The Oregon State Beavers (3-4, 2-2 Pac-12) have won another conference road game against the California Golden Bears (4-3, 1-3 Pac-12), by a score of 21-17. The teams tied in total yardage at 282 but Cal's turnover proved to be the difference.

Here are some takeaways from the game. 

1. Smith has the team bought in

The Utah game was a disaster and previous Beaver teams would have let it affect them for weeks to come. Not this team.

The Beavers’ start today was reminiscent of their start against UCLA. Both games were a week after a demoralizing loss and Oregon State came ready to play. From the beginning, Oregon State seemed to have more intensity in their play and slowly took control of the game. Coach Smith’s ability to instill a fight like this into the program should leave fans eager to see what his team will play like in future seasons.

Then, in the second half Cal took the lead and held it until late. However, the Beavers fought back to take the lead with 4:41 left  in the game off a BJ Baylor run. The resilience shown in the second half showcased the grit of this team. Then on defense, redshirt sophomore cornerback Jaydon Grant intercepted a Cal quarterback Spencer Brasch to get the ball back and finish the game.

2. The offense is good

Cal’s defense ranks among the best in the conference and proved that when they shut out Oregon in Autzen in the first half earlier this year. The Beavers proved their offense is for real by winning the matchup against Cal’s impressive defensive front. Today it didn’t just move the ball against a struggling defense but rather one of the conference’s best. 

3. Beavers’ defense is hot and cold

The much-ridiculed Beavers defense showed why there’s reason to be optimistic. A unit that used to be a laughing stock has now put together an impressive first half against Cal. The Oregon State pass rush constantly pressured Cal’s quarterback Devon Mobster into sacks or hurrying up his progression. In short-yardage situations, the Beavers’ defense came up big time and time again to get off the field. 

A defensive possession that sticks out was when Cal had a 2nd and 1 on their opening drive, and then got tackled behind the line of scrimmage the next three plays. It not only gave the offense back the ball, but it set the tone for the day, but then the Golden Bears answered.

Cal took the lead in the third quarter by scoring two touchdowns on the Beavers’ defense. The Golden Bears challenged the Beavers’ secondary to beneficial results time and time again whether it be though catches or flags. But in the end, the Beavers’ defense played well enough to win.

Oregon State linebacker Kee Whetzel’s time at Oregon State has come to an end. 

The Clearwater, FL native took to Twitter to make the announcement. 

These decisions ain’t easy. I’m just livin my life 🤝✝️ pic.twitter.com/EIW2sPM3O2

— Kee.. (@keewhet) December 5, 2019

God moves in ways that I can’t explain. As much as I feel like I have unfinished business, there’s something compelling need to start a new chapter in my life. As of right now I will not be returning to Oregon State to go to school or play football I will enter The transfer portal and re-open my recruitment in search of a new home. My teammates will be dearly missed and I know the brothers I made will know where to find me. To Beaver Nation fans, you guys are amazing and I could never repay you for the great memories and support for the last three years. To the few coaches I connected with the last year and a half I appreciate you. I wouldn’t go back and change a thing. God‘s plan. Forever #GoBeavs -- Kee Whetzel

The junior safety was away from the Beavers program for more than a month earlier this season for personal reasons, something he shared via social media back in September.

Having faith in God changes everything.. #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/XdhpBRDVVE

— Kee.. (@keewhet) September 15, 2019

In 24 games, including two starts, Whetzel registered 65 tackles, five for a loss and 4 sacks. 

The Oregon State Beavers (5-7, 4-5 Pac-12) vastly improved on all sides of the ball in the 2019-20 season, despite not getting a bid for a postseason bowl game.

One of the bright spots to cap of this season of improvement is the future of the program: quarterback Tristan Gebbia. 

An unexpected right arm injury from starter Jake Luton forced Gebbia into the spotlight in what would be Oregon State's final game of the season, the Civil War. In his first career start, Gebbia finished 26-of-40 for 243 yards and added 25 yards on the ground. The redshirt sophomore has a bright future in Corvallis.

On the latest Talkin' Beavers Podcast, Gebbia joins host Nigel Burton to discuss the Civil War, his first career start and much more!

