CORVALLIS -- If the lack of a proficient passing offense has been the most glaring flaw of the Gary Andersen era in Corvallis, the Oregon State run defense is not far behind.
The Beavers allowed 5.32 yards per carry last season, which ranked 10th in the Pac-12 but was a drop-off from 2015 when OSU gave up 5.14 yards per carry and finished last in the conference. Two 2016 opponents -- Cal and Stanford -- each rushed for more than 300 yards, and four more surpassed 200 yards against the Beavers.
And although Colorado State should bring a premier passing attack to the field for the season opener Saturday in Fort Collins, the Rams also return their top three running backs, who combined for 2,217 rushing yards and 24 touchdowns last season.