`War' brings intensity, not hatred.

Byline: Bob Rodman The Register-Guard

OSU FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK

CORVALLIS - It's not likely to be a lovefest, Friday's Civil War football game between Oregon State and Oregon.

But the Beavers said on Tuesday that hatred is not a part of the annual so-called fight for the right to live in the state.

"It's amazing how much fans don't like each other when it comes to the Civil War," said Matt Moore, the OSU quarterback from Valencia, Calif., and one of 13 seniors playing the Ducks for the last time.

"I'm trying to get the feeling. I tell people, like, man, it's just a football game. But it's not. It's the Civil War. I love it."

Ben Siegert, a senior defensive tackle for the Beavers from Glendale, Ariz., said it's "not a hatred thing. We're just rivals. I don't hate anybody. I know it's important to the state, but hate is not a word we've been using."

One of the in-state athletes added a bit more intensity to the competitive nature of the game, however.

"This week there might be (a little hatred)," said Roy Schuening, a junior offensive tackle from Pendleton. "It's a rough, physical game, more physical than most.

"But it's all about bragging rights for those who've not played in it, who are just fans."

Sabby Piscitelli, an OSU senior strong safety from Boca Raton, Fla., said the emotional intensity "is not hatred, but it's definitely a different level of competitiveness.

"The media and fans make more of it than the players. Most of the players are not from Oregon." Of the 44 players on OSU's two-deep depth chart, just six are from the state.

"But those guys from California get a pretty good understanding of the rivalry," Schuening said. "Not a whole lot has to be said."

Sammie Stroughter, a junior split end from Sacramento, Calif., agreed.

"I told someone it's just a regular game," he said, "but I quickly learned it's not. The state is divided in two."

The relatively mild approach to the Civil War by the Beavers is not by accident. Oregon State coach Mike Riley has done his best to douse the inflammatory stuff before it can burn.

"The game is competitive and it's important, but I don't know that hate ever enters into it," Riley said. "We want to win, but it's important to help guys prepare for this and how they interact with people. When we're challenged we have to say the right thing and do the right thing."

Fashion statement

Asked for his take on Oregon's football uniforms, Schuening wasted no words:

"I think they're ugly," he said. "My favorite are the neon yellow ones ... not really. Those unis make them look horrible. I'd be embarrassed.

"They've got money coming in every door and whatever makes those guys happy who are giving it. But I don't think I'd be caught dead in one of those yellow uniforms."

Schuening, born in 1984, wouldn't remember the "negligee orange" jerseys of the OSU era when Craig Fertig was coach (1976-79).

Will not play

Oregon State junior flanker Anthony Wheat-Brown, suspended for last week's game at Stanford, will remain suspended and not participate in Friday's Civil War game.

Riley, who closed this week's practices, did not elaborate on Tuesday, saying only that Wheat-Brown "will not play in the game" against Oregon.

Medical report

Siegert injured his left hand/wrist early in OSU's win at Stanford last week but remained in the game and will play against the Ducks.

"I think something is wrong with the wrist, maybe an old bone chip or something," said Siegert, his hand and wrist wrapped in ice to reduce the swelling. "We'll tape it up. It'll be all right."

Andy Levitre, a sophomore offensive tackle who has replaced senior Josh Linehan (knee) for the last five weeks, injured an ankle at Stanford. Riley said Levitre "was a little sore but will be able to play."