Listen to the full podcast below:

Join Talkin' Beavers every Wednesday for Oregon State Beavers news, game breakdowns, and analysis. Plus conversations with the most important names in Oregon State Sports.

I went back and checked out as many preseason prognostications about the Oregon State Beavers football as I could find. I couldn't find one prediction saying the Beavs would be in a bowl in 2019 and I couldn't find one writer or broadcaster calling for more than four wins. Hey, its not surprising considering the 2017 and 2018 seasons. A 3-21 record will create a lot of doubt about a football program.

Jonathan Smith and his talented coaching staff proved a lot of people wrong this season and are ahead of schedule on getting the Beavers back into the national conversation when it comes to winning football games. 

Oregon State Athletic Director Scott Barnes loves the direction of the football program and says he wants to make sure the continuity, consistancy and commitment remain untouched. He told me this afternoon that Jonathan Smith wants to make sure that doesn't change moving forward. Increases in the salaries of the assistant coaches is a top priority.

Barnes also is reworking Coach Smith's contact.

He wll enter the third year of a five-year contract at $1.9 million dollars per year, plus bonuses.

Barnes and Coach Smith have actually been discussing a reworking of his contract since October .

"We are being proactive ensuring this staff stays together," Barnes told NBCSNW. "It is not just about the wins, but also about the change in the culture of the football program. That includes the improving GPA's we have seen since Coach Smith and his assistants have taken hold in Corvallis. I am impressed with the  tremendous job they are doing in recruiting and Jonathan is ahead of schedule on all of the above."

Barnes does realize a few of the key members of Jonathan's coaching staff have expiring contracts at the end of February. Trent Bray (linebackers), Jake Cookus (special teams), Jim Michalczik (offensive line), Kefense Hynson (receivers), Michael Pitre (running backs) and Legi Suianoa (defensive line). The money pool for assistants will be increased, but there is no word on how much they will receive. The four other assistants have another year left on their deals. Barnes says the increases will be substantial and are in concert with other Pac-12 schools. 

There's another big priority besides the coaches' salaries: Filling up Reser Stadium. The four conference wins and the fact they were one first down away from qualifying for a bowl has gotten Beaver Nation's attention. The new season ticket campaign is touting 2020 season tickets at 2019 prices. And consider next year they have seven home games including the Cougs, Ducks, Cal and Colorado State. 

Can they break through in 2020 and qualify for a bowl? No one thought they could this season and they were five yards short. There is no doubt its an attainable goal and it looks like the administration is coming through to make sure that contihuity and constancy are on track to build more success in Corvallis.,

With WR Isaiah Hodgins declaring for the 2020 NFL Draft, all eyes are on redshirt junior Hamilcar Rashed Jr. to see if he’ll follow suit. 

The outside linebacker had not just a breakout season, but the greatest single season for a defensive player in the front seven in school history, setting the single-season records for sacks (14) and tackles-for-loss (22.5). These numbers could have been even higher too if he didn’t need to play with a cast on his hand for the final two games of the season. 

Pro Football Network draft analyst Tony Pauline stated earlier this season that Rashed Jr. has greatly improved his draft stock this season.

His sacks are as much a result of opportunity as they are big plays, but Rashed continues to impact games. He needs to fill out his frame and keep his quickness, but Rashed has top 100 potential when he enters the draft.

It’s unclear whether Rashed, Jr. will decide to forgo his last season of eligibility to declare for the NFL Draft, but don’t be surprised to see him go pro. If he can get advice that he’ll be a selection on Day 2 of the NFL Draft, then he’s one decision away from life changing money. 

But he also may want to come back to help the Beavers make a bowl game and increase his draft stock by filling out his frame in college and matching his production this season. Either way, he should announce sooner than later.

You can listen to Nigel Burton discuss Rashed Jr.'s decision and more in week's Talkin' Beavers podcast. 

After a spectacular junior season at Oregon State, Isaiah Hodgins has declared for the 2020 NFL Draft, foregoing his senior season as a Beaver. The wide receiver announced the decision on his Twitter Tuesday evening. 

