Utah coach Kyle Whittingham is unlikely to cry, win or lose, after Saturday's game against Oregon State. (file)AP

The weekly exercise where readers ask questions about Oregon State athletics, and The Oregonian/OregonLive’s Nick Daschel attempts an answer.

What’s up with our kicker .. hurt … no good or what? Jeff B

Everett Hayes has some type of lower body ailment, and it’s clearly impacting his kicks. He’s a solid college kicker when right. It’s unclear how far from right Hayes is.

With OSU’s kicking struggles and since we have the Jack Hammer, why not go for 2 on every TD? – Jim C

Oregon State missed two PATs against Montana State. That’s not enough evidence to say junk the extra point team and Jack Hammer the end zone. Kicking problems or not, however, going for two isn’t a terrible strategy with Colletto on your sideline.

What factor do you think USC defense hearing all year how terrible they were had to do with their unit’s performance on Saturday? – Scott J

Minimal. We’ll find out the next couple Saturdays if USC’s defensive performance against Oregon State was a one-off, or long-term improvement.

Chance Nolan has picked up with the bad habits again showing tremendous carelessness with the ball this season. Is he truly the best option we have? Or does he just offer the best option when he’s on? – usafbvr

Given that we’re not able to view practice, it’s speculation based on what we saw during preseason camp. Nolan is the best option at this point. I don’t believe Nolan has been as careless as you’re characterizing. He had some bad moments against USC, and a couple against Boise State. If Nolan is wild against Utah and Stanford, then maybe it’s time to see what you have behind him.

Will someone else get a chance at QB? It feels like the next step to the next level involves better QB play. – Matt P

Jonathan Smith and Brian Lindgren played quarterback at the FBS level. They know better than you and I. If Ben Gulbranson or Tristan Gebbia provided a better option, I’m certain they’d be on the field.

The way I see it, from last year Chance is due for a breakout game. The question is can he do with a spotty running game, his favorite target at TE out, and will his wideouts get open especially when their rushers will limit Chance’s window. It’s at UTAH remember? – Ned W

The sky is truly falling.

How are the conference schedules determined? I see where Oregon doesn’t play SC this year, & UW doesn’t play either Utah or SC. I know that there are rivalry games that are mandated, but what about the rest given the big advantage some teams get by missing some other teams? -- @scorobe1

Each team plays four of the six schools from opposite division. This model is likely to go away moving forward as North and South divisions were junked this season. Was there some manipulation by the Pac-12 to avoid USC vs. Oregon or Utah vs. Washington? Perhaps. Commissioner George Kliavkoff made it clear when he took over that the Pac-12 would do what it could to give the conference’s power programs the best path to earning a CFP berth.

When is Luke Musgrave coming back? – Hans G

There’s no specific timetable, but based on Smith’s comments, I wouldn’t expect the big tight end back for a while. My best guess is perhaps after the bye week on Oct. 23-29.

How can we make Whit (Utah coach Kyle Whittingham) cry? – Casey C

Beats me. Pass him on the freeway with your Harley?

Is the lack of explosiveness in the running game because of the OL or the RBs? – Steven Z

Combination of the two is the likely answer. When the backs can hit a hole at top speed, that’s when big plays take place. It was promising to see Jam Griffin produce five runs of more than 10 yards against USC.

What is Tristan Gebbia’s status? Ben Gulbranson played vs. Montana State. Is Gebbia the No. 3 QB? – Dan R

It seems so. It’s an unfortunate situation for sure, having given up a starting job over an injury. Gebbia has been a stand-up guy through it all.

Are the CBs really as slow as they look? May not have been a factor against USC but very noticeable against Fresno. – Rick B

You might want to adjust your television or glasses. I’ve not heard that criticism anywhere.

Biggest question is how can the Beavers contain (Cam) Rising? Do they use a spy? Is it (Kitan) Oladapo or someone else? – Mark G

After watching how OSU frustrated USC’s Caleb Williams, I’m certain DC Trent Bray will have a solid plan for the Utah quarterback. Whether that’s using a spy or not, you’ll have to find out at 11 a.m. Saturday.

-- Nick Daschel | ndaschel@oregonian.com | @nickdaschel

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