By : Ezra Hanshaw
(Photo/Ezra Hanshaw-The Mojo Network)
Corvallis, OR—Oregon State was locked in a close battle with Frenso state and in the end was unable to come up with a much-needed win losing 27-36. The Beavers now (0-2) had a hard time finding the spark against the Bulldogs (2-1) and were never able to get anything started offensively. That along with some special teams mistakes cost the Beavers in the end and frustrated head coach Trent Bray.
The Beavers and head coach Trent Bray hoped to get out to a better start after a sluggish week one performance against Cal. Just like in their first game the Beavers won the passing game, dominating the Bulldogs with 388 passing yards compared to 121 passing yards. One notable pass play was a 34-yard touchdown pass and catch to David Wells JR with 1:19 left in the 4th.
While Oregon State controlled most of the game offensively, outgaining their opponent in total yards with 528, and completely controlling the time of possession 37:25 to 22:34, their struggle was on special teams. Head coach Trent Bray described special teams as “a [expletive] joke.” With starting long snapper, Dylan Black, unable to play Saturday due to a long-term hand injury, backup Jackson Robertson stepped in and had two botched snaps on the first two PATs. After the Beavers third touchdown, coach Bray decided to go for a 2-point conversion which failed. The special teams struggles didn't end there. In the second quarter, on a punt attempt from their own territory, Oregon State punter AJ Winsor bobbled a snap. An attempt was made to kick it out of bounds, where a flag was thrown for illegal kicking, a bulldog picked the ball up and tip-toed the sideline for a touchdown.
Even after all the miscues the Beavers managed to keep themselves in the game. As the teams prepared for the final stretch of the game the Beavers took a 21-20 lead into the fourth quarter. The Bulldogs chipped away and kicked a couple field goals early in the fourth quarter to take a 26-21 lead. In the final minutes of the 4th quarter, Malik Murphy threw a strike over the middle to David Wells Jr, for a touchdown, but another failed 2-point conversion left the Beavers needing more. With just over a minute left the defense just needed to keep the Bulldogs out of field goal range; However, the E.J. Warner led offense was able to get into range with 29 seconds left and make a go ahead (43-yard) field goal. In a last-ditch effort Malik Murphy attempted a quick pass to the sideline which was picked off and returned for a touchdown leaving the teams with a final score of 36-27 in favor of the Bulldogs.
In post-game head coach Trent bray commented more on the special teams play saying “allowed themselves to create their success”. Oregon State has a lot to clean up in a short amount of time with some big match ups ahead of them starting with Texas Tech this week and #4 Oregon Ducks the following week.