written by: David Hershorin

Oregon State lost two players in Ken Simonton and Jonathan Smith who together have 32 school records (Simonton finished second in PAC-10 career rushing yards, Smith 3rd in PAC-10 career passing yards). Unproven replacements/starters Steven Jackson (5.1 yd/rush in 2001- 6'1", 224lbs) and Derek Anderson (6'6", 238lbs) need to hit the ground running for the offense to re-establish an identity for 2002. Their size should help the learning curve of experience. But no fullback makes it tough.

What is proven is the receiving corps. The offense returns 3 of the top 4 reception leaders from 2001. WR James Newsome (57), TE Tim Euhus (27), WR Shawn Kintner (17) and WR Seth Trimmer (16 rec, 19.0 yd/rec in 2001) will provide big targets (all over 6"0") for the budding Anderson. It will be critical, though, for the Beaver's backfield to become part of the passing attack. If the tailback isn't seen as a receiving threat through play-action, etc., then defenses will be able to isolate linebackers into coverage schemes. Somewhat unproven as a hands guy, this makes Jackson's job clear - catch the ball more in order to improve the running game. And if the run is enough to pull 8 men into the box defensively, those receivers will get open often with their experience. We'll have to see if the 2001 Beaver's .850 offensive red zone conversion rate continues.

The offensive line's left side looks solid. The right side will be starting somewhat fresh with two inexperienced sophomores (3 if you include C Matt Brock). The 2001 unit gave up a mere 10 sacks in the last 7 games, so the passing attack seems bankable. To harp an old song by now, the most critical job is for these guys to make the running game work. In the PAC-10, a proven ground game almost always equals success.

written by: David Hershorin

The run stopping has to improve from allowing 156 yd/game in 2001.
The line is anchored by Noah Happe (41 tackles, 10 behind the line of scrimmage) and Eric Manning (2001 1st team all PAC-10), with plenty of game time between the other 2 juniors starters. They need to stop the run better, period. Stopping the run in the PAC-10 even more so leads to winning. Easier said than done, huh.
Junior Richard Seigler (2nd team all PAC-10) is in the middle of a speedy group of linebackers (Sr. Matt Barnett 4.5 sec 40 yd dash) that will aid an experienced set of starting DBs. The LB's ability to quickly read developing plays becomes key - identifying play-action and adjusting during blitzes top that list. Seigler can do this, but his fellow LBs need to be as sharp. If the LBs are needed for extra run stopping, look for RBs in deeper pass patterns to breakdown any OSU zone coverages.

The pass defense need only pick up where they left off in 2001 (13th nationally, 174 pass yd/game). Senior CBs Terrell Roberts and Dennis Weathersby (OSU career record 44 pass defenses) will cover what they can well. The Beavers cannot afford any injuries here, as most backups have little experience. Soph. SS Mitch Meeuwsen will be the key to this backfield. In place of Sr. Calvin Carlysle, he had a breakout game against UCLA and started the rest of the year. Meeuwsen will need to live up to his selection to 3 Freshmen All-American teams last year. His instincts are uncanny in identifying offensive schemes quickly. This is why Meeuwsen will start, even with Carlysle healthy.

Special Teams: Although a 2000 all PAC-10 selection, Sr. PK Ryan Cesca will be easily replaced by Jr. Kirk Yliniemi if his 2001 year-end trend (5 out of 10 FGs) continues (close losses to USC and Oregon could have been won). How many kick/punt returning chores get passed to starting TB Jackson could go a long way to shaping the entire team's success. Will anyone step forward to take the return reins? And the 2001 33.1 net punting avg. has to improve for this team to win field position battles in close/defensive games.