Go Beavs: An Oregon State Dynasty

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Washington (4-6) at Oregon State (6-2)[/size]

Corvallis, OR - After last week's upset over the Trojans, the Beavers have shaken up the landscape of the Pac-10 and now find themselves at number 22 in the latest BCS rankings. Now it was time to prove whether the Beavers were for real or just pretenders that got lucky against a superior team that failed to show up. If Oregon State was for real they would be able to take care of the Huskies. For Washington head coach Tyrone Willingham, it would be another must win since he is again on the hot seat in Seattle.

Neither teams started off well as both the Beavers and Huskies did well between the twenties but failed to get into the endzone. Both teams traded field goals to a score of 6-6 midway into the second quarter. Finally OSU QB Sean Canfield ended the monotany as he threw a perfect pass in the corner of the endzone to WR Darrell Catchings who made the catch for a 23-yard touchdown giving the Beavers a 13-6 lead that they would take into halftime.

[size=-5]OSU QB Sean Canfield throws a perfect pass to WR Darrell Catchings in the corner of the endzone.[/size]​

Willingham must have fired up his defense at halftime because they came out fired up pressuring Canfield. The senior quarterback was forced to scramble where he was drilled in the open field, losing the ball which was recovered by the Huskies. The Husky offense took advantage of the turnover as Washington QB Jake Locker was pressured out of the pocket and scrambled, breaking containment. Then the talented athlete broke a tackle where OSU S James Dockery was the last defender to stop Locker. Dockery tried to bring down Locker but the strong quarterback dragged Dockery with him on his way into the endzone tieing the game 13-13 on the 25-yard touchdown scramble.

[size=-5]Husky QB Jake Locker drags OSU S James Dockery on his way into the endzone for a 25-yard touchdown scramble.[/size]​

Oregon State would respond by tacking on a 43-yard field goal to put OSU ahead 16-13. Locker would make a big mistake throwing to what he thought was an open receiver but OSU CB David Ross made the interception setting up the Beavers with excellent field position. On the ensuing drive, the Beavers would find themselves with a fourth-and-goal at the one-yard line where FB Ryan McCants powered his way in for the touchdown making it 23-13 going into the fourth quarter.

The Huskies would counter though as they marched right down the field. It was clear that the Beaver defense was struggling to stop the Huskies. Locker would finish off the drive throwing a laser over the middle to WR#16 for a 24-yard touchdown making it a game down only 23-20.

[size=-5]Husky QB Jake Locker throws a laser to WR#16 for a 24-yard touchdown.[/size]​

On the next possession for Oregon State, Canfield was under tremendous pressure and was sacked on third down forcing the Beavers to punt from deep inside their own side of the field which gave Washington great field position. The Huskies quickly took advantage as Locker took an option outside where containment was broken and made the pitch at the perfect time to WR#16 who walked into the endzone on the 12-yard touchdown run stunning Reser Stadium as the Huskies were now ahead 27-23.

The Beavers needed a prayer as they found themselves near midfield on fourth-and-11 with only 1:24 left in the game and needed to score a touchdown. That is when Canfield found TE Gabe Miller in man coverage over the middle where the tightend made the catch for a 21-yard gain. The next play saw Canfield connect with WR Shane Morales for a 14-yard gain where Canfield called timeout. A six-yard run by HB Jeremy Francis and a seven-yard pass to WR Kyle Brown set the Beavers up with a first-and-goal at the two-yard line with :28 left in the game. Timeout was called and Francis took the handoff, made a nice cut to the left and queezed through for a two-yard touchdown run to give OSU the 30-27 lead with very little time on the clock.

[size=-5]OSU HB Jeremy Francis gets into the endzone on an impressive goalline run to put the Beavers on top with very little time left.[/size]​

On the ensuing kickoff, the Beavers decided to kick the ball away from the kick returner and OSU K Justin Kahut kicked the ball high into the air where Husky HB#28 was forced to make the return. HB#28 made his way upfield, received some tremendous blocks where he found a seam, and made his way out of the pack taking it the distance to the house for an unbelievable 72-yard kick return giving Washington the lead 34-30 with only :16 left.

[size=-5]Unlikely kick returner Husky HB#28 finds a seam and is gone for an unbelievable 72-yard kick return for a touchdown.[/size]​

A good return by Catchings set the Beavers up close to midfield but with only time for one play. Canfield threw up a prayer that was knocked down and the Huskies celebrated an unbelievable win in front of a stunned Reser Stadium.

