2011 Oregon State Beavers Football Preview

Last season in Corvallis, Oregon, was nothing less than a headache for a school, a team, and a coaching staff that are used to making the most of what they have. This is what will turn the 2011 campaign into an urgent one in the Pacific Northwest.

In 2010, Oregon State failed to win at least eight games for the first time since 2005. Moreover, the Beavers failed to even make a bowl game, a humiliating turn of events for a team that has maximized its resources more than any other Pac-10 (now Pac-12) school not named USC over the past decade. Oregon State has cultivated a reputation as a team whose players always know where to flow and regularly put themselves in position to make plays. The schooling provided by OSU’s coaches has generated the steady stream of satisfying results that has eluded most of the Pac’s other programs… well, until last year, that is.

Head coach Mike Riley has built a consistent Pac-10 winner, and despite a decidedly down year in 2010, a fresh season brings an expectation that things may very well return to normal in Corvallis. The Beavers will need to replace star running back Jacquizz Rodgers. Other than Rodgers, however, the Beavers bring back seven starters on the offensive side of the ball. Quarterback Ryan Katz sat out the spring due to injury, but the strong-armed field general will be ready to progress in his second season as a starter. Katz mentally wilted in the second half of last season; with a stronger and more resilient mind, he should be able to throw darts all over the field and lead a productive passing game. The offense will need James Rodgers, Jordan Bishop and tight end Joe Halahuni to step up and make plays. Four starters from the offensive line return as well.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Beavers will sorely miss Steven Paea and Gabe Miller, who were drafted to the NFL after anchoring the Oregon State line for what seemed like forever. Oregon State coaches are really high on Michael Doctor and believe he can be a terrific linebacker for the Beavers during the upcoming season. The Beavers will be strengthened by a veteran group of defensive backs.

The schedule doesn’t really do the Beavers any favors. In out-of-conference competition, Oregon State travels to Madison to take on Wisconsin in week two. OSU also plays (now-) independent BYU in middle of the Pac-12 season. The Beavers get Stanford at home but will travel to both Arizona State and Oregon. If past seasons are any indication, Oregon State will surpass regular-season expectations. That is one thing you can count on from Mike Riley’s club.

Well, except for last year. Expect a nasty edge from a team that unexpectedly crumbled in 2010. It’s time for Oregon State to set things right on Saturdays.

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