Scouts’ honest take on OSU-Pitt

One says Beavers will be ready, but another says Panthers are hot

By kerry eggers

The Portland Tribune, Dec 24, 2008, Updated Oct 30, 2009 (2 Reader comments)

Pittsburgh defensive back Greg Williams, celebrating one of his two interceptions — one returned for a touchdown — against Connecticut, will help lead the Panther defense against Oregon State in the Sun Bowl.

ELSA / GETTY IMAGES

The Portland Tribune asked one NFL scout familiar with Oregon State and another familiar with Pittsburgh to critique those teams as they head into the Dec. 31 Sun Bowl at El Paso, Texas.

Here is their analysis, one scout at a time:

On Oregon State

“I’ll be surprised if the Beavers don’t play well. I’m guessing (coach) Mike Riley will have them ready to play. They have something to prove after the Oregon game.

“Losing James and Quizz (Rodgers) is a double blow. Obviously both are outstanding players and add a dimension to that offense they don’t otherwise have. But with time to prepare, I think they’ll run the ball better against Pitt than they did against Oregon. (Ryan) McCants isn’t Quizz, but he’ll get them at least 75 percent of (Quizz’s production), to keep Pitt’s defense honest. (The Beavers) will probably go to Sammie Stroughter and Shane Morales more – perhaps use Sammie in James’ role on the fly-sweep stuff.

“The only thing I can say about Oregon State’s defense is, the Oregon game seems like an anomaly. I didn’t see that coming. Oregon had an extra week to prepare, so they were able to really study the Beavers. There were some missed tackles that were uncharacteristic of Oregon State in that game. Everything Oregon did turned to gold.

“I don’t know much about Pitt’s offense, but it’s not in the same category as some of the teams Oregon State has faced. The (Beavers’) ends, Slade Norris and Victor Butler, will be keys. They aren’t behemoths, but they do enough stuff scheme-wise that they cover up for any lack of size. They’re real active and productive, pretty salty against the run for their size.

“It should be a real competitive game. Oregon State can win without the Rodgers boys, but it definitely won’t be easy.”

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