Beaver Nation lies in danger of being downgraded to a principality or a minor fiefdom.
With Quizz Rodgers prepping for the NFL draft, and James Rodgers back in Texas recovering from his second knee surgery in six months, the Beavers are faced with the stark reality that the Las Vegas and San Francisco bowls may soon represent the glory years. No amount of awe-shucks optimism can color things a rosy shade of orange: the cupboard is bare, hopes are dim, and the upside for 2011 is looking like 4-8. Colorado and Washington State could have company in the conference basement.
With the loss of both Rodgers brothers, plus the strongest man in the history of the NFL draft combine, and with number one quarterback Ryan Katz doubtful for spring practice, suffering from a slow-healing bone in his throwing hand, the outlook is grim. Slotback Jordan Bishop also has a nagging ankle injury.
The Beavers have trouble filling their stadium and balancing the books. As early as October of 2009, athletic director Bob DeCarolis lamented the lack of attendance and donor enthusiasm among Beaver fans, and losing will only make it worse. He infamously told the Oregonian's Paul Buker:
"There's still uncertainty," De Carolis said Wednesday, expressing frustration in particular over attendance at football games, "no doubt about it. The free fall has stopped but I think it's going to be a challenge."
De Carolis did not intend to call out Oregon State fans, but he came very close when discussing the school's inability to fill 45,674-seat Reser Stadium.
"I've never seen a state like this, where it's one or the other, you're a Duck or you're a Beaver," De Carolis said. "Well, if (OSU alumni) are so proud of that, why is it so hard to keep this thing going? We have a hell of a football product -- a hell of a football product -- and we can't sell out the stadium?"
"Where are all the Beaver fans?"
In 2011, a lot of them are likely to be disguised as empty seats.
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