Backup QB Moevao doing important job on scout team

Backup QB Moevao doing important job on scout team

By Cliff Kirkpatrick

Corvallis Gazette-Times

EL PASO, Texas n As the Oregon State football team prepares for Friday’s Sun Bowl, the most important player for the defense will not be in the game.

Quarterback Lyle Moevao runs the scout team offense. It’s his job to simulate Missouri’s dynamic quarterback Chase Daniel, who is mobile, has a strong arm, and has accounted for 3,590 yards and 14 touchdowns, passing and running.

“We have scout team meetings to see how the other quarterback throws, and I go out and try and simulate him the best I can,” Moevao said. “There’s a lot of similarities between me and him in style, and we are similar size.”

Moevao is a 6-foot, 220-pound sophomore transfer from El Camino College in Torrance, Calif. He redshirted this season, and hopes to challenge Sean Canfield for the starting job next year.

“It’s always good to go against the first-team defense, and be able to perform against them,” Moevao said. “I’m getting ready for the time when I’m with our offense.”

Facing OSU’s defense doesn’t always produce spectacular results for him, but seeing the speed of the game helps. When he plays his position like the other team’s quarterback, the defense is ready for the game.

“I think he’s done a good job all year long,” coach Mike Riley said. “He’s been an outstanding scout team quarterback. It’s been really good for him. And when he runs our stuff, he’s more confident and I think he’s use to a good speed in the game. He plays fast. That’s what you learn to do on the scout team because you are getting so much pressure.”