Oregon State Beavers
2010 record: 5-7 overall, 4-5 conference
2010 Bowl Game: N/A
2010 ATS: 6-5-1
2010 O/U: 6-6
Returning starters: 12 total (8 on offense, 4 on defense)
Over the month of August, our team of writers will be previewing the top teams heading into an exciting 2011 campaign. The college football handicappers at Maddux Sports are also preparing and have season-long packages readily available for clients.
Let’s take a trip to Corvallis, Oregon and find out how Mike Riley’s 11th year on campus is shaping up, as the school prepares for the first season of the Pac-12 Conference.
Offense
Eight starters return to the Oregon State offensive unit, but it remains to be seen if anyone can replace running back Jacquizz Rodgers, who is now in the NFL. The Beavers ranked seventh in conference and 82nd nationally by scoring 24.4 points a game.
Junior quarterback Ryan Katz returns for his second year of leading the unit, coming off a year of completing 60 percent of his passes for 2,401 yards and 18 touchdowns. He will have plenty of weapons surrounding him on the outside, led by junior Markus Wheaton.
Wheaton caught 55 passes for 675 yards and four touchdowns in 2010. He also was a major contributor in gaining 220 yards on the fly sweep that the school has been running in recent years.
Oregon State has been Tailback U recently in the conference, as eight of the last nine seasons has seen a 1,000-yard back on campus. Senior Ryan McCants will get the bulk of the carries early on, but will have to hold off a younger crew that’s led by sophomore Jovan Stevenson.
Four starters return to the offensive line, but last year’s results leave a lot to be desired. Beavers’ quarterbacks were sacked 35 times a year ago.
Defense
A major overhaul will be taking place on this side of the ball, especially in losing seven starters from a unit that ranked 64th nationally in scoring defense. Oregon State did have the conference’s best defensive player last year, but Stephen Paea is now gone.
Riley has always been proud of the program’s development of linebackers and the squad may have a special one in senior Cameron Collins. He makes the move from safety and started two games in 2010.
The secondary has been deemed a work in progress, but does possess great athleticism at the cornerback position with Brandon Hardin and Jordan Poyer.
Special Teams
Incoming freshman Trevor Romaine has positioned himself as the next kicker, coming off a record-breaking high school career that saw him set California marks in PATs converted and points.
Senior Johnny Hekker averaged 41.7 yards on 61 punts last year and will ensure that the Beavers get the best of the field position battle this year.
Wide receiver James Rodgers is a certifiable threat in both return games and opposing teams must game plan against him.
Against the Spread
Oregon State continues to be one of the best teams to wager on, posting a 30-18-1 record over the last four years.
Bet On
The Beavers could end up as a home underdog in their Nov. 5 contest against Stanford, which would be a great thing for bettors due to their 6-1 ATS mark in the series when hosting.
Fade Away
Facing UCLA has not been a profitable situation and this year may be no different. Oregon State is 1-7 ATS in the last eight meetings and the college football lines page should be looked upon during Week 3 of the season.
