Darlin in middle of things at OSU

Cal’s formidable running backs will put Beavers to the test

By Kerry Eggers

The Portland Tribune, Sep 29, 2006, Updated Oct 30, 2009

CORVALLIS – The ultimate challenge, at least for this point in the season, looms for Oregon State’s defense Saturday when the Beavers (2-1) play host to 20th-ranked California (3-1) in OSU’s Pac-10 opener.

There is quarterback Nate Longshore, the Pac-10 offensive player of the week for his role in the Bears’ 49-21 rout of Arizona State last Saturday.

There is tailback Marshawn Lynch, a preseason All-American with three straight 100-yard rushing games; a bevy of fast receivers; and a young but experienced offensive line.

An upset victory could give the Beavers the launchpad they need to a successful season.

“This game is huge,” OSU middle linebacker Alan Darlin says. “Cal is a tough, tough team with two tremendous running backs (Lynch and Justin Forsett). It’s going to be a good test for our defense. We have to swarm to the football and make sure we wrap up on our tackles. It should be fun.”

Darlin had fun in last Saturday’s 38-0 whitewash of Idaho, Oregon State’s first shutout in 23 seasons. The 6-1, 250-pound junior from Elk Grove, Calif., had a team-high seven tackles, a sack and a fumble recovery. He was in the face of Idaho quarterbacks Steve Wichman and Brian Nooy with a fury that delighted OSU coach Mike Riley.

“Alan really loves football,” Riley says. “He was really disappointed after our loss at Boise and was a big part of our team’s urgency to do better. We improved dramatically in just about every way defensively against Idaho, and Alan is the best example.”

Excellent attitude helps

Darlin was one of Riley’s premier recruits when he signed in 2003, turning down a dozen major-college offers after earning prep All-America honors as a senior at Laguna Creek High.

“It came down to Oregon State, Washington and Nebraska,” he says. “I fell in love with Coach Riley and his staff. It was the right place for me, and I haven’t regretted it.”

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