Staying focused early has helped Moevao fill in nicely for Canfield

Both Civil War participants have quarterback issues, but the Oregon State football team has the edge in that matchup because of Lyle Moevao.

The redshirt sophomore took over for starter Sean Canfield two games ago after the Nov. 3 contest at Southern California. Canfield strained his throwing shoulder near the end of the game and has not returned to practice.

Moevao stepped in with ease and led the Beavers to victories against Washington and Washington State, and the team is playing with more confidence on offense.

If the momentum remains, the Beavers have a good chance of defeating Oregon when they meet at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.

As it turns out Moevao will have the most experience of any quarterback available on the field.

“I’m excited about Lyle,” offensive lineman Roy Schuening said. “Lyle is playing well. He has got everyone excited; he’s running the huddle and has everyone’s attention. He’s leading us. He’s doing an outstanding job.”

Coach Mike Riley was impressed with Moevao’s competitive drive during the quarterback competition last spring, this fall and into the season.

It was what Moevao did after being declared the backup that was the most significant. He didn’t get down on himself or lose interest in the team, but continued to improve his skills and learn the offense each week.

“It’s just one of those things I’ve been doing since I was in high school,” Moevao said. “I was benched in high school and junior college, but yet I was able to prepare myself for my opportunities. And when my opportunity came, I was ready. I just kept the same attitude when I came here.”

Moevao completed 25 of 50 passes in his two starts for 311 yards, two touchdowns and an interception. The numbers were solid in the first game, and improved the second game.

His command of the offense and overall presence were felt more. He sensed the pass rush and maneuvered out of trouble with his mobility, an advantage he has over Canfield.

This development comes from a player who threw an interception on his first career pass in the season opener against Utah.

“He has it figured out and he knows what he’s doing, and taking charge,” offensive guard Adam Speer said. “He’s doing a great job in general.”

Canfield figured out the offense, too. After a slow start he led the Beavers to three straight wins against Arizona, California and Stanford.

Performances in his recent losses against USC and UCLA weren’t disastrous like the Cincinnati and Arizona State games.

However, Moevao’s intangibles carry him a long way. His personality engages his teammates.

And what he is capable of fits the Beavers better at this point.

“Sean is more the serious quarterback, and Lyle is in there just relaxed,” Speer said. “When Lyle is in, he’s just having a real good time. He always has a smile on his face. He changes the attitude in the huddle.”

Is that important to the players?

“That’s a big thing,” Speer said. “The quarterback is supposed to be a leader in the huddle. If he’s having a good time, everyone else is having a good time. If you have a couple of bad plays and you look at your quarterback, and if he has a big smile on his face it makes you more relaxed.”

Riley felt he had two starting quarterbacks when he made the decision on Canfield as the starter, and felt either choice was a good one.

He may have to make another hard pick next year between them when they are both juniors. Canfield is out this week, but may be available for the bowl game.

This opportunity for Moevao gives Riley another look at him for the future.

“We’ve had the benefit to have a young man who has stayed ready,” Riley said. “We won’t cross the bridge (of Canfield’s return this week) because we don’t have an option. And I like what Lyle is doing.”

Moevao’s ability to stay focused on being a better player and being there for the team if needed may be the difference in the Civil War.

Oregon lost its top three quarterbacks due to injury, however, the fourth and fifth stringers would not have considered seeing the field being that low on the depth chart.

“It was a great two games for me to get the experience I did,” Moevao said. “It’s going to be a real test for me this week. Their defense will be better than Washington and Washington State.”