Beavers predicted to be mediocre again this fall

This is fair warning, dear readers: I am a mild college football nut. I adore PAC-10 football. However, the Oregon State Beavers are not my top team. Yes, I am a traitor to my alma mater. But I cheer for them anyway, as long as they aren't playing against the team I like better. Since we have no pro football team in Oregon, supporting the local college team is serious business.

The college football predictions have just been released and the news is not good for OSU. The West Coast media have predicted that the Beavers will finish only 7th in the PAC-10 conference standings, right where they finished last season. USC was again chosen as the top pick for 2006, despite the losses of Matt Leinart, Reggie Bush and LenDale White.

Coach Mike Riley is optimistic, but will need to do a lot more than simply find a replacement for star receiver Mike Hass. I guess we should all still be thrilled that we aren't the punchline of the conference anymore! Anyone else miss Jerry Pettibone and his well-loved wishbone offense? Nope. Didn't think so.

Beaver season opens with a home game against Eastern Washington on August 31st. Yay! Football's coming back!