The last post was getting crowded. Let's use this one for the weekend. Next week, around Tuesday, I'll draft coverage of the first game.

Some points of discussion:

Oregon and Cal up to no good. We all knew this already, so it's funny to see the media late to the party. SBB has more clout than angrybeavs, though, so now bigger outlets might run with it and investigate (what we've been saying for years!).

http://www.sportsbybrooks.com/ducks-cal-troubling-ties-to-mentor-of-recruits-29826

Also, depth chart update.

http://www.oregonlive.com/beavers/index.ssf/2011/08/oregon_state_football_latest_d.html

What jumps out to me is how thin the left CB position is. Jordan Poyer is probably the one defender the Beavs can't lose. Also, Andrew Seumalo listed as a starting DT. I mentioned last week this might happen. The depth at those two positions borders on terrifying.

One more note: I am trying to incorporate a function that will allow users to search comments rather than just the main posts. Look for that improvement soon.

In order to feel optimistic about the season, I need to start seeing our best players/starters getting reps. I understand we can beat Sacramento State with our reserves, but we can't beat Wisconsin with rusty starters. Sac State is an important tune-up game. We don't want guys taking the field for their first time this season at Camp Randall.

The injury bug is leading to a mindset, in both the media and fan forums, that the real season begins September 24th against UCLA. I understand why people are thinking this way, but it is disheartening to see people adjusting expectations before the season even starts.

Anyway, there's not a lot to complain about right now. Some things irking me:

• Sean Mannion's move up the depth chart. (Not a Mannion fan, sorry).
• Reuben Robinson being talked up. (It only exacerbates the problem).
• Media only highlights players' (e.g. Gwachum) positives and ignores their negatives (e.g. drops).
• Sac St. game still isn't on TV.
• Andrew Seumalo listed as a possible starting DT.
• Darrell Catchings is still in the picture.
• Sean Martin at nickle (he is too slow, groom someone better).
• Our never-ending bad luck (injuries), and Oregon's omnipresent good fortune (LSU incident).

I don't know about you guys, but the injuries are really starting to get on my nerves. I understand they are "part of the game", but they're not supposed to be the entire game, and that's the point we're at with the Beavers.

Injured starters:

• Brandin Cooks
• Kevin Frahm
• Cam Collins
• James Rodgers
• Michael Philipp
• Joe Halahuni
• Castro Masaniai
• Brandon Hardin

Injured reserves:

• Storm Woods
• Cody Vaz
• Shaydon Akuna
• Jordan Jenkins

Out for the season:

• Brandon Hardin
• Fred Thompson
• Micah Hatfield

So, almost half of our starters are injured. That's just ridiculous. Any theories on this? It seems beyond random since it's happened for several years and to a greater degree than any other Pac-12 program.

Also, regarding Ryan Katz…I am reading the same reports as last season. He's inconsistent, he's overthrowing receivers, he can't throw on the run, he's busy showing off his arm, etc. In short, he's still acting like Dirk Diggler. Can we just get a heady QB who converts third downs and knows how to check down? ARGH. Stupidity is so frustrating.

-End rant

The biggest stories so far this week:

1. Malcolm Agnew making a push.

2. Trevor Romaine's inconsistency.

3. Kevin Frahm on crutches.

4. Brandin Cook's domination.

5. Zimmerman's shift to safety.

6. Lamb beating out Ellis.

Seriously, why  has it taken over a year for somebody to unseat Ellis? Let's not get too excited. Lamb is almost as bad…though, to be fair, he is a slightly better run blocker.

Fans on other sites were raving about McCants since camp began. That to me comes off as wishful thinking, especially since a freshman is making a legit bid for the job. McCants was given the starting job with the hopes someone would unseat him. Can't blame Riley there, it's a smart move. Fans love to rave about McCants frame and potential–we go through this every year. My conclusion: McCants is simply not a winner.

I never thought I'd say Kevin Frahm being injured is a big deal. But, that's what it's come to. We actually need Kevin Frahm. That was painful to write. I really don't want to witness Ben Motter (who??) trying to tackle LaMichael James. God save the queen.

Oh, and on the topic of inadequate backups…if Romaine can't get it done, Max Johnson is next in line. Reports are that he's missed almost every FG attempt this fall. I saw him kick in pre-game warmups once. He looked like Charlie Brown trying to kick Lucy's pigskin.

The good news is that the defense is ahead of the offense.

Great updates, Silverstream. Keep them coming.

It's disheartening to hear Romaine is struggling. I hear he has the leg, but can't find any accuracy or consistency. We need to keep an eye on this situation. Is Max Johnson the answer? Uh. I hope not. This is so unexpected. Romaine came with high praise and looked the part. Hopefully it's just a case of nerves. For those of you who have been to practice, share your impressions of Romaine. Convince me not to worry.

Disappointed to hear Grant Enger is at LT and Philipp is #2 at RT. The correct move is Enger (or Kelly) at  RT and Philipp starting at RG. Rumor is Philipp won't change positions, but I find that hard to believe. If he said that to people in the program, the media should be able to get a quote and confirm, or at the very least confirm his disgust and frustration. At that point we could read between the lines. Of course, if Philpp is being a sour puss or prima dona then he deserves to ride the pine. Oregon media needs to step it up and get an answer.

Word is that Castro is back practicing (1 game suspension is pretty light if you ask me), but according to Joe Seumalo, he is not in football shape. With just three weeks before kickoff, that is obviously bad news. Makes you wonder what he's been doing while waiting for his court date.

Anyway, things will be low-key for the next couple days as I have family in town (through next Friday). I'll check in here and there to respond to emails, keep up on what's developing in camp, and create these placeholders once the old topic gets cluttered. But don't expect anything too enlightening until I have some more time to actually sit down and think. Thankfully you guys have been doing a great job of keeping things interesting in the comment area.