OSU head coach Mike Riley after the game, "This is one of the craziest losses I can remember. It just shows you that you have to keep playing the full sixty minutes. The Huskies played a tremendous game and Locker is a great quarterback. They really played well and deserve the win." When asked about the special teams decision of kicking it high and short Riley responded, "Maybe we were outthinking ourselves but it really comes down to execution. If we get off the blocks and make a tackle, we're likely talking about a victory for the Beavers."

That might be the case but it was a very tough loss for the Beavers. It will be interesting to see how the Beavers respond in their next game.

Washington 34

QB Locker: 17-28, 215 yds, td, int, 12 car, 28 yds, td
HB Johnson: 10 car, 48 yds
WR WR#16: 4 rec, 65 yds, td, 1 car, 12 yds, td
OLB Butler: 8 tkl, 4 tkl, 3 sk, defl

Oregon State 30

QB Canfield: 24-36, 250 yds, td, fl
HB Francis: 17 car, 81 yds, td
WR Catchings: 3 rec, 61 yds, td
SS Collins: 9 tkl, tfl, defl

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Week 12 Games of the Week[/size][/b]

#10 Texas 21
#3 Clemson 42

#22 Iowa 20
Wisconsin 56

#18 Tennessee 34
Kentucky 40 (OT)

#2 Oklahoma 42
#14 Texas Tech 46

Virginia Tech 31
#11 Virginia 24

#20 Indiana 26 (OT)
Minnesota 20

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

1 Ohio State 10-0 (23 game winning streak)
2 Clemson 10-0
3 TCU 10-0
4 Pittsburgh 9-0
5 Bowling Green 10-0
6 Georgia 9-1
7 Florida 9-2
8 Oklahoma 9-1
9 LSU 9-1
10 Texas Tech 10-2

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

WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech)
QB Joe Bauserman (Ohio State)
QB Josh Freeman (Kansas State)
HB C.J. Spiller (Clemson)

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Arizona (5-5) at Oregon State (6-3)[/size]

Corvallis, OR - Arizona Wildcat headcoach Mike Stoops is again on the hotseat and this would be another game that Stoops would need if he wants to keep his job. Oregon State is dealing with a wild ride of emotions after upsetting the Trojans but then stumbling in the closing seconds to lose to the Huskies. The Beavers needed a win here as the next games are against Oregon and BYU. It will be tough for Oregon State to get a win against both teams so this is one the Beavers really needed.

The first drive for OSU was quite impressive but unfortunately was brought to an abrupt end when WR Darrell Catchings fumbled the ball away to the Wildcats. Fortunately, the Beaver defense was able to stop Arizona to a three-and-out and OSU QB Sean Canfield led the team downfield with a balanced offensive attack. The drive would be finished off with a one-yard touchdown run by HB Jeremy Francis to put the Beavers up 7-0.

The Wildcats countered back with an impressive 56-yard field goal by K Alex Zendejas that cleared the crossbar with a lot of room left. The incredible kick made it 7-3 OSU going into the second quarter. OSU K Justin Kahut would not be so lucky as he kicked a 42-yard field goal attemp off the upright. Later, OSU QB Sean Canfield tried to connect with Catchings deep over the middle of the field but Arizona CB Mike Turner was there to make the interception. It would not take long for the Wildcats to capitalize on the turnover as QB Bryson Beirne found WR Terrell Reese on a curl route where OSU CB Tim Clark and SS Cameron Collins were unable to make a tackle as Reese was able to take it to the house for a 46-yard touchdown. The big play by Reese put Arizona on top 10-7.

[size=-5]Arizona WR Terrell Reese breaks two tackles including this poor tackling attempt by OSU SS Cameron Collins
on his way to the house for a 46-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

The Beavers looked like they would respond with a scoring drive until Canfield was forced to scramble inside the red zone where he decided to dive instead of slide and lost control of the ball as he dove into a crowd of Wildcat defenders. Arizona easily recovered the ball and OSU would find themselves down 10-7 at halftime.

As the second half started, the Beaver defense was back on their heels trying to keep Arizona out of the endzone. The defense was able to bend but not break as the Wildcats were forced to kick a field goal in the red zone after a 15-play drive to give Arizona a 13-7 lead. On the ensuing drive for Oregon State, Canfield was lit up in the pocket and had to leave the game temporarily. The backup QB Lyle Moevao entered the game and on his first pass attempt threw an ill-advised pass in coverage that standout CB Devin Ross easily picked off. After the turnover, the Wildcats marched right down the field and scored on a four-yard touchdown run by HB Nicolas Grigsby who shredded a LOLB#6 attempt to put Arizona ahead 20-7 going into the fourth quarter.

