BeaverBlitz.com - Elite 8 from the UCLA Victory

September 25, 2012

Angie Machado
BeaverBlitz.com Publisher

Untitled Document

It is time once again for the BeaverBlitz.com ELITE 8. We review the film and recognize our eight top performers for the week. Listed in alphabetical order, here is this week's list from the UCLA victory.

	BRANDIN COOKS Sophomore wide receiver Brandin Cooks led the team with 175 yards receiving, while tacking on 11 yards rushing. He also scored a touchdown for the Beavers and showed an incredible burst of speed as he ran away from the UCLA defenders. It was a very big day for the one time UCLA commit who put on a show in front of his friends and family.
	SCOTT CRICHTON Defensive end, Scott Crichton led the team in tackles for loss with three, which included two sacks of UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley. He also had six solo tackles on the day. His success breaking free from blocks was one of the keys to the Beavers stopping Jonathan Franklin and the Bruin run game which had been one of the best in the country coming into the game on Saturday.
	KEITH KOSTOL Special teams players are seldom singled out (unless they mess up), but sophomore walk-on punter Keith Kostol did a great job in helping pin the Bruins inside their 20. He had seven punts for the day and averaged 43.9 yards per punt with a long of 61. Four of his seven punts were also downed inside the 20. Not a bad day at the office for the young kicker.
	SEAN MANNION What can you say when your sophomore quarterback finshes a tough PAC 12 road game with 379 yards and two touchdowns. He had a 68.6% completion percentage and had nine players involved with at least one reception. He is still growing and maturing as a quarterback, but he made significant progress and had a record day in the Rose Bowl.
	RASHAAD REYNOLDS Junior cornerback Rashaad Reynolds followed up a stellar performance against Wisconsin with another impressive game against the Bruins. While he was second in tackles with eight, his big hit in the first quarter set the tone early that the Beaver defense was ready to play. The taunting after the play wasn't neccessary, but at least it didn't cost the Beavers any additional penalty yards.
	FETI TAUMOEPEAU Taumoepeau has grown tremendously as a leader this off-season. He is in command of the Beaver defense and is constantly directing the defense from the field. While he only finished the day with four tackles (including 1.5 tackles for loss), his impact was huge in stopping the Bruins run game.
	MARKUS WHEATON Senior Markus Wheaton showed why he is Mannion's "go-to" receiver on Saturday as he was able to get himself open and make the catch, even the tough ones. Wheaton caught nine passes for 150 yards and a touchdown. His leadership this off-season along with Jordan Poyer has been documented and looks to be a contributing factor for OSU's early season turnaround.
	STORM WOODS Pretty much a break-out performance for the redshirt freshman from Texas. Woods nearly eclipsed the 100 yard mark (he net 96 yards on the day). He scored two touchdowns (one was called back on a penalty), but he showed strength and vision all afternoon. Woods also had a few very key blocks during the game that helped protect Mannion and helped the Beavers with the passing game.