Here's the deal.  Last year was a great year, all things considered.  I've always been a little skeptical after Erickson left, and being a Beaver believer with season tickets through the 80's and 90's (when they were quite affordable and the term "Beaver Believer" hadn't been created yet, by the way), I was worried the Beavs would slump back into those unglorious days.

But Riley has proven me wrong the last two seasons.  Last year, after the Cinci game, I was ready to hang my hat for the season.  More so after 42 interceptions at ASU.  So it is tempting to have the same doubts after losing to a Stanford team who is picked to do no better than any other California highschool.  Sorry for that, Cards.  I forgot.  We lost.

While it can't really be said that last year's home game against Utah pumped us up for Cinci the following week, at least it was a home game to start the year.  Provided we lost to Cinci, at least we could come back home the following week, and beat up on some college team from the nuclear testing grounds of south-central Idaho.  However, I don't feel so hopeless this year.  Yet.

I'm a believer, don't get me wrong.  But I'm a realist as well, and we have the #2 toughest schedule of the Pac 10 teams.  Following this game on a flight to Penn State ain't going to be easy.  The Lions smell fresh blood, and we can't play there like we did in Cinci last year, and have any sort of prayer. (I'm assuming the N.Lions roll all over their opponent this weekend)

The Beavs want another 9 win season.  And we can attain it.  But PSU is a must win for that to happen.  It's too bad that the Beavs are in such a crucial situation at the beginning of the season, but with the loss to the Cards, they are.

Now to a short analysis of the game this evening.  I hate to say it, but I think much of this loss could have been avoided if one player was present.  Afalava would have sealed up so many of those holes.  I don't doubt it for a second.  I don't know why he got suspended, and I don't care why.  But I hope he learned his lesson, watched the game, and cringed knowing that he is crucial to the Beaver D.  He'll be back next week, will make a presence, but there are other adjustments to the D that Riley will have to make in order to shut down PState.

While it would be great to have some all american stud at QB, I'll take LM.  Jonathon Smith showed us what a little heart and good aim can do.  I think LM played outstanding.  One interception was first tipped.  I can live with that.  One was a bad mistake.  One bad mistake throwing to the other team is a tenfold improvement over last year.  And the receiving corp was incredible.  Sammy is back, and Morales can't seem to drop anything.  Keep that sort of show up, and we're looking good.

The only criticism I have on offense is this.  We need a running back.  We need that go to guy.  That Jackson or Yvenson.  Was Riley giving Quizz and McCants a see tonight?  Do we have a #1 guy going in?  Both are great.  I would've just liked to have seen McCants get enough touches to get into a rhythm, to put a consistent game together. 

But in the end it's the D that needs the work.  Certainly they had some great series, and if they can tighten that up some more, we have a legit shot at going into Beaver Stadium and claiming it.