Oregon State continued their futility on offense though Canfield did return and Arizona continued its success on offense as Bierne found HB Xavier Smith in the red zone who made his way into the endzone for an 8-yard touchdown connection putting the Wildcats up big 27-7. It really appeared hopeless at this point for the Beavers and crowd in Reser Stadium started filing out. Canfield marched his team right down the field quickly where inside the red zone, on a fake fly sweep to the slot reciever, Canfield rolled out to his left and could not find anybody open. The not so quick quarterback decided to scramble to the pylon where he was drilled at the goalline crossing through the endzone to make it a game again. The Beavers now only found themselves behind 27-14.

[size=-5]OSU QB Sean Canfield with a rare rushing touchdown.[/size]​

The possiblitity of a comeback was shortlived as Arizona completely put the game away when HB Nicolas Grigsby on a toss to the right broke containment for a big gain down the sideline where none of the Beaver defenders were able to make a tackle as there was some very bad angles taken and some pathetic tackling attempts as Grigsby raced into the endzone for a 47-yard touchdown putting Arizona up 34-14.

[size=-5]Arizona HB Nicolas Grigsby puts the game away with a 47-yard touchdown scamper.[/size]​

Canfield was able to pad his stats as he found TE Gabe Miller for a last minute touchdown making it 34-21. The game would end with a last minute kick return for a touchdown by Arizona CB Devin Ross as the Wildcats added a final insult in a 41-21 victory over the Beavers.

Arizona 41

QB Beirne: 18-23, 227 yds, 2 td
HB Grigsby: 7 car, 64 yds, 2 td, 3 rec, 30 yds
WR Reese: 4 rec, 77 yds, td
CB Turner: 14 tkl, tfl, int, 2 defl, ff

Oregon State 21

QB Canfield: 30-42, 236 yds, td, int, rushtd, fl
HB Francis: 23 car, 78 yds, td
WR Catchings: 9 rec, 86 yds, fl
TE Miller: 9 rec, 69 yds, td

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Week 13 Games of the Week[/size][/b]

#6 Georgia 10
#22 Georgia Tech 17

#12 Florida State 37 (OT)
#8 Florida 31

#14 USC 42 (OT)
#11 Arizona State 35

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

1 Ohio State 11-0 (24 game winning streak including a 63-14 win over Mich.)
2 Clemson 11-0
3 TCU 11-0
4 Pittsburgh 10-0
5 Bowling Green 11-0
6 Oklahoma 10-1
7 LSU 10-1
8 Florida State 10-2
9 USC 8-2
10 Texas Tech 10-2

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

WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech)
HB C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
QB Joe Bauserman (Ohio State)
HB Noel Devine (West Virginia)

[b][size=+2]Pac-10 Standings[/size][/b]

1 #10 USC: 8-2, 7-1
2 #17 Arizona State: 9-2, 6-2
3 Washington State: 8-3, 6-3
4 Cal: 7-4, 5-3
5 Arizona: 6-5, 4-4
6 Oregon State: 6-4, 4-4
7 Oregon: 5-6, 3-5
8 UCLA: 5-6, 3-5
9 Washington: 5-7, 3-6
10 Stanford: 1-10, 0-8

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Recruiting News[/size]

WR Bill Faaeteete 4* #20
Central Point, OR
Committed: Oregon State

Four star WR Bill Faaeteete from Central Point, Oregon has committed with the Beavers. The Oregon native is considered a possession receiver standing at 6'3" and decided on OSU over USC despite being heavily recruited by the Trojans.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Civil War[/size]
[size=+1]Oregon State (6-4) at Oregon (5-6)[/size]

Eugene, OR - The season is winding down and it is already time for the Civil War. Both teams have underachieved this season but both coaches can make it a successful campaign if they could win against their rival. The Beavers were coming into Autzen reeling from a tough loss to Washington and a blowout loss to Arizona. The Ducks needed this win just to make it a .500 season. Winter is here in the Willamette Valley as there was substantial snowfall that would seemingly lead to an old fashioned slugfest one would think. Not so fast.

Oregon State appeared to be effected by the noise of one of the loudest stadiums in the nation and the cold as they achieved an unimpressive three-and-out on their first possession. On the other side, the Ducks easily marched right down the field and scored when QB Nate Costa on the run connected with TE Ed Dixon from two yards out to put the Ducks up 7-0 early. On the ensuing kickoff, OSU kick returner Kyle Brown was lit up by the true freshman SS Victor Owens causing a fumble which the Ducks recovered. The Beaver defense did make a stand forcing a Duck field goal and the Beavers were already down 10-0.

