Oregon State, Washington State and the unprecedented recruiting challenges they face

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ON THE NIGHT of Nov. 18, the national spotlight shined on Corvallis, Oregon.

Oregon State proudly showcased its 11th-ranked team and its $162 million renovated stadium, packed with fans clad in black and orange and undeterred, as Pacific Northwesterners are, by the steady rain that fell. The Beavers pushed then-No. 5 Washington to the brink, shutting out the Huskies' powerful offense in the second half, before falling 22-20.

Two weeks later, Oregon State found itself under a different set of clouds. Jonathan Smith, who had helped the Beavers rise to national prominence as a quarterback and then a coach, had left for Michigan State, a move officially…