Mitch Dahlen backs team with full confidence as Atkinson injury clouds Boise State test
Atkinson’s status remains unclear
Atkinson was hurt late in the third quarter against Texas State, and Oregon State played the final period without its sophomore quarterback. The team has not determined whether he will be available for Saturday’s game at Boise State.
Dahlen said the medical staff is monitoring Atkinson. He expressed confidence in the team and offense, while saying the Beavers want to regain their earlier swagger.
Recent results and standards
Atkinson completed 91.2% of his passes and threw five touchdowns against Colorado State on October 3, including 16 consecutive completions to open the game. He followed that performance by completing 76.3% of his throws and accounting for five more touchdowns against San Diego State.
In the past three weeks, Atkinson has completed 57.1% of his passes, with four touchdowns and one interception. He has also been sacked seven times during that stretch. Dahlen said the team’s recent play has fallen short of its own standard and emphasized a confident start this week.
Murphy could step in
If Atkinson is unavailable, Oregon State is expected to turn to senior Maalik Murphy, who started eight games last season and has also appeared in limited gadget-play roles this year. In 10 games last season, he completed 161 of 277 passes for 1,805 yards and nine touchdowns.
This season, Murphy has completed 16 of 19 passes for 156 yards and one touchdown in limited opportunities. Oregon State will face top-25 Boise State on Saturday afternoon; the Broncos are 8-1 overall and unbeaten in Pac-12 play. Kickoff is scheduled for 3 p.m. PST on CBS.
Key points
- Braden Atkinson’s throwing-hand injury leaves his availability for Saturday uncertain.
- Mitch Dahlen said Oregon State is evaluating Atkinson day by day with the medical staff.
- Senior Maalik Murphy is expected to lead the offense if Atkinson cannot play.
- Oregon State faces unbeaten Pac-12 opponent Boise State at 3 p.m. PST Saturday on CBS.