Football Notebook | Beavers hope WSU students go home early

Oregon State coach Mike Riley says he thinks Washington State students should be with their families this weekend.

"I think they should go on home and spend more time with their families," Riley deadpanned Tuesday at his weekly news conference.

Here's the issue: Thanksgiving break begins after classes Friday at Washington State. Cougars coach Bill Doba is urging students to hang around for Saturday's must-win game at 3:30 p.m. against Oregon State because boisterous fans are part of WSU's home-field advantage.

Riley logically figures that fewer fans make Martin Stadium an easier place for the road team.

Asked on the Pac-10 Conference call to name the three toughest places in the league to play, Riley replied, "Oh, man. I think Autzen Stadium is. I think Husky Stadium is and probably Pullman."

First-half opportunity

Three Beavers won't be allowed to play in the first half Saturday because they were ejected in the second half against Washington.

Riley said he thinks one of the ejections — that of starting cornerback Brandon Hughes — wasn't justified because he was trying to protect a teammate.

Also out will be backup cornerback Bryan Payton and safety James Dockery.

WSU quarterback Alex Brink said, "We have to take advantage while we have that opportunity."

Pressure is on

Brink said there is a "lot different" atmosphere this November.

Last year, the Cougars entered the month 6-3 and had to win one more game to assure themselves of a bowl berth.

This year, WSU is 4-6 and needs to beat Oregon State and Washington to become bowl-eligible. The chances of a 6-6 team going to a bowl game this year appear better than they were last year.

Brink compared the WSU situation to high-school playoffs where he said, "It's like one [loss] and done."

Notes

• Riley said sophomore quarterback Lyle Moevao will get his first road start Saturday in Pullman. Moevao started last Saturday's 29-23 victory over Washington because Sean Canfield (shoulder) was out. Canfield won't play this week, either.

• Doba said the sprained left ankle of starting tight end Jed Collins "wasn't real severe" and is showing improvement. Doba upgraded Collins to "probable" for Saturday's game.