They finished last year 9-4 and beating the Terps in the Emerald Bowl. Always a team that gets overlooked in the Pac-10, and always a team that can snatch victory out of an unsuspecting Pac-10 team's jaws. Mike Riley has always been on the verge, but never can get over that hump. This is another one of those years where he could go far, but the past is usually more indicative of where the Beavers will end up- better than average.
Offense.
The Beavers have an unusual situation- they have two outstanding QBs in Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao. Who gets the start? Moevao is 4-0 after taking over Canfield's spot when he was hurt. Canfield is a NFL-prototype drop back passer, while Maevao is much more mobile. Mike Riley has a tough decision to make.
The running back situation is a bit iffy. The Beavs lost two-time 1,000 yard rusher Yvensen Bernard, as well as four other backs with limited playing time, but they should be able to find a capable back to carry the load in either Jacquizz Rodgers, a very highly recruited freshman, or Ryan McCants.
The line looks good to go. They return three starters, and barring any injury, will be rock-solid. They had some issues on the left side (LT Tavita Thompson, academics and LG Jeremy Perry, knee) but with the two of them also returning, the Beaver Nation should feel very comfortable with the line.
The receiving unit got a huge boost when Sammie Stroughter was awarded an extra year after a kidney issue. In 2006 he had almost 1,300 yards, and with the departures of Anthony Brown and Brandon Powers, his return will be a huge confidence-builder for the unit.
Defense.
The Beavers only return three starters, but almost everyone has had some starting experience, so no need to panic. They lose six of their eight linemen, but return their two DEs, Victor Butler and Slade Norris, who combined for 19.5 sacks for 188 yards in losses. While they were primarily sack specialists, they could see more extensive playing time this year.
The linebacking unit, while returning no starters, has all had plenty of experience as back-ups. The problem is that all three departing backers this year were on the All-Pac-10 Second team. That's a huge loss, and could be critical against some strong running teams.
The secondary only loses two- SS Daniel Drayton and CB Gerard Lawson. Safety Al Afalava is the unit's leader, and they return two key CB's in Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes.
Outlook.
Their conference schedule is not that bad- they host USC, Washington State, Cal, Arizona State and Oregon. Their non-conference schedule is a different story- they go to Penn State before returning to face a depleted Hawaii, USC and then back on the road again to play Utah. All in all, there isn't really one guaranteed win on their schedule since they travel to a much-improved Stanford in their season-opener.
9. Washington State Cougars
After four years of not being a contender in the Pac-10, Bill Doba was canned and Paul Wulff (Eastern Washington) was given the nod. He is installing a no-huddle spread offense, so while the team's offensive production will be exciting to watch, it will be a first year experiment. The Cougs haven't been strong on the defensive front for a long time, and this year will be no different.
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