Gazette-Times Reporter

Even though Sammie Stroughter made it three consecutive days with the Oregon State football team Monday, coach Mike Riley remains doubtful he’ll play this season.

Riley ruled out the senior wide receiver for Thursday night’s season opener against Utah, and probably the season.

Stroughter returned to practice Saturday from an 18-day hiatus to mentally deal with the grief of three loved ones lost in a short time span. The appearance was a surprise to the team at the time.

He was with the Beavers on Sunday for their walk-through and meetings, and the Monday night practice.

“I wouldn’t read into it as he’s playing,” Riley said. “It’s all up to him on his time. I’m not anticipating him playing in games this year, but I’ve been surprised before. It won’t happen for sure for Utah.”

Riley is leaving him alone to practice when he wants, and it’s up to Stroughter if he enrolls in school this fall. Stroughter can take the school year off in the classroom and field and still be academically and athletically eligible for his fifth season in 2008.

Scaling back

The Beavers started cutting back on practice length and in intensity last week. This week it’s all about preparing for Utah.

Practices have even been moved to the evening this week so the team is prepared for a rare night game.

“I’m trying to get their legs back,” Riley said. “They worked hard in pretty long practices. I’m trying to pull it back a little bit. There has to be a point when camp ends and we cut it short.”

Players have taken to Riley’s approach, and he has been pleased with their focus. At the same time, the Beavers have enjoyed their time on the field for the last month.

“I don’t know if we are relaxed, we are having fun — that’s our style,” Riley said. “And now it’s time that they are ready to play.”

It’s been a while

• Senior Alexis Serna is expected to do the punting and place-kicking this season. The last time someone did both for the Beavers was Doug Stuckey in 1996.

• Sophomore Sean Canfield is scheduled to start Thursday’s game. He will be the first left-handed starting quarterback for the Beavers since Terrance Bryant in 1999.

Ticket update

• OSU officials expect about 40,000 people to attend Thursday’s game in the newly expanded Reser Stadium, which seats 45,674 people.

• The third-most season tickets in OSU history have been sold through last Thursday at 23,617. That’s about 1,000 more than last year. The record is 24,347 in 2001.