The Beavers rush 58 times during Saturday’s game against Idaho State, the program’s most run plays since 1996
CORVALLIS — It’s a new offense for Oregon State and first-year coach Trent Bray. But is it really all that different?
No, it turns out.
Bray preached long and loud during camp that the Beavers were going to run the ball. But with two transfer quarterbacks, a roster of young, promising receivers and a new offensive coordinator, it felt like a bit of a ruse.
Yet the Beavers were every bit the bullies on the ground that they’ve been the past several years under Jonathan Smith. More, if we’re being honest. Of its 72 offensive plays during Saturday’s 38-15 win over Idaho State, Oregon State ran the ball 58 times.
It is the most running plays by an Oregon State offense since 1996.
OSU was so intent on running the ball that on touchdown drives of six and 11 plays, the Beavers didn’t throw the ball once. All total, the Beavers ran the ball for 362 yards. Jam Griffin ran for 160 yards and two touchdowns, and Anthony Hankerson 155 yards and two scores.
“We want to let teams know that facing us, you’re going to see the running game,” Hankerson said. “That’s the identity of our offense, and we hit on all cylinders.”
It is the first time in 30 years that OSU has had two running backs rush for at least 150 yards.
“Oh wow,” Bray said. “Better give (offensive line coach Kyle DeVan) a raise.”
The Beavers didn’t run over Idaho State from the outset. It took some effort, as Oregon State had a tenuous 17-9 halftime lead. But early in the third quarter, the Beavers’ physicality wore out the Bengals. OSU scored touchdowns on three consecutive drives, mostly with the running game.
“Yeah, we knew they weren’t going to be able to keep up with us,” Griffin said.
Next game: Oregon State at San Diego State
When: Saturday, Sept. 7Time: 7:30 p.m. PTWhere: Snapdragon Stadium, San DiegoChannel: CBS Sports NetworkStream: cbssports.com (with cable provider login)
It’s a little early, however, to proclaim Oregon State as the most run-heavy offense west of Air Force. After the game, the Beavers didn’t cop to running a vanilla offense with an eye toward upcoming games against FBS opponents. But it’s clear OSU hardly emptied the playbook Saturday. The Beavers were mostly plain with the pass plays, save for the 55-yard touchdown strike from Gevani McCoy to David Wells during the third quarter.
Future opponents don’t know much about Oregon State’s passing capabilities, but there’s no mystery as to the centerpiece of the Beavers’ offense.
“From an identity standpoint, establishing a run game, and getting that going was very important to us,” Bray said.
While the final score was decisive, this was hardly a statement win. Oregon State started slow. Idaho State took a 9-7 lead late in the first quarter with a touchdown and a special teams mistake that produced a safety. The Bengals’ offense often had its way with Oregon State during the first half, producing 198 yards and a bit of a scare on the scoreboard.
“We had some adversity early, and it was great to see guys respond to that, because it was not easy early,” Bray said.
Like the running game, Oregon State’s defense got stronger as the game got longer. After an erratic first quarter, the Beavers shut out the Bengals for more than two quarters. OSU’s quarterback pressure improved throughout the game. There were only two sacks, but a quartet of Idaho State quarterbacks felt the Beavers’ pass rush heat during the final three quarters.
Oregon State defenders saw Saturday as little more than a starting point.
“Room for improvement,” said safety Skyler Thomas, who had one of the Beavers’ two interceptions.
Bray thought the Beavers’ coverage tightened as the game progressed. Idaho State gave OSU plenty of chances, throwing 45 times.
“I was impressed with the back end,” Bray said. “And then there were some real teaching moments.”
As Bray spoke after the game, it was clear he was drying off from a celebratory postgame water dousing from players. Bray, who isn’t much into self-promotion, felt good about his first game as a coach because “it’s win one. I can enjoy it for a couple hours, then worry about (upcoming opponent) San Diego State.”
Bray, the Beavers’ defensive coordinator the past three years, wasn’t glued to the sideline during the game. Bray periodically walked back to the benches where the defense huddled to share a few words, at least one occasion with some spice.
Senior cornerback Jaden Robinson enjoyed the new-look Bray, who wore a pair of black sunglasses during the game.
“It was funny seeing him out there as a head coach. He had the shades on. I liked it,” Robinson said.
—Nick Daschel can be reached at 360-607-4824, [email protected] or @nickdaschel.
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