Oregon State football has won FIVE straight games, but can the Beavers keep rolling against Fresno State and eventually enter the College Football Playoff conversation? JaMarcus Shephard has strong opinions about playoff expansion, and Oregon State basketball could be a Pac-12 dark horse!

On Locked On Pac-12, Beaver Blitz senior sportswriter Ryan Harlan joins the show to break down Oregon State's football resurgence, the Halloween showdown with Fresno State and the Beavers' basketball outlook.

OREGON STATE VS. FRESNO STATE

After opening the season 0-2, Oregon State has surged to 5-2 behind an explosive offense featuring Braden Atkinson and Jesse LeGree.

The Beavers return from their bye week facing a Fresno State team that has historically been difficult to beat on the road.

Can Fresno State contain LeGree, or will Oregon State's offensive weapons overwhelm the Bulldogs?

We examine Jayden Mandel, Fresno State's rushing attack, Oregon State's defensive adjustments and the importance of a fast start.

JAMARCUS SHEPHARD CHALLENGES THE PLAYOFF SYSTEM

Shephard believes college football's postseason should provide meaningful opportunities beyond the SEC and Big Ten.

Could an expanded College Football Playoff protect conference champions and give programs like Oregon State a legitimate path to compete for a national championship?

We debate playoff access, conference championship games and whether the Pac-12 deserves greater consideration.

OREGON STATE BASKETBALL: PAC-12 DARK HORSE?

Justin Joyner begins his first season with an intriguing roster led by Josiah Lake and Daniel Freitag.

Following competitive exhibition performances against Michigan and California, the Beavers enter the season ranked fifth in the Pac-12 preseason media poll.

Could their talented backcourt make Oregon State a surprise contender or even a conference tournament bid stealer?

Plus, we preview Monday's opener against Weber State.

Can Oregon State keep its football winning streak alive and surprise the Pac-12 in basketball?

#Pac12 #OregonState #CollegeFootball

Photo Credit: Andrew Rydland

-IMAGN

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Pac-12 Conference, Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars

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Colorado State football is showing signs of life under Jim Mora, and quarterback Hauss Hejny is leading the charge! After the Rams exploded for 56 points against San Diego State, is CSU finally turning the corner in the Pac-12?

Justin Michael of the DNVR Rams Podcast joins Locked On Pac-12 to break down Colorado State's offensive resurgence, the defensive problems threatening its season, the road to bowl eligibility and why Rams basketball could be a serious NCAA Tournament sleeper.

HAUSS HEJNY HAS TRANSFORMED COLORADO STATE!

The Rams snapped a four-game losing streak with an explosive offensive performance against San Diego State, and Hejny's return has completely changed what Colorado State can accomplish offensively.

But the defense remains a major problem.

Jim Mora's first season has featured significant defensive struggles, including the Tyson Summers situation and a unit that continues to surrender massive yardage and points.

Can CSU's offense keep scoring enough to overcome its defensive deficiencies?

COLORADO STATE'S PATH TO A BOWL GAME

At 3-4, the Rams still have an opportunity to reach bowl eligibility, but their remaining schedule presents challenges.

Colorado State travels to Utah State before facing Boise State, Washington State and Fresno State.

Justin explains why Utah State could be the most important remaining matchup and how the Pac-12's unique flex scheduling could impact CSU's postseason chances.

We also discuss whether Colorado State has the facilities, financial investment and fan support to become the sleeping giant of the new Pac-12.

COLORADO STATE BASKETBALL COULD BE SPECIAL!

The Rams enter the 2026-27 basketball season with significant roster continuity and an opportunity to surprise the conference.

Under Ali Farokhmanesh, Colorado State returns important contributors including Jace Butler, Kory Booth and Kyle Jorgensen.

Justin explains why the Rams' combination of experience, development and offensive versatility could make them a dangerous opponent.

Could Colorado State challenge Gonzaga, Utah State, San Diego State and Oregon State?

Does this roster have legitimate Cinderella potential in the NCAA Tournament?

And could Pac-12 basketball ultimately become the conference's strongest national selling point?

Subscribe to Locked On Pac-12 for daily coverage of Pac-12 football, basketball, conference storylines and more!

#Pac12 #ColoradoState #CollegeFootball
Photo Credit: David Dishman-IMAGN

Check out Justin Michael over at DNVR Rams Podcast Here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLkymmfCG_2PsY-33Jc1F5oH76cuTMizYP

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Pac-12 Conference, Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars

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Gonzaga basketball, Utah State's impressive exhibition performances and San Diego State's growing depth concerns headline a major Pac-12 basketball discussion as the 2026-27 college basketball season approaches.

Locked On Pac-12 and Locked On Zags join forces for a college basketball crossover covering the biggest exhibition results, early conference contenders and potential Pac-12 expansion candidates.

Gonzaga fell 76-72 to Arkansas despite building a double-digit lead, with three-point shooting struggles and an 18-0 Arkansas run raising concerns for Mark Few's Bulldogs.

The Zags played without Davis Fogle, whose lower-leg injury has created questions about his availability ahead of upcoming matchups with Lewis-Clark State and Purdue. Meanwhile, Braden Huff, Xavion Lee, Isan Almanza and Isaiah Harwell provided encouraging performances.

Utah State may be the biggest winner of exhibition season after impressive victories over Saint Mary's and Santa Clara. Mason Falslev scored 25 points against the Broncos, while Dallin Hall and Connor Turnbull helped demonstrate the Aggies' impressive offensive depth.

San Diego State, meanwhile, suffered exhibition losses to Arizona and USC. Brian Dutcher's starting lineup has shown promise, but the Aztecs' inexperienced bench remains a significant question.

We also examine Washington State's exhibition victory over Washington, Oregon State's win over California, Fresno State's disappointing loss to Cal State Fullerton and Colorado State's struggles against San Diego.

Then it's time for the Pac-12 mailbag!

Can Gonzaga finally snap its eight-game losing streak against Purdue? Could a football-only agreement with UConn include basketball scheduling commitments? And should the Pac-12 consider adding New Mexico as conference expansion discussions continue?

From NCAA Tournament expectations to conference realignment, there's plenty to discuss before the new college basketball season begins.

#Pac12 #GonzagaBasketball #CollegeBasketball

Photo Credit: Brett Rojo -IMAGN

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Pac-12 Conference, Boise State Broncos, Colorado State Rams, Fresno State Bulldogs, Gonzaga Bulldogs, Oregon State Beavers, San Diego State Aztecs, Texas State Bobcats, Utah State Aggies, Washington State Cougars

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