Team MVP: The Beavers had one of the best offenses in the nation in 2003 thanks to a solid ground game and a superb passing attack that led the PAC 10. That should not be of any surprise considering the weapons OSU had. But now quarterback Derek Anderson will be expected to deliver for the Beavers on offense. Anderson threw for over 4,000 yards in 2003, and OSU will need just as much production from the senior in 2004.

Quarterback: The Beavers return senior quarterback Derek Anderson who threw 24 touchdown passes a year ago. Anderson has a superb arm, and will likely go into the books as the top passer in OSU history. But he will have to cut down on his interceptions in 2004 after leading the nation with 24 interceptions a year ago. Senior Adam Rothenfluh is capable as the top backup for Anderson.

Running Back: Senior running back Dwight Wright will have to step up and replace Jackson, which will be no easy chore. He is not a workhorse type back, but he is fast and a capable receiver as well. Sophomore Ryan Cole will likely share time with Wright in the backfield. Cole is more of a power back than Wright, but a solid player nonetheless as he showed in spring drills.

Wide Receiver\Tight End: With James Newson and Ken Farley gone, seniors Mike Haas and George Gillett will be the top targets in the receiving corps. The duo will be joined by senior Cole Clasen, who will be another newcomer as a starter in the receiving corps. The Beavers also have senior Josh Hawkins among the reserves. Sophomore Joe Newton will have to try to replace Tim Euhus, a true blue chip player at tight end.

Offensive Line: The offensive line will return three senior starters in Doug Neinhuis, Kanan Sanchez and Matt Brock. Junior Jason Fyda will plug in at guard as a new starter with sophomore Adam Koets and a possible future star in JUCO talent Chris Miller at the opposite tackle spot. Junior Jake Pratt and senior Brent Bridges will provide the Beavers experience as reserves.

Defensive Line: The defense should again be tough with three starters returning on the line including senior end and captain Bill Swancutt. Swancutt is one of the best ends in the nation, and he had a great spring. Sophomore Ben Siegert also returns after winning a starting job in 2003. The duo will be joined by junior tackle Henry Anderson and sophomore end Brandon Scales to form the starting front wall. Juniors Derek Hall and Alvin Smith are the top reserves on the defensive line.

Linebacker: Senior linebacker Jonathan Pollard will lead an athletic linebacking corps for the Beavers. Junior Trent Bray is a returning starter who finished second on the club in tackles in 2003. Bray moves to the Mike linebacker in 2004. Junior Chaz Scott will take over for Bray at the strongside backer spot. Scott and senior Seth Lacy will likely share time on the strongside. The Beavers also have senior Kevin Davidson as a top backup in the mix. JUCO All-American Keith Ellison could also be a factor at linebacker.

Secondary: The secondary is solid with three starters returning from 2003. Senior safety Mitch Meeuwsen, an All Pac-10 candidate, will be one player to keep an eye on in the secondary. Sophomore cornerback Brandon Browner was named Pac 10 Conference Freshman of the Year after tying Meeuwsen for the team lead in picks with six. Senior Aric Williams will man the other corner. Sophomore Sabby Piscitelli will step into the starting job at strong safety.

Special Teams: Junior John Dailey is the top candidate for placekicking duties and junior Sam Paulescu has a good shot at taking over the punting chores. One weakness that needs to be addressed by the Beavers is the return game, which ranked close to last nationally in both punts and kickoffs.

Final Thoughts: The Beavers have some talent on offense even after losing the likes of Newson and Jackson. But much will hinge on how much Anderson can improve over his 2003 performance. If he can cut down on turnovers, the offense will become an even bigger nightmare for Pac 10 foes. Haas should be solid, but Anderson is the key in the air attack. Wright and Cole will have to try and duplicate what Jackson did, or at least come close. The line has some questions, but should be capable nonetheless. The defense should again be one of the better units in the conference unless injuries hit. Swancutt is a true force at end, and the secondary is one of the better groups in the conference. Only depth is lacking. The Beavers may not have enough to knock off USC, but if they can be consistent, a bowl bid awaits.

-- JJ Pesavento