Oregon State defeats Oregon, 34-24

Behind a HUGE game from Ryan Nall the Beavers toppled the Ducks 34-24. In front of a sold-out Reser stadium Oregon State played to their strengths and ended the season on a high note. Here’s how it happened:

First Half

The Beavers won the coin toss and deferred to the second half. They forced a quick three-and-out and then promptly went on a 9 play, 61-yard drive to take a 7-0 lead. The drive was capped off by a 12-yard touchdown run by Ryan Nall. The Ducks answered with a 75-yard touchdown drive on their next possession, tying it up 7-7. Later, Oregon State was driving and in field goal range, until Victor Bolden was stripped by Oregon’s, Arrion Springs. On the Ducks ensuing drive, Treston Decoud picked off a deep Oregon passed, but was called for a highly questionable defensive pass interference call that negated the interception. The Ducks finished the drive with a trick play that resulted in a Darren Carrington 33-yard touchdown catch, taking a 14-7 lead. The Beavers showed some strong resolve and immediately answered with a 10 play, 75-yard drive of their own, capped off by a 6-yard Ricky Ortiz touchdown catch (the first TD catch of his career). As the first half was coming to a close Oregon was once again driving, but an Oregon fumble was recovered by Kendall Hill to keep the Ducks off the scoreboard. Keeping things all tied up 14-14 at the half. The Beavers dominated in time of possession (20:08 to 9:52), in the first half.

Second Half

Oregon State couldn’t move the ball on their first drive of the second half. And Justin Herbert promptly hit Charles Nelson for a 23-yard touchdown to give Oregon the lead 21-14. After another quick Beaver possession, Oregon added a long field goal to stretch their lead to ten. The Oregon drive was filled with missed opportunities as both Dwayne Williams and Devin Chappell dropped potential interceptions. With things looking dire for Oregon State they put together a nice 7 play 75-yard drive, where Ryan Nall added his second rushing touchdown of the game. The Beavers short kick-off was recovered by Oregon State, but a (questionable) offside penalty again saved the Ducks from turning it over. As the rain picked up Oregon State stuffed Oregon’s offense and the Beavers put together their most impressive drive of the game. An 11 play, 80-yard drive. Ryan Nall added his third touchdown of the game, but the highlight of the drive came courtesy of Marcus McMaryion who sprinted 33 yards on a quarterback keeper. The Beavers grabbed the lead back 28-24, as the wind and rain continued to swirl. The Oregon State defense came up huge forcing a three-and-out and with a four point lead the Beavers did what they’ve done best all year, they handed off to Ryan Nall and Artavis Pierce. Oregon State ran it nine straight times and Ryan Nall capped the drive off with his fourth rushing touchdown of the day. A missed Garrett Owens PAT kept the Beaver lead at ten (34-24). Oregon drove down the field on their last possession. Facing a 4th-and-13, Justin Herbert escaped pressure and threw a strike to a wide-open Johnny Mundt, who dropped the touchdown catch to effectively end the game. Fans stormed the field and the celebration commenced in Corvallis!

THE GOODNESS

• Ryan Nall dominated ending the game with 155 yards and 4 touchdowns! 105 of those yards came after contact.
• Marcus McMaryion was efficent (13-for-20) and mistake free (zero interceptions). He was also active in the run game, running for 81 yards on 11 carries.
• The Beavers offensive line did work today. Oregon State totaled 310 yards on the ground which helped keep the ball out of Oregon’s hands.