Head-to-Head: Make or Break Match-Ups for the 2009 Beavers

On what was a bizarre early November game in Corvallis in 2007, Locker was carted off the field via ambulance.  Luckily he returned later with only a sprained neck.

Locker is looking for redemption against OSU for what was a vicious, yet legal hit, not only that, but also to solidify himself as one of the best dual threat quarterbacks in the nation.

The focus should be on not allowing Locker to use his feet and force him to throw the ball. His dreadful 47 percent completion percentage and 14 touchdowns to 15 interceptions from 2007 are what Banker and Co. are hoping to tap into with constant pressure and proper containment.

OSU's linebacking trio is athletic enough to contain Locker.  Mark Banker will need to focus much of his time and energy on watching Locker's tendencies or else he could run wild on the Reser Stadium turf and the above list will add yet another name.

What To Watch - O-Line: By mid November, OSU will have figured out its identity on offense.  This game could showcase some young names on the offensiveve line and get running back Jacquizz Rodgers well over the 100-yard mark.

If OSU can run the ball with a purpose and with consistency, Washington will be unable to win in a shoot out with the Beavers.

 

Week 13 @ Oregon: "The Grand Daddy Of Them All," well as far as most Oregonians are concerned. Two teams fighting for top spots in the conference will meet on the stripped Autzen turf in what should be an offensive showcase.

Last season OSU was one win away from a Rose Bowl, only to see roses strewn about the walk way around the field after a classic beating handed down by a far superior Chip Kelly lead spread attack.

Hopefully Jacquizz Rodgers will have a say in how the 2009 version turns out.

Key To The Game - Mark Banker vs. Chip Kelly: How in the world can a 53-year-old from Plymouth, Massachusetts have any impact on the outcome of a game?

While OSU constantly churns out top notch defenses, Banker has yet to successfully slow down a spread attack (Penn State, Utah, Oregon).  With Oregon's being the best run first spread game in the nation, he'll have his work cut out for him yet again.

If Banker can balance aggressive first down defensive play calling and get the Ducks in long second and third down situations, the Beavers will have a much better time than in 2008.

What To Watch - Jacquizz Rodgers: The tiny talent was out with an injury for last seasons finale versus the Ducks.  If Rodgers can stay healthy and be ready to go against Oregon, OSU will have a great chance to pull it out on the road.

Last season saw Lyle Moevao throw for over 350 yards and five touchdowns, this all with no rushing threat.  If there is a threat to keep linebackers at home, OSU's offensive balance will be the determining factor.  

This assuming Banker can figure out how to slow the rush attack of Oregon. We all saw what happens in a shoot out against Oregon.

 

Other Keys To The Season:

1) Beat Cincinnati.  This will go a long way for the Beavers, not just for the 34-3 loss in 2007.  It should mean they're 3-0 to start the season, ranked anywhere from 20-15, and have beaten a former conference champion and BCS qualifier from the year before.

2) Win all home games.  OSU plays Portland State, Cincinnati, Arizona, UCLA, Washington, and Stanford at home. With the tough road schedule in conference, the Beavs can't afford to drop a game they should win, especially at home.

3) Stay Healthy. Seems redundant, every team in the nation says this.  But depth at running back and on the O-Line is scarce and for OSU to remain atop the Pac-10 standings they need to remain healthy.

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