UCLA has Moore to consider

It may not be unusual in the NFL to see a quarterback start a game against a former team. But in college it’s a rarity.

That’s exactly what will happen this week when Oregon State’s Matt Moore faces UCLA, the place where he began his collegiate career.

For the Bruins, Moore started a game as a true freshman in 2002 and then four more in 2003 before deciding to transfer to the Beavers, for whom he’s now the starter.

“I think it’s an exciting week,” Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. “I don’t know that it’s difficult. I know he’s getting a lot of attention.”

Both Riley and UCLA coach Karl Dorrell, whose first year with the Bruins was Moore’s last, said they didn’t see the reunion as a major factor in the game.

“I counseled him briefly and he was right on top of it,” Riley said. “This is a unique situation, but these are also two teams that have gone on with their lives. I don’t see it being a major issue in this ball game. I think it’s just one of those things that has kind of come around again. It was going to happen, but I think once the game starts, it’s just a game.”

USC survives again

Southern California head coach Pete Carroll dismissed the suggestion that it would be tough for his team to recover after a thrilling 34-31 victory over Notre Dame in South Bend, Ind., last week.

“I don’t think we’re drained at all. … All in all, I think we’re energized by this,” Carroll said. “Now we just have to make sure we’re not talking about it all week.”

This may have been the closest call in USC’s 28-game winning streak, but the leader of the two-time defending national champions pointed out that Saturday’s game was far from the only close one he’s been on the sidelines for of late.

USC had to make dramatic second-half comebacks against Oregon and Arizona State in the weeks leading up to the showdown at Notre Dame.

“We’ve been in and out of these games for almost a month already,” Carroll said. “We’ve had very tight games, comeback situations, all that. As much as it seems so unique for people on the outside looking in, for us it’s more of the same. So I’m hoping that we’ll rebound like we have rebounded.”

The Trojans are 30-point favorites at Washington this week.

Careful with Keller

Arizona State is attempting to be cautious as starting quarterback Sam Keller nurses a hand injury.

The Sun Devils had a bye last week, allowing Keller extra rest, and head coach Dirk Koetter said that his signal-caller would practice later in the day while remaining officially day-to-day.

Keller is wearing a brace on the hand to help stabilize it near the base of the thumb.

“Sam’s very optimistic,” Koetter said. “He’s told me he could go since last (week).”

Notes

Coach Mike Riley is cracking down at Oregon State after his team has had a litany of off-field legal issues. The head coach has informed his team that any alcohol- or drug-related charges will result in an immediate suspension. … Things are looking significantly improved for Stanford these days after back-to-back Pac-10 road wins against Washington State and Arizona. “It’s obvious we’ve brought a lot more focus to the practice field,” head coach Walt Harris said. “And that’s showed in games.”