CORVALLIS -- The challenges are mounting this week for Oregon State, a five-touchdown underdog heading into Saturday's game at Washington.
Maybe none is larger than a Washington defense that has one of the college level's best secondaries.
Cornerbacks Byron Murphy and Jordan Miller, and safety Taylor Rapp all are in the all-conference conversation. Murphy might be the best corner in the country.
The Beavers, though, insist they won't be intimidated.
"They are really talented players," OSU junior receiver Trevon Bradford said. "But I ain't going to be scared of them. USC had talented players, Ohio State. Everybody has talent."
Even the Beavers (2-8, 1-6 Pac-12). Bradford, for instance, caught five passes last week's in OSU's 48-17 loss to Stanford, including a 63-yard scoring strike from Jake Luton.
Luton, who returned from an ankle injury to guide OSU past Colorado to a 41-34 victory in overtime, has brought the Beavers' passing game back to life.
Bradford and fellow receivers Isaiah Hodgins and Timmy Hernandez all have been beneficiaries.
Hodgins and Hernandez are tied for the team lead with 48 receptions. Bradford has 47.
"I like the way the ball has been spread around," OSU offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren said. "Trevon, Timmy and Isaiah are all kind of in the same ballpark as far as number of catches.
"That's good, to where defenses can't just gang up on a certain guy."
Bradford's emergence is a relatively recent development. He had 16 receptions in his first two seasons combined.
"I feel I'm getting more opportunities to show what I can do," Bradford said. "Last year I didn't really get to play as much. I didn't get as many touches. This year, when the ball has come my way, I feel I've been able to make a play."
Luton's live arm and ability to find the open receiver are prime reasons for the uptick in the OSU passing game.
But he is relatively immobile. The Beavers, who have given up 44 sacks this season, need to protect him.
Stanford got to Luton twice last week, which is an improvement over the six times USC sacked him the week before. It's still too many.
"It's been an issue for us all year," Lindgren said. "It's not just on the offensive line. I think they have a lot of stuff they can clean up with it, but it's as much on the quarterback getting the ball out of his hands. It's as much on the receivers understanding and having urgency in running routes. There are a lot of factors when we look at getting better.
"But the bottom line is we can't take as many sacks as we've taken this year. We have to improve in that area."
There would be no time like the present. Washington's pass rush is not statistically overpowering. The Huskies are 10th in the Pac-12 with 15 sacks.
The Beavers can help themselves by getting running back Jermar Jefferson in gear. OSU's 5-foot-10, 211-pound freshman is fourth in the Pac-12 in rushing, averaging 120.1 yards per game and 6.0 yards per carry.
USC made a conscious effort to keep Jefferson in check two weeks ago, holding him to 58 yards on 18 carries.
But he cracked the 100-yard barrier again last week at Stanford, much to the delight of his offensive line.
"You might see a five-yard play and we've done well, but you'll see Jermar bust it to 40 or 50 yards," OSU tackle Blake Brandel said. "He gets the extra 40 yards. It's exciting to be a part of."
If the Beavers can get Jefferson in gear, if they can protect Luton and if the receivers can get free, well, who knows?
As Bradford said, they won't be afraid of giving it their best shot at Husky Stadium.
"It's an awesome setting for college football, right on the lake," Lindgren said. "Our guys have to embrace the opportunity and enjoy the experience."
-- Ken Goe