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Beavers the darkhorse to win Pac-10 title By Ted Miller Special to ESPN.com |
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Oregon State Beavers
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Coach: Mike Riley (8-14, 3rd season) 2002 overall record: 8-5 Conference record: 4-4 Returning starters Offense: 9 Defense: 6 Kicker/Punter: 1 2002 statistical leaders (* - returners) Rushing: Steven Jackson* (1,690 yds) Passing: Derek Anderson* (3,313 yds) Receiving: James Newson* (1,284 yds) Tackles: Nick Barnett (121) Sacks: Bill Swancutt* (11.5) Interceptions: Mitch Meeuwsen* (5) Outlook: If you're looking for a Pac-10 darkhorse, Oregon State is a good bet, even with an entirely new staff as Mike Riley enters his second tour in Corvallis after Dennis Erickson left for the San Francisco 49ers. If the Beavers can find two cornerbacks, they figure to be very dangerous, particularly with a forgiving schedule. Junior tailback Steven Jackson, who rushed for a school record 1,690 yards last year, is one of the best runners in the nation; the 227-pound speedster could become a Heisman Trophy candidate. He'll run behind a line that isn't very deep but welcomes back five who started at least five games last year. Junior quarterback Derek Anderson has tons of talent but struggled once a soft non-conference schedule ended. He threw 11 interceptions in Pac-10 play. He has an above average group of receivers, led by the underrated James Newson and tight end Tim Euhus. Kicker Kirk Yliniemi connected on 15 of 16 field goals last year. First-team all-Pac-10 linebacker Richard Seigler headlines the defense. End Bill Swancutt had 12 sacks and 21 tackles for a loss last year, and watch out for 305-pound tackle Dwan Edwards, whom Seigler can't stop bragging about. The loss of both corners is a problem, particularly four-year starter Dennis Weathersby. But coaches are high on 6-foot-4 freshman Brandon Browner. While a visit to Fresno State and a home game with Boise State won't be easy, a 4-0 start -- like last season -- is likely. If the Beavers don't implode -- like last season -- when the Pac-10 schedule starts, we may have to wait until a Dec. 6 visit to USC to crown the conference champion. Key game: The Sept. 27 visit from Arizona State is the Pac-10 opener for two teams that could make some noise in the conference. The Sun Devils own this series, having won seven in a row against the Beavers, including 21 of the past 23. A victory would have fans saying, "Dennis who?" Keep an eye on: Will the real Anderson please stand up? The talented but inconsistent quarterback started brilliantly but ended up completing just 47 percent of his passes. He has a dominant back and good receivers to take the pressure off, but he needs to improve in order for the Beavers to shine. It's a good year if. . .: The Beavers should finish in the top half of the conference, but if things fall into place they could jump into the top-three or even slide into the Rose Bowl. Ted Miller covers the Pac-10 for the Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
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