Go Beavs: An Oregon State Dynasty

[Emac78]

[size=+1]#4 Oregon State (8-0) at #1 USC (7-0)[/size]

Los Angeles, CA - The game between the top ranked USC Trojans and the No. 4 Oregon State Beavers was hyped all week long as a game that would help decide the Pac-10 and possibly have national championship implications. It also helped the ratings for ABC that each of the last three contests have come down to the wire. USC head coach Pete Carrol was not looking past the Beavers. "We are definitely not looking past Oregon State," Pete Carrol said earleir in the week. "We know these guys are a good team. We'll be ready to play what should be a hard fought game until the end." For Oregon State it would be a chance to take over the top spot in the Pac-10 conference and a shot at the Rose Bowl if not a championship run. This one was for all the marbles.

The Coliseum's energy was electric as the opening kickoff went to USC. The OSU defense was pumped up as they were hitting hard early. USC HB#20 was the recipient of one of those hits that knocked him out of the game with a strained shoulder that could sideline the tailback for up to three weeks. However, USC was still in capable hands with HB Curtis McNeal. It looked like the Trojans would march right down the field and score as the Beavers had no answers to stopping a methodical offense of the Trojans. That was until USC QB Aaron Corp tried to connect with TE Rhett Ellison, but the ouststanding OSU CB David Ross was there to make the interception as the Beavers had made the first big play of the game.

[size=-5]OSU CB David Ross intercepts USC QB Aaron Corp.[/size]​

If the Beavers thought the crowd was loud earlier, they had not heard anything until QB Bryan Rossner and the rest of the OSU offense took to the field. It was quite apparent that the noise had an affect as OSU was forced to punt after an unimpressive three and out. USC wasted no time on their next possession as HB Curtis McNeal took a simple handoff up the middle, weaved, juked, and spun through the OSU defense where he found nothing but grass in front of him as the crowd roared. McNeal took it all the way to the house for a 67-yard touchdown to put the Trojans on top 7-0.

[size=-5]USC HB Curtis McNeal breaks off a 67-yard touchdown run.[/size]

Video-USC HB Curtis McNeal 67-yd td​

Just as the band had finished the fight song and ABC came back from commercial break, there was another big play as OSU QB Bryan Rossner found himself under pressure and dumped it off into the flat to an outlet receiver. Unfortuanely for Rossner, USC was playing cover-2 so CB#22 was there to make an easy interception and took it back for a pick-six as the the Coliseum roared again. USC was already up 13-0. The extra point was missed.

[size=-5]USC CB#22 celebrates in the endzone after an easy pick-six.[/size]

Video-USC CB#22 pick-six​

The OSU offense came back on the field with a raucous crowd awaiting them. The Beavers would quickly find themselves with a 3rd and 10. Rossner was unable to find anybody open and tried to scramble for the first down. Just as he made it past the magical yellow line, he was stripped from behind. It was a fumble and USC recovered. This was not how the Beavers wanted to start the game.

[size=-5]OSU QB Bryan Rossner is stripped of the ball.[/size]​

Forunately for Oregon State, USC was forced to punt as they were unable to capitalize on the turnover. However, OSU looked just as bad as earlier on offense, leading to another three and out. USC was running on all cylandars on offense. It looked like the Trojans were about to make it a three score lead. That was until OSU OLB Carlos Matthews came on a blitz and found himself in the backfield where USC QB Aaron Corp was rolling his way off of a playaction. Matthews made the sack and forced the ball loose. Backup SS Courtney Smith came out of nowhere to scoop up the ball and take it all the way back to the house. Just like that Oregon State was back in the game, down only 13-7. That would bring an exciting 1st quarter to an end.

[size=-5]OSU OLB Carlos Matthews forces a fumble which is recovered for a touchdown by SS Courtney Smith.[/size]

Video-OSU OLB Carlos Matthews ff, rec for td​

USC would manage a 32-yard field goal early in the 2nd quarter to put the Trojans ahead 16-7. Rossner continued to struggle for Oregon State as he would throw another interception as USC SS Jason Edwards picked him off. This time USC would capitalize on the opportunity as Corp found WR D.J. Shoemate for a 7-yard touchdown just as OSU DE Kevin Frahm was there to drill the Heisman contending quarterback. The connection put USC up 23-7.

[size=-5]USC QB Aaron Corp hits WR D.J. Shoemate for a 7-yard touchdown just as he is about to be drilled by DE Kevin Frahm.[/size]​

Rossner was able to lead Oregon State on a nice little last minute drive but it would come up just short as OSU was forced to settle for a 30-yard field goal as USC took a 23-10 lead into halftime.

