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)