Eastern Washington @ Oregon State preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 31, 2006 ) Eastern Washington 17, Oregon State 56

Oregon State won’t be able to surprise foes this season and the No. 25 Beavers aim to sidestep the upset attempt of visiting Eastern Washington in Saturday’s season opener. Oregon State tripled its 2011 win total of three with a stunning rise last year, and the Beavers are seeking their eighth bowl bid in the last 11 seasons. The Eagles are ranked third in the FCS Coaches poll and have put scares into Washington and Washington State over the past two seasons.

The Beavers conducted a spirited quarterback competition, and junior Sean Mannion edged senior Cody Vaz for the job. Mannion started eight games last season when he passed for 2,446 yards and 15 touchdowns in a campaign interrupted by October knee surgery, while Vaz started five times and threw for 1,480 yards and 11 scores. Eastern Washington lost 24-20 at Washington State last season and 30-27 at Washington in 2011.

TV: 6:07 p.m. ET, Pac-12 Network. LINE: None.

ABOUT EASTERN WASHINGTON (2012: 11-3, 7-1 Big Sky): Sophomore quarterback Vernon Adams will guide the offense after throwing 20 touchdowns last season while sharing the job with departed Kyle Padron. Safety Jordan Tonani (hip) will miss the season after an impact freshman campaign in 2012, but the Eagles return preseason All-Americans in senior outside linebacker Ronnie Hamlin (221 career tackles) and senior cornerback T.J. Lee III (149 career stops). Eight former Pac-12 players are in the program, including junior offensive tackle Jake Rodgers (12 starts at Washington State last season) and junior safety Tevin McDonald (24 career starts at UCLA).

ABOUT OREGON STATE (2012: 9-4, 6-3 Pac-12): Junior receiver Brandin Cooks is a supreme playmaker who averaged 17.2 yards per catch as the No. 2 receiving option behind departed Markus Wheaton and could increase his 2012 totals of 67 receptions and 1,151 yards. Sophomore Storm Woods (940 rushing yards, 13 scores) and junior Terron Ward (415 yards, six TDs) form a solid running back duo behind an offensive line with four returning starters. The Beavers held four teams to single digits in points last season and among the returning starters are junior defensive end Scott Crichton (15 career sacks), senior outside linebacker Michael Doctor (team-best 83 tackles in 2012) and senior cornerback Rashaad Reynolds (16 passes defensed last season).

EXTRA POINTS

1. Oregon State has won both previous meetings, the most recent one being a 56-17 rout in 2006.

2. Eastern Washington is winless in nine contests against teams currently in the Pac-12.

3. The Beavers scored a school-record 54 touchdowns last season.

PREDICTION: Oregon State 31, Eastern Washington 23