Oregon St. sticks with Mitchell

Freshman backup quarterback will start against UCLA.

Nick Mitchell’s first tests at starting quarterback for Oregon State have been challenging, to say the least. While Seth Collins has been sidelined with a hyperextended knee, Mitchell got his first career start last weekend against No. 12 Utah.

The redshirt freshman will get his next today when the Beavers (2-6, 0-5 Pac-12 ) host No. 23 UCLA (6-2, 3-2).

Collins, a freshman, hurt his left knee in practice last week before the 27-12 loss to the Utes. Mitchell, who fell to third in the tight competition between Collins and Marcus McMaryion in fall camp, had played his way into a backup role a couple of weeks ago. Mitchell completed 19-of-35 passes for 204 yards and a touchdown against Utah, with no interceptions. He also rushed for 40 yards on 12 carries.

Oregon State, rebuilding in its first year under Andersen, is the last winless team in Pac-12 play.

Nebraska: Freshman running back and kick returner Jordan Steven- son and senior offensive lineman Matt Finnin have left the team.

Montana: Three players suspended after being arrested on suspicion of felony burglary charges have been reinstated, but they will miss today’s game at Idaho State. The school announced the reinstatement of Joey Counts, John Schmaing and Kendrick Van Ackeren on Friday. They were arrested early Sunday. After further investigation, the county attorney charged them with misdemeanor trespassing. Attorneys say the three had left a party and were waiting for their designated driver when they went inside what they thought was an unoccupied house to get out of the rain. The frightened family called 911. The players pleaded guilty on Wednesday.

RICK BOWMER / AP Oregon State redshirt freshman Nick Mitchell, pressed into duty against Utah last week after quarterback Seth Collins was injured, gets his second start today.