What Is 2017 Oregon State Beavers football

Overview

The 2017 Oregon State Beavers football team represented Oregon State University in the NCAA Division I FBS football season. Competing in the Pac-12 Conference's North Division, the team faced significant coaching changes and roster challenges but managed a modest turnaround.

Despite a 1-5 start, the Beavers rallied late in the season to become bowl-eligible for the first time in four years. Their resilience culminated in a postseason victory that signaled potential for future improvement.

• Record and Performance: The team finished with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 mark in Pac-12 play, their first winning season since 2013.
• Head Coaching Change: Head coach Gary Andersen resigned after Week 6, citing personal reasons, and was replaced by defensive backs coach Cory Hall on an interim basis.
• Bowl Game Appearance: The Beavers earned a bid to the 2017 Hawaii Bowl on December 23, 2017, where they defeated Boise State 38-27 in Honolulu.
• Quarterback Leadership:Conor Blount started 10 games, passing for 2,042 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions, providing stability under center.
• Rivalry Victory: A 34-24 win over Oregon in the regular-season finale secured bowl eligibility and boosted team morale heading into the postseason.

Season Performance and Key Games

The 2017 campaign was defined by mid-season adversity and a late surge, with several games determining the team’s trajectory. The Beavers struggled early but showed marked improvement after the coaching transition.

• Early Struggles: Oregon State started 1-5, losing to teams like Colorado, Washington State, and Utah, exposing weaknesses in defense and offensive consistency.
• Turning Point: A 41-38 overtime win against Arizona on October 21 marked a shift in momentum, fueled by a strong offensive performance and key defensive stops.
• Defensive Improvements: The defense allowed an average of 27.2 points per game, down from previous years, with linebacker Dontavius Robinson leading the unit with 98 tackles.
• Offensive Output: The team averaged 26.8 points per game and 373.2 total yards per game, relying heavily on a balanced attack between run and pass.
• Special Teams: Kicker Yovan Angelovski converted 15 of 19 field goal attempts, including a crucial 45-yarder in the Hawaii Bowl.
• Home Field: The Beavers played home games at Reser Stadium in Corvallis, Oregon, averaging 31,081 fans per game despite inconsistent results.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2017 Oregon State Beavers compared to the previous two seasons across key performance metrics:

The 2017 season represented a clear upward trend compared to the prior two years, both in win-loss record and statistical output. The team’s ability to finish strong and secure a bowl victory highlighted growth under interim leadership and set a foundation for future recruiting and development.

Why It Matters

The 2017 season was a pivotal moment in Oregon State football’s recent history, offering a glimpse of potential recovery after years of underperformance. It served as a transitional year that influenced coaching decisions and program direction.

• Program Momentum: The 7-6 record and bowl win provided optimism and helped stabilize recruiting efforts for the 2018 class.
• Coaching Evaluation: Cory Hall’s interim performance led to a national search, eventually resulting in the hiring of Jonathan Smith from Washington State.
• Player Development: Several underclassmen, including running back Jermar Jefferson, gained experience that positioned them as key contributors in future seasons.
• Financial Impact: The Hawaii Bowl appearance brought an estimated $1.2 million payout to the athletic department, aiding budget stability.
• Alumni Engagement: The rivalry win over Oregon and bowl berth re-engaged fans and donors who had grown disillusioned with prolonged losing seasons.
• Conference Perception: The improved record helped bolster Oregon State’s standing within the Pac-12, showing competitiveness in a challenging conference.

Ultimately, the 2017 season was more than just a winning record—it was a symbolic step toward rebuilding a struggling program and restoring pride in Beaver football.