What was shaping up to be a historic season looks to be tarnished from the loss to Stanford, putting the Beavers record at 7-2, with both losses in Pac-12 play.
In his first career start as Stanford quarterback, freshman Kevin Hogan threw 22 of 29 with 254 yards and three touchdowns. With half a minute left in the first quarter, Hogan hit fullback Ryan Hewitt to the right, off a play action pass. Hewitt stiff-armed his way into the end zone, putting the Cardinals up 14-0 and giving them the momentum early on.
“No disrespect to the other team, they are a good football team,” Storm Woods said. “But, we beat ourselves today.” Woods rushed for 94 yards, with help from an impressive performance by the offensive line. The Cardinals rush defense is ranked number one in the NCAA, only allowing 55.6 rush yards per game this season.
Terron Ward, the star from last week, had a 7-yard touchdown run, the first allowed by Stanford in 17 quarters, which started a 23-point run that was unanswered until late third quarter.
Markus Wheaton made his impact on the game, as he always does, with a 22-yard touchdown reception, caught central and then turned up field for the score. Wheaton and Brandin Cooks both had 7 receptions with 91 yards and 82 yards, respectively. This accounted for most of Cody Vaz’s 226 yards and one touchdown thrown for the day.
Even though the Beavers lost, the momentum shifted multiple times because of their defense. Ryan Murphy grabbed an interception as well as Rashaad Reynolds. Feti Taumopean had 8 tackles and a forced fumble. Anthony Watkins had his first career sack and 5 tackles.
Although they caused four turnovers, Cornerback Jordan Poyer, with 5 tackles and 1 for a loss, said that, “It wasn’t enough, they out physicaled us.” It would turn out the only turnover Oregon State allowed on offense the whole day, would determine the outcome and a Stanford win. When asked about the half time adjustments the Beavers made he replied, “We had to fix our eyes and what we were looking at. They knew what we were looking for early on. By the time we adjusted it was too late.”
On the last play of the third quarter, Hogan was nearly sacked and barely had time to dish the ball to running back Stepfan Taylor. Taylor caught the ball near the line of scrimmage, cut wide running past one defender, then put on a couple moves to get past Beavers defense and score his second touchdown of the day. It was now 23-21, but the momentum stayed with the Cardinals the rest of the game.
Hogan threw for another touchdown. 23-27 was the final score.
Vaz had his chance with two minutes and thirty seconds left in the game, but was sacked. He left the field after the play injured leaving questions as to who will start against Cal. Sean Mannion comes in on fourth down and overthrows the ball.
“We’re disappointed obviously,” Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. “It was a tough loss and we had our opportunities. What we did was give up the big play two scores up and gave them back the momentum. That was big for them. Then the turnover gave them good field position to score the winning touchdown.”
“It hurts, we want to get the best bowl we can, but we are going to put this behind us, watch film and get ready for Cal,” said Woods.
The Oregon State Beavers lose to the Stanford Cardinals 23-27. Although it was a disappointing loss, the Beavers still control their own destiny in hopes for a possible Rose Bowl appearance, which could be the first time since 1965. They are going to have to beat Cal and the Ducks, who have the most lethal offense in college football right now. Who knows what can happen at home. Both games will be played in Corvallis, Oregon at Reser Stadium.
Jay Huffman is on Twitter. Follow him at @JayHuffmanLIVE
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