Coach Mike Riley says there is nothing of the sort for the Beavers
By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Matt Moore is in a no-win situation. The Oregon State senior quarterback is playing ahead of the signal caller of the future in Sean Canfield, so every pass and read is scrutinized with a negative outcome predetermined. Even when the team puts up 38 points in a shutout, it’s not good enough.
Moore realized long ago he’s not the fan favorite. It reached the point of being harassed by his own student section during last weekend’s victory over Idaho. Moore didn’t want to elaborate, but said his classmates made it clear they want Canfield on the field. Even after hearing that he doesn’t let public opinion bother him, showing off that Southern California cool. “It’s kind of annoying, but I understand,” Moore said. “They were rooting for Sean. If that’s the way it’s going to go, that’s the way it’s going to go. I’m not worried about it at all. Fans are fans. It’s not a problem. I’ll keep my mouth shut.”
He went through a similar situation his second season at UCLA. After starting as a true freshman, a coaching change and an injury had him fighting for his position. The team lost its cohesiveness during the quarterback controversy, and the L.A. paparazzi wore him out. It ended badly for him as he left school to find a new team. “The magnitude is a little different,” Moore said. “It’s not as bad here, but I still hear about it, mostly from the fans. Fans though, so what does that mean? I’m sure a lot of them are football savvy. I’m a fan of other teams and I’m harsh on a guy. It’s tough. It’s tough to talk about something like this.” At UCLA Moore and Drew Olson’s relationship suffered from the scrutiny. Moore points out that is not the case here. Canfield and Moore are good friends, and are supportive of each other. Moore’s critics started last year when he threw 19 interceptions to 11 touchdowns, and the Beavers were only 5-5 in his starts. At the same time the smooth-throwing Canfield showed up to turn up the pressure during a redshirt season.
And when a team doesn’t win every game, the backup quarterback is the outside world’s favorite player. Moore has had a solid start to the season, leading the Beavers to a 2-1 record. The two wins were dominant over inferior opponents, and the blowout loss wasn’t one person’s fault. He has completed 56.5 percent of his throws with four touchdowns and two interceptions, for a passing efficiency rating of 129.69. His efficiency is up by more than six points from last season, and his general command of the game has improved. “We’d like to be up there above 60 percent,” Riley said. “But there have been passes that could have been caught but dropped. The first play of the last game was one. There was one to Joe Newton and one by Micah Strickland I can think of. There are others. Overall he’s done a good job.” Through the ups and downs of playing the high-pressure position, Moore still has the support of the players and Riley. The coach still believes he gives them the best chance to win and sees steady improvement in decision making.
Moore admitted last year he tried to force passes to make big plays. Now he’s not trying to do too much. “I think for sure he has the support,” Riley said. “I recognized him, and the players, as a good leader on this team. He’s come back and practiced hard and with good enthusiasm all season.”
What makes it tough on Moore is Canfield delivering strong performances each game. The outcomes were already decided, but the freshman’s potential always comes out. He’s completed 22 of 30 for two touchdowns and one interception, with a 166.23 efficiency rating. His one pick was partly attributed to being hit on the throw. “I’m excited about his development, and I’m pleased with the opportunity he’s gotten in the games,” Riley said. “He’s done a nice job. I think that all bodes well for the future; that’s a good thing for the program.”
The only thing that concerns Moore of Riley’s use of Canfield is if the coach forces him into a game in a crucial situation just to see if he’s ready. It hasn’t happened so far because games have been determined early. Moore has either settled into a rhythm in the two victories, or there wasn’t anything anyone could do in the loss. “To me that doesn’t make sense, but if coach Riley does that he’s the head guy and I respect it,” Moore said. “And Sean, the guy can play. He knows the offense and he’s going to move the ball. My point is if the game is tied 7-7 in the second quarter, and we see what he can do. That would be frustrating as a player. But if that were to happen, I’ll just respect it. Coach Riley knows what he’s doing.”
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