[size=-5]OSU kick returner Kyle Brown is jacked up by Duck SS Victor Owens for an early turnover.[/size]​

OSU QB Sean Canfield would not help matters when he threw into coverage for an easy Duck interception. It would not take long for the Ducks to take advantage of the turnover as HB Andre Crenshaw on a little option run, broke a tackle, made a nice juke move, slipping through another tackle, and was in the end zone for an 11-yard touchdown run to put Oregon ahead 17-0.

[size=-5]Duck HB Andre Crenshaw takes the option pitch and breaks a couple tackles on his way to the end zone.[/size]​

Just when it could not get any worse for the Beavers, Canfield threw an off target pass over the middle to TE Gabe Miller that was way too far in front where it was picked off. Not long after the third OSU turnover, Costa found WR#6 on a short pass over the middle where the receiver broke an OSU FS James Dockery tackle, did a spin move, and was in for six on the 24-yard connection. The Ducks were already making it look ugly, making it 24-0.

[size=-5]Oregon WR#6 celebrates another Duck touchdown.[/size]​

The ensuing possession for the Ducks would see Costa throw a slant to WR#6 who was unable to be tackled and just took it 92-yards to the house putting the Ducks up huge 31-0 as the first quarter came to an end.

[size=-5]Oregon WR#6 is untackled and left to run free for a 92-yard touchdown.[/size]​

Autzen Stadium was rocking as the second quarter started and the Duck defense was shutting down the sluggish Beaver offense. OSU thought they might finally hold the Ducks to a punt but Oregon head coach Mike Belotti called a fake punt where the up-back got the snap and converted the first down. However the Ducks were forced to a 45-yard field goal attempt that was missed. It was the first possession for the Ducks where they did not score.

Finally, the Beavers got something going on offense when Canfield found his favorite receiver, TE Gabe Miller on post for a 36-yard gain. The big gain through the air would set up a 48-yard field goal to put the Beavers on the board down 31-3. Costa finally made a mistake when he threw an interception to OSU CB Tim Clark which set up another OSU field goal to make it a 31-6 lead for the Ducks at halftime.

The Beavers would need a miracle to have any chance to make a comeback. If they were to have any chance, the defense would have to play a lot better and it had to be discouraging for Beaver fans when Costa threw a simple slant to WR Dion Jordan where none of the Beaver defenders could make a tackle. This was becoming an epidemic for the Beavers as Jordan broke the terrible tackling attempts on his way to the house for a 64-yard touchdown essentially ending any Beaver comeback. The Ducks now took a 38-6 lead and Autzen was electrified.

[size=-5]Oregon WR Dion Jordan also is allowed to run free for a 64-yard touchdown.[/size]​

The Beavers played no better than the first half as Canfield threw another interception to MLB Casey Matthews as the pressure was starting to get to the senior. The interception set up a 20-yard chip shot for the Ducks to put Oregon up 41-6. The Beaver offense just could not get anything going on offense as the coverage for the Ducks was superb and the pressure by the defensive line was starting to get home. Especially DE Kenny Rowe who finished the game with three sacks.

On the Ducks' ensuing possession, Costa hooked up with Jordan again where the Beavers again could not make the tackle, letting Jordan run free again for another touchdown to make it a 48-6 lead. It was time to party in Eugene as Autzen started emptying out. The Beavers would have their best drive of the game in the fourth quarter when they were able to finish off a 15-play drive finsihed off with a one-yard touchdown run by FB Ryan McCants to make it a little more respectable down 49-13. The final score would wind up being 55-13 as the Ducks obliterated the Beavers in one of the more lopsided scores in the Civil War. It will not get any easier for Oregon State as they will travel to Utah to take on heavily favored BYU next week.

Oregon State 13

QB Canfield: 14-23, 146 yds, 3 int
HB Francis: 18 car, 54 yds
TE Miller: 8 rec, 100 yds
CB Clark: 4 tkl, int, defl

Oregon 55

QB Costa: 22-28, 421 yds, 5 td, int
WR WR#6: 11 rec, 255 yds, 2 td (Oregon single game receiving yard record)
DE Rowe: 5 tkl, 3 tfl, 3 sk

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Week 14 Games of the Week[/size][/b]

