Jacquizz Rodgers is “very doubtful” for Civil War

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Oregon State Coach Mike Riley said during Tuesday’s Pacific 10 Conference coaches’ call that he does not expect star freshman tailback Jacquizz Rodgers to play in Saturday’s Civil War game against Oregon in Corvallis.

Rodgers, the Pac-10’s leading rusher with 1,253 yards, suffered a second degree sprain of his left shoulder during last week’s win at Arizona.

‘It might not be right for him to play,’ Riley said.

A final decision will not be made until later in the week. Riley said he will make the decision in consultation with doctors.

Riley said he will not be influenced by Rodgers’ insistence on playing in the game that could clinch Oregon State’s first Rose Bowl bid in 44 years.

‘We may get that from Quizz,’ Riley said. ‘There will be a lot more to the decision than that. I’m not trying to play any kind of role here, but we’re not going to put him at risk in this game. It’s just like every player. You listen to what they have to say, but you go by what the experts say.’

Riley said Rodgers would likely be back for Oregon State’s bowl game.

Riley said that starting quarterback Lyle Moevao, who missed last week’s Arizona game because of an injured throwing shoulder, would probably be available for Saturday’s game.

A decision on whether he or Sean Canfield will start will be made later this week, Riley said.

-- Chris Dufresne

Editor’s note: USC player identification changed to Cary Harris at 1:01 p.m.