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GAME
2 - FRESNO STATE BULLDOGS
The
game of the week, the game of the month? This week
the Beavers travel down to Fresno California, the
place I grew up, to take on the Bulldogs of Fresno
State University. This game could mean as much or
more for the 2003 OSU season as any game to come.
We
learned in 2001 just how much this game can and
will affect the attitude of the players down the
road. The OSU-FSU game has become a great rivalry
between the two schools. Mainly because of three
things. First, OSU has never won at Fresno State
and is trailing in the series 5-7. Second and probably
most importantly is what happened in Fresno two
years ago. The Beavers came into that game ranked
#1 in the nation by Sports Illustrated and coming
off the best record in school history (11-1) and
a Fiesta Bowl victory over Notre Dame. The Bulldogs
dominated the entire game and embarrassed the Beavers
on national TV 44-24. Third, cheap shots. The last
two games have seen some big ones from both teams
on punt returns. Two years ago Terrell Roberts was
put out for the season when he was blasted before
catching a punt, breaking his hand in the process.
Last year, the favor was returned by the Beavers
when Aric Williams blasted a Bulldog punt returner
in a similar manner.
Last
year the Beavers got some revenge with a 59-19 thumping
of the Bulldogs in Corvallis so the Bulldogs will
have a revenge factor of their own this week.
Bulldog
stadium is also known for its less then friendly
fans who doing everything to opposing teams including
swearing, throwing objects and beer on the players,
etc.
Statistically
the Beavers are dominate in almost all categories.
However, the Beavers played Sacramento State at
home last week and Fresno State played Tennessee
in Tennessee last week. If you throw out all the
other stats and focus on two things it will tell
you a story of what to expect in Fridays game. Fresno
State had two interceptions and returned them for
99 yards in their game. This could be a real problem
for Anderson. The FSU db's are fast and talented,
they will mix up their coverage's and try to confused
Anderson as much as possible. Derrick will have
to be patient and check off his receivers and not
focus on his primary target. If he gets locked into
one receiver it could be a long day for Mr. Anderson.
Second,
Fresno State gave up 274 yards rushing to Tennessee.
The real strength of the OSU offense this season
is the running game. They have three talented running
backs and an experience line in front of them. If
the Beavers running game gets on track they will
control the clock and force the dB's to come up
into coverage more often to stop the run. This could
help Anderson out with his passing.
WHO
TO WATCH FOR FRESNO STATE
- Quarterback
Jeff Grady - FSU backup QB after starter Paul
Pinegar was injured two weeks ago.
- Wide
Receiver Bernard Berrain
- Wide
Receiver Marque Davis
You
will see three of the best wide receivers in the
nation in this game. Bernard Berrain and Marque
Davis of Fresno State and James Newson of Oregon
State.
THE
BOTTOM LINE
The
Beavers secondary needs to step up big in this game
and prevent the talented FSU receivers from getting
open. Fresno State does not have a strong running
game so they rely on the pass to move the ball.
This will be a big test for the Beavers defense.
Second
the Beavers offense needs to establish the running
game early and work it for all it is worth. Fresno
State has some talented dB's and if the Beavers
cannot get the running game going they will have
a hard time moving the ball against the Fresno State
secondary.
Anderson
and Jackson need big games and the offensive line
needs to have the biggest game. Anderson will need
time to spot open receivers and the line will need
to open big holes for Jackson to run through. With
the return of Newson to the lineup and with Mike
Hass coming into his own as a wide receiver, Anderson
will have lots of good targets to pass to.
Look
for the Beavers to break another streak this week
and defeat the Bulldogs in Fresno for the first
time.
FINAL
SCORE
- Beavers
34
- Fresno
State 14
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