Pitre coached then freshman Jermar Jefferson to a 1,380 rush-yard season in 2018, breaking school records for a freshman. Then, in 2019, he coached Artavis Pierce during his senior year. Pierce was not drafted but now occupies an active roster spot with the Chicago Bears.
Oregon State is 2-2 this season and on a two-game win streak after defeating rival Oregon on Nov. 27. The Beavers have also defeated California and lost their two games to Washington State and Washington by a combined 16 points. The Beavers have received a point in the Associated Press Top 25 for the first time since the 2014 season.
Jermar Jefferson, in 2020, is leading the Pac-12 with 675 rush yards and is on a stronger pace through four games than many Doak Walker Award winners in past years. Jefferson is a two-time Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Week and is on the watch list for the Doak Walker Award.