Bowl Preview Series: Emerald Bowl
by Matt Miller
The Terrapins and Beavers come into this game with rosters loaded with senior talent. Which of these veteran clubs will step up?
Emerald Bowl
Oregon State vs. Maryland
Dec. 28, 2007
San Francisco, CA (AT&T Park)
5:30 pm ESPN
Summary: In the first ever match up of Oregon State and Maryland, the Terrapins have a tough task facing the hot Beavers, who have won three straight heading into the game. Oregon State has a veteran team, loaded with seniors like guard Roy Schruening and running back Yvenson Bernard. Their linebacking trio of OSU will have to face a tough Maryland ground game, lead by senior Lance Ball.
Maryland’s best bet has to be to control the clock and play sound defense. The linebackers, led by star juniors Erin Henderson and Dave Phillistin, have been stout all year. Their quickness to the ball will be plus against the speed run game of Bernard. Look for Maryland to give heavy doses of Ball and Keon Lattimore to maintain a close game.
Draft-worthy Senior Prospects
Oregon State
RB Yvenson Bernard, 5-9, 202 pounds - Good college running back who may be best served at the next level being a third down running back. Plays with a lot of heart. Mostly an outside runner because of his size. Speed is only average. Will juke too much at the line of scrimmage before attacking a hole. Will make a roster, but might not be the star he was in college.
ILB Alan Darlin, 6-1, 254 pounds - Leader of one of the nation’s top linebacker trios. Plays with heart and courage, but lacks the physical tools to make it at the next level.
OLB Derrick Doggett, 6-3, 210 pounds - Fast, big hitting linebacker who may have to convert to strong safety. Great athleticism. Needs to bulk up considerably, even if he moves to safety. Good in coverage. Can run with backs and tight ends. Gets controlled when a blocker locks on him.
DE Jeff Van Orsow, 6-4, 262 pounds
Van Orsow is a gutty end who plays until the whistle blows every down. Anchors well. Could be a quality backup.
OG Roy Schuening, 6-4, 317 pounds - Athletic and physical left guard who plays with some nastiness. Long arms. Gets in position quickly. Technique is great. Always keeps his legs moving to push a defender off the line of scrimmage. Can match up with either speed or power tackles. Hasn’t been used in space much and doesn’t work well laterally.
WR Sammie Stroughter, 6-0, 183 pounds - Undersized receiver who can make things happen after the catch. Battled injuries during his senior season. Good hands. May have to make it in the slot. Speed is good. Will often get jammed at the line.
Maryland
RB Lance Ball, 5-9, 223 pounds - Tiny, bowling ball running back who has been productive. Lacks a burst to the outside and his strength might not translate to the pros. Not much of a receiver.
OG Andrew Crummey, 6-5, 301 pounds - Hard working guard who can anchor at the point of attack. Has been injury prone and will need to be heavily evaluated by a medical staff. Doesn’t always finish off blocks.
TE Joey Haynos, 6-8, 260 pounds - Massive tight end who is decent at blocking and receiving. Doesn’t have much athleticism or speed. Has a frame to add several pounds and may need to do so to increase his playing strength.
RB Keon Lattimore, 5-11, 223 pounds
Lattimore is a hard running player who lacks the speed and vision to be a starter. Cocky even though he can’t always back it up with his play.
DT Dre Moore, 6-4, 311 pounds - Moore is a quick and powerful defensive tackle who could play inside in a 4-3 or end in a 3-4. Is raw in his development and will likely have to start out in a rotation before transitioning into a starter’s role. Will have to get much nastier.
Draft Eligible Underclassmen to Watch
Oregon State
OG Jeremy Perry, 6-2, 329 pounds - Perry’s stock dropped considerably as a junior after he suffered a broken leg. When healthy, Perry is a true road grader at guard. With a compact build, Perry is an excellent in-line blocker with deceptive athleticism. He was dominant at times during his sophomore season.
Maryland
CB Kevin Barnes, 6-1, 188 pounds - Barnes is a decent cornerback prospect because of his height and length. Because he lacks speed and quickness, Barnes could strictly be a cover-2 cornerback at the next level. Has good hands.
OLB Erin Henderson, 6-3, 236 pounds - A player with excellent instincts and quickness, Henderson is as athletic of a linebacker around. Henderson has been banged up, missing the entire 2005 season because of a torn ACL. He also struggled with numerous small injuries during his junior year. He’ll have to improve his strength because Henderson gets in trouble when he has to work through trash.
ILB Dave Philistin, 6-2, 232 pounds - Philistin has had an excellent junior season with 117 tackles going into the Emerald Bowl. Excellent against the run, Philistin is similar in size and playing style to former Michigan middle linebacker David Harris.