October 6, 2012

BeaverBlitz.com

Scott Hood

Is this the perfect storm for the Oregon State offense?? Sean Mannion is red hot with a 65 percent completion percentage after throwing for 812 yards in his last two games. Now he gets to drop back and fire the ball downfield to talented receivers such as Markus Wheaton and Brandin Cooks against one of the worst pass defenses in the country (112th in nation). The only thing missing is Richard Montalban serenading the Reser Stadium crowd at midfield before the game by proclaiming, 'Welcome to Fantasy Island!" The Cougars are struggling in Mike Leach's first season as WSU head coach. Two weeks ago, they incurred a humiliating home loss to Colorado, who most thought was the worst Div. I team in the country until WSU yanked the title away. The Cougars have issues all over the field. They have the potential to score some points and that porous OSU secondary could be a concern. But just for a while, though.

Oregon State 45 Washington State 24

Angie Machado

I fully expect the Cougars to score, but I expect the Beavers to come out and put on a show. The Beavers balanced attack is too much for Washington State to handle and while they are able to go deep on the Beavers, the defensive front, led by Wynn and Crichton are able to put enough pressure on Connor Halliday, that he'll have nightmares of the duo.

Home crowd, including the students and a 3-0 team will not be a welcoming environment for Mike Leach and the Cougars. Beavers win a shootout.

Oregon State 52 Washington State 28

The Beavers relied on their potent offense and the strong arm of Sean Mannion in week 3 and to this point the offense and defense haven't played a full game in unison which is scary if you're an opponent down the road. I think no travel and what should be a?raucous?Reser Stadium crowd will energize the defense as they get back on track. They'll still give up yards through the air and Wazzu will look to capitalize on upfield pressure from the line by using flare routes and screens to their backs, but I think Wazzu finds it hard to score if/when they get close. Keeping a lid on the defense will be key because Wilson is an absolute stud at WR. The Cougars are an awful defense statistically, but can bring heavy pressure and have a ton of tackles for loss and quite a few sacks. I think the exact same game plan vs. Arizona will be used and OSU finds success all day while Reser parties on into the night. Finally a 3pm kick off that will allow for ample tailgating!! Beavs in a quality butt kickin.

The football gods have been just and kind for my last 2 picks, and I'll appease them by picking the Beavers in a close battle.? Don't expect WSU to roll over.? The crowd will be a factor this week, and this is the first home game in almost a month so the team will be high on energy in the first half.? The offensive line continues to make progress and could wear down the Cougs despite an effective attack from the edge.

I picked my first correct game of the year last week, and now I'm going for two straight! And I'm going with the favorite. Beaver Nation has responded by selling out this game and I feel there will be some pent up angst let out in Reser Stadium. It's been a couple of rough years and the crowd will be ready to explode. Unfortunately for the Cougars, they are going to be on the wrong end of it. The Beavers will respond and put together their most complete game of the year in a convincing win.