Offense
The quarterback race is wide open for Oregon State, and whoever wins the job has big shoes to fill. Departing is QB Sean Canfield who set the world on fire for the Beavers as he threw for over 3,200 yards with over a 67.9% completion percentage.
Ryan Katz is the leader to take over the job, and he will put his faith in junior RB Jacquizz Rogers to smooth the transition. Rogers has been a star in the PAC 10 ever since he exploded on the scene with 186 yards rushing in an upset of top ranked USC his freshman season. In two seasons, Rogers has rushed for nearly 2,700 yards.! Rogers and an offensive line that returns 9 of 10 starters on the 2 deep are the key for the Beaver offense in 2010.
Defense
The front and back of Oregon State’s defense is very experienced led by 2nd Team PAC 10 DT Stephen Paea and a secondary that returns 6 of 8 players. Paea had 43 tackles in 2009 and highly recruited TE Gabe Miller moves over to DE in a move that should pay immediate dividends. Miller is very quick and should have no problem being a terror for PAC 10 QBs. While the Beaver secondary struggled in 2009 (#68 FBS) the depth of upperclassmen should lead the way for a major improvement this season as head coach Mike Riley calls this one of the best secondaries he’s ever coached.
Overall
Mike Riley is one of the most underrated coaches in America, and his teams always out do preseason expectations. The Beavers open the season with TCU in one of the best matchups of the first weekend. While I will pick TCU to win, it will not shock me if Mike Reilly finds a way to pull the upset in a statement game to start the season.
The Beavers also have a realistic shot to gain a trip to the Rose Bowl as they have 5 home games in the PAC 10 and host both USC and Oregon. I would look for a 9-3 season from the Beavers, but don’t be surprised if they surpass my prediction.
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