#24 Virginia Tech 13
#12 Georgia 38

Missouri 35
#5 Bowling Green 14

#25 USF 21
Marshall 42

#11 Auburn 38
#22 Fresno State 21

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

1 Ohio State 12-0 (25 game winning streak)
2 Clemson 12-0
3 TCU 11-0
4 Pittsburgh 11-0
5 Oklahoma 11-1
6 LSU 11-1
7 Florida State 10-2
8 USC 9-2
9 Texas Tech 10-2
10 Georgia 10-2

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

WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
HB C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech)
QB Joe Bauserman (Ohio State)
HB Noel Devine (West Virginia)

 

[Emac78]

[size=+1]Oregon State (6-5) at #16 BYU (10-1)[/size]

Provo, UT - After a stunning upset over USC, the Beavers have been on a downward spiral, losing three games in a row and now they would get to face the No. 16 BYU Cougars. The Cougars only loss came at the hands of undefeated TCU who may very well play in a BCS bowl if not the championship if things go their way. It would be a cold, dry day with a game-time temperature of 23 degrees.

It looked like this game would go just the way as the last three when BYU HB Harvey Unqa took a simple run up the gut, bounced it outside where OSU FS James Dockery missed an openfield tackle in a shocking development. Unqa was then off to the races for a 61-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage to put BYU on top early 7-0.

[size=-5]BYU HB Harvey Unqa takes the opening play from scrimmage to the house.[/size]​

This time the Beavers would actually counter back as OSU QB Sean Canfield led a methodical drive down the field with a couple passes to WR Darrell Catchings which would set up a touchdown run for HB Jeremy Francis from five yards out to tie the game 7-7. It appeared BYU would take the lead with a 49-yard field goal attempt but the kick was off target. The Beavers would fail to move the ball but were able to pin BYU at their own six-yard line. However, BYU was unphased by the terrrible field position as BYU QB#6 moved his team down the field where he threw a short pass to WR#87. OSU CB David Ross missed a tackle and then who else but Dockery would aslo miss on the tackle as WR#87 ended up taking it 51-yards to the house putting BYU back on top 14-7.

[size=-5]BYU WR#87 breaks two tackles for a 51-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

On the ensuing kickoff, Catchings would fumble the kick return which would set up a 45-yard field goal for BYU to give the Cougars a 17-7 lead. As the second quarter opened, OSU OLB Dwight Roberson picked off QB#6 and took it back for a pick-six to make it 17-14. BYU countered back though as QB#6 was able to finish off a drive with a goal line touchdown pass to the tightend to put BYU ahead 24-14. The Beavers would counter also as Canfield was able to lead a spectacular two-minute offense down the field where he finished it off by throwing a laser in a hole in the zone to Catchings for a 16-yard touchdown to cut the BYU lead to 24-21 at halftime.

[size=-5]OSU QB Sean Canfield throws a laser to WR Darrell Catchings to finish off a last minute drive to end the first half.[/size]​

The Beavs continued their success at the end of first half as another methodical drive marched down the field though it was stalled in the red zone which led to a 32-yard field goal to tie the game 24-24. Now the pressure was on BYU and the Cougar faithful were quieted as the momentum seemed to be swinging toward Oregon State. OSU DT Mitchel Hunt was able to put some pressure on QB#6 and an ill-advised pass was thrown into coverage where OSU true freshman SS Scott Bryant picked it off and took it back for another Beaver pick-six but more importantly it put OSU on top 31-24.

On the ensuing possession for the Beavers, HB Jeremy Francis would score another five-yard touchdown to give Oregon State a two touchdown lead 38-24. The situation would not get any better for QB#6 as he found himself under pressure and badly underthrew a deep ball that OSU CB David Ross made the easy interception and he too was able to take it back for the third pick-six of the game for Oregon State. The last one would cement the upset as it would turn into an OSU beat-down over the Cougars to a final score of 45-24.

[size=-5]OSU CB David Ross with the third pick-six for the Beaver defense.[/size]​

Oregon State 45

QB Canfield: 18-29, 234 yds, td
HB Francis: 21 car, 70 yds, 2 td
WR Catchings: 5 rec, 83 yds, td
CB Ross: 7 tkl, 2 int, td

BYU 24

QB QB#6: 33-46, 324 yds, 2 td, 4 int
HB Unqa: 11 car, 79 yds, td
WR WR#87: 8 rec, 117 yds, td

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Week 15 Games of the Week[/size][/b]

[b]Oregon State[/b] 45
#16 BYU 24

#9 USC 42
#22 Notre Dame 49

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

1 Ohio State 12-0
2 Clemson 12-0
3 TCU 12-0
4 Pittsburgh 12-0
5 Oklahoma 11-1
6 LSU 11-1
7 Florida State 10-2
8 Texas Tech 10-2
9 Georgia 10-2
10 Auburn 10-2

