Riley talks Civil War and more

MIKE RILEY cannot comment specifically on recruits but he did say Sunday night there were no immediate verbal commitments from this weekend. Still, he said he felt they were “closer” on the recruits post-visit and felt great about how everything had gone, and is going, with them recruiting-wise. Here's what else he had to say, with The Civil War on tap for Saturday.

Mike Riley said James Rodgers sprained ankle is day-to-day. He’s hopeful he’ll be ready to go by Saturday.

Brandin Cooks has a thigh bruise but Riley was hopeful he can go for Tuesday’s practice.

Obum Gwacham has a sprained shoulder, they’ll see how he does this week.

Jordan Bishop is out with a broken bone in his foot, suffered during the pre-game warm-ups before the UW game.

Rueben Robinson’s return timetable will be determined during the week.

Geoff Garner is good to go.

Riley indicated Malcolm Agnew not playing was more about Jovan Stevenson’s and Terron Ward’s play during the week than about Agnew being slowed by his hamstrings. He said what Stevenson does really well is use his feet, he has light feet. Riley indicated all three are viable options this week.

Riley said being a 29 point underdog isn’t something on their radar or that they can focus on. “We’re just going to have to play a great, great game,” said Riley.

Riley said the Beavs' improvement over the course of the year showed against UW, such as in the secondary, but they need all that and more this coming game.

Riley said they’ll try to simulate Oregon’s speed and just as importantly, the tempo, this week in practice.

Riley cited Sean Mannion’s pass to Markus Wheaton and Ryan Murphy’s pick at the goal line as “great, great football plays.” Murphy’s pick was picture-perfect from read to patience to holding his ground.

Rashaad Reynolds came in for some praise from Riley, with the coach pointing to his growth over the course of the season.

Riley said they ran the ball better against UW but they’ll need more of it this week to keep long drives going and keep Oregon’s offense off the field.

Riley said he and Chip Kelly get along very well.

Riley said he never thinks about the other team’s psyche and isn’t concerned about Oregon coming off a loss and being fired up.

Monday will be film day as it always is, and they expect to watch lots of film on Oregon, including USC’s win over Oregon.