Kalen DeBoer breaks down what DJ Uiagalelei brings to Oregon State offense

DJ Uiagalelei left the spotlight of Clemson last offseason and has gone on to have a great season at Oregon State. However, the bright lights have fallen on him again as he leads the Beavers into their final two games, both of which come against top-six competition in the Pac-12, with Washington up first.

Kalen DeBoer discussed the play of Uiagalelei during his press conference this week. The player he has seen Uiagalelei grow into in Corvallis is clearly an accomplished one and one that is fully immersed into what Oregon State is doing offensively.

“Got a lot of experience under his belt, for sure – veteran quarterback,” said DeBoer.

“I think he has adjusted well to the offensive system and continues to grow in it and get better each and every week. You can see that happening,” DeBoer said. “The ability to still use his feet when he needs to. But got the arm that you’re looking for. And, like I said, I think that they continue to work the offense around him adjusting to the offense.”

In 10 appearances in 2023, Uiagalelei is on pace for a career year with 2,254 yards, 20 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. He has also rushed for an additional six scores, one off his career-high from his time as a Tiger last season.

Uiagalelei’s play has Oregon State’s offense humming to the tune of 37.9 points per game, which is 14th-best in the nation, and an average of 453.3 yards of offense. That pairs very nicely with Top-35 defense that’s allowing only 20.5 points per game.

Mix all that together in Jonathan Smith’s sixth season and DeBoer is well aware that the Husky’s next test could be one of their toughest ones yet.

“They’re hitting their stride right now at the right time,” said DeBoer. “We’ve got a tough opponent that we’re going to be playing this weekend.”

DeBoer on Oregon State’s motivation: ‘They’re going to bring everything they’ve got’

Washington will take its unbeaten record on the road to Corvallis this weekend. Kalen DeBoer knows that this is going to be an incredibly difficult game, both because of how good a team that Oregon State is and how motivated they will be.

Ahead of the game, DeBoer said he knows that Oregon State is going to give Washington their best shot.

“I think just to really simplify it down. Because, again, we’re focused on us and what we’re playing for,” DeBoer said. “But, to help understand, much like we discussed this last week very briefly about Utah? Their hopes and dreams are still alive to compete in the conference championship.”

The Beavers still have a chance to make some noise with regular season games left against Washington and Oregon.

“Oregon State still have an opportunity if they won out to get in – the way I see it, anyway. So, knowing that, they’re going to bring everything they’ve got. They’re going to be at home, they’re playing well, they’ve got good momentum. And so just really making it that simple,” DeBoer said.

“Not about the other stuff. But about realizing that we’re gonna get their best shot – just like we have with everyone else.”