Oregon State quickly found themselves in a 3rd and 9 to start the 2nd half. Rossner was able to find an open WR Brian Herring deep over the middle but the young standout receiver let it slip through his hands to end the Beavers' opening drive of the 2nd half with a three and out. In contrast it would not take the Trojans long to get something going on offense as USC QB Aaron Corp would find HB Curtis McNeal on a short dumpoff that became a 27-yard gain to set up the Trojans inside the red zone. Corp found a wide open future NFL TE Rhett Ellison for an easy 16-yard touchdown to put the Men of Troy up 30-10.

[size=-5]USC TE Rhett Ellison with a 16-yard touchdown grab.[/size]​

Oregon State was at least able to accomplish something on offense as this game was quickly turning ugly for the Beavers. It would lead to a 47-yard field goal that was kicked through the uprights to make it a 30-13 game going into the 4th quarter.

Though Oregon State had been able to respond, it did not take USC long to counter back as Corp threw to WR#80 in tight coverage with CB Mike Mayes but WR#80 came down with, then broke a tackle and took it to the house for a 28-yard touchdown. USC now had a comfortable 36-13 lead as the extra point was missed. That was about the only thing the Trojans were doing wrong.

[size=-5]USC WR#80 breaks a tackle for a 28-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

It would get worse for Oregon State as Rossner tried to connect with TE Pete Rich but USC ROLB#50 was there in coverage for another easy interception which the fast linebacker took back for another USC pick-six to put the Trojans up big over the Beavers 43-14.

[size=-5]USC ROLB#50 with another USC pick-six.[/size]​

Finally, Oregon State would put a legitimite drive together and Rossner would throw one over the top to WR Brian Herring who came down with the 26-yard touchdown grab in the corner of the endzone as the Beavers scored their first offensive touchdown in the middle of the 4th quarter to make it a 43-20 lead for the Trojans.

[size=-5]OSU WR Brian Herring catches the 26-yard touchdown.[/size]

Video-OSU WR Brian Herring 26-yd td​

Unfortunately, it was too little, too late for the Beavers. OSU CB Mike Mayes would pick off Corp but it would not lead to anything as the Beavers failed on four downs. USC would actually score again in the last minute when Corp hit the outstanding sophomore WR Jermaine Clark for a 5-yard touchdown as the Trojans dismantled the Beavers dream pefect season with a 50-20 beat down to prove to the rest of the country that the Men of Troy are still clearly the top team.

Oregon State 20
QB Rossner: 15-28, 181 yds, td, 3 int, fl, 5 car, 43 yds
HB Quinn: 17 car, 14 yds
WR Herring: 6 rec, 98 yds, td
OLB Matthews: 3 tkl, tfl, sk, ff

USC 50
QB Corp: 22-30, 251 yds, 4 td, 2 int
HB McNeal: 19 car, 148 yds, td
WR Shoemate: 9 rec, 87 yds, td
DE LE#46: 7 tkl, 6 tfl, 4 sk, fmbrec

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Onfield interview after USC victory over Oregon State[/size]

Erin Andrews: Coach, that was an emphatic victory today over Oregon State. Does this prove to the rest of the nation that you guys are No. 1?

Pete Carrol: We don't worry about that Erin. We just go about trying to win all of our games. We have no control over that.

Erin: How were you able to beat the Beavers so easily?

Pete: I wouldn't say that Erin. Oregon State is a great football team. We've had some hard fought games in the past with them and we know how good they are. We had a few breaks go our way. Our fans were great and I've got to give it up to these kids who really played their hearts out today.

Erin: Your defense was as good as advertised. How were you able to stop what has been a very potent offense for the Beavers? Quinn was held to only 14 yards on the ground.

Pete: Wow! I didn't know he only had 14 yards. Quinn is a terrific running back. My guys just really played their hearts out and got after it today. I'm really proud of those guys.

Erin: If you had to vote today. Who gets your vote for Heisman?

Pete: You're putting me on the spot here. No, seriously I would not want to have another quarterback than Aaron Corp. He gets my vote for sure. We're lucky to have such a competitor on our team.

Erin: Fair enough. Looks like we'll see you next week in Berkeley against Cal.

