If you are the Nittany Lions, there are reasons to be afraid of the unfamiliar Beavers when they meet today.

On the flip side, however, there are many reasons to be optimistic. For instance, Oregon State (0-1) is 0-6 in nonconference road games since 2003 and a notoriously slow starter. The Beavers opened the season 2-3 the last two years.

Of course, 19th-ranked Penn State (1-0) seems to have become its own worst enemy. But first things first.

When the Beavers visit Beaver Stadium for the 3:30 p.m. kickoff, Penn State will face a team looking for redemption after letting its opener slip away in a bumbling 36-28 loss to Stanford. Oregon State, despite three turnovers and an absent running game, could have tied the Cardinal if not for a fumble near the goal line in the last minute.

"We did all those things that lose games for you and still had an opportunity, which was almost astounding to me," coach Mike Riley said.

There had been good things as well, and that's why the Beavers are potentially dangerous, even if they are 151/2-point underdogs.

For one, they accounted for more than 400 yards through the air, with two receivers putting up eye-popping numbers. Sammie Stroughter had 12 catches for 157 yards and two touchdowns, and Shane Morales 13 catches for 151 yards and a touchdown. The speedy duo could create havoc.

However, Penn State cornerback Lydell Sargeant said: "I think anybody is able to be covered."

But the Lions' pass defense was vulnerable last season and appeared so last week against Coastal Carolina.

Moreover, with defensive end Maurice Evans and defensive tackle Abe Koroma - along with tight end Andrew Quarless - suspended after being linked to a marijuana investigation, a weakened pass rush could give Beavers quarterback Lyle Moevao more than ample time.

Still, while Moevao threw for 404 yards while completing 34 of 54 passes against Stanford, the running game was virtually nonexistent. The Beavers managed just 86 yards on 28 carries and didn't give the team its usual balance.

"The missing link in there is obviously running the football like we have in the past," Riley said. "We have to get back to that."

Last season, Oregon State finished with a 2,274-to-2,557 run-to-pass ratio in terms of yards. (Penn State, by comparison, had 2,519 yards on the ground and 2,682 passing.)

So it's not as if the Beavers just chuck it.

"I think we've got to be ready to handle the running game," Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. "I don't know whether I would overreact to the amount of throwing they did."

The problem for Oregon State is finding a suitable replacement for the departed Yvenson Bernard, a 1,000-yard rusher. The small but quick Brothers Rodgers, James and Jacquizz (both listed at 5-foot-7), are likely candidates.

The key to the game, however, could be how Penn State's offense attacks the Beavers' depleted defense.

Oregon State's front seven is young and was overmatched against Stanford, yielding 210 yards rushing. And even if they stack the box, the Beavers are at a disadvantage against Penn State's seasoned line and explosive tailbacks.

Though weather forecasters have downscaled the impact Tropical Storm Hanna will have in State College, a wet field should benefit the Lions' running game as well.

Meanwhile, the Lions have yet to play their wild card, quarterback Daryll Clark. Last Saturday, Clark threw the ball to gain confidence. Today, Penn State is sure to unveil its Spread HD offense and a host of plays that feature the mobile Clark.

Jeff McLane's blog: http://go.philly

.com/lioneyes