Oregon State Beavers College Football Pregame Quote, 09/08/2025

Coach Bray: After watching the film from Saturday, it was what I thought it was. I was very pleased with how we responded offensively and defensively. A lot of good things — we played hard, made plays, and showed signs of the team we can be. We obviously know what led to the loss, and we have to clean that up, because the way we played on both sides of the ball was encouraging. Texas Tech is obviously very talented. They’ve got skill, a quarterback, an offensive line, and strong defensive players. They’ve got a lot of talent.

Q: There was an incredible 18-play, 75-yard drive that took 11 minutes and 16 seconds, and you scored a touchdown despite penalties and a targeting call. What stood out to you about that drive?

Coach Bray: The efficiency. We didn’t have that the week before against Cal. To see that improvement and sustain a long drive was huge. There were also great responses in tough situations. Fresno got the ball inside the 20 late in the game, but we held them to a field goal, which gave us a chance. Then the offense came back and took the lead at the end. That improvement from game one was good, and we need to take another step this week.

Q: On that last drive to take the lead, Malik Murphy looked like he had one of his best moments so far.

Coach Bray: He did. His improvement from game one to game two was very good. He trusted the offense, worked within it, and made plays when we needed him to. The only disappointment was not being able to close it out in the final two-minute drive. We have to fix that.

Q: What happened defensively on Fresno’s final scoring drive?

Coach Bray: We let the quarterback escape. Coverage was solid, but he scrambled for around 30 yards, and that field position made the difference. We can’t allow that.

Q: Texas Tech has scored over 60 points two weeks in a row. How do you slow that down?

Coach Bray: Execution. We have to be disciplined in both the run game and pass coverage. They’re extremely talented with speed all over the field, so it’s a big challenge.

Q: Tackling seemed inconsistent Saturday. What did you see on film?

Coach Bray: Some issues were strike zone problems — going too high, falling off tackles. It’s correctable, but it takes focus and discipline.

Q: On special teams, what were your conversations with Coach Christian? And how is Jackson’s mindset after that tough game?

Coach Bray: I talked to Jackson after our team meeting. We have full confidence in him; we’ve seen him succeed in games. Saturday’s mistakes weren’t expected, but I believe he’ll bounce back. With Coach Christian, a big issue was the snap — something outside of his control. Schematically, we also had a return called back that can’t happen.

Q: With Exodus’ civil case dismissed, is his suspension going to be lifted?

Coach Bray: Same as always — I won’t comment on player availability.

Q: How important was it to see receivers beyond Trent step up — like Taz Redicks, Malachi, and Eddie?

Coach Bray: It was great. We saw it in camp, and to see them do it in games was encouraging. We need them to keep progressing.

Q: On defense, what about Todd Mullik?

Coach Bray: He transferred from Western Carolina. He missed fall camp with an injury, which set him back, but now he’s healthy. He has great athleticism for his size and is disruptive. He made a couple of strong plays against Fresno, and we expect more.

Q: Malik’s improvement from week one to week two — what was key there?

Coach Bray: He worked with Coach Gunderson, studied the offense, and understood why the ball needed to go certain places. He committed to his reads, and that showed.

Q: Do you take pride in defending your home field at Reser Stadium?

Coach Bray: Absolutely. That’s been disappointing the first two weeks. Not just losing, but losing at home. We could have controlled what happened Saturday. We need to eliminate the self-inflicted mistakes that cost us games we should have won.

Q: Heading into a tough stretch, how do you keep your team optimistic?

Coach Bray: It’s not hard with this group. The proof is on film — what they’re capable of. I was encouraged after watching the tape. The effort is there; we just need to clean up self-inflicted mistakes.

Q: About the false starts — they didn’t all look the same. What happened?

Coach Bray: Snap count issues, both in delivery and timing. One player was making his first start, so nerves played a role. But the big one was before halftime — 4th-and-1, we were about to convert, but a false start gave Fresno the ball back, and they scored. Those can’t happen.

Q: How important is it to have alumni like Steven Jackson or Jack Coletto back on the sidelines?

Coach Bray: Very important. This place means a lot to people. Players feel that, and that’s why so many come back. The stability here also helps.

Q: What did you think of Nathan’s move to right tackle?

Coach Bray: He did a nice job. Nate is becoming a very good player, and his physicality helps solidify the offensive line. We ran the ball well, and he was a big part of that.

Q: Taz Redicks had a breakout game. What led to that?

Coach Bray: Taz has always had talent. His issue has been availability. But he’s a really good player, and Saturday confirmed what we believed about him.