Oregon State 2010 Preview

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The Oregon State Beavers hope this is the year they take it to the next level.

2010 Oregon State Beavers Preview

Conference: Pac-10

2009 Record: 8-5 Lost Las Vegas Bowl Vs. BYU

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Overview:

The Oregon State Beavers have snuck up and surprised some people over the years but it's doubtful they are going to fly under the radar again as they have become regular contenders for the Pac-10 title. Speaking of on the radar, Mike Riley has become one of the best coaches in all of college football and it hasn't gone unnoticed as he regularly has turned down offers from around the conference and country. While there will be a new QB and some changes on defense, there aren't too many teams in the nation who return more than the Beavers as they have 60 players with game experience not to mention a Heisman Trophy candidate. OSU was a game away from the Rose Bowl last season and they could be in position to give it another run this year.

Offense:

One of the biggest question marks on the team is at one of the most important positions, QB, where Ryan Katz and Virginia transfer Peter Lalich will battle for the starting job. Both of the Quarterbacks are high on talet and light on experience but will get as big a help as their is at Running back. Jacquizz Rodgers returns as the star of the team and now as a Junior he looks to be better than ever, Rodgers burst onto the scene out of nowhere as a Freshman and was injured late in the season. After staying healthy last year Rodgers produced big numbers but with all of the attention on him, just the focus he gets from defenses opens things up for everyone else. Wide Receiver James Rodgers is much more than just Jacquizz's brother as he was the higher recruit out of high school and is an all Pac-10 candidate and can outright fly as well. It isn't uncommon for OSU to run a toss sweep to James Rodgers as well as he had over 2,300 all purpose yards last season. The Offensive Line returns just about everyone and Michael Phillip was on several Freshman All American teams and whomever the Quarterback is they should have time to throw and Rodgers should have even more romm to run.

Defense:

There was a common theme in all of the Beavers losses last season, they gave up a ton of points. The high point totals weren't mainly because of poor tackling or schematic breakdowns, it's just Oregon State didn't get a lot of sacks or turnovers which compromised their efforts as they were on the field plenty and defending a full field most of the time. Stephen Paea was voted the best Defensive Lineman in the Pac-10 last season and that's always a good place to start. Gabe Miller had three sacks last season and Brennan Olander started at DT a year ago as well. There is a big hole at Linebacker as David Pa'aluhi left the team to join the military and Senior Keith Pankey tore his Achilles tendon in the Spring so while he should be ready for the season, it's still a concern. The Secondary was roasted and only had eight interceptions last season. While they didn't get a lot fo help from any kind of pass rush, they allowed 23 touchdown passes, a number they will need to improve on. James Dockery, Cameron Collins, and Lance Mitchell, all starters from a year ago, all return and the experience should help them as there is a lot of room to improve. If the defense can step it up, it could be the key to a big year.

Special Teams:

James Rodgers is a force on returns and he should be even better this year as he looks to impress the scouts in his Senior campaign. Just Kahut is a better than just dependable Kicker who has a decent leg and is very accurate while Punter Johnny Hecker is getting better but still has room to improve.

Prognosis:

This could be a big year for Oregon State and it will probably come down to a few games or even plays to see if the Beavers get back to a BCS game. The out of conference schedule is brutal with TCU and Boise State but that should leave the Beavers well prepared for their Pac-10 schedule. I think Mike Riley is good for a few wins on his own and I beleive at the very least Jacquizz Rodgers will be headed to New York as a Heisman finalist

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written by Coaster, August 03, 2010

Good read. I really like what Mike Riley does up there.

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