Putting the disappointment behind us and looking at Hawaii

Published Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 | 1 a.m.

Updated Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2009 | 12:47 a.m.

Talking a little bit about last week's game, to be honest, I still think it's kind of eating at us a little bit.

It's something dear to us, being able to prove something to the world. I know Oregon State's in the Top 25 now. It's one of those games we really stepped up for, and to not finish it, it hurts a lot. But hopefully we use it for motivation and take our frustrations out on Hawaii this week. I think the team will definitely come around.

It's gonna be difficult, just as far as practices go, because it's hot and especially after a game like that, but come game time, we'll have something to prove.

There's a lot of good things and a lot of bad things, looking at that film. There were about four or five plays that stood out in my mind and that the coaches really pointed out, and for me, personally, it hurt a lot, because I know I could have affected more of the game.

I wanted to be out there, but things happen for a reason. I got out there and did what I could do with the plays I received, but for me, personally, being a senior, it was real difficult. That was one of those games that you play with your heart, everything you have, sprained ankle or no sprained ankle, you go out there and do it. So it definitely hurts.

As for the ankle, playing definitely set it back a little bit, but it's worth it. It's football. Injuries are gonna come, but you've got to learn how to play hurt some time. It's too bad it had to be now, but that's the reality of the game. I'm not gonna worry about it too much. I'm gonna do everything I possibly can as far as being in the treatment room and getting it better, and I think this week, I should be full go.

Hopefully I won't be babying it. Hopefully, mentally, I feel like it's full go. We owe ourselves, the fans and the school a win, just to be able to show the fruits of our hard work, what we've been doing and how we've improved from years past.

Looking at Hawaii, the passing game stands out to me. Their veteran quarterback, Greg Alexander, he's pretty consistent. What they do is very unique, with the shovel pass and how they disguise play-action pass pretty well. What Hawaii does doesn't change. How the offensive linemen set, what they do hasn't changed. Really, it's effective.

I think more so, this game's different than any other game.

In the past, we've been disrespected. They've run up the score on us, we've got a lot of guys from the Hawaiian islands, and it means a lot to them. This game is about pride, being physical, and who wants it more.

Hope to see you all out there on Saturday when it kicks off.

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