Football News and Notes: T-minus 17 days

There's just over two weeks of vacation left until fall camp begins on August 10... a few things to touch on this morning. 

Offensive linemen Mike Remmers and punter Johnny Hekker have been awarded scholarships for the upcoming season. Here's a bit about what they did last season:

As a redshirt freshman in 2008, Remmers (West Linn, Ore./Jesuit HS) started the first seven games of the season at right tackle before senior tackle Tavita Thompson returned from a NCAA-mandated suspension. Despite a lack of experience, Remmers acquitted himself well and is the Beavers' most experienced tackle entering 2009. He is the son of former OSU football player Wally Remmers (1974-76) and the brother of former OSU hoopster Vic Remmers (2002-05).

Hekker (Bothell, Wash./Bothell HS) was one of just four true freshman (Matt Barker, Marcus Perry and Jacquizz Rodgers) to play in 2008. As the team's starting punter, Hekker grew into the job blossoming late in the season earning Special Teams MVP honors at the Sun Bowl. In the final five games of the season Hekker punted 30 times for an average of 43.4 yards per kick, an improvement of 7.5 yards over the first half of the season. During that time he also tallied eight of his nine kicks of 50 yards or more.

ESPN's Adam Rittenburg is reporting that the Beavers are a possibility, although a long shot, to play Michigan in the Big House next season: 

The Wolverines still want to re-open Michigan Stadium against a decent opponent from a BCS conference, but Michigan fans should probably dismiss any thoughts of a real blockbuster matchup. You won't see a Delaware State re-run on Sept. 4, 2010, but Michigan still wants to have a pretty decent shot at a win in Week 1. Athletic director Bill Martin likes to play schools with similar academic missions. Michigan also ideally wants a guarantee game (no return). 

Oregon State -- Maybe a stretch here, but the Beavers don't currently have a game scheduled for Sept. 4. History shows Oregon State is most vulnerable early on, especially on the road, so this might be an appealing game for coach Rich Rodriguez. Oregon State could use the guarantee money.    

NBC's Charlottseville, Virginia affiliate is reporting that charges against OSU quarterback Peter Lalich have been dropped:

Tuesday morning a Charlottesville judge dismissed an underage possession of alcohol charge against former University of Virginia quarterback Peter Lalich.

Lalich was arrested last July and put on probation. He violated that probation when he continued to drink.

Lalich was kicked off the team in September and transferred to Oregon State. He was ordered to complete an alcohol program, and is compliance with that program in Oregon.

Former Oregon State and current Seattle Seahawk T.J. Houshmandzadeh was recently on ESPN Radio with Colin Cowherd and expressed his displeasure for his player rating in the newest version of Madden. In fact, he plans to boycott the game:

"I understand I averaged 10 yards a catch, but it's the offense, not me. I'm not playing Madden no more until they get my rating right." 

--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)