The Barometer Online

Issue date: 10/10/08 Section: Sports

Media Credit: Peter Strong Freshman tailback Jacquizz Rodgers has 550 rushing yards on the year and has recorded three straight 100-yard rushing performances. 'Quizz and the rest of the Oregon State team are looking to even up their record against visiting Washington State.

It has been an interesting storyline for Oregon State football the last few years, as both teams from the previous two years have started off 2-3 and finished in bowl games. As the Beavers play host to the Washington State Cougars (1-5, 0-3 Pac-10), they look to begin a hopeful turnaround that could end them up in yet another bowl game.

The Beavers head into their third Pac-10 matchup of the season as 30-point favorites over the injury-depleted Cougars, whose lone victory has come against I-AA opponent Portland State. Washington State has been outscored 250-98 thus far this season, and have lost the first two quarterbacks on their depth chart due to injury, leaving them with third stringer Marshall Lobbestael and a few reserves.

"I don't think point spreads matter as a player," senior offensive guard Adam Speer said. "We're 2-3 and they're 1-5; we only have one more win than they do. We still have a losing record. It's a Pac-10 game and anyone can win in the Pac-10."

Going into the matchup, freshman running back Jacquizz Rodgers leads the Beavers rushing attack with 550 yards and six touchdowns. Jacquizz is on pace for 17 touchdowns, which would be the most an Oregon State running back has rushed for since Beaver great Steven Jackson rushed for 19 in 2003. While taking on most of the carries for the Beavers, Jacquizz has recorded three straight 100-yard rushing games and two touchdowns or more in the last three out of four games.

"Our offensive line has been doing a good job up front pushing the line forward and getting Jacquizz a few yards here and there," junior Beaver quarterback Lyle Moevao said. "It makes my job a lot easier being able to pass against a defense that's scared that the run game is going to be effective."

Through five games this season, Moevao has already passed for over 1,400 yards, and could be the quickest Beaver quarterback to reach 1,500 yards since Derek Anderson did so in 2004. Moevao has recorded a 138.7 passer rating so far this season, and has passed for two touchdowns or more in the last three games. He has done an excellent job of spreading the ball around, as Shane Morales, Sammie Stroughter and James Rodgers all have three touchdowns.

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