Monday Afternoon/Evening Open Thread: Looking Forward to Portland State
Believe it or not it is Monday of a game week, which means it's time to prepare for Portland State.
Sure, the Beavers haven't lost a nonconference game at Reser Stadium since Sept. 6, 1996, when Montana won 35-14. And sure, the Beavers were a game away from a Rose Bowl berth last season, and Portland State went 4-7 in the Big Sky Conference.But the Vikings will strap on their pads the same way the Beavers do come Saturday, any anything is possible once the two teams step on the field.
You have to like Oregon State's chances come Saturday. There have been question marks at several positions this fall, but the pieces are there. The offensive line seems formidable, there is talent at receiver, Canfield will be leading the crew, and Jacquizz Rodgers is on our side. On defense, the line should be fun to watch, with Frahm and Terry wreaking havoc on backfields, as well as Keaton Kristick and his fellow linebackers teaming together to stop the run. The secondary is inexperienced but a veteran group.
The Beavers beat Hawaii, who ran the same run-and-shoot that PSU does, in 2006. Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis were sophomores back then, Colt Brennan and Hawaii gained over 400 yards through the air, and the Beavers still won.
Portland State will go to battle with Drew Hubel, a Corvallis High grad, at quarterback. He nearly threw for 3,000 yards last season, and passed for 18 touchdowns, although throwing 15 interceptions. But without run-and-shoot mastermind Mouse Davis, the Vikings are expected to run the ball more in 2009.
The Vikings started a converted linebacker at fullback for the last two games of 2008, simply because they didn't have anyone else to fill the spot. But this year Glanville feels that they have four players cabable of running the ball, led by fifth-year senior Bobby McClintock.
Here's the place to share your thoughts on Portland State as you begin your Monday evening. What worries you the most? What gives you the biggest sense of assurance heading into Saturday? Here is your forum to share.
--Jake (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)
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I'm so pumped for Saturday
It’s almost here!
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
I am NOT pumped to drive down to Corvallis at the ass crack of dawn.
I am pumped that I’ll be back in Portland by early evening, watching college football at a bar. That will be nice.
So you are going
Nice. I’m not looking forward to the morning drive either, but hey it’s Football. We’ve been waiting SO long for this.
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
PSU may be a better first opponent than many think
As always, the game will tell, but I think the Portland St. offense at least is a good first opponent for a heavily re-tooled defense. Even with Mouse Davis retired, there will still be enough offensive fireworks to work out the secondary real well. Even if the Beavers cruise, I expect there will be plenty of teaching topics for the coaching staff to use to good effect going forward.
I think also the game will be a big confidence booster for the offensive line, though that could backfire, when a better defense shows up. Still, the whole first month schedule will provide opportunities for the offense’s newcomers to make some mistakes, and gradually gel, without necessarily losing games in the process. Next year, with most of both units back, this would not be that great of a preseason schedule, but this year, it is a good fit.
Andy Wooldridge
Go Beavs!
Kinda agree
But it’s Portland State. I know that when I say this you’ll bring up Appy State vs Michigan but come on. I’m expecting 13 points or less for the Vikings and 44 points or more for us. Who knows, I might be eating crow come Saturday afternoon, but in my eyes it’s nothing more than a scrimmage.
Hi, my name's Connor and I am addicted to College Football
First Time Season Ticket Holder
After years of watching the occasional game live and many games on TV, I broke down and bought season tickets this year. It should be great fun.
Yes, the Beavers lost seven players to the NFL, but we are strong at QB and RB, so as the line gels the Beavers will score points.
I like starting off with Portland State. The newcomers get a chance to get accustomed to the college game while we are heavily favored.
Go Beavs!

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