Instant Analysis: Beavers fall to No. 5 Washington
Washington is at a different level
Oregon State is a team that is rebuilding in Gary Andersen's second year coaching the Beavers. Washington is a National Championship contender with a very strong defense and a Heisman contender at quarterback. Your glasses had to be very orange tinted if you felt like Oregon State could win this game. With all of that being said, Oregon State didn't play that bad. They were outmatched, but competed with the No. 5 team in the country. Considering that the Beavers down to their third string quarterback and third string running back as well as several injuries on defense, this team did well against a strong opponent.
Tim Cook had a strong day
Coming into the game, we felt like Cook would have his strongest performance of the season. We did not expect Artavis Pierce, who was listed on the injury report as probable to play, to be out for the game. Cook was the featured back as he carried the rock 18 times for 108 yards and his first rushing touchdown of the season. He averaged six yards per carry and had a long of 19 yards. After that 19 yard run, Cook ran for 17 and 11 yards on the next two plays. Cook is a powerful running back that looked very good against a strong front seven.
Secondary struggles
The Oregon State secondary looked a lot today like they did against Colorado earlier this season. They were gashed. Jake Browning was 14-of-28 passing for 291 yards and three touchdowns. Washington had nine passing plays that went for more than 15 yards, including all three of Browning's touchdown passes. Senior cornerback Treston Decoud struggled locking down John Ross and Dante Pettis when he was assigned to them. Pettis was wide open on one of his two touchdown receptions on a play action pass that the OSU secondary bit on.
Bolden has been a consistent weapon all year
Victor Bolden has been the best weapon on the Oregon State offense this year. Other players have been dinged up, but thankfully Bolden has stayed healthy, and he has produced. He led the team with five receptions and 58 yards and had a beautiful 75 rushing touchdown on a jet sweep.
Don't judge McMaryion just yet
Marcus McMaryion finished 12-of-26 for 148 yards and two interceptions. He was inconsistent, sure, but he showed enough flashes to me that were positive. Oregon State has an easier schedule, relatively speaking, to finish out the season. He will get his chance to shine. Having a successful day throwing the ball against Washington is a very high expectation. I thought that McMaryion did okay.
Watch: Postgame interviews
BeaversEdge.com senior writer Brenden Slaughter made the trip to Seattle and has videos from the Oregon State post game press conference.