Defensive Points: Washington State

Heading into Saturday's contest in Seattle there were more questions about the Oregon State defense than answers. After taking devastating blows last week against BYU, the Beavers lined up Saturday without starting tackle Castro Masaniai, middle linebacker (and team leading tackler) Feti Unga, and outside linebacker Cam Collins.

Coach Banker took the personnel that he had and crafted a great scheme for stopping the mobile Jeff Tuel and the Beavers came out with a fire and intensity on defense that we had yet to see.

Redshirt freshman defensive end Scott Crichton ran off with the Giant Killer Award, his second of the season. With aggression and skill, Crichton forced two fumbles, one sack, two tackles for loss and seven tackles. Fellow defensive ends Dylan Wynn and Taylor Henry also had big performances for the Beaver defense, Wynn with two fumble recoveries and Henry for his two sacks.

The linebackers were a little more quiet with two of their starters sitting out, but Michael Doctor led the unit with seven tackles. Rueben Robinson and Tony Wilson added seven additional tackles between them.

Rashaad Reynolds led the secondary with four tackles and one timely interception. Safety Anthony Watkins added four tackles while Jordan Poyer and Ryan Murphy each added three.

GIANT

KILLER STONE AWARD: Scott Crichton

DEFENSIVE LINEMAN MVP: Scott Crichton

LINEBACKER MVP:Michael Doctor

SECONDARY MVP: Rashaad Reynolds