2012-13 Football Previews – (Pac 12) – OSU Beavers
A few years ago it seemed Mike Riley had the Oregon State football program moving in the right direction. The team was knocking off some highly ranked opponents and going to bowl games on an annual basis. The past couple years have been big disappointments. In 2011, the Beavers only managed three wins all season long.
PAC 12 Conference 2012-2013 College Football Previews: Oregon State Beavers
Head Coach: Mike Riley
2011 Record: 3-9
Oregon State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win BCS Championship: +80,000
Oregon State Gambling Odds from 5Dimes to win PAC 12 Conference: +6,500
Oregon St. Team Page – Players Stats – Roster – 2012 Schedule –>
The Oregon State fans love Mike Riley, but if he has many more seasons like last year he’ll be squarely on the hot seat very soon. Oregon State was in bad shape before Riley showed up, and he turned the program around in a big way. An 8-16 record in the past two seasons makes it clear that things are going in the wrong direction. Does Oregon State have the players to turn it around? The schedule is easier this year. Will that be enough?
Team Strengths:
Sean Mannion fits the mold for a successful collegiate quarterback. Mannion is a 6’5 quarterback who has a strong arm and a quick release. If he can cut down on his interceptions, he has a chance to be a very a good signal caller for Oregon State. Mannion completed 64.5% of his passes despite not having a running game to back him last year. Expect a solid season from Mannion.
Oregon State returns 16 starters from last year’s team, which is the most in the PAC 12. The Beavers were extremely young a year ago, so you have to think these youngsters will mature a bit this season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Team Weaknesses:
Oregon State’s rushing offense was non-existent last year, and that made the team one-dimensional on offense. Malcolm Agnew has had a lot of trouble with injuries, and he is dinged up again this offseason. Storm Woods will get a chance to carry the ball a lot this year. In 2011, the team’s leading rusher finished with less than 500 yards. Oregon State must improve on the ground.
The Beavers defense used to be great against the run, but last year’s team was near the bottom of the pack. Oregon State allowed 196.8 yards per game on the ground. The team lacks a true run-stuffing defensive tackle to clog up the running lanes.
The offensive line was a major problem in 2011. The Beavers allowed more than two sacks per game in 2011. Mannion could do some damage from the quarterback spot, but only if he is healthy and has time to throw.
2012-2013 Oregon State Beavers Football Prediction: 4-8
It’s hard to imagine this team making a major jump. The team’s major issues from last year really haven’t been addressed in the offseason. They do avoid USC inside the PAC 12, and they have more home games this season. Still, a team that can’t run the ball and can’t stop the run is likely going to struggle. Look for another disappointing season in Corvallis.
2012 Schedule
9/1/12 TBD NICST
9/8/12 TBD WISC
9/22/12 TBD @UCLA
9/29/12 TBD @ARZ
10/6/12 TBD WSHST
10/13/12 TBD @BYU
10/20/12 TBD UTAH
10/27/12 TBD @WASH
11/3/12 TBD ARZST
11/10/12 TBD @STAN
11/17/12 TBD CAL
11/24/12 TBD ORE
