Beavers quarterback turns in best overall performance in win

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Corvallis Gazette-Times

CORVALLIS — When Yvenson Bernard wasn’t able to play due to an ankle injury, the Oregon State football team needed to depend on its quarterback Matt Moore.

Coach Mike Riley didn’t want to do that because Southern California’s defense likes to put heavy pressure on the passer and blankets receivers.

It’s a combination that typically creates disaster.

Moore, however, came through with the best showing of his career. There have been better passing numbers, but this was about command of the offense and leadership of the team.

“He’s a stud,” safety Sabby Piscitelli said. “I think he’s faced the most adversity of any individual player at Oregon State. And I’ve been watching this kid in practice for two years, and I tell everybody he’s a great player. He made some rookie mistakes (last year) but he showed his leadership and athletic ability today. He took over that offense and made some great plays.”

Moore completed 21-for-32 and threw for 262 yards and a touchdown. He also added a 1-yard scramble for a touchdown.

There were no interceptions, no fumbles and several smart plays made under pressure. Moore avoided the rush, took sacks instead of making risky throws and just went above and beyond.

“The thing I like about him is he’s a competitor,” Riley said. “He’s fun to coach because of that. He’s a senior and he’s fighting. It’s a nice game for that kid to have on his belt.”

Moore has been under fire from his classmates and the general fans for not being like his predecessor, record-setting quarterback Derek Anderson. The team missed a bowl game in his first season last year, and the team started out slow this season.

Riley stayed with Moore, even though there were vocal, and unpleasant, calls for backup Sean Canfield to play. Riley believed Moore gave his team the best chance to win.

Moore responded to Riley’s confidence by steadily improving with breakout game after breakout game.

“It’s the best performance I’ve seen Matt put together,” tight end Joe Newton said. “I’m proud of the way he played. I think he answered a lot of his doubters today.”

Afterward Moore wouldn’t even revel in defeating a team he always rooted against. The former UCLA quarterback grew up in the Los Angeles area, and always wanted to play for the Bruins.

Now he emphatically says he’s a proud member of the Beavers.

“It’s nice,” Moore said. “But it’s not just about me. It’s about the 100 guys or so on the team. It’s about coach Riley and the coaches. And the time they put in. People don’t realize the time they put in — same with the players. It is nice for me, but I’m happy for everyone else. It’s a team thing and I’m excited. I’m just stoked. I can’t explain it.”