College Football
Pac-10 preview: No. 6 Oregon State Beavers

DEAN RUTZ / THE TIMES Derek Anderson has started 26 consecutive games as Beavers quarterback.

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2003: 8-5 (4-4 in Pac-10).

Coach: Mike Riley (fourth year, 16-19).

What's to like: QB Derek Anderson is most experienced in Pac-10, WR Mike Hass was a 1,000-yard receiver in '03, DE Bill Swancutt is the school career sack leader, and the secondary, keyed by S Mitch Meeuwsen and CB Brandon Browner, might be the league's best.

Up in the air: Three spots on the OL are unproven, as is wideout opposite Hass. Threesome replacing RB Steven Jackson must take heat off Anderson.

Impact newcomer: WR Marcel Love, a JC transfer, has a chance to play early.

 
Key performer: Hard to deflect the spotlight from oft-maligned Anderson, who must sustain improved play of late 2003.

Stud student: C Matt Brock, 3.54 GPA in psychology.

Bottom line: If Beavers are going to improve on midleague finish of last year, their strong defense is a good place to start. But the schedule is daunting, and Anderson must cut conference-high 24 interceptions.

Offense
Pos.	Player	Yr.	Comment
SE	Mike Hass	Jr.	Leading returning receiver (44-1,013-7 TDs)
SL	Brandon Powers	Fr.	Speedy player redshirted last year
LT	Adam Koets	So.	Played sparingly a year ago
LG	Josh Linehan	So.	Hasn't played in game yet
C	Matt Brock	Sr.	Has started 26 consecutive games
RG	Roy Schuening	Fr.	Pendelton native redshirted last year
RT	Doug Nienhuis	Sr.	Has started 26 consecutive games
TE	Joe Newton	So.	Caught 13 passes (155 yards) in '03
QB	Derek Anderson	Sr.	24 TDs, 24 INTs a year ago
TB	Dwight Wright	Sr.	Taking over for Steven Jackson
FL	A. Wheat-Brown	Fr.	Switched from safety in spring
PK	John Dailey	Jr.	Missed only attempt last year
Defense
Pos.	Player	Yr.	Comment
LE	Joe Lemma	So.	Special teams regular in '03
LT	Ben Siegert	So.	Started every game last year
RT	Sir Henry Anderson	Jr.	Takes over for Dwan Edwards
RE	Bill Swancutt	Sr.	11 sacks last year, 5th in Pac-10
SLB	Keith Ellison	Jr.	Signed originally with San Diego State
MLB	Trent Bray	Jr.	Second on team with 76 tackles in '03
WLB	Jonathan Pollard	Sr.	All-Conference candidate
LCB	Aric Williams	Sr.	Four INTs last season
SS	Sabby Piscitelli	So.	Primarily special teams in '03
FS	Mitch Meeuwsen	Sr.	Has 14 career interceptions
RCB	Brandon Browner	So.	Six INTs a year ago
P	Sam Paulescu	Jr.	JC All-American last season