The Oregon St Beavers will kick off 2021 on the road in a Non-Conference game against the Purdue Boilermakers in early September. Oregon State finished 2020 with a 2-5 overall record after losing the final 3 games of the year. QB Tristan Gebbia will again take the snaps to start the year over a crowded group at the QB spot for the Beavers. Trevon Bradford had 24 catches and 239 yards in 2020 and will be the #1 target again in 2021.
Running Back B.J. Baylor will step up as the new starting running back for the Beavers with Jermar Jefferson going to the NFL. Baylor only had 27 carries for 124 yards last year but with the usage of Jefferson last season B.J. can expect those numbers to sky rocket as Oregon State is a ground heavy offense.
Purdue comes into this year following a 2-4 season in 2020 that started 2-0. The Pandemic hit the Boilermakers hard with a host of games cancelled which will have Purdue chomping at the bit in 2021. Purdue will run a 2 QB set with Jack Plummer and Aidan O'Connell each taking snaps early on . The #1 target for both will be former Big 10 Freshman of the year David Bell who is off a 53 catch 625 yard year in only 6 games. Purdue will again have a top offense in the Big 12 and has the pieces to compete with Bell leading the charge.
Brad Lambert took over this offseason as the defensive coordinator for Purdue and has installed a new 4-3 set to highlight the Purdue strengths. Purdue returns a loaded and deep defense at all levels but 2 SEC transfers in defensive lineman O.C Brothers and DB C.J. Williams will add more depth and experience to an already loaded defense.