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

WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech)
HB C.J. Spiller (Clemson)
QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech)
QB Joe Bauserman (Ohio State)
HB Noel Devine (West Virginia)

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Championship Week[/size][/b]

[b][size=+1]ACC[/size][/b]
Virginia Tech 21
#2 Clemson 35

[b][size=+1]SEC[/size][/b]
#14 Florida 17
#6 LSU 20

[b][size=+1]Conference USA[/size][/b]
UTEP 17
Southern Miss 24

[b][size=+1]Big-12[/size][/b]
#12 Nebraska 12
#5 Oklahoma 44

[b][size=+1]MAC[/size][/b]
Western Michigan 27
#11 Bowling Green 33 (OT)

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

1 Ohio State 12-0
2 Clemson 13-0
3 TCU 12-0
4 Pittsburgh 12-0
5 Oklahoma 12-1
6 LSU 12-1
7 Florida State 10-2
8 Georgia 10-2
9 Texas Tech 10-2
10 Auburn 10-2

[b][size=+2]Final Pac-10 Standings[/size][/b]

1 (14) USC: 9-3, 8-1
2 (13) Arizona State: 10-2, 7-2
3 Washington State: 9-3, 6-3
4 Cal: 7-5, 5-4
5 Arizona: 6-6, 4-5
6 Oregon: 6-6, 4-5
7 [b]Oregon State[/b]: 7-5, 4-5
8 Washington: 5-7, 3-6
9 UCLA: 5-7, 3-6
10 Stanford: 2-10, 1-8

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Heisman Trophy Presentation[/size]

And the 2009 Heisman trophy goes to...

HB C.J. Spiller (Clemson) (1729 votes)
184 car, 1339 yds, 21 td, 33 rec, 551 yds, 6 td

WR Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech) (1503 votes)
112 rec, 1759 yds, 19 td

QB Taylor Potts (Texas Tech) (658 votes)
377-548, 4877 yds, 49 td, 13 int

QB Joe Bauserman (Ohio State) (444 votes)
198-296, 2529 yds, 34 td, 11 int, 10 rush td

HB Noel Devine (West Virginia) (370 votes)
223 car, 1452 yds, 13 td, 36 rec, 584 yds, 9 td​

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Conference Champions[/size]

ACC - #2 Clemson 13-0

Big 12 - #5 Oklahoma 12-1

Big East - #4 Pittsburgh 12-0

Big Ten- #1 Ohio State 12-0

Conference USA- Southern Miss 8-5

MAC - #12 Bowling Green 12-1

Mountain West - #3 TCU 12-0

Pac-10 - #14 USC 9-3

SEC - #6 LSU 12-1

Sun Belt - North Texas 8-4

WAC - Louisiana Tech 10-2

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Beavers Headed to Alamo Bowl
versus Wisconsin[/size]

The Oregon State Beavers will head to San Antonio, Texas to play the Wisconsin Badgers in the Alamo Bowl. The Badgers lost their standout HB#5 but still managed a good season finishing 9-3, including losing to Ohio State 28-21, and losing to a surprisingly good #18 Hoosier team 21-3. The true freshman HB Will Pittman who finished with close to 1200 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns was a big part of that success. The Beavers have been on a rollercoaster this year able to beat the top teams including USC and BYU but unable to get up for the teams that they should beat. This will be an intriguing matchup as OSU could play better than many of the experts think against what will be a heavily favored Badger team.

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]Alamo Bowl[/size]
[size=+1]Oregon State (7-5) vs #23 Wisconsin (9-3)[/size]

San Antonio, TX - The game got off to a slow start as both teams punted after each had a three-and-out but it got interesting when Badger head coach Bret Bielema attempted to go for it on a 4th-and-short situation near midfield but the Beaver defense stuffed true freshman HB Will Pittman setting up the Beavers with good field position. OSU quickly took advantage of the opportunity as OSU QB Sean Canfield threw deep over the top to WR Kyle Brown who jumped up and caught the ball over the Wisconsin DB for a 35-yard gain which set up a three-yard touchdown run by HB Jeremy Francis to put the Beavers on top 7-0.

[size=-5]OSU WR Kyle Brown catches the deep ball from Canfield to set up a three-yard touchdown run for HB Jeremy Francis.[/size]​

On the ensuing possession for the Beavers, Canfield threw to Brown again on a slant across the middle where Brown broke a couple tackles before taking it to the house for a 48-yard touchdown to give OSU a 14-0 lead.

