Cliff Kirkpatrick

It’s time to clean out the notebook of all the left over interviews during the week with the Oregon State football team, addressing Saturday’s Pacific-10 Conference game at Southern California .

The following are coach Mike Riley’s thoughts on a variety of subjects. The first and last are very interesting.

Why don’t you substitute much on the offensive line?
“The longer that group can stay together and play together the better. That’s why in our history we haven’t done a lot of substituting with the group. We select the right guys and getting them to play together is a big deal.”

How do you look at your time at USC?
“The meaningful part for me was the people. Some are still there. There are a lot of people there. And I’ve always appreciated my opportunities. So I have great memories, but I’m on to a new world I love.”

What do you think about USC’s tradition?
“To have that long-standing tradition is good to have. Working there you get a sense of what it’s like. It’s a special place. What we want to do at Oregon State is we want to establish a football tradition and it takes decades like at USC.”

What’s the key stopping USC defensively?
“It starts with controlling the run. This is one of those games if you don’t do that you are in for a long day. It’s two-fold. You have to control the run. And then if you can get them in passing situations then it’s about pressure and being in good position in coverage. But you have to get them in those situations and then get pressure on the passer.”

What’s your team have to do to win?
“We just have to pick it up a notch. At this point of the season that improvement will dictate your season.”

Did you hear ESPN radio personality Colin Cowherd said that this is a trap game the Trojans because they are worried about the real program in Oregon the following week?
“Whatever. I can’t control what people think. I don’t know what to say about that.”

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