The Oregon State Beavers football team played their spring game over the weekend to a partial crowd, due to coronavirus restrictions. That was just the amount of people physically present at the stadium. The television audience couldn’t have been much bigger considering the precarious circumstances of the Pac-12 Network. If you’re a Beaver fan with DirectTV, there’s a good chance you missed out completely.
Larry Scott’s version of the Pac-12 cannot lifted fast enough.
Besides the lack of televised viewing options for the game, Oregon State stuck to their scrimmage format. It wasn’t technically a game, more of an organized set of plays (there’s a difference). Chance Nolan continued to look like a potential triple-threat at the QB position. His movement looked sharp and passing skills improved.
That type of playmaking is something Oregon State hasn’t seen in many years at the quarterback position. Seth Collins’ tenure was noted with incredible feats of athletic ability on the ground, but his passing skills left much to be desired. But a major point of attention was served to early enrollee, Sam Vidlak.
Head Coach Jonathan Smith expressed his praise for the young QB to press members after the game. "How comfortable he was with some of the progressions, managing the game, the clock's running [and] he played with great poise," he said. "He's better [than a month ago].”
Many believed the Beavers’ story line heading into this next season was bowl contention in year four of the Jonathan Smith era. It turns out, a QB battle could steal headlines going in to fall camp.