Oregon State the Under-beaver
- Daniel Millar
- Mar 28, 2021
- 4 min read
March Madness is a tournament that any true sports fan can get invested in. It has everything from underdogs (or in this case under-beavers), fairytale endings and controversy. It is a tournament where art and science are perfectly intertwined to create unpredictable and memorable moments for both fans and players. In this blog I will be focusing less on science and more on just the beauty that is an underdogs journey and appreciating that not all things needs to be explained but its important to recognise them and appreciate them.
My own knowledge regarding basketball is slim (especially if you don't count space jam as a credible source of information) however, it is growing with time and stories like this one make me only want to learn more!
What is March Madness
For those who are not familiar or aware of what the March Madness NCAA tournament is, here is a great video explaining the tournament
Why Should You Care
March Madness is unique. My favourite sporting event is the World Cup and I doubt that will ever change but March Madness is by far the most exciting sporting tournament I have come across and here is why...
If you don't win you are out
The intensity is unparalleled
It's unpredictable
These three factors truly make this tournament an annual spectacle and one team playing with intensity, beating all the odds and proving to be an absolute force in this tournament is Oregon state.
Who are Oregon State
If I was to ask you before this March Madness started, "Whats the first thing you think of when I say Oregon State?" I would have put money on you not saying " Elite 8 material", however if I was to ask you the same question now, you would be fundamentally wrong if your answer did not acknowledge their success and deservedness to be in the position they find themselves.
Oregon State
Mascot : Beaver (not the most intimidating, but unquestionable work ethic)
History : Qualified for March Madness 5 times since 1985
Success : Lost in the first round every-time they qualified since 1985
Seed Pre Tournament : 12 out 16 (meaning they were not predicted to do well)
This information really makes it clear that this team was expected to accomplish nothing in this tournament. When teams are given that label but don't adhere to it, then that is when we truly produce an underdog.
Their Journey so Far
The beavers have so far played three games in the tournament and have beaten
Tennessee were a 5 seed team
By knocking them out, the Beavers became the 51st 12 seed team to beat a 5 seed team since 1985
Oklahoma was a 4 seed team
Beating Oklahoma made them the 3rd team with an original two digit seed number to progress to the Sweet sixteen stage
Loyola was a 8 seed team
Prevented Loyola being ahead at any point for the final 35 mins of the game
Oregon were the underdogs in each of these games and are now the lowest seeded team remaining in the tournament. This sort of journey is not only unpredictable but one where now even if they loose their next game can be a major accomplishment for all those involved
The Under-beaver secret weapon
The Beavers approach each game without the pressure of losing, putting them at an instant advantage. It's not their game to win, it's their opponents game to lose. This lack of pressure is rare in sporting contexts and can only really be created in March Madness, sure there are underdogs in any sport or tournament but, this tournament creates an underdog that you don't have time to figure out a way to beat. You are suddenly facing a side that feels less pressure, but knows they have the skill and capability to beat you.
Current research in sport psychology focuses greatly on regulating emotions and preparing for situations where we know pressure is there but we have the mental practices to deal with it. This may be for specific moments like a free throw or deciding to take a potential buzzer beater, (these can be prepared for by each team).
However, I find it hard to believe that the top seed teams have mentally prepared for the pressure they now face knowing that they shouldn't lose to a 12 seed team at this stage of the tournament. Even if they acknowledge it they don't have sufficient time to convince their players that they should also feel no pressure. Therefore the beavers being an underdog creates an unexpected pressure for that Houston team to deal with.
Another interesting take on this game is the mentality that the coaches and players seem to have. They are aware of their underdog label but aren't playing as though they agree with it. The coach Wayne Tinkle, has made it clear that he is aware of his teams underdog status, but they themselves know what they are capable of. He wants them to remain humble, but not to question the belief regarding their ability.
To everyone else they are an underdog and that has given them a unique advantage, but they play and work with the mentality that they deserve to be where they are, and that makes for a deadly combination.
Houston we (don't) have a problem
Regardless of what happens tomorrow the Oregon State Beavers can be proud of what they have accomplished and I am excited to watch the next stage of their journey. Hopefully the fairytale can continue and this new form of underdog (under-beaver) can keep surprising us.
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