Beavers need to solve their quarterback issues

CORVALLIS -- Brace yourselves Beaver fans, this could turn into a long football season. Football coaches are the first to say that quarterbacks get too much credit for victories and too much blame for defeats. But anyone who witnessed last week's 34-3 loss at Cincinnati knows where Oregon State's major flaw resides -- at quarterback.

Sophomore signal callers Sean Canfield and Lyle Moevao have been adept at one thing so far: throwing interceptions. They have combined for eight in two games, or one more than Matt Moore threw all of last season.

The Cincinnati game was especially disconcerting. The offensive line opened few holes, tailback Yvenson Bernard was stymied, and Canfield and Moevao had three picks apiece.

OSU's inexperienced quarterbacks figured to have growing pains, but they need to grow up in a hurry or the Beavers could find themselves near the bottom of the Pac-10 this season.

"I knew there were going to be a lot of bumps. Some hard times," Moevao said before Tuesday's practice. "Obviously we've faced them. But along with those hard times comes good times, and we have yet to see those."

The statistics tell the tale. Canfield has completed 52 percent of his passes for 218 yards, with one touchdown and four interceptions. Moevao, whose first attempt against Utah was intercepted, has completed 53.1 percent for 175 yards and four interceptions.

"We have to have a faster learning curve because our quarterbacks really need to catch up with the rest of the team's ability," said coach Mike Riley, not exactly providing a vote of confidence.

Canfield will make his third start Saturday against Idaho State, and Moevao is expected to play.

Still in the mix is senior Ryan Gunderson, a consummate team player. But if Gunderson was a realistic option, he probably would have seen significant playing time by now.

In Gunderson's only career start -- he got the call for an injured Moore in the 2005 Civil War -- the Beavers were on the short end of a 56-14 score.

"I still think he's our No. 3 guy," Riley said of Gunderson. "But I would not feel badly about putting him in the game at all."

Enough said.

Canfield remains the best option. The left-hander has a strong arm, but he has struggled reading defenses and is about as mobile as Mr. Ed hitched to a carriage.

It should be noted that Derek Anderson wasn't fleet of foot either, and he went on to become OSU's career passing leader.

Moore, who led the nation with 19 interceptions in his first season as OSU's starter in 2005, had 18 touchdown passes and just seven picks last year and led the Beavers to a 10-4 mark.

Canfield has sought advice from Moore this season.

"Some guys struggle early, but it's no excuse I don't think," Canfield said. "I've had plenty of time in the program. I've been here for three (fall) camps and three springs. You are going to struggle and I realize that. I'm just looking forward to getting better."

Playing Idaho State, a Football Championship Subdivision team (formerly 1-AA), should help Canfield and Moevao improve their stats, and perhaps boost their confidence.

But most Pac-10 defenses will resemble Cincinnati and have enough speed to contain Yvenson Bernard, forcing the Beavers to pass. A strong defense will take the Beavers only so far. It's time for the quarterbacks to step up.

"Hopefully, they'll get better, " slot receiver Brandon Powers said. "I'm not really worried about how things are going."

I doubt most OSU fans would agree.

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