Philadelphia, PA -- (Sports Network) - 2007 SEASON IN REVIEW: The Beavers stumbled out of the gates in 2007, losing three of their first five games, including an embarrassing, 40-14 setback to UCLA at home. Despite the slow start, the Beavers turned things around and went on a three-game winning streak. During that run the team went on the road and defeated California (31-28), which was ranked second in the nation at the time. Oregon State was knocked back down to Earth in its following matchup, as the team fell to USC, 24-3. Once again though, coach Mike Riley rallied his troops and the Beavers responded with three consecutive victories to close out the regular season with an 8-4 record, which included a 6-3 mark in Pac-10 action.

It was the first time since 1969 that Oregon State posted back-to-back winning records in Pac-10 play. The Beavers' strong season earned the team a spot in the Emerald Bowl where it squared off against the Maryland Terrapins. It was a back and forth battle, but Oregon State was able to hold on for a slim 21-14 victory, moving coach Riley's bowl record to a perfect 4-0.

2008 ANALYSIS:

OFFENSE: The Beavers return seven starters this season on offense, but one of the guys not back is tailback Yvenson Bernard, leaving coach Riley with a big hole to fill in the backfield.

"The running back situation will be entering new territory without Yvenson Bernard, one of the finest players I've ever coached, but we have good candidates there."

As of now, it looks as if Jacquizz Rodgers could be the starting back, but expect to see Ryan McCants get plenty of touches during the year.

Entering this season the quarterback position also looks to be up for grabs and although Sean Canfield was under center for most of last year, Lyle Moevao could overtake the junior for the 2008 campaign.

"Lyle Moevao will take the first snaps, he is basically the starter going in." coach Riley said, "There will be competition there. A year ago we sat here and we told you we were breaking new quarterbacks in and my goal was to have two quarterbacks who could play."

Regardless of who is under center, that player will have the luxury of throwing to a healthy Sammie Stroughter, who missed most of last season with an injury. Stroughter had 15 catches last season, but in 2006 the dangerous receiver finished with 1,293 yards.

DEFENSE: Last year the Oregon State defense was one of the toughest in the conference, but with only three starters returning, there is a strong chance that this year's squad will likely take a step backwards. In 2007 the front line for OSU held opponents to just 2.1 ypc and only 71 rushing yards per game, but the team will have four new starters up front and will need to gel quickly. The most important part to the front four is Victor Butler, who did not start last season, but did record a whopping 10.5 sacks.

The linebacking corps will also been filled with inexperienced players, as Keaton Kristick, Byrant Cornell, and Dwight Roberson will take over. However, the three players only combined for 28 tackles a year ago.

The deepest part of coach Riley's defense is in the secondary, as the team has three starters back. Cornerback Brandon Hughes led the squad with 12 pass breakups, while safety Al Afalave collected 64 tackles.

SPECIAL TEAMS: Much like the defense, the special teams for OSU will have to be completely rebuilt, beginning at kicker where the team lost Alexis Serna. Justin Kahut will likely take over the kicking duties for Oregon State, as the sophomore got some action last year, going a perfect 3-for-3 on extra points, while also connecting on a 38-yard field goal.

As for the return game the team will look to Stroughter to improve the team's 6.9 punt return average from a year ago. In 2006, Stroughter averaged a solid 15.7 yards per return, and should be able to post similar numbers if he can stay healthy.

OUTLOOK: Oregon State's season does not open with easy matchups, as the team will have to hit the road against Stanford and Penn State. However, the team was fortunate to land home games against USC, Washington State, Arizona State, California and Oregon. However, it will not matter where the Beavers play their games unless the team can come together quickly as a unit defensively. Obviously as the season progresses, Oregon State will improve in that area, but overall the team will struggle to come close to last year's win total.