OREGON STATE BEAVERS	Game 1	MINNESOTA GOPHERS
	vs

3 Keys, 2 Players to Watch, 1 Prediction

Control the Line of Scrimmage - This is more important this week than establishing the run. This offensive line has been talked about often this offseason. It needed a makeover and an attitude adjustment. This is a great opportunity to have the new line kick some ass up front and gain some confidence. I'd like to see OL dominate, get some push, open some holes and give Mitch Leidner time to have a big game throwing off of play-action.

Pressure Garretson - The defensive line and the rushing linebackers need to get pressure on the Beaver quarterback. This offense isn't particularly good, at least it wasn't last year, but they have some talented receivers. I have faith in our young secondary but I'd love to see them get some help from a pass rush. Put him on his back a few times and don't let him get comfortable.

Make Big Plays - I'm anticipating a number of big plays tonight and I think it will go a long way towards crushing the souls of the Beavers. I would love to see a pick or two, a couple long Rodney Smith runs and one long touchdown pass off play-action. They don't all have to be scores, but just a few big plays to really put them on their heels before finishing them off in the second half. Conversely, don't give up big plays or make stupid mistakes which will give them confidence and keep them in the game.

OPPOSING PLAYERS TO WATCH

• #10 - QB - Darell Garretson - Transfer from Utah State who will be taking over the Beaver offense.
• #35 - ILB - Caleb Saulo - Senior linebacker leading a young Beaver defense.

PREDICTION

This is going to be a Gopher win. In years past, all of the non-conference games were played very close to the vest and even against MAC level teams we were rarely able to pull away. I think tonight is different and the Gophers make a statement.

Minnesota - 31
Oregon State - 10