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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Wednesday, September 23, 2009

CFB: Quarterback controversies popping up in Pac-10


ANNE M. PETERSON
AP Sports Writer

The great quarterback debate has descended on the Pacific-10 Conference, with Arizona, Oregon and Oregon State each facing different issues.

The Wildcats are trying out a new quarterback, the Ducks are hearing from disgruntled fans about theirs, and the Beavers' starter from last season is returning from injury.

This week Arizona coach Mike Stoops announced that Nick Foles would get the start Saturday when the Wildcats visit Oregon State.

Foles, a sophomore, completed 6 of 11 passes for 55 yards and a touchdown in last weekend's 27-17 loss to Iowa. He replaces Matt Scott, who has been unimpressive for Arizona (2-1).

Stoops would not say whether the move was permanent. He says he wants to see if the Wildcats get "a better flow to our offense with Nick in the game."

Oregon defeated No. 18 Utah 31-24 last Saturday, stopping the Utes' 16-game winning streak, but it didn't have much to do with Jeremiah Masoli's arm.

Masoli completed just 4 of 16 passes for 95 yards. He tried only three passes in the second half, and he was intercepted in the end zone.

That had many Ducks fans calling for backup Nate Costa.

Costa was Oregon's projected starter heading into last season but he injured his knee and had his second major operation in two seasons.

But coach Chip Kelly was adamant about Masoli's status with the team, pointing out the Ducks are 10-3 with him. He also said fans are within their rights to second guess their teams, but added emphatically: "We know what's right for this football team."

The Ducks (2-1) host No. 6 California on Saturday.

At Oregon State, Lyle Moevao missed the first three games because he was slow returning to form after offseason rotator-cuff surgery. Moevao was the team's starter for all but two games last season, when the Beavers went 9-4 and made a run for the Rose Bowl that fizzled late in the season.

Sean Canfield has performed admirably in his place, throwing for three touchdowns and one interception in the first three games for the Beavers (2-1).

Moevao went through his first week of practice last week before the Beavers' 28-18 loss to Cincinnati. Coach Mike Riley said Moevao would be more involved this week in preparation for Saturday's game at home against Arizona.

Moevao could potentially see playing time against the Wildcats.

"I'm going to have to think about it," Riley said. "I've never been much of an arbitrary substituter at that position."

Washington State went through its QB controversy last week when senior Kevin Lopina was replaced by sophomore Marshall Lobbestael. The Cougars (2-1) went on to defeat SMU 30-27 in overtime.