Pete: Looking forward to it. It should be another great game.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Week 11[/size]

[size=+1](1)USC dismantles (4)Oregon State 50-20[/size]

[size=-5]USC completely dominated Oregon State. In what was one of the more highly anticipated games of the year turned
into a blowout as the Trojans were superior in every phase of the game. USC QB Aaron Corp looked sharp as he
passed for 251 yards and four touchdowns. USC DE LE#46 was named Pac-10 defensive player of the week with
four sacks and a fumble recovery.[/size]

Oregon State 20
QB Rossner: 15-28, 181 yds, td, 3 int, 5 car, 43 yds, fl
HB Quinn: 17 car, 14 yds
WR Herring: 6 rec, 98 yds
OLB Matthews: 3 tkl, tfl, sk, ff

USC 50
QB Corp: 22-30, 251 yds, 4 td, 2 int
HB McNeal: 19 car, 148 yds, td
WR Shoemate: 9 rec, 87 yds, td
DE LE#46: 7 tkl, 6 tfl, 4 sk, fmbrec (Pac-10 defensive player of the week)

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[b]#4 Oregon State 20
#1 USC 50[/b]

#24 LSU 6
#3 Alabama 45

#12 Texas A&M 48
#20 Oklahoma 24

#18 Penn State 34
#14 Illinois 28

#21 Florida State 21
#22 Clemson 27

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 USC 8-0
2 Nebraska 10-0
3 Alabama 9-0
4 USF 9-0
5 Miami 9-1
6 California 9-1
7 Notre Dame 7-1
8 Texas Tech 10-1
[b]9 Oregon State 8-1[/b]
10 Florida 8-1

[b][size=+2]Heisman Race[/size][/b]

HB Langston Jackson (California)
HB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)
WR Jacoby Franks (Texas Tech)
HB Torrey Mack (Virginia)
QB Aaron Corp (USC)

 

[Emac78]

[size=-5](left)DE Brandon Webb (right)TE Adam Banks[/size]

Oregon State received two major commitments despite the loss to USC. Five-star DE Brandon Webb from Cupertino, California has joined the Beavers. Webb is rated 2nd at his position in the country and should make a good replacement for DE Kevin Frahm. He is a little undersized at only 199 pounds but has a good motor to pressure quarterbacks. The other commitment the Beavers received was from the 2nd rated TE Adam Banks. The four-star commitment will have immediate impact next season as TE is not really a strength for this team.

Oregon State Commitments

C Chad Green 3*: Santa Clara, OR #6
TE Adam Banks 4*: San Buenaventura, CA #2
DE Brandon Webb 5*: Cupertino, CA #2
CB John Biggers 5*: Newport Hills, WA #2

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Game of the Week[/size]
[size=+1]#1 USC (8-0) at #7 California (9-1)[/size]

Chris: Welcome to Berkeley, California. This is the second time we've been here this year. The first time was when Oregon State came in here an handily defeated Cal. (Crowd boos.) Now the top ranked USC Trojans will come in here tonight to play the No. 7 Golden Bears. USC is coming off of a big win after blowing out the Beavers last week. However, if Cal is able to pull off the upset today, there will be a three-way tie for first place in the Pac-10. With me as always is Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso. We'll get to some other games this week, including a big SEC rivalry, the Iron Bowl. We'll make our picks and Lee will have the headgear.

[size=+1]Upset Alert[/size]

Lee: Indiana at #15 Penn State

[size=+1]Top 25 matchups[/size]

#17 Michigan at #14 Wisconsin
Kirk:Wisconsin Lee:Michigan

#3 Alabama at #18 Auburn
Kirk:Bama Lee:Auburn

#19 Illinois at #13 Ohio State
Kirk:OSU Lee:OSU​

Chris: Well, we understand that there is a chance that Cal will have their starting QB Ryan Wertenberger back from his foot fracture. Erin Andrews has more on that topic. Erin...

Erin: Yes, Chris. It looks like there is a very real possibility that Wertenberger could play today as his foot seems to be a lot better but it will be a game-time decision. So there is still a high possibility that Sam Russell will still start today. We probably will not know until the game starts and we see who is in the huddle.

Chris: Alright. Thanks Erin for that report. So what do you guys think?

Kirk: I'm not sure it matters who is back there taking the snaps for Cal because whoever it is that starts will be going against a tough defense. Oregon State only scored one offensive touchdown last week and that was in the 4th quarter. I think Cal can keep it a bit closer if they can establish some sort of run game with Heisman contender HB Langston Jackson but it won't be enough. USC will win handily. (Crowd boos as a fan holds up an "L.J. for Heisman sign," then a USC fan fights for attention as he fights to get up his "Aaron Corp for Heisman" sign.)

