Quarterback Sean Canfield likely to start against UCLA on Saturday
UCLA FOOTBALL
The Oregon State backup led a comeback victory against Arizona State last week. The Bruins will remember him from their encounter last season.
News reports from the north make it seem less and less likely that Oregon State quarterback Lyle Moevao will play against UCLA, but Beavers Coach Mike Riley has spoken optimistically about his team's backup.
Moevao, who suffered a shoulder injury against Arizona State last weekend, threw a few balls in practice Wednesday, then told the Oregonian newspaper that he did not expect to start at the Rose Bowl.
That would mean Oregon State must rely on Sean Canfield.
The junior went into the game against Arizona State, had a pass intercepted, then led his team to a 27-25 victory.
"Sean getting to play and coming from behind and winning the game I think was very positive," Riley said, praising the "poise that he had."
The left-hander started the first nine games of the 2007 season before suffering a shoulder injury against USC. After a setback during the summer, his shoulder has continued to improve.
"I don't think Sean is throwing with the same velocity he had a year ago," Riley said. "But he is getting closer."
Last season, in the Beavers' 40-14 loss to UCLA, Canfield completed 22 of 35 passes for 146 yards with two interceptions. This fall, he is 20 of 30 for 257 yards with three touchdowns and one interception.
Wharton is a Times staff writer.
david.wharton@latimes.com
