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Oregon State @ Washington

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I'm finally starting to get a feel for the Beavs. Last week I predicted a 27-13 final and got the margin of victory correct. And this week,  I feel more confident than ever in my prediction.

I've actually watched Washington quite a bit. Let me say this: they have a horrible defense. It might be the worst in a major conference, after West Virginia's. I know they're ranked 55th in total defense, and kept USC (overrated) in check, but the three teams (LSU, Arizona, and Oregon) they've played who have good offenses put up an average of 48 points. They are horrible.

Washington's offense loses more turnovers than the defense gains, too, so unlikely that will be a neutralizing force.

Beavs should be able to run, pass, whatever.

The Huskies offense is statistically worse than their defense, but if I'm the Beavs I'd be more worried about that unit. The QB is a good player, and the RB is decent. Luckily the line is horrible. We've beaten to death that Banker needs to stop mobile QBs yada yada. Since Washington's supporting cast is so bad, I think he can stack the box and come out looking good this weekend.

Even the Husky punter is terrible. They average 31.7 yards per punt, which is 115th in the country.

Just a horrible team. I am confident predicting complete domination, the only thing keeping the score down (compared to that 48 point average) being long sustained drives and a lot of rushing yards. This is the week they play a complete game.

41-17, Beavs

PS. Regarding the RB commit from Texas: disagree with the Michael Turner comparison. Turner is a little faster, less shifty, and more of a bulldozer. This guy jukes more. Doesn't have good top end speed, but shifty and seems to produce. Gotta add, I was not impressed with his competition at all. Best attributes are patience and vision–I think these are why he's so productive. I'm neutral on this verbal–since he relies on patience and vision, he'll need a great line, so a lot depends on that.

Utah Post Game Thread

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27-13, not a bad prediction (5-0 in Pac picks this week, but they were pretty easy)

I think you guys saw pretty much what I saw–a team playing their B game and winning by two TDs. Not bad. But not a great performance tonight. Utah handed them the game. Sans those four turnovers, which really weren't forced by the D, the Beavs would be 5-1. The offense laid an egg. The defense was very good, but I think Utah made them look good to some degree.

Like someone said in the other thread, Martin and Zimmerman as the future is terrifying. Especially Martin. Zimmerman is a converted player who is still early on in the learning process. Funny to see the closeup of #13 whiff on that one tackle (that was the only time I saw him all game lol).

Kostol another great game. No Romaine FG attempts again = good.

DJ Welch/Alexander is the best LB since Doggett. Love that guy's play.

One thing about Storm Woods–he's been getting some hype, but it always seems like he's one gear too slow or one shake away from the elusive big gainer. Looks more like a plodding 4yard type…Agnew actually has more breakaway ability. I wish Agnew could hang on to the ball. Use him between the 20s and Woods inside the red zone.

The O-line and defense won this game. Skill players didn't really show up. It's nice to have good trenches.

Utah @ Oregon State (Game Thread)

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Been reading some SLC rags that think Utah has a legit shot at the upset. Apparently they are psyched for this game and hungry for a win. Then I saw this article on Riley worried about a let down.

ND losing, South Carolina losing, Beavs could jump to at least 6 with a win if these scores holdup. A lot on the line and a hungry Utah team has me nervous. Still taking the Beavs (because of the huge WR advantage over their secondary) but anxious.

Go Beavs

It Must be Boring to be A Duck Fan

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Except for the post season.

Imagine being a fan and watching a blowout vs a cupcake every week? It's probably cool for a while, but then you crave a real football game. Best analogy I can think of is playing Madden as a kid. The rookie level was fun for a few hours, but then I wanted to play a real game. Come on, Oregon–schedule some real opponents; bump your Madden level to sophomore.

Normally don't cover the Ducks here, but that game last night was brutal to watch, and I just had to say it.

National Attention Feels Weird

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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.