OSU FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

By Cliff Kirkpatrick

Corvallis Gazette-Times

Oregon State football coach Mike Riley kept saying his young secondary would evolve last season, even when it was beaten for big plays over and over again.

He went with two redshirt freshmen cornerbacks, Keenan Lewis and Brandon Hughes, and a true freshman safety, Al Afalava, next to veteran safety Sabby Piscitelli.

That combination led to the worst pass defense in the Pacific-10 Conference, which allowed 298.7 yards a game. It was one of the main reasons Oregon State went 5-6.

All that changed with experience. The pass defense is ranked fifth in the conference this season, allowing 205.2 yards a game. The run defense is third and keeps opponents to 95.9 yards an outing. That equates to the third best defense in the Pac-10.

“We are not giving up big plays because we are more disciplined this year,” Piscitelli said. “Players are executing their assignments great. We have a lot of different players making plays. That’s a big sign the defense is playing well. And our corners really stepped their game up and are understanding the little things that are making them better players.”

OSU evolved this season from a team that gave up long runs to Boise State and everything to California into a hard-hitting, stingy group.

The quarterback sacks (32) are the best in the conference and the third down defense is the best in the nation (25 percent).

Piscitelli leads the secondary with three interceptions and seven pass breakups. Lewis and Hughes have combined for 10 breakups.

Junior college transfer Coye Francies has helped the cornerbacks, adding three forced fumbles and two breakups.

“We still give up some pass plays, but our corners are a year older,” Riley said. “They are pretty good players and they should get better yet.”

Moore streaking

During OSU’s four-game winning streak, quarterback Matt Moore has been playing his best since joining the team before his junior season. He has completed 68 of 104 for 1,033 yards and four touchdowns in that stretch.

There have been 64 consecutive pass attempts without an interception — the eighth-longest active streak in the nation. His passer efficiency rating is 155.74 during that time, compared to 134.74 for the season. Moore is fourth in the conference for efficiency and passing yards a game at 201.7.

“He’s playing with a lot of confidence,” Riley said. “He’s playing with a lot of fire. He’s making good choices and making plays.”

Injury update

Running back Yvenson Bernard (ankle), running back Clinton Polk (ankle) and offensive guard Jeremy Perry (foot) have practiced with the team all week. They should all be available this week.

Defensive end Joe Lemma (ankle) hasn’t practiced much and is questionable. Wide receiver Ruben Jackson (ankle) is out for the third game.