Early OSU picks by media, magazines

IF IT'S THE offseason and that means it's time the media checks in with their predictions on the upcoming year. Sure, fall camp hasn't started, some authors didn't see the spring practice sessions for many of those they're predicting and some base their Top 25 or league picks off of last year but all that be damned, it's time to prognosticate! An early look at who is picking the Beavs, and where.

In July, the list will grow rapidly and considerably, as more and more of the media picks hit the newsstands.

 

For now, here's a look at some of those who are getting their prognostications in early this year.

 

Oregon State Pac-10 predictions

Mark Schlabach, ESPN       3

Cliff Kilpatrick, CGT      4

 

Lindy's:                   6

Ahtlon:                    8

Phil Steele:               T6

Sure Fire Scouting:     4  

 

NOTABLE NOTES:

The early part of the Beavers' schedule has two of the first four games against teams ranked in the pundit's Top 25's -- Penn State and USC.

Utah, the Beavs' Week 5 opponent, is the sleeper pick of many to make a run this year, returning eight of their offensive starters from last year's 9-4 team.

Oregon State has gotten off to slow starts the last two seasons before finishing with a flourish. Each of the last two seasons they started the year at 2-3 before catching fire, finishing 9-4 and 10-4 in '07 and '06, respectively.