Lee: Wertenberger could make a huge difference and that Cal team will play better than Oregon State did last week because they have this crowd here that will help them. (Crowd cheers.) You got to love these kids. That's why I'm picking...(Lee pulls out the Oski headgear) Ehhh...forget about it! (Lee throws the Oski headgear at Kirk and pulls out a sword and waves it at the crowd as they boo him and then Lee puts on the Trojan helmet.) Go Trojans!!!

 

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Washington (1-8) at #9 Oregon State (8-1)[/size]

Corvallis, OR - The Beavers would look to get back on track against a struggling Husky team after getting embarrassed on national television against the Trojans on national television. Washington head coach Lane Kiffin has not had a very successful tenure thus far in Seattle as the Huskies have only one win on the season. However, the Huskies would be very hungry for a win against Oregon State. It should be an easy win for the Beavers. It was a cold day as it was 34 degrees at Reser Stadium with a windchill that was in the 20s.

Washington might have been affected by the weather on their first possession as they were forced to punt quickly after a three and out. However, on the punt, OSU punt returner James Rodgers unwisely did not call a fair catch as Washington CB#39 laid the lumber, forcing the ball loose. Then CB#39 picked up the ball he forced loose and took it into the house for a Husky touchdown to put UDub on top 7-0.

[size=-5]OSU punt returner James Rodgers is drilled by Washington CB#39 who forces a fumble and then returns it for a touchdown.[/size]

Video-Was CB#39 ff, then returns it for a td​

The Beavers would compose themselves after the disastrous start. OSU QB Bryan Rossner would lead the Beavers into the red zone on an impressive drive. Rossner would hook up with WR Marcus Sullivan on a 14-yard touchdown as Sullivan caught a laser from Rossner and was able to squeak across the goal line to tie the game 7-7.

[size=-5]OSU WR Marcus Sullivan catches the laser from QB Bryan Rossner for a 14-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

Washington also looked impressive on their next possession but OSU DT Mark Crum put the drive to an end with a sack, which forced a 49-yard field goal attempt that was drilled through the uprights to put the Huskies back on top 10-7. There was upset alert in Corvallis as the game moved into the 2nd quarter.

On the ensuing possession for Oregon State, Rossner would find a wide open HB Marvin Quinn who was covered by the MLB which was an extreme mismatch. Quinn took the catch, crossed toward the sideline, juked the safety out of his shoes, and took it to the house for a 45-yard touchdown reception, giving the Beavers the lead 14-10.

[size=-5]OSU HB Marvin Quinn is gone for a 45-yard touchdown reception.[/size]

Video-OSU HB Marvin Quinn 45-yd td reception​

Washington was unable to counter back with a score on their next possession as OSU DE Kevin Frahm came up with yet another sack on the season to end the Huskies' drive and forcing a punt. Oregon State wasted little time trying to get the ball down the field as Rossner threw up a prayer to WR James Rodgers in double coverage. The ball was knocked down but Rodgers came down with the ball off the deflection for a 40-yard gain.

[size=-5]OSU WR James Rodgers comes down with the prayer from Rossner off the deflection.[/size]​

The big gain would quickly get the Beavers into the red zone where HB Marvin Quinn would get into the end zone on a 2-yard touchdown scamper to put OSU up 21-10.

[size=-5]OSU HB Marvin Quinn finds the end zone for the second time on a 2-yard touchdown scamper.[/size]​

The Huskies struggled on offense again as they were forced to punt. Oregon State would have a chance to score again before the end of the half but OSU kicker Kevin Smith was far short on the 54-yard field goal attempt. Though Oregon State would still be up 21-10 at halftime.

The Beavers would suffer a huge setback as the 3rd quarter got underway as HB Marvin Quinn was hurt yet again. This time it was a bruised shoulder that would sideline the tailback the rest of the game and could force Quinn to miss next week also. Suddenly, the momentum seemed to be on the side of the Huskies as Rossner threw a pass into coverage, trying to connect with WR Brian Herring. The pass was picked off by SS#35, giving UDub excellent field position.

[size=-5]Washington SS#35 picks off Rossner.[/size]​

The turnover would lead to a 2-yard touchdown scamper for HB#20 to make it only 21-17 OSU. Oregon State needed to counter with a scoring drive. Rossner put his mistake behind him and with help from HB Jacquizz Rodgers the Beavers were able to get into the red zone. However, on 3rd down, Rossner threw behind an open WR Brian Herring as the ball hit the turf, forcing a 32-yard field goal attempt for K Kevin Smith. Smith was kicking from an angle and was unable to kick the ball far enough to the right as it was wide left. The field goal would have put Oregon State up seven. Would this miss decide the game?

