November 9, 2007
Hello Beaver Fans,
Well, another week of Beaver football and this weeks game is the biggest game of the year for the Beavers. A win and the Beavers are bowl elegible for the 5th time in 6 years and the 7th time in the last 9 years. A loss and the Beavers are faced with the daunting task of winning at least one game in the final two games on the road to get bowl elegible. The first road game is at Washington State which regardless of WSU's record, Pullman is a tough place to play. The other road game is at current #3 Oregon. As we all know, the last 10 games played in the Civil War contest have been won by the home team. To top that off the Ducks are playing well and have a shot at the BCS national champioinship game which will give them all the more incentive to win.
So with those two road games looming on the horizon, it makes this game the most important game of the season and a must win for the Beavers. To add to that and what makes this game even bigger is that the Beavers must accomplish this without starting quarterback Sean Canfield who is out this week with an injury to his throwing shoulder. Coach Riley has not said how long he expects Canfield to be out, only that he will not play this weekend.
On the bright side, Yvenson Bernard will be back in the lineup at running back. Bernard is the heart and sole of this team and with Saturdays game being senior day, I know the Beavers players will be out there to win it for the 22 seniors on the roster who will be playing their final game in Reser Stadium.
The Beaver Seniors for this final game at Reser Stadium are; William Akauola Vea, Yvenson Bernard, Anthony Brown, Joel Cohen, Curtis Coker, Alan Darlin, Kerrick Doggett, Daniel Drayton, Naymon Frank, Ryan Gunderson, Jeff Kuskamp, Joey LaRocque, Gerard Lawson, Gerard Lee, Clinton Polk, Brandon Powers, Roy Schuening, Alexis Serna, Matthew Sieverson, Dorian Smith, Andy Stewart, Jeff Van Orsow.
There are many names on that list of seniors who have provided us with some great memories over the past few years and they will all be missed greatly next season. I would like to take this opportunity to wish them all well in their future careers, wherever that may be.
BY THE NUMBERS
. |
Records |
5-4(3-3) |
3-6(1-5) |
OSU |
. |
Scoring Offense |
24.7 |
28.6 |
WASH |
. |
Scoring Defense |
23.2 |
31.3 |
OSU |
. |
Passing Offense |
209.1 |
194.1 |
OSU |
. |
Passing Defense |
238.9 |
246.6 |
OSU |
. |
Kickoff Returns |
20.0 |
20.1 |
TIE |
X |
Punting |
30.8 |
37.0 |
WASH |
X |
Turnover Margin |
-3 |
-5 |
OSU |
X |
Rushing Offense |
149.8 |
192.8 |
WASH |
X |
Rushing Defense |
59.6 |
202.9 |
OSU |
. |
Total Offense |
|
386.9 |
WASH |
. |
Total Defense |
298.4 |
449.4 |
OSU |
. |
Punt Return Average |
5.8 |
9.7 |
WASH |
. |
Pass Efficiency |
102.6 |
110.6 |
WASH |
. |
Pass Defense Efficiency |
123.1 |
128.1 |
OSU |
. |
First Downs |
170 |
176 |
WASH |
. |
Opponent First Downs |
146 |
197 |
OSU |
X |
Sacks |
35 |
25 |
OSU |
. |
Penalties |
52.9 |
44.8 |
WASH |
X |
Red Zone Offense |
78.4 |
83.9 |
WASH |
X |
Red Zone Defense |
76.0 |
82.1 |
OSU |
X |
3rd Down Conversions |
34.3 |
42.6 |
WASH |
X |
3rd Down Defense |
31.0 |
39.6 |
OSU |
X |
Sacks Allowed |
26 |
15 |
WASH |
. |
Field Goals |
12/16 |
9/14 |
OSU |
. |
Time of Possession |
31.40 |
28.01 |
OSU |
. |
Home Field Advantage |
HOME |
VISITOR |
OSU |
. |
Totals |
15 wins |
11 wins |
OSU |
In looking at the numbers it shows that regardless of the records, these two teams are pretty evenly matched. The Huskies are scoring more points per game then the Beavers but the total offense numbers are pretty even. Some of the keys to the game will be the pass protection for both teams and the rush defense of the Beavers. The Huskies are rushing for 50 more yards per game then the Beavers but that is mostly due to Jake Locker at QB for the Huskies who is a running threat every time he has the ball. The Beavers have struggled vs running QB's in the past and this will be a big issue in this game. The Huskies have only given up 15 sacks this season mostly due to Lockers ability to avoid the sack and gain yards.
The Beavers need to put pressure on Locker and also contain him from running. If the Beavers defense can play like they did last weekend and shut down the offense of the Huskies that will be huge in getting the victory in this game.
The next key factor is the play of the offensive line and their ability to open holes for Bernard to run through and also to provide pass protection for Moevao. Moevao is a more moble QB then Canfield and that may play an important part in this game. Also, Moevao has to make the correct reads in the passing game and not allow any turnovers. Lyle does not have the same arm strength as Canfield and needs to make good reads and smart decisions on when to pass and when to throw it away.
This game will be won at the line of scrimmage and the team that dominates that line will win the game. The Beavers should win this game, but with all the injuries and movement of players around to fill the holes left by injured players, the Beavers need to solidify as a group and come out and play with a cause on Saturday.
THE BOTTOM LINE
A MUST WIN GAME. BOTTOM LINE, THE BEAVERS MUST WIN THIS GAME. Everyone knows that and I hope the Beaver faithful will show up in big numbers Saturday night to cheer on our Beavers to victory and to also send out 22 seniors with a night to remember.
FINAL SCORE
BEAVERS 37
WASHINGTON 17
GO BEAVERS!
BFS