Check out BeaversEdge.com's instant analysis of Oregon State's slight victory over in-state FCS foe Portland State. With the Beavers barely beating an opponent they should have won handily against, OSU has a lot of question marks moving forward.
Luton is CLUTCH
Through three quarters, Jake Luton had an average game - completing 11-of-17 passes for 156 yards with one interception. His interception was one I'm sure he wish he had back right after it released his hands as he threw deep over the middle to his running back Artavis Pierce in double coverage.
But Luton's fourth quarter is where he earned his stripes. Luton led the Beavers to a go-ahead touchdown and a 35-32 lead that would hold to be the final score. Luton was 7-of-7 for 77 yards and the game winning touchdown to Isaiah Hodgins.
Luton stepped up when Oregon State had to score to win the game. Luton delivered in his home opener as a Beaver.
He finished with 235 passing yards on 18-of-25 passing with one interception and one touchdown.
Oregon State was absolutely gashed by Portland State
Oregon State was outgained 515-389 in total yards by the Vikings. An FCS foe. Ouch.
Portland State had 28 first downs compared to OSU's 18. PSU ran 82 total plays compared to OSU's 57.
The Vikings had 36:22 time of possession compared to the Beavers' 23:38. I could go on and one with troubling stats.
One thing is certain: the Beavers HAVE to fix their issues on their front seven. Bright Ugwoegbu has not made an impact yet in two games. Oregon State has not sacked an opposing quarterback yet this season. They are constantly getting pushed back and allowing big holes for the opposing running backs.
Manase Hungalu had a bounce back game. He looked solid even before his big interception returned for a touchdown. True freshman linebacker Kesi Ah-Hoy had a few good moments as did defensive tackle Kalani Vakameilalo, but the Beavers just have to improve in the front seven.
The secondary forced a couple of interceptions and overall had a decent day. Xavier Crawford and Dwayne Williams had strong outings.
Garretson gets in the action
An unexpected wrinkle to the Oregon State offense was Darell Garretson entering the game in the first quarter to add a running quarterback option. Garretson only dropped back for one pass and carried the rock six times for 29 yards.
I actually thought offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven did a good job switching in Garretson here and there as it didn't disrupt the flow of the OSU offense. Garretson had a four yard rushing touchdown but also had a fumble when he scrambled.
Minnesota as well as the rest of OSU's opponents this season will have to gameplan for both Luton and Garretson at quarterback moving forward.
Gary Andersen was adamant that there is not a quarterback battle. Oregon State is just using Garretson in specific packages.
98 yard drive was the recipe to success
Oregon State's two best drives came at the end of both halves.
There was the game winning touchdown drive orchestrated by Luton, and the beautiful eight play, 98 yard drive that the Beavers had before the end of the first half.
Garretson started the drive and had runs of 12 and 5 yards, and a personal foul call moved the Beavers along. Luton re-entered the game and fired a beautiful throw to Jordan Villamin, who finished with zero catches, and PSU was called for an obvious pass interference penalty.
Trevorris Johnson showed his abilities with an 18 run yard, and Luton's pass to Noah Togiai went for 22 yards - setting OSU up at the PSU 7. Garretson came back in and punched in the goal line touchdown.
What made this drive so successful was the versatility in their play calling that kept the Portland State defense off balanced. The OSU offense executed to perfection.
Costly third quarter turnovers
The Oregon State offense came out flat out of halftime. The Beavers had two costly turnovers that resulted in a pair of touchdowns to give PSU a 20-14 lead after being down 14-6 at halftime.
The first turnover was Luton's interception and the second was Garretson's fumble. If the Beavers took care of the ball on both of those drives, I think I'm writing this article about how Oregon State blew out Portland State.