[size=-5]OSU kicker Kevin Smith misses a 32-yard chip shot that would have given Oregon State a seven-point lead.[/size]​

The Huskies were confident going into the 4th quarter with a chance to take the lead. Reser Stadium stepped up its noise level as this was a pivotal possession of the game. Washington QB Luther Leonard would find himself under pressure as OSU OLB Carlos Matthews came on a blitz. Leonard was forced to throw earlier than he wanted to TE Kavario Middleton but the ball was thrown a bit behind him. OSU FS Matt Arnold made a tremendous jump on the ball and was able to pick it off and then take it back the distance for a huge pick-six to put Oregon State ahead 28-17.

[size=-5]OSU FS Matt Arnold with a huge pick-six.[/size]

Video-OSU FS Matt Arnold pick-six​

The play by Arnold would prove to be the game changer as Oregon State would be able to milk the clock on a late drive after both teams traded punts. OSU HB Jacquizz Rodgers almost single-handedly was able to lead the Beavers down the field where OSU was finally stopped with only :20 left in the game, leading to a 28-yard field goal to seal the deal. The Beavers were able to take care of business and get back on track with an ugly victory over Washington with a 31-17 win.

Washington 17
QB Leonard: 13-16, 104 yds, int
HB Dailey: 12 car, 34 yds,
WR Logan: 4 rec, 47 yds
DT Noble: 8 tkl, 3 tfl, sk
CB CB#39: 2 tkl, ff, fmbrec, td

Oregon State 31
QB Rossner: 17-24, 229 yds, 2 td, int
HB Jacquizz Rodgers: 17 car, 69 yds,
HB Quinn: 13 car, 55 yds, td, 5 rec, 81 yds, td
WR James Rodgers: 5 rec, 75 yds
FS Arnold: 2 tkl, int, td

 

[Emac78]

Alright! That brings me up to date now on this site. I also put urls for starting in a particular season on the front page.

Matt - Yeah...that UCLA game back in season 3 was crazy. I had my sliders with QB Acc really low so Rossner was throwing balls that should have been at the sideline to the middle of the field. Came so close but was so far on that one. Thank you for posting. The updates will come at a much slower pace now. I was copy and pasting from Sportsgamer. lol

 

[Rush]

Alright! That brings me up to date now on this site. I also put urls for starting in a particular season on the front page.

Matt - Yeah...that UCLA game back in season 3 was crazy. I had my sliders with QB Acc really low so Rossner was throwing balls that should have been at the sideline to the middle of the field. Came so close but was so far on that one. Thank you for posting. The updates will come at a much slower pace now. I was copy and pasting from Sportsgamer. lol

Wow man, I've been browsing through several pages and this is so sick man. Really great job on having this up. Greate graphics & detailed updates. I'll be following this from now on. Love the "BeaverBlitz" haha.

 

[Fox1994]

You gotta know I'll be following. (KFox94 on SG)

 

[T.Dot]

nice grind it out win EMac
I'll follow as well
Same name as SG.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Week 12[/size]

[size=+1](7)Cal shocks (1)USC 25-20[/size]

[size=-5]Cal HB Langston Jackson may have solidified his Heisman hopes against the top defense in the country. Jackson rushed for 173 yards
against the top rushing defense in the nation in front of a national audience, including a gamebreaking run toward the end which gave
Cal a field goal to put the Golden Bears up by five, forcing USC to score a touchdown in the final minutes of the game which the Trojans
could not do.[/size]

USC 20
QB Corp: 19-29, 211 yds, 3 int
HB McNeal: 23 car, 120 yds, td
TE Ellison: 5 rec, 62 yds
OLB ROLB#50: 12 tkl, tfl

California 25
QB Russell: 20-30, 144 yds, td, int
HB Jackson: 24 car, 173 yds, 4 rec, 26 yds
TE TE#81: 6 rec, 47 yds
MLB Carpenter: 10 tkl, tfl, int, defl, ff (Pac-10 defensive player of week)

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

Oklahoma 18
#8 Texas Tech 16

#20 Clemson 34
Colorado 41

#17 Michigan 28
#14 Wisconsin 45

#3 Alabama 31
#18 Auburn 19

[b]#1 USC 20
#7 California 25[/b]

#19 Illinois 21
#13 Ohio State 49

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Nebraska 10-0
2 Alabama 10-0
3 USF 10-0
4 California 10-1
5 Miami 9-1
6 USC 8-1
7 Notre Dame 8-1
[b]8 Oregon State 9-1[/b]
9 Florida 9-1
10 Ohio State 8-2

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

HB Langston Jackson (California)
HB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)
HB Torrey Mack (Virginia)
WR Jacoby Franks (Texas Tech)
QB Josh Brown (Penn State)

 

[Fox1994]

Shame, we lost to Cal. Oh well. You win some, you lose some.

