Hello Beaver Fans,
Wow! What a week! Between doing the work that pays so I can continue to do this work that I enjoy so much and trying to convince my kids that Daddy can go to the bowl game, getting airline tickets that leave at a time that won't affect Christmas Morning, Finding a Hotel close to the Stadium (Could use some help there) and rebuilding the Beaver Fan Site to better reflect to style I want, I have gotten way behind.
If you have not guessed I am in the middle of rebuilding the Beaver Fan Site to a new look that will have more features when completely finished. I am about one third of the way through it and hope to have all the old pages converted over to the new style by the end of the day today. Some of the newer features that will include product information and other sports happenings will take a few more days.
I need to play catch up with the Basketball team. Missed a few games.
But Hey! How about those Beavers! The Insight Bowl in Phoenix! Pittsburgh is a very good team and I will have a complete breakdown of the game next week so you can have it before you leave for Phoenix.
Here is some news on Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh makes its return to Phoenix to face Oregon State in the 14th Annual Insight Bowl. The Panthers head to the postseason boasting their most wins in a season since 1989 and their first national rankings since 1991.
This is Pittsburgh's third consecutive postseason berth under Head Coach Walt Harris and its fourth in the last six years. It is the program's best postseason run since going to nine straight bowls from 1975-83. Pittsburgh has made 21 prior bowl appearances, including four games in the state of Arizona. In addition to the 2000 Insight.com Bowl, the Panthers played in the Fiesta Bowl following the 1973, 1979 and 1983 seasons.
From 1997-2001, Harris directed the Panthers to the postseason three times. In addition to last year's victorious trip to the Visit Florida Tangerine Bowl, Harris led Pittsburgh to the 2000 Insight.com Bowl and 1997 AXA/Equitable Liberty Bowl.
This will be the first ever meeting between Oregon State and Pittsburgh. Pittsburgh has a 22-22 record vs the PAC-10 and has a 2-4 record in bowl games vs the PAC-10. Pitt has played every other PAC-10 school except Oregon State.
Pittsburgh finished 3rd in the Big East Conference. The only team that both Pittsburgh and Oregon State played this season was Temple. Pittsburgh won 29-22 at home and the Beavers won 35-3 on the road.
NATIONAL RANKINGS
Pittsburgh is ranked 23rd and 24th in the polls and the Beavers are 36th and 32nd.
The Beavers are 10th in the nation in total defense and Pittsburgh is 11th.
The Beavers are 9th in rushing defense and Pittsburgh is 32nd
The Beavers are 41st in Pass defense and Pittsburgh is 12th.
The Beavers are 24th in scoring defense and Pittsburgh is 17th.
Offensive Rankings
The Beavers are 50th in rushing offense and Pittsburgh is 61st.
The Beavers are 28th in passing offense and Pittsburgh is 58th.
The Beavers are 18th in total offense and Pittsburgh is 74th.
The Beavers are 18th in scoring offense and Pittsburgh is 77th.
BIG EAST RANKINGS
Pittsburgh ranks in the top 3 in the Big East in 15 different categories.
Pittsburgh has 10 players who rank in the top 5 in the conference in different categories.
WHO TO WATCH FOR PITTSBURGH
Larry Fitzgerald WR - First in conference in receptions per game, 2nd in receiving yards
Andy Lee P - 1st in conference
David Abdul PK - 1st in conference in PAT %, 3rd in FG %
Rod Rutherford QB - 2nd total offense, 3rd in passing efficiency
Claude Harriott DL - 1st in fumbles forced, 4th in tackles for a loss
A QUICK BY THE NUMBERS REVIEW
Pittsburgh and Oregon State are very close in many categories checked with the Beavers holding an advantage in Points, Total Offense, Rushing Offense, Yards per Carry, Passing Yardage, and Rushing Yards Allowed. The teams are virtually tied in Total Defense and Turnover Margin. Pittsburgh has the edge in Points Allowed and Passing Yards Allowed.
It looks like it will be a great game with two very well matched teams. We need lots of Beavers at the game to cheer on the team to victory. Lets make it a Beaver home field advantage.
By the way, there is already a lot of trash talking going on between Pitt and OSU on ESPN's chat rooms. Go in there and make some noise for the Beavers.
OTHER GAME STUFF
How many of you are attending the game? It appears that I will be traveling by myself, so if any of you would like to get together in Phoenix for some food and drinks, let me know. Anyone know of a good sports bar? I have contacted the Alumni Assoc. about pregame activities and will let you know what I find out.
I guess there is a pregame street party and the alumni tailgater.
I think it would be great to meet with you in Phoenix and party like Beavers!
Look for the complete breakdown of the game next week and more information on the game as I get it. Check out the new website. If you have bookmarked the site you will have to change your bookmarks.
GO BEAVERS!
BFS