Oregon Daily Emerald sports editor Lucas Clark tracked down Anthony Casson, football reporter for Oregon State’s student newspaper, the Daily Barometer, this week to ask a few questions about the Beavers. Here’s what they had to say:
Lucas Clark: Here we are, 11 games into the season with only the Civil War remaining. Oregon is fighting for a national championship berth, and Oregon State hopes to become bowl-eligible with an all-important sixth win. What team should we expect to see from OSU, the one that rolled up USC, or the squad that got pummeled by Stanford last week?
Anthony Casson: I expect to see the same team that beat USC. Energy levels are high, and some big things are at stake for the Beavers — bowl eligibility and pride. The 5-6 record has stunned everyone in the program, and the team is ready for cleanup. One win, even against the best team in the country, can’t completely mend the Beavers’ wounds, but a win against the Ducks could start the healing process.
L.C.: A lot has been made of the James Rodgers injury. How has his absence been felt this season, and how well has Markus Wheaton been able to fill those shoes?
A.C.: It was obviously a blow to the program when James was knocked out for the season, but since then, people like Katz and Wheaton and Nichols have learned to grow and capture success without him. Yes, players and coaches want him back for his skill and leadership on the field, but no one has panicked. He’s one of the most important people to have on the sidelines; they’ll take as much James as they can get.
L.C.: Last season, Sean Canfield had a strong showing in Eugene. Despite the tough loss, what is different about Ryan Katz that may help him be as successful, if not more so, than Canfield was year ago?
A.C.: Katz is the most mobile quarterback OSU has had in a long time, and while he hasn’t put up big numbers on the ground, it’s allowing him to have throwing options — he can scramble to capture that extra second or two. The inconsistency is what has hurt him; he’s still growing. He does have the ability to throw, maybe better than Canfield, but timing between him and his receivers has been off all season. By no means is he a bad quarterback to have leading an offense, though.
L.C.: Corvallis has the privilege of hosting ESPN’s College GameDay this weekend. How has the atmosphere around campus been this week? There’s no doubt it will be bumpin’ on Saturday, but has the anticipation started to creep into anyone’s mind at this point?
A.C.: GameDay has caused some excitement, but I think many OSU fans are more driven to go to the show to prevent an Oregon takeover than to just be Beaver fans. I see worry and annoyance more than excitement; there were upwards of 900 free student tickets available on Thursday — one of the first, if not the first time that has happened this season. Of course, there are thousands of people believing in the team, and they’re set to have a blast when the ESPN crew settles in town.
L.C.: Lastly, give me game prediction. How do you think the game will fall out? Can Oregon State complete a huge upset? And, of course, give me a final score.
A.C.: I think the emotion alone might give the Beavers an extra seven points, and they’ll probably cash in on that before halftime. The Ducks will keep things about even for the first two quarters; they might even have some trouble with OSU in the third quarter, but I see them pulling away in the final 15 minutes. But people should know that OSU is capable of upsetting Oregon — records and previous results don’t mean a thing when it comes to the Civil War, as you know. Final score: Oregon 40, Oregon State 24
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