Long talks with God...🤞🏽 pic.twitter.com/gwFB6lcYdK

— Isaiah Hodgins (@IsaiahHodgins) December 4, 2019

This past year, Hodgins ended the season as a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award, which is given to the nation's most prolific receiver.

The junior finished with 86 receptions for 1,171 yards and 13 touchdowns. Those single season numbers rank 5th, 9th and 2nd in school history, respectively. 

When asked earlier this season if he'd thought about declaring for the NFL Draft, he stated his focus was on the season and making a bowl game. That looking ahead to the pros causes players' play to slip. The Beavers ended up finishing one win short of bowl eligibility. 

While there was hope he'd return for his senior season, most expected him to go to the NFL given how productive he was this season. Even when he was being recruited by Oregon State, their reputation of creating NFL receivers such as Brandin Cooks was what sold him on coming here. This has always been his ultimate goal.

The Beavers will have plenty of targets open up next year as Hodgins plays on Sunday's. 

Hodgins is a projected third or fourth round draft pick according to some, but after further evaluation and time to prepare for April's Draft, Hodgins' stock could skyrocket even as far as the first round. 

Jonathan Smith just landed another big recruit at Oregon State. 

JUCO safety Johnathan Riley committed to the Beavers this weekend after Coach Smith flew to Waldorf, Maryland for an in-home visit. Riley previously visited Oregon State for the Washington game on Nov. 8 and fell in love with Corvallis.

#AGTG #OFFICIAL 🔥LETS GO! pic.twitter.com/oT7MyUB5nw

— Johnathan Riley (@JohnathanbRiley) December 3, 2019

Had a Great home visit with Oregon state appreciate the coaches for making this trip to meet my family! #GoBeaves @BeaverFootball #newbeginnings pic.twitter.com/fS8w2jesLL

— Johnathan Riley (@JohnathanbRiley) December 3, 2019

Can’t wait to get out to @BeaverFootball in my Orange and Black! #Committed #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/fkfhrLnORd

— Darian Bryant (@upstreamDarian) December 3, 2019

The 6-foot-3, 196 pound safety will look to make an immediate impact in the Beaver secondary.

Riley says he chose Oregon State over offers from UMass, Cincinnati and New Mexico State because he saw it as the perfect place to focus on football. 

"Even from an early age I was obsessed with perfecting my craft and for that I am grateful," Riley said. "Proud to announce I will be attending Oregon State for the next three years." 

You can watch his HUDL highlights here to get a taste of what Riley can bring.

The Oregon State men’s basketball team improved to 7-1 Sunday afternoon at Gill Coliseum with a 81-76 win over the Portland State Vikings. 

In the victory, Tres Tinkle scored 26 points adding nine rebounds and seven assists. Tinkle shot 8-for-15 from the field, including 5-for-7 from three-point range.

Uno, dos ... TRES! @tres_tinkle3 with the triple on the break.

40-32 Beavers. #GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/NlxbAJMjJp

— Oregon State Hoops (@BeaverMBB) December 1, 2019

Ethan Thompson added 18 points for the Beavs, plus six rebounds and six assists, while Zach Reichle scored a career-high 16 points. Not be overlooked, Kylor Kelley blocked SIX shots, his eighth-consecutive game with multiple blocks to open the season.

6 blocks in the game for @K3LL3Y24. This is his best.#GoBeavs pic.twitter.com/G5NDCMZinN

— Oregon State Hoops (@BeaverMBB) December 2, 2019

It was the fifth straight victory for the Beavers. Their 7-1 start to the season is the best since the 1980-81 Orange Express squad opened 26-0. The 1984-85 and 1986-87 Oregon State teams also started 7-1.

The Beavers have nearly two weeks off before returning to action on Saturday, Nov. 14 against Arkansas-Pine Bluff at 3 p.m. at Gill Coliseum. 

Jake Luton had a banner season and looked to close his career with a program-defining win in the 123rd Civil War. Except, he “couldn’t throw at all this week” so he needed to sit out.

