CORVALLIS — The belief is mutual.

While Oregon State is placing its hopes in master motivational speaker JaMarcus Shephard to lead the football program, the Beavers’ new head coach described on Tuesday linking arms and going to battle with athletic director Scott Barnes.

It is a moment of survival for the Beavers, after all, as they enter the new Pac-12 Conference. And both parties are taking risks; Barnes by hiring a first-time head coach, and Shephard as he hitches his wagon to a man facing intense criticism from those in and around Corvallis wearing orange and black.

Is the money there? Will OSU be able to build a competitive roster given current resources? What will the next few weeks look like with early national signing day and the transfer portal opening?

“Certainly, most pe

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