PSU Preview: Oregon State

Game 2


vs.

Saturday, September 6th. 3:30 p.m est. Beaver Stadium, State College. TV: ABC


Saturday's game against Oregon State will tell us more about our 19th ranked Nittany Lions than last week's blowout win. Despite losing their first game, OSU remains a dangerous team and one should not be fooled by their week one loss to Stanford. First off, Stanford is a tougher team than people realize. Secondly, OSU should've won if not for a fumble at the Stanford 2 yard line that went out of the back of the endzone late in the game. At any rate, PSU should win this game, but could have its hands full with a speedy, yet undersized OSU squad coached by ultra-competant Mike Riley.


When PSU is on Defense: The Beavers will most likely throw quick passes, short slants, and lots of screens to negate our pass rush and force our secondary, particulary our safeties, to make plays. On a few occasions, Coastal Carolina was able to have success with those types of plays, so look for the Beavers to try lots of them. PSU will counter with many different looks to confuse and rush QB Lyle Moevao, and will try to take advantage of a very average OSU offensive line. They must be sure to tackle well and not make mental mistakes because the Beavers' recievers, led by Sammie Stroughter, can make plays.

When PSU is on Offense: The high-powered PSU offense should have no trouble dominating an undersized, inexperienced Oregon State defense. Look for our offensive line to man-handle the Beaver defensive line and get lots of yards on the ground. It wouldn't suprise me if we ran the ball a lot early, and then went to the air as the game progresses. Put it this way, Stanford's average, slow running back had a career day against the Beavers, so Royster, Green and company will be just fine. As for the QBs, Clark and Devlin need to just manage the game, continue to make good decisions, and the rest should fall into place.

When Seth has had more than 2 Bunsteads: Look Out!

Bottom line: PSU is more physical and more talented then OSU, but this game will come down to how well our defense can handle the Beaver offense; particularly how well our defensive backs and linebackers can handle the quick-pass spread. If we allow OSU to get into a rhythm early, this game could become a shootout. Conversely, if we make a defensive statement early, get to Moevao, and disrupt their flow, then we win handily. There's also the possibility that OSU's offense will do well inside the 20's, but our defense will tighten up in the red zone, thus yielding a classic PSU "bend, but don't break" defensive showing. At any rate, the key matchup could be Lion CB AJ Wallace vs. Beave WR Sammie Stroughter, and we'll know early in the first half what type of game it will be.


KNITS PICK...

Oregon State: 10

PSU: 45

Game notes...

1. The weather looks pretty wet for the game on Saturday, as that hooker Hanna brings her stormy weather into the area. Not sure if the weather helps or hurts us, but I am concerned about slipping off of a Beaver Stadium bleacher and smacking my nards.

2. Saturday marks the first meeting between Oregon State and Penn State

3. Lime-green vests.


Let's Go State!