While the Beavers started out with some rough games, they have played close in two of their last three, hanging with two very good programs in Utah and Washington State. Now the Beavers face off with a Cardinal team coming off a dominant performance over Arizona. While the talent on the roster of the Beavers is not on par with their competition, they have played disciplined football against some tough opponents, which has been the difference.
The two consistent things on defense that the Beavers have done in their close games is tackle in space and not given up the big play.