The Barometer Online

Issue date: 4/17/07 Section: Sports

Media Credit: John Castle The OSU defense made it difficult for the quarterbacks in the first spring scrimmage on Saturday at Reser Stadium. Combined, they completed just 15 of 42 passes on the day.

It was a sunny, yet windy day Saturday at Reser Stadium as the Oregon State football team suited up for their first full contact scrimmage of the spring season. The day saw a dominant performance by the defense, as they recorded three interceptions, several jaw-dropping hits and held the offense to just two touchdowns.

"It was nice. It was the first time we have been out here, getting a little sunshine," said outside linebacker Joey LaRocque. "We had pretty good energy out there. It was fun, just out there playing football."

Offensively, the Beavers were anything but impressive, completing just 15 of 42 passes for 180 yards and a touchdown. Redshirt sophomore Tony Carrasco led the Beavers rushing attack with 50 yards on 14 carries. The Beavers solo rushing touchdown came from senior Andy Stewart on a two-yard run, which capped a nine play, 70-yard drive that was set up by a 46-yard Brennan Sim pass to Aaron Nichols.

"I think for seven practices I would say I was really pleased with the progress offensively and the number of completions while consistency running the ball," coach Mike Riley said. "But today we did not throw the ball well enough to really establish anything that would be consistent, so that took us out of every opportunity for a drive."

Quarterback Sean Canfield got off to a rocky start, having his second pass of the day intercepted by LaRocque. Two passes later, a pass across the middle landed in the hands of linebacker Dennis Christopher. Canfield struggled with passes throughout the scrimmage, completing just 6 of 15 attempts and no touchdowns.

"Kind of got off to a rough start," Canfield said. "It usually happens when you get out to scrimmage. You're used to practice, and when you get out here and start flying around, it's a little different pace."

Sophomore Lyle Moevao, another candidate for the starting quarterback position, struggled as well, completing just one of seven passes for eight yards. While it is still early in the spring to be worried about who is starting the first game in August against Utah, Riley is still convinced it will come down to experience.

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