Utah at Oregon State

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Date & Time: 6:00 August 30th, 2007
TV: FOX Sports Utah
Radio: Kall 700
Location: Corvallis, Oregon
All-time series: Oregon State leads 4-8-1
Last meeting: 1992 (Utah 42, OSU 9

Tailgate: Road game - no tailgate planned in SLC.

Even though the Club Tate kick-off tailgate is still more than a week away, the Utes season will get going early this Thursday in Corvalis.

Quick question: Which PAC-10 program has won the most bowl games this decade? Thought USC? Wrong. Try Oregon State.

The expectations have been very high the past several years in Corvalis, beginning with Erickson resurrecting the program and continuing with Mike Riley taking over. But in 2006, the program finally lived up to those high expectations. The Beavers finished 2nd in the PAC-10 with 10 wins, and even beat powerhouse USC.

So, you say, that was 2006. Well, the problem for the Utes is that Oregon State has nearly everyone back from 2006. 18 returning starters, to be specfic. So the season-opening trip to Corvallis will be anything but an easy task for the Utes. In fact, this first game could possibly be the best measuring stick for Utah fans. If the Utes can leave Corvalis with a win, not only will it raise some serious eyebrows, but it will provide them with a ton of confidence and momentum as they prepare for the rest of their brutal schedule.

What to expect: Oregon State's offense brings a very balanced attack. They bring arguably one of the best RBs in the PAC-10 in Yvenson Bernard (coming off his second straight 1,000 yard season), and one of the best WRs in Sammy Stroughter (the pre-season All-American will likely not play Thursday). But when asked what element of the offense makes him the most nervous, Gary Anderson didn't hesitate to respond that the Beavers offensive line will be the biggest challenge. Four of five of the OL are returning starters, so there is little doubt that the Beavers will try to rely primarily on their running game. This alone won't be enough to beat the Utes. The key for the Beavers will be to establish a successful balanced attack, which requires the dual QB system to find some sort of rhythm. Without Stroughter (possibly), and with a very athletic Utah secondary, this could prove to be difficult. If the Utah pass rush can keep pressure on the inexperienced QBs, it will make it very tough for the Beavers to put up the amount of points that they'll need to beat a potentially powerful Utah offense. Supposing that the pass D will be the strength, the key for Utah will be for the LBs and young interior DL to keep the OSU running game in check. If they can hold OSU to under their 2006 team average of 119 yards rushing , expect the Beavers to score no more than 20 points against the 'bend, but not break' Utah D.

Offensively for the Utes, the question every fan is dying to have answered is how Utah's running game will be. With all due respect to Weddle and Utah's runningbacks, the best RB on the team CAN'T be the cornerback again. On paper, it seems that the running game will take care of itself based purely on how strong the passing game can be, and based on the threat of a mobile Brian Johnson. The Utes need to keep the offense balanced and BJ indicated that the magic number will be 1,500. If the Utes can average 125 yards per game (1,500 on the season), then they'll be in good shape. The key will be on the talented but young OL, who have proven to provide solid pass protection, but need to provide solid run blocking against the Beavers. Based on the suspect OSU passing D, I think Utah will get plenty of production in the air. The question is whether or not Utah can run. If the Utes can get over 125 yards on the ground, expect at least 30 points on the scoreboard for the Utes.

My pick: Utah 31, OSU 20

Next week:

Air Force Falcons at Rice Eccles Stadium at 4 pm.

Tailgating in the lot at 1 pm.

Menu: The best wings you'll ever have.