Oregon St. fans would have had an active rooting interest represented in today's Super Bowl had Green Bay Packers starting linebacker Nick Barnett not suffered a season ending wrist injury in the first month of the season. Barnett, who has gotten more notoriety of late for helping force the issue to get the 16 Packers on injured reserve including in the team picture, will still get a ring, and a larger check, if the Packers win.

The Pittsburg Steelers also have an Oregon St. representative, reserve cornerback Keenen Lewis. Whether we see Lewis on the field or not is uncertain.

But while their roles aren't sizable, at least there is an Oregon St. player that will get a ring after today. So Beaver fans can set back and enjoy the game, between two of the signature programs in the sport.

It's the last football we will see until spring games.

Andy_Wooldridge@yahoo.com