As always, this thread is for venting, cheering, discussing food and libations, etc on gameday.

What will you be looking to see today?

Points that have my interest:

• Whether Quizz can find running room versus this porous defense. I'm highly frustrated with the walk-ons on the offensive line. On seemingly every play at least one of them botches a block. Progress and confidence needs to be made today versus a weak opponent, as the back half of the schedule is loaded.
• The referees. Enough said.
• Do the Beavers' nagging injuries synergize to the point of weakening the whole?
• Can a MLB please step forward? A few weeks ago, it looked like Tony Wilson's light turned on, but then, inexplicably, Reuben Robinson started seeing more playing time. It's not unusual to have no idea what the defensive minds are thinking, but it is unusual that their patience ever pans out. Play Wilson.
• Will Collins get more playing time at OLB than Pankey? He's been slowly seeing the field more.
• Will Brandin Hardin thump his chest and do the "incomplete pass" signal if Locker overthrows his man? Note to Brandin: this is not cool. In fact, it's embarrassing and needs to stop.
• Finally, Jake Locker–looking forward to more pratfalls in a Buster Keaton-esque performance from this clown, while imagining Mel Kiper's face and reputation dropping even further.

These aren't "keys to the game", just a combination of random things I find interesting, humorous (e.g. Hardin), frustrating etc and will therefore be watching closely.

Speaking of interesting, did you guys see how quickly the MWC enacted a rule change and suspensions? http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=5690191

Yeah.

Put the gin down, boys; you'll need it two weeks from now.

It feels good to be back to discussing football. This week it's the Washington Huskies. 

I like to glance the Vegas' opening line and how it moves throughout the week. This week, the Beavers opened as 2.5 favorites, and it's now down to a pick 'em game. I understand the common gambler's reasoning for picking Washington:

1. James Rodgers is out.

2. Washington beat USC.

But what the average college football fan doesn't realize is that Markus Wheaton is just as good, if not better (gasp!) than James Rodgers. Okay, so he is probably not better, but only because James had some leadership skills and four years in the offense, allowing him to master details. Wheaton is getting there fast, though.

As far as Washington beating USC–I have a feeling a lot of average to good teams are going to beat USC. The Trojans have nothing to play for, and they have a head coach whom nobody respects.

So a 2.5 line, and now a pick 'em game. Really?

I love the Beavers in this game. There are few teams with a worse defense than the Beavs, but Washington is one of them. OSU also has a superior running back, quarterback, and wide receivers. Their return game is second to none in the country, and should continue churning with Poyer and Wheaton taking over duties. Where does Washington have an advantage? Even their coaching staff is inferior. Figure Vegas gives Washington +3 for the home field. That is still way too low.

Notice above I said the Beavs have the advantage at QB. Mel Kiper wouldn't agree, but if we're being honest who would you rather have right now? Locker is an erratic mental case. He'll overthrow a receiver wide open down the middle (right into the arms of Lance Mitchell) at least once in this game. Katz has been in 3 huge games this year versus top 10 teams. How many has Locker been involved in his entire career? Truth be told: Locker is a gamer, leader of men, and a player who demands respect due to the passion with which he plays the game, but his football intelligence and throwing ability do not match his heart.

The wild cards that might keep this game close:

1. Noise–We all know the reputation of Husky Stadium. However, the Beavers have quietly become road warriors.

2. ESPN broadcast — The Beavers are notoriously horrible in the prime time. However, they do tend to play better in this time slot versus familiar Pac-10 opponents.

3. Mobile QB–Sure, Locker can't throw, but he can scoot. Luckily Washington does not run much option.

Last week's game felt like a pick 'em. This one doesn't.

Beavers by at least 7, but I'm thinking more like 13+.

38-24, good guys.

Regarding refs and petitions: for those who think it's stupid to write petitions, yet didn't like the calls, take a look in the mirror and ask what you're doing about it. For those who had no issues with the calls, you're the reason Oregon State had a "third tier" ranking until this most recent year. For those who confused our "bitching" of senseless and dangerous plays with judgment calls such as pass interference or holding…all I can say is the world needs ditch diggers. The petition is justified, even if nothing comes of it. There will likely be more of them in the future, too, so get used to it. We take action around here when there's injustice to our team or danger to our players.

Okay, off the soap box. Moving on…

Fans are complaining that the Beavers are ranked #24. Some are even calling it an anti-Boise State conspiracy.

I'm going to throw some numbers at you. Keep in mind there are 120 FBS teams when reading over them.

1. The Beavers have scored 140 points this year and given up 150.

2. The Beavers are 82nd in total offense and 94th in rushing offense.

3. The Beavers are 113th in total defense and 90th in scoring defense.

4. The Beavers are 102nd in defensive passing efficiency. Opposing QBs have a 145 rating versus OSU.

5. The Beavers are 118th in defensive third down conversion percentage. Opponents convert 55% of third downs. Just for a reference, TCU is #1 and allows 22%.

If you look at the stats, no other teams in the top 25 are ranked so poorly in key indicators (of great teams). So, factor in that the Beavs have played a tougher schedule than anyone else, and what you have is a fair rating. I'm not convinced the Beavers would beat the #22 team in the country (Florida). Are you? Only one other team in the top 25 has two losses, and none have given up more points than they've scored. In other words, after considering SOS, anywhere from #21 to #24 would be about right. The Beavers excellent return game has masked defensive problems. The pollsters were astute to note this and got it right.

Okay, on to the win over Arizona…

What can I say without beating a dead horse? The offense was genuinely fun to watch. The defense gave up 550 yards and missed a lot of tackles. Brandin Hardin likes to flex and do the "incomplete pass" motion when he's within five yards of a WR who drops an easy pass. Awkward.

Do you guys want to say anything else about it? I don't. Oh wait, yeah I do: Keith Pankey is a WAC linebacker.

ACL tear. It's official.

The good news: OSU received word that he does qualify for a medical hardship and will be back next season. I'm not much for the sentimental stuff, but it will be nice to see James and Quizz end their careers together.

Until then, there's a season to finish. How do you guys see it affecting the Beavers?

My opinion:

1. The depth chart takes the biggest hit. Can’t afford to lose another receive now or Catchings moves to full duty, and that is frightening. Wheaton has come into his own and should play at the level of Rodgers.

2. Having two vertical WRs puts a ton of pressures on a secondary and opens up everything from the run to the TE over the middle. That's a luxury the Beavs lost moments after they found it.

Overall it's a wash since Wheaton is playing as well as James. The loss is in what could have been had both been on the field together.

As of yesterday, Wheaton is indispensable.