Oregon State Football Kicks Off Fall Practice

CORVALLIS, Ore. (AP) — Construction is moving at a feverish pace at the west end of Reser Stadium, where Oregon State is putting the finishing touches on a $42 million remodel prior to the start of the football season.

The school is attempting to continue its advancement of the football program. As for the Beavers? They're trying to keep from returning to their past struggles, where they once had a streak of 28 consecutive losing seasons.

Oregon State kicks off fall practices Friday at Summit High School in Bend, trying to end a slide of two consecutive losing seasons. Oregon State was picked to finish last in the Pac-12 North in the preseason media poll.

The Beavers return 11 starters, including 7 on offense. Among the newcomers looking to make an impact this season is quarterback Darrel Garretson, a junior transfer from Utah State who won the starting job during the spring.

Because of the stadium construction, Oregon State is moving the start of fall practice off campus for the first time ever to Bend, located about 125 miles southeast of Corvallis in Central Oregon. The Beavers will hold practice for the first six days in Bend, before returning to OSU's campus Aug. 11.

Oregon State's second-year coach Gary Andersen hopes to increase the team's unity and chemistry during the week away from Corvallis.