 

[Emac78]

Now we've got a three-way tie in the Pac-10 and it looks like my Beavers are the ones left out of the BCS action as it stands now. I doubt Cal will lose to Stanford in the Big Game and Cal should be a lock. USC still has UCLA and Notre Dame so there is still a chance they could lose again but I would not count on it. It's shaping up to be an interesting finish. I still have to play the Civil War in a couple weeks against an underachieving Duck team.

 

[Fox1994]

cool. See, that's the kind of stuff I like. It's realistic. Where a few games can determine how your season ends up. Good luck with the big finish.

 

[Emac78]

[size=-1]DT Al Wilson[/size]

Oregon State landed another piece to the puzzle in four-star DT Al Wilson from Richmond, Texas. Wilson is rated the 7th best DT of this class. Though he is undersized, weighing only 249 pounds but stands at 6'5". Despite his size, Wilson is quick for a defensive tackle, and will pose a threat to opposing quarterbacks.

Oregon State Commitments

C Chad Green 3*: Santa Clara, OR #6
TE Adam Banks 4*: San Buenaventura, CA #2
DE Brandon Webb 5*: Cupertino, CA #2
DT Al Wilson 4*: Richmond, TX #7
CB John Biggers 5*: Newport Hills, WA #2

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Game of the Week[/size]
[size=+1]#16 Texas (9-2) at #10 Texas A&M (9-1)[/size]

Chris: Welcome to the home of the 12th man. (Crowd goes wild.) The Aggies of Texas A&M will square off against the Longhorns of Texas. (Crowd boos.) The new No. 1 team in the land, Nebraska has already clinched the Big 12 North but the Big 12 South is still up for grabs. However, if Texas A&M can win today, then the Aggies will likely have a meeting at Arrowhead against the 'Huskers in the Big 12 Championship. However, if Texas wins today, that sets up a three-way tie between Texas, A&M, and Texas Tech. The Longhorns lost to Tech. Tech lost to A&M. An A&M loss though would give the Aggies two division losses so that would end their chances. Hopefully that sums it up. I'm not sure I even understand it fully. I as always welcome in Kirk Herbstreit and Lee Corso who will help preview some other games around the nation today, including one of the biggest rivalries in all of college football, Ohio State-Michigan.

[size=+1]Other Games[/size]

#18 Northwestern at #25 Illinois
Kirk:Illinois Lee:Illinois

#12 Ohio State at #19 Michigan
Kirk:Ohio State Lee:Michigan

#24 Florida State at #9 Florida
Kirk:FSU Lee:Florida

#7 USC at #23 Arizona State
Kirk:USC Lee:USC​

Chris: Now it's time to pick the game here guys. Who wins today?

Kirk: I'm really looking forward to this one. I mean we have Texas with 2nd best offense and 2nd in points per game going up against A&M who is 3rd in points per game. I expect to see a lot of points and very little defense but I think it will be Aggie HB Cyrus Gray who will be the difference maker. (Camera moves to a Texas A&M fan holding up a "Cyrus Gray for Heisman" sign.) The Aggies will be able control the clock and keep the Longhorns' potent offense off the field just enough to win this shootout. (Crowd cheers.)

Lee: Mmmm...hmmm. Yep. yep. Kirk, you're quick to dismiss these Longhorns. The 2nd best offense in the nation. Give me that Longhorn headgear. (Crowd boos!) Forget about it. (Throws the Longhorn headgear at Kirk and crowd cheers him on.) Give me the Aggies! (Crowd starts going nuts as Lee puts on a Texas A&M helmet.) A&M is 1st in turnover differential and that will be the difference today sweetheart. Mark it down! Go A&M! Go Aggies!

 

[Fox1994]

Cool preview. I think it's awesome that the Big 12 South is going through, in your game, what they went through in real life. Except that TAMU replaces Oklahoma in the equation.

