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PAC 10 Preview: Oregon State Beavers
By Alex English | July 20, 2008
For a team that went 9-4 last year and won a bowl game (21-14 Vs Maryland in the Emerald Bowl), there is a pretty ‘ho-hum’ feel to this Oregon State squad. With 7 starters back on offense and only 3 on defense to attack a tough schedule, I am expecting that same ‘ho-hum’ feel minus some wins and bowl game. From a fantasy perspective however, there is one gem twinkling in the dirt for those that spot it…especially if he can be dusted off and shined back up.
At QB, there is definitely some uncertainty here and the OSU faithful seem to be split down the middle between scrappy 5-11 junior Lyle Moevao and the prototypical 6-4 Sean Canfield. At the start of last year, the job was Canfield’s until a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder vaulted Moevao into action. Either way, how this one pans out is not going to be of fantasy importance. Although you could argue that a fully healthy Canfield could prove better for some of the relevant WR talent.
At running back, Yvenson Bernard’s departure leaves some hefty production to replace but there is a buzz about some of the young talent led by redshirt freshman tailback Ryan McCants and sometimes flanker James Rodgers. Problem is both are inexperienced and their production and value is pure speculation at best at this point. Adding to both is freshman Jacquizz Rodgers.
That talent that Moveo or Canfield will be getting the rock to, at least the fantasy relevant part of it, is WR Sammie Stroughter. Let’s be right up front about this guy…he is a legit All-American type talent. He is also one of the best examples of “high risk-high reward” you will find this fantasy season. The good news is that Stroughter’s skills are not out of place as the list of talented WRs that OSU has produced includes T.J. Houshmanzadeh, Chad Johnson and Mike Hass. The bad news is that injuries (Kidney issues) and personal issues (most often described as mentally distraught) cost him and many fantasy owners what should have been a very productive if not prolific senior season last year. He returns this year thanks to being granted an extra year of eligibility by the NCAA. Stroughter was very impressive as a Junior in ‘06 with 74 catches for 1,293 yards and 5 TDs. If he can regain that form, stay healthy and keep his concentration on football then he could be worth a very close look. Even more interesting is that after the troubles and disappointment of last season, his breakout ‘06 effort could be a distant enough memory. This will help him fly far enough under the fantasy radar to be called a potential sleeper this season and should be available at great discount or value position. Just don’t count on opposing Pac-10 coaches and secondaries to make that same mistake. Stroughter owners will rely on a crop of sophomore receivers (led by James Rodgers and Darrel Catchings) to attract some attention of their own opposite Stroughter . Howard Croom returns at TE but offers little fantasy upside.
With not 1 returning starter in the front 7, this is not a unit you want to touch despite some quality talent in the secondary. The special teams is a unproven slate as well with the departure of former Lou Groza award winner Alexis Serna. Stay away… far away.
Summary
Not much to get excited about here except eyeballing the development of McCants at RB and the big-time sleeper/comeback potential of Stoughter at WR. If you do look to land Stroughter, do so with value in mind and don’t reach given his high risk high reward nature this season. Also, be sure to pay close attention to your weekly line-up decisions with him as the Beavers play in a conference with three Thursday night games this season.
Topics: Alex English, College Football, Pac 10, Preview |
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