foreseeable future with a foot injury that he suffered late last week.
The Beavers have more depth at the linebacker position this season thanks to transfers. Former Oklahoma Sooner Addison Gumbs will be a likely benefactor of Hughes-Murray’s injury, but even with added depth at the position this season the Beavers have lost their unquestioned leader on the defensive side of the ball. He was the only defensive captain on the team.
Other Notable Injuries
- Senior receiver Trevon Bradford, who missed all of spring and fall camp with a foot injury isn’t going to be available Friday night.
- Defensive end Simon Sandberg is out with a knee injury.
- Starting safety Jalen Moore will be a game-time decision.
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