Big game today

The Beavers have a huge game today against the Stanford Cardinal to continue and build on all the good will they've created by beating then #2 Cal two weeks ago. It's funny how this season is so similar to the last two seasons at the same point in the season. The question is, do we continue building towards a 2006-esque finish? Or do we stumble against a team we should beat?

Stanford is certainly dangerous. Their defense is apparently the second coming of the Carolina Panthers super bowl team with all their zone blitz schemes. And with Tavita out and possibly Roy or Jeremy not at 100%, it could be tough going for the offense.

On the other hand, their offense is banged up and our defense is healthier and more rested than its been all season. They are down to their 3rd string RB and have at least one O-lineman out as well. So we could be in for a major ears pinned back, rush the passer kind of day.

For some reason this feels a little like the UCLA game. The defenses may keep it close and the turnovers or lack of major turnovers may decide this one.

Some stats on the Cardinal to watch for:

* They may be running the ball with their QB a bit. Tavita Prichard has gained 123 yards in two starts. He's lost 73 as well but those are all sacks. So he may keep the ball moving for them if we don't watch out.

* Stanford is among the conference and national leaders in sacks (3.0 per game, No. 17 nationally, No. 3 Pac-10) and tackles for loss (7.8 per game, No. 19 in NCAA and No. 3 in Pac-10). That's from their press release. Sounds a bit like the Beavers defense, huh? Lets hope we've schemed well for this one.

* They have a RS Freshman, Tyrone McGraw, starting this week at running back. He's carried the ball 22 times for 91 yards and a 3.8 average. Not bad. Jeremy Stewart may play with his bum shoulder. He has 158 yards on the season.

* They have a stud punter. He's averaging 42 yards per punt and set to become their all time punting leader.

* Their stats leader on defense is OLB Clinton Snyder. He has 6 sacks, 8 TFL, and is second of the team in tackles. He's pretty fast and will be blitzing a lot today.

* They got 4 interceptions against USC, but they have 7 total on the season.

* They do give up a ton of sacks and tackles for loss. They gave up 7(!) sacks to ASU. They have 27 on the season for an average of near 4 per game. Nice.


I know we should win this game, but their defense could cause problems. Let's take the advice of Mike84 on PureOrange and get fired up from the get go. Don't let the trees get into the game at all!

Go Beavers! Beavers eat Trees!