2008 Oregon State Football Offensive Preview

As the 2008 season approaches many questions arise for the OSU Football program.  Will the QB position be able to manage the game and limit turnovers?  Will the defensive front 7 which was lost to graduation be able to re-group and play cohesive smart football? Will the departure of Sr. Safety Brian Payton and suspensions of Al Afalava (S) and Tavita Thompson (OT) hinder any chance at an early season upset at Penn St? Or will it aid in an 0-1 start after facing Stanford on the road? Will the kicking game be able to replace former Lou Groza award winner Alexis Serna? Will the punting game improve? All valid concerns which will be looked at in greater depth as the season approaches.  Here's some insight into what the Beavers see as positives entering the 2008 season.  After all, a big factor in success is a positive mindset, right?

The offense looks to be explosive with the Rogers brothers and McCants running the ball. Matched with JC transfer Jeremy Francis the RB position should be young but versatile and DEEP.  The WR core is bolstered by the return of Sr. Maxwell Award Candidate Sammie Stroughter. (Off field turmoil and a lacerated kidney sidelined the Sr. last year, he was granted a medical redshirt) Young returning starters at WR James Rodgers and Darrell Catchings now have a year of playing time under their belts and should improve in all facets of the game. Sr. Shane Morales and 6'3" 215 Damola Adeniji will contribute down the field and on 3rd down situations. Whether it be Lyle Moevao or Sean Canfield calling the shots at QB, they need to manage the game and limit turnovers.  2nd year OSU QB's under Mike Riley seem to have much more success, see Derek Anderson and Matt Moore. OSU's achilles heel seems to be turnovers.  When they handle the ball and don't turn it over, they're a very tough team to beat.

The biggest question is the Offensive Line.  Three returning starters should play BIG in their respective Sr. seasons:  G. Jeremy Perry (Outland Trophy Candidate) and Adam Speer and T. Andy Levitre (2nd team all Pac-10/Outland Trophy Candidate).  All 3 have extensive playing time and are quality Pac-10 linemen.  Perry is questionable with a bum knee and ankle that he has battled with over the past two years. Sr. Tackle Tavita Thompson was suspended last season for alleged "substance policy violations" and will not be available until November 1st.  Until then young names such as Wilder McAndrews (6'4" 290 So.) Una Smiley (6'6" 325 Jr.) and Mike Remmers (6'4" 286 Fr.) will have to step up and fill the holes.

The TE position should be vastly improved this year and VERY deep.  Croom, Miller, Camp, Reese have all seen the field and should contribute.  Croom seems to be the favorite for the starting job.  He's a good blocker however athleticism is questionable.  Reese seems to be the most athletic out of the bunch, however Miller and Croom are the most capable to produce both in the running and passing game.

Should be an exciting season, all the big boys come to our backyard this year, match that with a great NC schedule in Penn St/Utah/Hawaii and it's the potential for something special in '08