2008 Oregon State Football
July 29, 2008
Oregon Sate built some momentum last season by winning four straight games to end the season, including seven of their last eight overall for a 9-4 record. Their 21-14 victory over Maryland in the Emerald Bowl capped off a great year. Mike Riley loses most of his team for 2008, though, with just 10 returning starters to work with. Will it be a rebuilding year in Beaver Land? The team at Info Plays fills you in with our 2008 Oregon State Beavers football predictions and team preview below.
Offense:
The quarterback competition of last year is being put on hold by the Beavers. Sean Canfield won the job last season over Lyle Moevao, but a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder sidelined him for three games. Canfield came back in an emergency role in the Emerald Bowl. He’s expected to be back on the field by fall workouts after having surgery in January. Moevao is the No. 1 quarterback for now until Canfield returns. Having receiver Sammie Stroughter back after a medical redshirt last season should help re-establish the passing game.
Receivers James Rodgers and Darrell Catchings started at times as true freshmen. The solid depth at this position comes with Chris Johnson and Shane Morales, who got significant playing time last season. Redshirt freshman Ryan McCants gets the first shot at running back, but junior college transfer Jeremy Francis was brought in this spring just incase. True freshman Jacquizz Rodgers will join the tailback battle this fall. Guards Jeremy Perry and Adam Speer are two returning starters to go along with left tackle Adny Levitre as the other returnee. Marcus Henderson and Ryan Pohl will compete for the center spot.
Defense:
The Beavers featured the nation’s best rush defense last season, allowing just 70.6 yards per game on the ground. All the starters are gone, although there are qualified players because Oregon State has used a deep rotation. Victor Butler and Slade Norris have been productive pass-rushers. They combined for 19.5 sacks and 213 lost yards. Five-star Junior college transfer Simi Kuli should make a quick impact on the defensive line as well. Pernell Booth is the only tackle with significant playing time. Stephen Paea, Sioeli Nau and Mitchel Hunt are the top prospects for playing time.
Three starting linebackers have moved on, opening the door for Bryant Cornell and Keaton Kristick as proven replacements. Walker Vave, Keith Pankey, Dwight Roberson, Will Darkins and Isaiah Cook were groomed in the spring to be ready for the season at linebacker. The secondary will be the strength of this defense, led by veteran corners Keenan Lewis, Brandon Hughes and Tim Clark. Al Afalava figures to be a steady force at strong safety. He’ll have to hold off challenges from youngsters Cameron Collins, Lance Mitchell and Suaesi Tuimaunei.
Oregon State Football Predictions at Info Plays: 6th in the Pac-10
The Beavers have a solid program with 19 victories the past two years. There’s depth across the board, but much of it is unproven. Rebuilding the defense is the biggest challenge, with only three returning starters, but the offense should help keep them in most games despite a very tough schedule as you’ll see below.
Pac-10 Wins Expected in ‘08: at Stanford, WASHINGTON STATE
Potential Scares/Losses: USC, at Washington, ARIZONA STATE, at UCLA, CALIFORNIA, at Arizona, OREGON