Luton’s absence allowed Beaver fans to get a glimpse into their future starting quarterback, Tristan Gebbia. The redshirt sophomore was the No. 6 Pro-Style passer coming out of high school and committed to Nebraska. He then redshirted his first year and transferred to Corvallis. Due to NCAA transfer regulations, he needed to sit out his entire redshirt freshman season.

Now in the final game of his sophomore season, Gebbia was thrust into the spotlight. Beat their rival, the Oregon Ducks, and the Beavers are going bowling for the first time since 2013.

Despite a valiant effort, Gebbia, who finished 26/40 for 243 yards, and the Beavers, fell short 24-10 to the 14th ranked Ducks. After the game, Gebbia spoke about the disappointing result. 

The goal is to win...that’s what you want, so if you fall short of that it doesn’t matter [what your stats are]...the win is what’s important. In my first start, I didn’t do enough for us to win.

Gebbia’s comments show his leadership, a quality highlighted by Isaiah Hodgins in his postgame interview. Hodgins also said that later on in the game Gebbia learned to throw it to him even when he doesn’t appear open which sparked the offense in the fourth quarter. In fact, a few of his off-target passes were probably due to a lack of chemistry with the starting receivers. Gebbia never seemed in over his head during the game, though, and he’ll only get better with more reps this off-season.

Gebbia, the presumed starter going into next season, is already looking ahead to greater things.

Our coaching staff is going to have a great off-season too, and we’re going to be doing just fine next year.

The ending of the season has to sting, but it shouldn’t sting for long.

Yes, the Beavers did not qualify for a bowl game continuing a six-year bowl drought despite needing just one more victory in the final two games. But, think back to your expectations for the year, did you really expect to be in this position?

OSU was considered one of the worst teams in Division I football by some, but had the ball down just a touchdown with 2:22 left in the fourth quarter in Autzen Stadium needing one more win to be bowl eligible. If you had told any Beavers fan this situation at the beginning of the season, or even after losing at Hawai’i, any rational fan would have been thrilled. 

Head coach Jonathan Smith has exceeded every expectation for the program so far. Just two years removed from a 1-11 season (with their lone win being a nailbiter over Portland State), to being one more goalline stop in Pullman and a touchdown tying drive away from going bowling..?

The Beavers’ win total over/under was 2.5, and they nearly doubled that. They earned five wins despite losing very winnable games against Hawai’i, Stanford, and Washington State.  This Beavers team could have easily been 8-4. 

Smith, and offensive coordinator Brian Lungren, installed an offense that put their best players in positions to succeed. Senior quarterback Jake Luton had easily his best career season being among the nation’s leaders in touchdown to interception ratio, as did senior running back Artavis Pierce and junior wide receiver Isaiah Hodgins. Hodgins even got named a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award: An award given to the nation’s most prolific wide receiver. 

The defense also showed immense improvement highlighted by Hamilcar Rashed, Jr., who entered the Civil War leading the conference in sacks and tackles-for-loss. The same defense that got lit up by Hawai’i held the Ducks 21st ranked offense to just 10 points heading into the fourth quarter. The same defense balled out against Washington keeping them in the game as long as possible. Those two teams were widely expected to dominate the Pac-12 North, according to the preseason media poll, and the Beavers hung with both of them. 

Smith has the players believing in themselves and they’re playing like they belong on the field with whoever they face. Before running onto the field for the Civil War, the Beavers chanted “We all we got! We all we need!” Then they stepped onto a field where the home never lost this season, and gave the 14th ranked team in the country a scare with their backup quarterback, Tristan Gebbia. 

That back-up quarterback? He looked good, too. And he’ll be back next season as the presumed starter with an entire offseason under his belt, gaining chemistry with his receivers and becoming more knowledgeable of the playbook.

Hodgins and Rashed, Jr. may also return, hungry to finally play in a bowl game. If they do return, a bowl game should be the expectation going into next season. With Smith’s rehaul of the Beavers’ culture, I think it’d even be likely. 

As the team hangs around for more games, they’ll gain the experience needed to close out games. They did just that this season against Arizona State converting a fourth and short to ice the game.

There's a lot to be optimisitc about if you're a Beaver fan.