If You Enjoy Fun, Watch Oregon State

Seemingly out of nowhere, Oregon State has become one of the most explosive and entertaining programs in college football. One year removed from a 2-10 record, the Beavers are 4-2 under a brand-new regime, ranking near the top of the nation in total offense and yards per play.

Leading this revolution is first-year head coach JaMarcus Shephard, who has brought a massive injection of life into Corvallis. His presence has made Reser Stadium the place to be on Saturdays. To help him develop his vision, Shephard hired offensive coordinator Mitch Dahlen, a former assistant at Alabama and Washington, who has quickly transformed the passing game into one of the country’s most lethal.

Directing this explosive offense is sophomore quarterback Braden Atkinson. After winning the Jerry Rice Award as the top freshman in the FCS while at Mercer, Atkinson transferred to Oregon State and immediately excelled. He has made the transition look effortless, leading the FBS in passing yards (2,257) and touchdown passes (21) while throwing only two interceptions. Behind an offensive line that has given him consistent protection, Atkinson enjoyed his sixth 300+-yard passing game and fourth 375+-yard passing game of the season during a 66-14 victory over San Diego State on Saturday.

What makes this story even more entertaining is that Atkinson’s top target is true freshman Jesse Legree. Completely overlooked by major programs during the recruiting process, Legree had zero Division I offers until Shephard called him the day before National Signing Day. Today, he is threatening record books on a weekly basis.

At 5-foot-10, 172-pounds, Legree has completely taken over college football. He leads the nation with 932 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns through just six games. His combination of speed and elite ball-tracking has turned every target into a potential touchdown. After burning San Diego State for 191 yards and three touchdowns, Legree appropriately struck the Heisman pose at Reser Stadium.

The Beavers are playing fast, scoring at will, celebrating with their fan base, and delivering the exact style of entertainment that makes college football fun. If you like scoring, speed, and genuine fun, do yourself a favor and tune into the next Oregon State game (Saturday, 3 p.m. ET vs. Washington State).