Oregon State’s offense a bit of a mystery to OSU’s defense

Oregon State has a 6-foot-7 starting quarterback in Jake Luton, so one would assume the Ohio State defense made a quick study and fast plans of how it will deal with the Beavers offense Saturday in the season opener.

Rush the quarterback; get after the tall guy.

Just like in the Cotton Bowl eight months ago, a win over Southern California, the Buckeyes made eventual the life of No. 3 overall NFL draft pick Sam Darnold miserable with eight sacks and many other hits, which caused it to be a turnover jamboree.

If only it were that easy in prepping for the Beavers. Not that anyone is thinking Oregon State, coming off a 1-11 season and under the new management of coach Jonathan Smith, is going to be a stern test. Ohio State, despite having acting head coach Ryan Day in charge while Urban Meyer serves a three-game suspension, is still a 38-point favorite.

But preparing for the Beavers offense has been an interesting exercise for the Buckeyes, who will sport six new starters on defense. Smith last worked as offensive coordinator for Chris Petersen at Boise State and then Washington, and his Check out the annual College Football Preview with analysis, features and schedules for Ohio State, Big Ten and area colleges. It’s in Section E of today’s edition. Oregon State at Ohio State When: Noon Saturday TV: ABC (Channel 6) Radio: WBNS-FM/AM (97.1/1460)