2-4-7 Preview: Oregon State vs. Montana
- JaMarcus Shephard says Harlem Howard remains day-to-day with an uncertain recovery timeline. Noble Thomas Jr. has been cleared for more practice activity, giving the cornerback a slight chance to play against Montana. Neither update amounts to game clearance.
- Oregon State receiver Eddie Freauff is running again and could be available against Montana, but Shephard says he must pass additional tests during the week. His return remains conditional; he has not been declared available.
- Oregon State is averaging 1.8 yards per carry through two games. Coordinator Mitch Dahlen points to interior double teams and reaching linebackers at the second level, rather than pass protection, as the problem. He says the offense has avoided many tackles for loss but is not producing enough runs of five-plus yards.
- Braden Atkinson is averaging 394.5 passing yards through two games, with the report describing production across deep, intermediate and short throws. Aeryn Hampton has settled into Oregon State's No. 2 receiving role with four catches in each game, eight for 78 yards overall. These are early usage and production indicators, not a forecast of another 400-yard outing.
- Jake Reichle entered Oregon State's running-back rotation in Week 2 with four carries for 14 yards after no touches in the opener. Dahlen praised his running; the writer expects him to remain involved against Montana. No starting change or larger guaranteed workload was announced.
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