OSU notes

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Gazette-Times Reporter

When the topic of Sammie Stroughter comes up, Oregon State football coach Mike Riley shows optimism and caution because that’s all he can do when it comes to his star wide receiver.

Stroughter began practicing with the regular offense this week, after a week with the scout team.

Before that, he was away from the team for 18 days dealing with personal issues, stemming from his reaction to the loss of three close loved ones.

The senior sat out the opener, and has the option of redshirting. However, Riley says he could play at some point this season.

“I don’t know that at this point, but he’s a lot further along,” Riley said of Stroughter being ready for Thursday’s game at Cincinnati. “We’ll make a decision on that in the next couple of days. It’s conceivable he could play.”

Riley says Stroughter is practicing well, and in-tune with what needs to be done. However, he won’t play him unless Stroughter and his family say that’s what they want.

“It’s going to be at some point a final decision from them to me,” Riley said. “And it’s going to be rather interesting when he’s really ready. He missed (nearly) all of camp. Sammie is one of those guys who are never really out of shape; it’s just getting in-tune with football.”

Stroughter will make the trip to Cincinnati and it’s not decided if he’ll suit up for the game. At the very least, he’ll be there to provide moral support.

“It’s good to have him out there,” tailback Yvenson Bernard said. “It’s good to have his company.”

Stroughter watched the first game from the sidelines, and cheered on his team. There was positive emotion flowing from him during the victory.

Riley believes that night aided him on the way to recovery. Stroughter was reminded how fun it is to be part of the game.

“I think this story will be a good story,” Riley said. “If the beginning of the rest of the story begins Thursday, it might be next year and anywhere in-between.”

Quarterback reaction

Quarterbacks Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao downplayed the decision to go with Canfield as the starter with Moevao playing at some point when Riley deems it the time. Last week they both played a quarter and then Riley made a halftime decision.

“It’s fine with me,” Moevao said. “It’s more of an on-call thing for me. I feel the same as going into last week.”

Canfield, however, may tend to wonder if each pass may be his last if there’s a mistake. He knew he was going to be pulled in the second quarter of the first game and didn’t worry.

“It doesn’t change my approach to the game, or how I prepare,” Canfield said. “The main thing for a quarterback is to have a short memory. The bottom line is getting it done in the game.”

Recurring cramps

Keenan Lewis is frustrated, but working at finding an answer to his recurring leg cramps. He stretches, uses massage and eats a balanced diet, but sometimes they just pop up.

The junior cornerback has had these issues throughout his career, and it took him out of three quarters of the season opener.

When he’s able to play, Lewis is becoming a shut-down corner. He had 19 pass breakups the last two seasons.

“I’m trying to get it figured out, but I think it’s pretty much better,” Lewis said. “(Trainer) Barney (Graff) is trying to help me with the situation. It’s very frustrating with all the hard work I put in and then sit out. I’m doing everything I can.”

Military appreciation

A special $15 ticket with a limit of four per person is available for U.S. military personal and veterans for the Sept. 15 game against Idaho State. Sales begin today and go through Sept. 14 at the Gill Coliseum ticket office or by phone at 1-800-Go-Beavs.

Latest line

The Beavers are favored by three points in the early line for Thursday’s game.