CORVALLIS — Just when it seemed like Oregon State was turning a corner this season, they hit a wall. On Saturday, in a surprising twist, Sam Houston State snagged a 21-17 victory at Reser Stadium. This was a tough loss for the Beavers, who had been looking to build on their recent momentum.
Despite outgaining the Bearkats by over 300 yards, Oregon State (2-8) couldn’t seal the deal. Turnovers and mishaps on special teams played a big role in this upset. They lost a commanding 17-0 lead, allowing Sam Houston (1-8) to find their footing with two key touchdowns. Remarkably, the Bearkats managed only 157 yards of offense, yet they still walked away with the win.
This game was particularly shocking because, since 1996, Oregon State had never lost when holding an opponent under 200 yards. Now, their record stands at 24-1 in that scenario—a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can shift in sports.
Oregon State was on a two-game winning streak, and they had chances to close out the game but struggled to convert in the red zone during critical moments. Their bright spot, senior running back Anthony Hankerson, had a standout night with 33 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns.
Quarterback Gabarri Johnson also showed promise, throwing for 286 yards, while David Wells Jr. led the receivers with nine catches for 112 yards.
The Beavers started strong, with Hankerson powering the offense early. However, mistakes began to pile up. A fumble from Trent Walker gave Sam Houston good field position, but they missed an easy field goal. Hankerson managed to score a touchdown, pushing Oregon State’s lead to 17-0. But just as they seemed to seize control, Johnson’s interception shifted the game’s momentum back to Sam Houston.
The second half was plagued by special teams blunders, including a 98-yard kickoff return for a touchdown that cut Oregon State’s lead to 17-14. A blocked punt then gave Sam Houston the lead for the first time in the game, turning the script on the Beavers in dramatic fashion.
With just three minutes left, Oregon State made a strong push but was unable to convert on a critical fourth down deep in Bearkats territory. Despite their efforts, they fell short, leading to questions about what went wrong.
Looking ahead, Oregon State will need to regroup quickly as they face Tulsa (2-7) this coming Saturday. The Beavers must find a way to overcome their recent struggles and regain their winning touch.
This rollercoaster of a season highlights the unpredictable nature of college football, emphasizing the importance of consistency and resilience. As fans take to social media, sentiments vary from frustration to hope, showing just how much this team means to their supporters.
In sports, as in life, every setback can be a lesson learned, paving the way for future victories.
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