 

[Emac78]

Yeah, it is funny. I think that if Texas wins, then Texas Tech will end up winning the division. If Texas A&M wins, then the Aggies should win the division as far as I can tell. lol

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Arizona (3-6) at #8 Oregon State (9-1)[/size]

Corvallis, OR - Oregon State did not have its greatest game last week against Washington, but the Beavers were still able to pull out the win. Now, Mike Stoops and the Arizona Wildcats were in town. Stoops is again in the must win zone as he is again on the hot seat. These two teams usually play hard fought games against each other despite the records so you never know what you are going to get.

The Wildcats looked about as unimpressive as an offense could look on their first possession as they went three and out. Oregon State looked to have something going early as HB Marvin Quinn was finding some room to run surprisingly against a very good Wildcat defensive line. Though the drive stalled at the Arizona 30 yard-line. On 4th and 1, OSU head coach Mike Riley decided to go for it. OSU FB Ryan McCants bulled forward for an easy first down. Later, QB Bryan Rossner would finish off the drive when he scrambled outside the pocket, and threw to WR Brian Herring for an 8-yard touchdown to put the Beavers on top 7-0.

[size=-5]OSU QB Bryan Rossner scrambles outside the pocket and finds WR Brian Herring for an 8-yard touchdown.[/size]​

The Wildcats would respond with a long, good looking drive but it would be put to an end when freshman OSU DT Lee King sacked Arizona QB Bryson Beirne. The sack set up a 51-yard field goal but the ball was doinked off the upright. However, on the next play, Rossner could not find anybody open, was about to sacked, and threw to Herring deep down the field. It was intercepted by Arizona CB Matt Bolen. Fortunately for Oregon State, the Wildcats only were able to kick a 42-yard field goal to make it 7-3 OSU going into the 2nd quarter.

Oregon State would go three and out when Rossner was unable to connect with Quinn who was wide open for an easy first down and probably a big gain. Both teams would trade punts back and forth as both defenses were taking over. Stoops tried to seize the momentum as Arizona attempted a failed fake punt. Not sure if teams will ever learn that fake punts do not work against the Beavers. Oregon State would take over at midfield but only managed a three and out. However, the punt by freshman Nick Carpenter was downed at the 1-yard line.

However, Arizona QB Bryson Beirne led the Cats outside of the dangerous position. As Arizona was put into 2-minute drill mode, Beirned was drilled late by OSU DE Kevin Frahm. In came QB#16 who looked brilliant. Before anybody knew it, the Cats were inside the red zone where QB#16 found TE Marlin Meyer, who made a spectacular diving catch in the end zone for a 3-yard touchdown to give the Wildcats a 10-7 lead going into halftime in front of a stunned Reser Stadium.

[size=-5]Arizona TE Marlin Meyer lays out for a 3-yard touchdown.[/size]​

The Beavers did not look any better on their opening drive as they achieved another three and out. However, freshman punter Nick Carpenter pinned Arizona at their own 3-yard line. Not sure if Arizona QB Bryson Beirne may have suffered a concussion or what but Beirne made one of the worst passes possible as he threw a duck up over the middle of the field that was easily picked off by OSU FS Matt Arnold. Then Arnold looked like a tailback, weaving through tacklers as he made his way in for another pick-six on the season to put OSU back on top 14-10.

[size=-5]What was Arizona QB Bryson Beirne thinking? OSU FS Matt Arnold makes an easy interception and then takes it back for six.[/size]​

Before the pick-six, the momentum was firmly in the hands of the Wildcats. Now, OSU had the lead, and the crowd would become a factor. On the next play, one had to wonder why Beirne was even in the game as Beirne on an option decided to pitch the ball late in traffic. The result was a ball that hit the turf where it was scooped up by OSU OLB Cole Alexander who raced in for another defensive touchdown for Oregon State as the Beavers jumped out to a 21-10 lead.

[size=-5]OSU OLB Cole Alexander returns the fumble for a touchdown.[/size]​

Oregon State had looked completely inept on offense but with two defensive touchdowns, somehow the Beavers found themselves with the lead. Finally, it looked like Beirne dusted off the cobwebs in his brain and started to lead the Wildcats to success. It would be HB Justin Salum who broke loose for a 41-yard run as the Wildcats were now inside the red zone. The big run would set up a 1-yard touchdown run for FB Ryan Wilson to cut the lead to 21-17 OSU.

