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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Saturday, August 22, 2009

CFB: Top 25 Countdown: No. 22 Oregon State


By Randall Perry
McClatchy Newspapers

No. 22 Oregon State

Coach: Mike Riley

Years at school: 8

Record: 56-42

Last season: 9-4, 7-2 Pac-10

Bowl game: Beat Pittsburgh 3-0 in the Sun Bowl

Overview: Oregon State had its moment in the sun last season when it shocked
Southern Cal 27-21 in late September. The Beavers lost only two games the
rest of the season and beat Pittsburgh in the Sun Bowl for their fifth
consecutive bowl victory. That is the longest active bowl streak in the
country.

Key returnees: QB Lyle Moevao, Sr.; RB Jacquizz Rodgers, So.; DT Stephen
Paea, Jr.; LB Keaton Kristick, Sr.

Why Oregon State is dangerous: The Beavers have one of the better backfields
in the Pac-10. Lyle Moevao is only 5-foot-11, but much like Kansas
quarterback Todd Reesing, that is not a problem. Last season Moevao threw
for 2,534 yards and 19 touchdowns. As a freshman, running back Jacquizz
Rodgers, who attended Lamar Consolidated High School south of Houston,
rushed for 1,253 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Why Oregon State is vulnerable: The Beavers must replace eight defensive
starters.

Prediction: The Pac-10 is always hard to predict and this season will be no
different. Oregon State has a tough home game against Cincinnati and has
road games against Southern Cal, California and Oregon. An 8-4 or 7-5 record
is most likely.