[size=-5]OSU WR Kyle Brown with another big play as he breaks the tackle on his way for a 48-yard touchdown.[/size]​

Wisconsin would finally get on the scoreboard early in the second quarter on a 37-yard field goal to make it 14-3. The Badgers would get a badly needed big play on defense on the ensuing possession for Oregon State as Canfield found his TE Gabe Miller who was drilled near the sideline by Wisconsin FS Shane Carter forcing a fumble that the Badgers recovered. The Badgers looked like they were in business to get back in the game. True freshman Wisconsin HB Will Pittman was running wild as the Beavers were having a hard time stopping the young standout tailback. The Badgers looked like they were going to get into the endzone until QB Dustin Sherer found himself under pressure in the red zone and instead of taking a sack he threw toward OSU CB Tim Clark who made the pick and took it all the way back to the house for a huge point swing. OSU was up big 21-3.

[size=-5]OSU CB Tim Clark picks off Sherer and returns it for a touchdown.[/size]​

Sherer would not learn from his mistake as the Badgers would move right back into the red zone mostly on the legs of Pittman but Sherer would throw another interception. This one would go to SS Cameron Collins for a touchback. OSU would score again when Canfield threw a laser over the middle of the field to WR Darrell Catchings who beat the two-man coverage. Catchings made the catch, broke a tackle and was off to the races for a 66-yard touchdown to put the Beavers up 28-3.

[size=-5]OSU QB Sean Canfield throws a laser over the middle to WR Darrell Catchings for a 66-yard touchdown.[/size]​

Wisconsin finally would get into the endzone at the end of the first half when Sherer hooked up with his TE in the flat near the goalline for a short red zone touchdown before halftime to make it 28-10 OSU.

OSU HB Jeremy Francis would leave the game early in the third quarter with a bruised knee that would force him to miss the rest of the game. It did not seem to matter though true freshman HB Marvin Quinn did seem to struggle in the running game compared to the success Francis was having in the first half. The Beavers played conservative as they were happy with their lead.

The Beavers would get back on the scoreboad when K Justin Kahut booted a 49-yard field goal to add to the lead to make it 31-10. Senior CB Tim Clark finished off his collegiate career with a spectacular game getting his second intercepion off Sherer which sealed the deal for the Beavers. The interception would set up another 49-yard field goal for Kahut to put OSU up 34-10. Wisconsin put a final drive together late in the game and Sherer hooked up with WR#8 for a four-yard touchdown and Pittman scored on the 2-point conversion to make it a final score of 34-18 as the Beavers smashed a very uninspired Badger team in the Alamo Bowl.

Oregon State 34

QB Canfield: 17-24, 240 yds, 2 td
HB Francis: 11 car, 52 yds, td
WR Brown: 6 rec, 112 yds, td
CB Clark: 2 tkl, 2 int, 2 defl, td

Wisconsin 18

QB Sherer: 22-37, 198 yds, 2 td, 3 int
HB Pittman: 25 car, 110 yds, 6 rec, 20 yds
WR Harris: 6 rec, 73 yds
FS Carter: 6 tkl, ff

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Bowl Games[/size][/b]

[b]Las Vegas Bowl[/b]
Cal (7-5) 20
BYU (10-2) 34

[b]Holiday Bowl[/b]
#11 Texas (9-3) 35
#13 Arizona State (10-2) 16

[b]Emerald Bowl[/b]
#20 Missouri (9-3) 36
Oregon (6-6) 33

[b]Alamo Bowl[/b]
[b]Oregon State[/b] (7-5) 34
#23 Wisconsin (9-3) 18

[b]Armed Forces Bowl[/b]
Arizona (6-6) 17
San Diego State (6-6) 41

[b]Sun Bowl[/b]
Washington State (9-3) 31 
USF (9-3) 28

[b]Outback Bowl[/b]
Tennessee (9-3) 42
#21 Penn State (9-3) 14

[b]Gator Bowl[/b]
#19 Notre Dame (10-2) 45
#16 Virginia (10-2) 28

[b]Capital One Bowl[/b]
#22 Florida (9-4) 27
#18 Indiana (10-2) 17

[b]Rose Bowl[/b]
#3 TCU (12-0) 48 (OT)
#14 USC (9-3) 45

[b]Sugar Bowl[/b]
#6 LSU (12-1) 21
#9 Texas Tech (10-2) 35

[b]Cotton Bowl[/b]
#10 Auburn (10-2) 27
#15 Nebraska (11-2) 17

[b]Fiesta Bowl[/b]
#5 Oklahoma (12-1) 60
#8 Georgia (10-2) 42

[b]Orange Bowl[/b]
#7 Florida State (10-2) 34
#4 Pittsburgh (12-0) 19

[b]National Championship-Pasadena, CA[/b]
#2 Clemson vs #1 Ohio State coming soon...

