Does anyone else feel strange seeing OSU get so much attention? SI, WSJ, ESPN…I mean, don't get me wrong, it is cool and way better than the alternative, but at the same time it feels weird. Best analogy I can think of is an ugly nerd who gets plastic surgery or a growth spurt and all the sudden he's prom king. That nerd would probably feel awesome on one hand, but also like a poseur on the other.

Also feels weird because we're one loss away from nobody caring.

I'm sure everyone will argue with me and say they don't feel that way because that's what you cantankerous jerks do. ;) But that's what I feel like discussing today. How I feel awesome and dread all at once. It's like nothing I've experienced following sports.

Oh, there is a new site, created by a member who posts here, that is trying to rebrand OSU and sell some gear. Check out beavsarmy.com if you're in the market for a shirt. I personally think the look is too edgy and modern for our fan base, but the guy clearly has ambition and a vision so best wishes to him. He said the site won't accept payment for a few days, so if you're interested bookmark it and check back next week.

I haven't watched any Utah games, so no analysis this week.

Based on the stats alone, I could see this game being a blowout. Utah can't stop the pass (99th), Beavs are great passing team. Utah can't run, Beavs have the 4th best run defense. I mean, how is Utah going to stop the Beavs or score on them? Looks like they have a good punter, and they're going to need him.

Beavs have all the match up advantages. The two things that might prevent a blowout will be (a) the Beavs being their own worst enemy and (b) Whittingham is a heck of a coach who will have his guys ready and a good game plan.

If everything clicks and the Beavs reduce penalties, 38-13, but I am thinking more like 27-13, good guys. Beavs have that #8 target on their back so they're going to get every team's best effort.

Wasn't a Vaz doubter (actually have liked him forever), but if you were being realistic this is a game the Beavs traditionally lose. It's officially time to separate this season, and the anomaly that it is, from prior seasons.

Vaz actually throws a nicer ball than Mannion. More accurate and better touch. But those batted balls were frustrating. If we could only combine the two we'd have an ideal QB. Anyone think there's a controversy? Anyone think Vaz takes over? I liked the red zone offense better today. Some of it was luck (Prince catch), but they just seemed to hit more plays down there with Vaz. Thoughts?

Nice to see Richie Harrington get some game reps! Highlight of the day for me.

Defense looked pretty decent. Kept getting gashed by that shovel pass and the mobile QB, and they over pursue, but I like the aggressive, disruptive style. Much better to watch than the past few years. The DTs are the surprise of that group. Another surprise I haven't mentioned all year is Colin Kelly. He was horrible the past few years, but he's good now. Yeah, he got called on back to back plays today, but overall a big improvement that deserves acknowledgment.

Kostol is a monster.

Nice to see Romaine in a role he can handle.

That game was cardiac most of the way. Felt the Beavs were dominating the lines and should have been up more than they were (this is a frustrating trend).

Oneoldbeav, do you remember the last time OSU was 5-0?

In-N-Out burger time. Oh, wait, the lady Beav just barked "French onion soup tonight!". Damn. *Insert Beaverjuice for dessert joke*

Go Beavs.

I am surprised how confident Beaver fans are given that BYU is 27-3 at home in their last 30 games, have a top ranked defense, and OSU is starting Cody Vaz. What is there to be confident about is what I'd like to know?

Yes, I agree OSU's defense should hold BYU to under 20 points. But Will OSU score more than that with Vaz at the helm? Riley says the playbook won't change, but there's a natural tendency to coddle a new QB and call a conservative game. I can't imagine Vaz playing an error free game. We're hearing he was picked off three times in practice today. I'm thinking he'll throw a couple vs BYU. So, does OSU win the turnover battle? Riley Nelson is savvy. Can't see him turning it over much.

Then there's the psychology. Beavs know if they can afford to drop a game it's this one (non-conference). We'll see how bad they really want the excellence about which they've been talking. If they play like a team that can afford to drop a game then they aren't ready for that #10 ranking and what it entails.

Also, BYU's entire team is 25. They'll 'out man' the Beavs. So there's that. I really want to believe. Heck, I even think Vaz is a pretty good backup. I just don't see why people think this is going to be easy, or why the Beavs will even win. Because BYU's offense looked bad a few games? Each week is different, folks. A lot of that is matchups, psychology, intensity, etc…all change week to week (see Cal/UCLA). Just please explain why I should believe…why this is an easy win. Because I see an ugly, ugly, ugly game where the Beavs have everything working against them. I think the line is spot on.

17-13, BYU