NOTEBOOK: Unga, Collins out for Saturday

OREGON STATE ALREADY had a hole to fill in the middle of their defensive line when DT Castro Masaniai was lost for the year this past Saturday to a broken fibula. Further losses now extend back into the box, as two-thirds of the Beavs’ starting linebacking crew will sit out Saturday’s game.

MLB Feti Unga (calf) and OLB Cameron Collins (groin) have both been ruled out of Saturday night’s game against Washington State (TV: FSN, Root; 7:30 p.m.) With Castro Masaniai also out, the Beavs will be without three of their starting front seven.

Tony Wilson, who was also dinged up against BYU, is the likely starter in place of Unga with outside linebacker with Rueben Robinson, who played the MIK last year, the backup.

Robinson, however, would appear likely to start for Collins on the outside, with D.J. Welch the backup. So Robinson could move to the middle with Welch stepping in on the outside, if need be. Don’t count out seeing Michael Doctor, either.

The loss of three defensive starters does not seem to have Mike Riley overly worried.

"I feel really good about it," said Riley of OSU's preparations this week in the Oregonian. "I thought the enthusiasm for this week was very good."

Meanwhile, RB Malcolm Agnew has shown no effects this week from the hamstring issues that forced him to miss four games – he figures to start in the backfield. Jovan Stevenson (knee) remains doubtful and hasn’t practiced this week.