What Is 2000 Oregon State Beavers football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2000 Oregon State Beavers football team represented Oregon State University in the 2000 NCAA Division I-A football season, finishing with an 11-1 record and winning the 2001 Fiesta Bowl. They achieved a final AP ranking of No. 6, the highest for the program since 1967. Quarterback Jonathan Smith led the team under head coach Mike Riley.

Key Facts

The 2000 Oregon State Beavers finished the season with an 11-1 record
They defeated the Notre Dame Fighting Irish 41-9 in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl on January 1, 2001
Head coach Mike Riley led the team to its first 11-win season in school history
Quarterback Jonathan Smith was named MVP of the Fiesta Bowl after throwing for 297 yards
The Beavers reached a final AP Poll ranking of No. 6, their highest since 1942

Overview

The 2000 Oregon State Beavers football team marked a historic turnaround for the program, finishing with an 11-1 record and securing a top-10 national ranking. Competing in the Pac-10 Conference, the team was led by head coach Mike Riley and quarterback Jonathan Smith, who orchestrated one of the most efficient offenses in school history.

The season represented a dramatic rise from previous years, as Oregon State had struggled for decades before this breakthrough campaign. Their success culminated in a dominant 41-9 victory over Notre Dame in the 2001 Fiesta Bowl, cementing their status as a national power.

Record and Ranking: The Beavers finished the regular season 10-1, earning a spot in the Fiesta Bowl and rising to No. 2 in the BCS standings before the bowl game.
Notable Win: A 35-21 victory over No. 13 Oregon in the Civil War secured the Pac-10 co-championship and a BCS berth.
Defensive Strength: The defense allowed just 16.8 points per game, ranking 10th nationally in scoring defense.
Jonathan Smith's Leadership: The senior quarterback threw for 2,407 yards and 18 touchdowns, earning All-Pac-10 honors.
Fiesta Bowl MVP: Smith was named MVP of the 2001 Fiesta Bowl after leading the Beavers to a 41-9 win over Notre Dame with 297 passing yards.

Season Highlights and Key Performances

The 2000 season was defined by consistency, resilience, and standout performances in high-pressure games. Oregon State opened the season ranked outside the top 25 but climbed steadily after key wins.

Early Season Momentum: A 31-14 win over No. 25 Colorado in September signaled the team’s potential and propelled them into the top 15.
Undefeated at Home: The Beavers went a perfect 6-0 at Reser Stadium, including a 24-14 win over Washington.
Jonathan Smith's MVP Season: Smith completed 61% of his passes and added 407 rushing yards, showcasing dual-threat capability.
Defensive Standouts: Linebacker T.J. Houshmandzadeh recorded 87 tackles, while defensive end Dwan Edwards contributed 6.5 sacks.
BCS Breakthrough: Oregon State became the first team from the Pac-10 to earn a BCS berth without winning its conference outright.
Final AP Ranking: The Beavers finished No. 6 in the final AP Poll, their highest finish since 1942.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2000 season compares favorably to other landmark years in Oregon State football history. The table below highlights key metrics:

Season	Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank	Key Player
2000	11-1	W, 41-9 vs. Notre Dame (Fiesta Bowl)	No. 6	Jonathan Smith
1967	7-3	L, 14-10 vs. Villanova (Emerald Bowl)	No. 10	Terry Baker
2006	10-4	W, 39-38 vs. Missouri (Sun Bowl)	No. 17	Yvenson Bernard
2007	9-4	W, 38-30 vs. Maryland (Insight Bowl)	Unranked	Sean Canfield
2012	9-4	W, 38-23 vs. Boise State (Maaco Bowl)	Unranked	Sean Mannion

The 2000 team stands out for its national ranking, BCS appearance, and decisive bowl victory. While later teams achieved double-digit wins, none matched the combination of ranking, margin of victory, and historical significance of the 2000 season.

Why It Matters

The 2000 Oregon State Beavers football season transformed the perception of the program and laid the foundation for future success. It demonstrated that sustained excellence was possible even at a historically underdog program.

Program Legacy: The season remains the most successful in modern Oregon State history, with the 11 wins still tied for the most in school history.
BCS Access: Their Fiesta Bowl berth highlighted flaws in the BCS system, eventually leading to expansion for non-AQ conference teams.
Recruiting Boost: The national exposure helped attract higher-caliber recruits in subsequent years.
Stadium Improvements: Success led to increased funding, including upgrades to Reser Stadium in the early 2000s.
Coach Riley's Legacy: Mike Riley’s leadership earned him national recognition and later NFL opportunities.
Historic Benchmark: The 2000 team is still referenced as the gold standard for Oregon State football achievement.

More than two decades later, the 2000 Beavers remain a symbol of what can be achieved through disciplined coaching, team cohesion, and strategic play. Their season is celebrated annually by fans and remains a cornerstone of Oregon State athletics history.