[size=-5]Arizona HB Justin Salum breaks loose for a 41-yard gain to set up a touchdown run by FB Ryan Wilson.[/size]​

The Beavers would be forced to attempt a 36-yard field goal as the 4th quarter started but OSU kicker Kevin Smith was wide right on the attempt, failing to give Oregon State the seven point lead.

[size=-5]OSU kicker Kevin Smith is wide right.[/size]​

The Cats knew they only needed a touchdown to take the lead. At midfield, Arizona's drive would stall. Stoops elected to go for it on 4th and 4, and the draw to HB Justin Salum went for a good sized gain. Plus, there was a face mask against OSU CB Mike Mayes. Suddenly, the Cats were deep in OSU territory. Although, the OSU defense stepped it up and stopped Arizona at the 9-yard line. It was now 4th and 6, and Stoops decided to go for it again, electing not to kick a field goal. This time the Cats failed to get the first down as Salum was tackled just short of the marker on a screen pass.

However, Arizona was able to get the ball back as OSU punted after a three and out. The Wildcats had the ball inside OSU territory with 3:24 left in the game. It would again come down to a 4th down play. This time it was 4th and inches where Stoops decided to go for it again instead of kicking the field goal. Salum took the handoff and was absolutely stuffed by OSU MLB Will Darkins for a huge defensive stand for the Beavers.

[size=-5]Arizona HB Justin Salum is stuffed by OSU MLB Will Darkins.[/size]​

Unfortunately, Oregon State could not run the clock out and was again forced to punt after a three and out. Arizona would get the ball back yet again at their own 30-yard line with 1:39 left in the game with only one timeout. Arizona led a pathetic 2-minute drill, wasting a lot of time before snaps. Finally, at midfield, the Cats only could attempt a last second hail mary. Beirne found himself under pressure by DE Kevin Frahm but was unable to unleash the ball into a crowd in the end zone where it was deflected to the turf. Oregon State was able to escape an embarrassing upset on their home turf, winning 21-17.

[size=-5]The last second hail mary attempt is deflected to the turf.[/size]​

Arizona 17
QB Beirne: 25-36, 196 yds, td, int, fl
HB Salum: 19 car, 126 yds
WR Veal: 7 rec, 56 yds
DE Cooley: 4 tkl, 4 tfl, 3 sk, defl

Oregon State 21
QB Rossner: 10-18, 82 yds, int,
HB Quinn: 19 car, 66 yds
WR Herring: 3 rec, 24 yds, td
FS Arnold: 7 tkl, int, td

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Week 13[/size]

[size=+1]12th man can't help Aggies
(16)Texas whips (10)Texas A&M 44-9[/size]

College Station, TX - The shootout never materialized in the Lonestar Showdown as Texas ran away with it from the start, getting out in front 17-0 in the 1st quarter. The Aggies came into the game leading the nation in turnover differential. That was until Texas A&M QB Tommy Dorman decided to throw 5 interceptions. Aggie HB Cyrus Gray did not get going as the Longhorns bottled him up for only 29 yards on the ground. It was Texas HB Foshwitt Whitaker who was the impressive tailback today as he was able to run for 78 yards and two touchdowns. The Big 12 South should end up going to Texas Tech.

Texas 44
QB Minor: 25-37, 198 yds, 2 td, int
HB Whitaker: 20 car, 78 yds, 2 td
WR Buckner: 7 rec, 69 yds, td
FS Wells: 4 tkl, int, defl, td

Texas A&M 9
QB Dorman: 20-31, 192 yds, td, 5 int
HB Gray: 12 car, 29 yds
WR Daniel: 5 rec, 84 yds, td
MLB MLB#34: 10 tkl, 3 tfl, int, defl

[b][size=+2]Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[b]#16 Texas 44
#10 Texas A&M 9[/b]

#18 Northwestern 24
#25 Illinois 21

#12 Ohio State 41
#19 Michigan 10

#20 Tulane 28
Southern Miss 35

#24 Florida State 14
#9 Florida 24

#7 USC 38
#23 Arizona State 10

[b][size=+2]BCS Rankings[/size][/b]

1 Nebraska 11-0
2 Alabama 11-0
3 USF 11-0
4 California 10-1
5 Miami 10-1
6 USC 9-1
7 Notre Dame 9-1
[b]8 Oregon State 10-1[/b]
9 Florida 10-1
10 Wisconsin 9-2

[b][size=+2]Heisman Watch[/size][/b]

HB Langston Jackson (California)
HB Torrey Mack (Virginia)
QB Josh Brown (Penn State)
HB Cyrus Gray (Texas A&M)
WR Jacoby Franks (Texas Tech)