Oregon State vs. Arizona: Notes and Thoughts

Oregon State squeaked out another close one against an Arizona school, this time in Tuscon knocking off the 9th ranked Wildcats, 29-27. Ryan Katz threw for nearly 400 yards, resulting in 100-yard receiving efforts by Markus Wheaton and James Rodgers. This is the Beavers first 2-0 start in conference play since 2003.

- The loss of James Rodgers late in the 2nd quarter was extremely unfortunate, but very unfair as well. Injuries are a part of the game, but it's sad when the play should have never happened, as Rodgers was tackled in the back of the end zone after his apparent touchdown had already happened. After his MRI, the news was that he is lost for the rest of the season. Hopefully a smooth recovery is in order.

- Again, without a healthy James, the other play makers on offense stepped up in his absence. Wheaton was effective as a deep threat, and TE Joe Halahuni got more involved, as well as steady handed Aaron Nichols and Jordan Bishop. This will be crucial throughout the year, with all the potent offenses in the conference.

- With Katz's big game, this will make defenses think twice about loading up the box to stop Jacquizz. His ability to bomb away on opposing secondaries and stretch the field with Wheaton will really benefit the running game. Looks like the Beavers are not the only team in the state of Oregon with a high powered offense.

- The struggles at linebacker and inconsistency in the secondary on defense continue to haunt the Beavers, and could be the difference between a good season and a great season. Arizona QB Nick Foles put up nearly identical numbers to Katz, and scoring runs by Keola Antolin and Nic Grigsby were a result of poor tackling rather than great runs. Stephen Paea needs to make more of a difference up front as well to help out the ailing back seven.

- With James's injury resulting in the end of his season, there is a possibility that OSU will apply for a medical redshirt, giving him eligibility in the 2011 season. How cool would that be to see James and Jacquizz together for one last season? Almost seems scripted considering how they have helped changed the dynamic and mentality of the Oregon State football program over the last four years.

Next up for the Beavers are the Washington Huskies, a 7 p.m. game in Seattle on ESPN. The Beavers have won their last six against the Huskies, and have not lost in Husky Stadium since 2002. The Huskies upset the USC Trojans two weeks ago in Los Angeles, but fell victim to Arizona State this past Saturday at home.