| 03 September 2010
Beavers face stern opening game challenge against Horned Frogs
The Vegas line of +13 ½ for the Beavers should be indicative of how big of an underdog the Beavers are going into Saturdays primetime showdown in Cowboys stadium. But early season tests are nothing new for the Beavers. Each of the last six years the Beavers have faced a ranked team in their non-conference schedule, and judging by their performance in those games, they stand a long shot against TCU this season. Beaver fans wish they can forget the beat downs at Louisville, at Penn State, at Cincinnati, and at Boise State in seasons past, and that’s all history now. Although almost everyone is picking TCU in this game, the chances of a good showing by the Beavers is still very high. But will it be enough?
Closer look at the Beavers
It will be a huge debut for sophomore quarterback Ryan Katz on Saturday. Thankfully for him, he has arguably the best running back and wide receiver in the Pac-10 in the Rodgers brothers. Junior Jacquizz Rodgers rushed for 1502 yards in 2009 with 21 touchdowns with a 5.3 yards per rush average, while his brother James Rodgers on 58 carries contributed with 5.2 yards a carry average and 1 touchdown. Rodgers also grabbed 91 catches for 1034 yards and nine touchdowns. The Beavers return nine starters on offense, and eight starters on defense. They did lose some big pieces on both sides of the ball as leading Pac-10 passer Sean Canfield, and leading tackler Keaton Kristick both graduated and were drafted in to the NFL.
Closer look at the Horned Frogs
TCU leads the country with 27 seniors on its team, led by their outstanding senior quarterback, Andy Dalton and his next victory will make him the winningest quarterback in TCU history. TCU’s defense is regarded as one of the top 5 defenses in the country as they return 24 of its 30 defensive letter winners. TCU finished 2009 with a 12-1 record and fell in their BCS bowl game 17-10 to Boise State. TCU will almost certainly have to run the table again this year to get back to a BCS bowl and will be extremely motivated against their strongest 2010 opponent, the Beavers.
Keys for the Beavs
The Beavers need to get pressure on Dalton and will be relying heavily on star defensive tackle Stephen Paea for that. The Beavers were last in the Pac-10 last year in sacks. Ryan Katz must play a mistake free game for the Beavers to win this game. He needs to “manage” the game and minimize risk on his throws. Jacquizz Rodgers needs to rack up at least 100 yards, and continue to be a threat catching the ball out of the backfield.
Prediction: Oregon State 24 – TCU 31
photo: ap
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