Byline: Bob Clark The Register-Guard

CORVALLIS - Forget what happened at Penn State?

Not a chance, so Oregon State coach Mike Riley put the emphasis to his team on looking at the video of the game and learning from the experience, and understanding the outcome didn't have to

While Riley certainly respects Penn State, and the game was played in front of the largest crowd ever to watch the Beavers, the coach said he asked his players whether any of that was "overwhelming or was how we played the bigger deal and could we have played better?

"Did it have to be that way? Could it have been a good football game? We have to use it as a teaching tool. Hopefully it's one of those things that if it doesn't kill you, it can make you stronger."

Riley's analysis of the video of the game left him with the conclusion that "guys have to have a clear vision of their responsibility and then react and play. It seemed like (defensively) we were a step slow filling a gap or filling it correctly, or being in position to make play and not make the play."

If the knee-jerk reaction of some coaches would be a complete overhaul of the depth chart after two losses to open the season, Riley said he's more of the opinion that "some guys have enhanced their opportunity to play more," regardless of whether it results in moving from reserve to starter.

He pointed to outside linebacker Dwight Roberson as a player who "stood out to me," being in on seven tackles as a reserve against Penn State. Riley said reserve defensive tackle Sioeli Nau "had some good moments in game" and is another backup who probably earned more playing time.

Offensively, Riley praised the strong running of freshman tailback Quizz Rodgers and the overall play in the line of left tackle Andy Levitre. The coach also said tight ends Brady Camp and Howard Croom had "solid games."

"There were some good things, plenty of things," Riley said. "These guys will grow (from the experience at Penn State). Their intentions are good, their work is good, their ability is good they'll learn and grow from it, they'll get it the next time."

The next game for the Beavers is the home opener on Saturday against Hawaii, which evened its record at 1-1 by rallying to overcome Weber State in Honolulu after opening the season with a loss at Florida.

"It's great to be back home," Riley said. "We've been scarred a little bit, we've got a day to lick our wounds and then we'll be back at it Tuesday."

With OSU's roster including a large number of players from Hawaii, Riley predicted an "emotional game good as long as it's under control."

Jeremy Perry, the senior offensive lineman from Hawaii who hasn't played yet this season as he recovers from knee surgery, said earlier that nothing would keep him from participating in this game, but Riley put that declaration in some doubt on Sunday.

"I would say it's very doubtful," Riley said, adding that he was waiting to hear the results of another examination of Perry's sore knee.

One position that could undergo a change in the depth chart is at punter. Freshman Johnny Hekker averaged 27.2 yards on five punts at Penn State after averaging 32.0 in the opening loss at Stanford.

"He hasn't hit the ball in a game like we've seen him capable of," Riley said. "We're going to be patient with him, but we've got some other guys who are very capable, so we'll look at that. For right now, we're going to continue to work with this guy. We chose him for a reason."

The only injury of note in the Penn State game was to slotback and kick returner James Rodgers, who suffered a bruised thigh and was unable to run Sunday but is expected to practice Tuesday.

OREGON STATE VS. HAWAII

1 p.m. Saturday at Reser Stadium. TV: FSN. Radio: KKNX-AM (840), KNND-AM (1400), KXOR-AM (660).