The latest Oregon State mailbag, where readers ask questions about Beaver athletics, and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel attempts an answer. Here we go:
So why exactly are the Beavs playing at Providence Park on 9-17? — @Berto010101
It’s a unique opportunity to bring the football team to the state’s largest market due to construction at Reser Stadium. There are no plans to do this on a regular basis. But for a one-off, it’s a great idea.
Is the Providence Park game included in this year’s football season tickets? I can’t find any info on the OSU website – which is painfully outdated for the upcoming season. This is par for the course every season. Do we know when tickets for that game will go on sale? — Scott L
The Sept. 17 game vs. Montana State at Providence Park is not part of the season ticket package. But season ticket holders are currently able to purchase tickets for the game. Tickets will go on sale to the general public June 3.
Any update on Isaac Hodgins’ foot? Has he seen the doctor recently and cleared for any more activity? — @mhabeaver
I talked to Hodgins this week, and while we didn’t discuss his broken foot, he is spending the summer doing yard work and other outside-related labor jobs. I suspect Hodgins will be ready for camp.
Love your coverage and appreciate all you do. I’m curious about your initial thoughts on the Pac-12 championship game changes and elimination of the North-South divisions. – Ken
It’s a solid proactive move. (For those who haven’t heard, the Pac-12 announced this week that the top two teams in conference winning percentage will play in the championship game, rather than division winners, starting this season.) The Pac-12 must do everything it can to get back into the national playoff discussion. This is a step, because it eliminates any chance of a weak division winner playing in the conference championship game. It won’t be surprising if the Pac-12 junks divisions this summer for the upcoming season.
(Receiver) Rashid Williams committed (Wednesday) to UW. Even before his official visit to OSU… Does that mean he’s canceled the trip? We were very high on his list. Just another big recruit we can’t close on. — @Beav00060718
No real insight here as to whether he’s 100 percent committed to Washington or not. I’d just say, it’s May, seven months before signing day. What happens if Oregon State’s passing game clicks this season and someone like Tre’Shaun Harrison becomes a go-to beast? Not saying that would flip Williams, but OSU will surely look attractive to receiving prospects.
Your Prediction for (quarterback Aidan) Chiles to Oregon state — what percentage shot do we have? — @GoBeavs2
Somewhere between 1 and 100. Seriously. It’s recruiting 17 and 18-year-olds. I’ve raised a few. One day it’s up, another down. OSU has nailed down an official visit with Chiles in June, so the percentage isn’t zero. He’s interested. But with Oregon and Washington and their name, image and likeness war chests in the mix, Chiles probably is a long shot.
Any insight into former Beav Michael Conforto as he looks to find an MLB team? — @FantasyGuru91
Conforto hasn’t played – or signed with a team – this season because of shoulder surgery. His agent, Scott Boras, has told reporters there’s a possibility he might be able to hit late this season. Boras also expects interest in the Beaver great to pick up later this summer. But that’s agent talk. Unless there’s a significant possibility Conforto could help this season, don’t expect him to land with any team until this winter.
–Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel
