First Year of Football: 1893 All-Time Record: 479-521-50 All-Time Pac-10 Record: 255-301-20 All-Time Bowl Record/Appearances: 7-4 Last Bowl Appearance: 2008 (def. Pittsburgh in Sun Bowl)
HEAD COACH MIKE RILEY (Alabama 1975) Ninth Year at Oregon State
Record at Oregon State: 56-42 (.571) Overall Career Record: Same
Coaching Experience Is in his second stint with the Beavers, beginning in 2003 ... returned to Corvallis, Ore. after spending time in the NFL with the New Orleans Saints and San Diego Chargers, serving as head coach of the Chargers ... has also spent time in the CFL and WFL ... his first go-around with OSU was in 1997-98.
A QUICK LOOK AT THE BEAVERS OFFENSE: Oregon State returns six starters to the offensive unit, including starting QB Lyle Moevao and the dynamic Rodgers brothers. TB Jacquizz Rodgers was voted Pac-10 Offensive Player of the Year as a freshman after rushing for 1,253 yards and 11 TDs. His brother, explosive FL/KR James Rodgers, had a combined total of 152.8 yards per game as a receiver, rusher and kick returner. Together the brothers combined for 3,333 all-purpose yards. Moevao ranked third in the league in both passing and total offense and his 230.4 yards per game passing is the top figure among returning Pac-10 QBs. Former starting QB Sean Canfield also returns. Wideouts Sammie Stroughter and Shane Morales need to be replaced and three new starters are needed on the offensive line.
DEFENSE: Only three starters are back on the defensive unit that ranked second in the Pac-10 in total defense last year. DT Stephen Paea will be counted on to anchor the defensive line and Keaton Kristick is emerging as a star at outside linebacker. The entire starting secondary needs to be replaced in an area that will be critical to the Beavers’ success.
THE SCHEDULE: With three of the first four games at home, Oregon State hopes to avoid the slow starts that have plagued it the last couple of years. Plus, the early home games should help a team with a lot of new starters settle in. The Conference road schedule is difficult with trips to Arizona State, California, USC and Oregon on tap, but off weeks before the road games at USC and Oregon should help.
