While I continue to flip-flop between the possibility that the Beavers could win up to 10, even 11 games this season; the Lee Corso side of my brain shouts "not so fast my friend!"
I thought it would be productive-at least for myself-to express my orange-goggled views of the team then slap myself back to reality and think on a much less biased level and see what middle ground I may be able to find.
I'm not schizophrenic I swear.
Yes you are.
What will follow are the main concerns surrounding this 2009 Beaver team.
Concern No. 1: The entire secondary is gone.
Realistic View - 2007 saw the Beavers lose their entire front seven. Much was discussed in the pre-season about the impact this would have on the beginning of the season; which had OSU on the road against conference foe Stanford in week one and then in (not so) Happy Valley to face Penn State in week two.
After being gashed for 449 rushing yards in the first two weeks it was evident that the loss of the bulk up front was a serious hurdle on the path to success for the 2008 squad.
2009 very well could bring back memories of the 2005 secondary which saw the Beavers give up 50+ points in three games, surrender nearly 300 passing yards per game, and get lit up through the air on the road early and often against Louisville, losing 63-27.
While corner Tim Clark returns as a senior with significant game-time experience, youth could again spell trouble against the run-and-shoot style offenses they will face early against Portland State, UNLV, and Cincinnati.
Not to mention the pass-happy Pac-10.
Optimistic View - Greg Laybourn was the only starter from the 2008 Beaver secondary that was not drafted, yet he was invited to work out with NFL teams. Scary thought, replacing four NFL caliber players.
While you can't beat experience, often times athleticism will allow a player more room for error early on. This 2009 secondary is one of the most athletic groups OSU has fielded since the 2000 Fiesta Bowl group.
Tim Clark is a shut down corner and there is a three headed monster in James Dockery, Brandon Hardin, and Patrick Henderson battling for the other corner spot.
Both safeties are upgrades in speed and size. OSU's biggest issue was down field coverage against the slot receiver. Plays which found Laybourn or Afalava chasing from behind, should now feature Mitchell or Tuimaunei on top of the route breaking the pass up.
Athleticism equals turnovers.
Concern No. 2
We're going to send you the most entertaining Oregon State Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
2 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete