Thursday, Aug. 28, 2008

Improved QBs lead Stanford, OSU

Both are being counted on as teams meet in big Pac-10 season opener

STANFORD — When the 2007 season started, Lyle Moevao and Tavita Pritchard were backup quarterbacks waiting for their first chance to play in college.

Injuries gave Moevao that opportunity at Oregon State and Pritchard his chance at Stanford. Now the two head into this season with the starting jobs when the Beavers visit the Cardinal in the season opener tonight.

Their coaches already see a big difference in their play based on the experience the two gained last season.

"Tavita's a lot better in year two in the system than he was in year one," Stanford coach Jim Harbaugh said. "I expect him to be even better a month from now, four months from now and a year from now. Tavita has an excellent grasp of the offense."

Pritchard started seven games last season, including the memorable 24-23 upset at No. 2 USC. He engineered a late drive for the winning score, connecting on a 10-yard pass on fourth down to Mark Bradford with 49 seconds left.

Pritchard had less success after that, winning only one more game in his final six starts. He completed 50 percent of his passes for 1,114 yards, five touchdowns and nine interceptions.

Moevao led the Beavers to three consecutive wins after starter Sean Canfield sustained a torn labrum. Moevao was hurt in the Emerald Bowl win over Maryland but is healthy now and a much better quarterback than he was a year ago, when he completed 77 of 147 passes for two touchdowns and six interceptions.

"The number one thing you would have to say is the difference in Lyle from this year to last year is confidence," coach Mike Riley said. "That then relates right into speed of play and decision-making, understanding and the ability to take something that has happened and transform it into a positive."

One big advantage Moevao has this season is the return of receiver Sammie Stroughter, who had 74 catches in 2006 before being limited to three games last season because of a kidney injury. He was granted a medical hardship to come back.

"Ever since we found out he was granted his redshirt year, we've been doing great things," Moevao said. "He's been able to help me help him out and the rest of the offense. He's doing a great job of being one of the leaders out there, and having him back in the offense is something special."

The Beavers have placed a priority on starting fast this season. They've started 2-3 the past two seasons, only to lose once more the rest of the way to post the second-most wins in the conference to USC.

The start this season won't be easy. Oregon State is the only BCS conference school to begin 2008 with consecutive road games. After visiting the Cardinal, the Beavers travel to No. 22 Penn State next weekend.

Riley said he doesn't like the idea of opening against a conference team, especially one with a new defensive coordinator in Ron Lynn and no game film to prepare for his schemes.

"It's probably coach's paranoia a little bit," Riley said. "It's a little bit of a mystery going in, and it's a conference opponent. You put all that stuff together, and it makes for a very interesting start."

The beginning of the season will be important for Stanford as well if it is to achieve Harbaugh's goal of making a bowl game. Stanford follows with another conference tilt, on the road against No. 15 Arizona State next weekend.

The Cardinal hopes for more consistency than it had in Harbaugh's first season. Stanford beat USC and Cal but lost to Washington, Washington State and Notre Dame.

"We had some big wins, but we're no way satisfied," safety Bo McNally said. "Those games only showed the potential we have. We're all confident that we can be one of the top teams in the Pac-10."