Sean Meagher/staff

OSU coach Gary Andersen has a difficult path to six victories

Some reasons why I believe Saturday's season-opener at Colorado State is a game Oregon State needs to win to have a realistic shot at a winning season:

The Pac-12 North has become a minefield.

It wasn't that long ago that the Washington schools were weak.

From 2002 to 2012, the Huskies couldn't get out of their own way. When Chris Petersen's took over in Seattle, that changed. In short order, Petersen has turned Washington into a national contender.

I think Mike Leach is prima donna, but I can't argue with Washington State coach's results. With WSU running Leach's tricky Air Raid offense, the Cougars have won 17 games in the past two seasons.

Oregon is down and Willie Taggart is in his first year as UO coach. But the Civil War is in Eugene this year, and the Ducks will be a tough out on Rich Brooks field.

The only Pac-12 North opponent I think the Beavers figure to beat is Cal.

OSU's first five Pac-12 games are, in order, WSU, Washington, USC, Colorado and Stanford. I don't think the Beavers will be favored in any of them.

So, as I see it, on paper anyway, to get to six wins, the Beavers need to sweep their non-conference games against CSU, Minnesota and Portland State, and win three of four in a season-ending stretch including Cal, Arizona, ASU and Oregon.

That won't be an easy task. And the job gets harder if the Beavers don't win in Fort Collins.

In his Pac-12 season preview, Paul Myerberg of USA Today, foresees OSU falling short of the six-victory level, finishing 5-7, fifth in the Pac-12 North.

OK, more links:

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Sean Meagher/staff

Running back Thomas Tyner talks about his first season at Oregon State

Some quick facts about Oregon State's season opener Saturday at Colorado State.

OSU's defensive game plan: make the Rams one-dimensional.

The Merc's Jon Wilner picks Colorado State to win and beat the spread.

OSU coach Gary Andersen says being an underdog against Colorado State will give his team an extra edge.

Beavers release their depth chart for the opener.

Can the Beavers protect drop-back passer Jake Luton?

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The Coloradoan

CSU coach Mike Bobo talks about Oregon State

Colorado State is set up for a special season.

Ex-Colorado State coach Sonny Lubick says the Rams are ripe for a resurgence.

CSU's new stadium is getting rave reviews.

It's official: Saturday's game between CSU and OSU is a sellout.

Andersen is winless on the road in his three seasons with the Beavers.

OSU kickers Jordan Choukair and Nick Porebski are a true tandem.

Choukair kicks into high gear.

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Oregon defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt meets the press

John Canzano's 25 most influential people in Oregon sports.

Will the Ducks be the surprise team in this year's college football season? Maybe.

UO coaches say they had a productive scrimmage.

Veteran UO offensive lineman Jake Pisarcik hopes to seize his opportunity.

Mario Cristobal brings toughness, intensity to Oregon's offensive line.

The Ducks reportedly have beefed up their defensive line with the addition of transfer Malik Young.

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What Oregon assistant Mario Cristobal wants to see from the offensive line

Jerry Allen, known to Oregon fans as the Voice of the Ducks, will transition out of broadcasting UO basketball games.

The Merc's Jon Wilner: Schedule sets up perfectly for Washington.

For Washington QB Jake Browning, success begins with the feet.

Some quick facts about Rutgers, Washington's season-opening opponent.

Washington State linebacker Isaac Dotson has found his position.

WSU's Luke Falk is using the Tom Brady approach to playing quarterback.

Wilner: Cougs need a fast start.

QB Sam Darnold gets the hype, but the key for USC could be bulked-up running back Ronald Jones II.

Scott Wolf of the Los Angeles Daily News: USC's Levi Jones brings some talent along with his swagger.

No second thoughts for Alabama transfer Blake Barnett, who is Arizona State's backup quarterback.

ASU's defense works on forcing -- and preventing -- turnovers.

USC quickly rebuilds depth on the offensive line with blue-chip freshmen.

Cal begins prep for the season-opener against North Carolina.

If Darren Carrington's transfer to Utah was controversial, his transition has been smooth.

Utah continues to search for an elusive divisional title.

Utah quarterback Troy Williams faces another test in a career filled with them.

UCLA's Giovanni Gentosi earns a scholarship to go along with the starting fullback job.

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Arizona Daily Star

Arizona coach Rich Rodriguez talks about his team

Arizona's defense could have as many as six freshmen on the field at the same time.

Arizona receiver Shawn Poindexter is prepared and ready to make an impact.

Colorado assistant Darian Hagan makes his mark from the sideline.

BYU offensive coordinator Ty Detmer says the Cougars won't hold back Saturday against Portland State.

Six numbers to know about Portland State's season-opener with BYU.

Dick Harmon of the Deseret News: BYU receiver Talon Shumway is healthy now, and boy does it ever show.

Mark Whicker of the Los Angeles Daily News: ESPN reveals itself as a confederacy of dunces by reassigning broadcaster Robert Lee..

Max Browne, who transferred from USC, is named PItt's start quarterback.

Three rules changes that focus on player safety.

The links from Beaver Sports Now.

The links from Duck Sports Now.

-- Ken Goe

kgoe@oregonian.com | @KenGoe