(Editor's note: Oregon State sophomore running back Ken Simonton will share a weekly diary with ESPN.com throughout the season. For more information on the Beavers, visit the official OSU site.)

Sept. 22, 1999

We have reached one of our team goals: winning all of our non-conference games. We know how difficult the conference season is, so it's very important winning the non-league games. I think we have earned the respect of our conference counterparts, and that is important.

	Ken Simonton rushed for 1,028 yards as a redshirt freshman in 1998.

I know a lot of people are talking about my rushing numbers through three games (Simonton leads the nation in rushing, averaging 185.6 yards per game), but it couldn't happen without a great team effort. It takes a lot of hard work on my part to be a good running back, but my offensive line may be the most unified group on the team. The combination of the offensive line executing and me preparing well has enabled me to post some good numbers.

Looking back on it, I think I could have had the same types of numbers last year if I would have been more focused and prepared for the season. I knew coming into this season we had the capability of being a good rushing team, it just was going to take a total commitment.

As for the attention I'm beginning to receive from media, I think it's good for the program. It's the type of notoriety you want when you are trying to create attention for the program. We need to open some eyes about this program, and by our offensive unit posting the numbers we have, Oregon State is becoming more of a known entity. Now that we have some of the attention we feel we deserve, we have to be able to play in the spotlight.

	THE FULL DOSE OF DIARIES
	ASU's J.R. Redmond: Coming up swinging
	USC's Travis Claridge: Pancakes and a Pac-10 opener
	UCLA's Danny Farmer: Pac-10 parity
	Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops: Playing to your potential
	Georgia Tech's Joe Hamilton: Never as good as you think
	Ole Miss' Todd Wade: Moving on

I'm looking forward to relaxing this week, since we have a bye. I have a few aches and pains that need to be iced down, and I'm looking forward to it. I have already made plans to watch a lot of video this week for next week's USC game. This is a week I can refocus on what's ahead.

I have had a lot of questions about how coach (Dennis) Erickson and (former OSU coach Mike Riley) coach Riley compare, and there are differences and similarities. Coach Riley did a good job of preparing us and teaching us how to practice. Coach Erickson's staff has taken that to another level, and has more of a professional approach. But both staffs have taught me a lot about football.

One of the team goals this season was to win all of our non-conference games, which is what I talked about earlier. The next goal is to have a winning season, but that is not our last goal. To have a winning season and not be invited to a bowl game would be a huge disappointment. For me to have real pride in this season we need to win a bowl game.