Postgame React: Oregon State 35, Louisville 28

Oregon State Beavers 35, Louisville Cardinals 28

It wasn't as emphatic of a victory as we all hoped it would be, but Oregon State did enough to win on Saturday as they knocked off Louisville 35-28. Post all your thoughts on today's game in the thread below. 

Instant Game Recap

The first quarter was one to forget for Oregon State. The Beavers were dominated in almost every aspect of the game except on the scoreboard. Louisville had 127 yards of total offense in the quarter, Oregon State had 27. Bilal Powell and Adam Froman each had more yards individually than the entire OSU offense combined. 

Oregon State's lone touchdown of the first quarter came after a 28 yard punt return by James Rodgers. This gave Ryan Katz the ball in prime field position, and he hooked up with Joe Halahuni for a three yard score. 

Froman was able to rush for a 17-yard score to even the score at seven. Jacquizz Rodgers and Bilal Powell would then exchange touchdown runs on long drives to even the score with 8:41 remaining in the second quarter. 

James Rodgers came through with an exceptional 63-yard kickoff return that gave OSU the ball at the Louisville 37. The Beavers would run seven plays-- all for positive yards-- and Jacquizz finished the drive with a one yard score to send the game into halftime at 21-14. 

James Rodgers (8) had 6 kick returns for 204 yards.

"It was the difference in the game!", according to Coach Mike Riley.

(Photo by Andy Wooldridge)

James Rodgers began the second half with an emphatic 45 yard kickoff return. Four plays later, Ryan Katz found Jacquizz Rodgers for his fourth reception of the game and first touchdown of the season. 

The Oregon State defense responded to the offensive fireworks with a great stand of their own, keeping Froman, Powell, and Louisville's offense under control. James Rodgers would return the ensuing punt 15 yards to give Oregon State excellent field position. 

Oregon State trailed Louisville by 87 yards of total offense at halftime, but closed that gap in the first five and a half minutes of the half. 

On Louisville's next drive. Adam Froman scored on a five-yard scramble immediately after a defensive encroachment penalty. The touchdown kept Louisville in the game at 35-21 with 4:55 remaining in the third quarter. 

The Oregon State offense couldn't get anything done on their next drives after scoring on five straight possessions between the second and third quarters. 

When it was needed most, the Oregon State defense stepped up and stopped the Cardinal offense with less than three minutes remaining. Oregon State was then unable to get a first down to run the clock out, giving Louisville another chance to tie or take the lead. 

Adam Froman and his offense started their final drive at the nine yard line and completed two quick passes to get out near the 50. On a 2nd and 7 play, Froman was pressured and lofted his pass a bit-- it was intercepted by James Dockery to seal the 35-28 win for the Beavers. 

--Jake | (jake.buildingthedam@gmail.com)