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]National Championship-Pasadena, CA[/size]
[size=+1]#2 Clemson (13-0) vs #1 Ohio State (12-0)[/size]​

Chris: We've been talking about this matchup for the last month and the game is finally here. The headgear is just about to arrive. It's time to make your final picks guys.

Kirk: Ohio State has a 25-game winning streak and I can't see a better team than Clemson that should have a better chance at knocking them off. I think the Buckeyes got a bit lucky against the Gators last year. Tebow had a bad game. The Big Ten is overrated this year. Did you see what Oregon State did to Wisconsin? It won't happen again this year for Ohio State. I'm picking Clemson in an upset over the Buckeyes.

Lee: Are you crazy Kirk? You know that these guys got a 25-game winning streak. They haven't lost since the national championship game against LSU. Ehhh...forget about it. Clemson has this guy C.J. Spiller. I'm telling you...this guy is good. Have you seen the moves this guy has and the speed to take it in for six everytime he gets the ball. Spiller is gonna run all over that Buckeye defense and Clemson wins in an extremely close contest. Give me that. (Lee puts on the Tiger head gear) Go Tigers! Go Tigers! Go Tigers!

 

[Emac78]

[size=+2]BCS National Championship[/size]
[size=+1]#2 Clemson (13-0) vs #1 Ohio State (12-0)[/size]

Pasadena, CA - By now everybody is getting tired of hearing about the 25-game winning streak that Ohio State has. It would appear that Clemson had as good a chance as any to bring that streak to an end in the National Championship at the Rose Bowl. Just last week, this stadium hosted a nailbiter where TCU defeated USC in overtime 48-45 to finish an undefeated season for the Horned Frogs setting up a possible co-national champion situation depending how the AP votes.

This game would again see a Heisman trophy holder on each side as Ohio State had HB Brandon Saine and Clemson had the latest Heisman winner in HB C.J. Spiller. The Buckeyes had again been able to win despite a major injury. This time, it was their starting QB Terrelle Pryor who went down early in the season, but QB Joe Bauserman filled in tremendously as Ohio State marched forward to another undefeated season. Would the Buckeyes be able to make it 26 games in a row and win back-to-back national championships or would Clemson be able to put the streak to an end and win a national championship of their own?

All of the hype had centered around the offenses of both teams but the defenses dominated the game early on as both teams started with ugly three-and-outs. Clemson QB Willy Korn struggled early as he threw into coverage where OSU CB Chimdi Chekwa picked him off, setting up the Buckeyes at the Tiger 20-yard line. OSU QB Joe Bauserman took advantage of the good field position as he found a wide open HB Brandon Saine on a short pass where last year's Heisman winner slipped through a tackle and was in for a 19-yard touchdown putting OSU up 7-0.

[size=-5]OSU HB Brandon Saine strikes first with a 19-yard touchdown reception.[/size]​

Clemson would make matters worse as kick returner Jacoby Ford was drilled by OSU FS Aaron Gant, forcing a fumble that the Buckeyes recovered. It appeared OSU would go up by two scores until Bauserman was pressured and unable to get the ball out. Clemson DE Da'Quan Bowers got to Bauserman and as he brought him down he punched the ball loose and the Tigers would recover.

[size=-5]Tiger DE Da'Quan Bowers forces a fumble from OSU QB Joe Bauserman.[/size]​

Despite the turnover, Clemson would continue to be unsuccessful on offense. On the ensuing possession for Ohio State, Saine would be seriously injured with a torn pectoral muscle which would leave HB Chris Wells to carry the bulk of the load. The Buckeyes would attempt a 55-yard field goal at the end of first quarter but the ball fell just short of the crossbar.

In the second quarter, Clemson QB Willy Korn seemed to find his rythm as he made some clutch passes but the Tigers still found themselves at the OSU 28-yard line on fourth-and-two. Clemson head coach Tommy Bowden decided to go for it. Tiger HB C.J. Spiller found some room to the outside and gained the first down. Unfortunately, it only led to a 36-yard field goal to cut the lead to 7-3.

Korn continued his success on the next drive for the Tigers as he led another methodical drive but it again stalled in the red zone as Clemson scored on a 27-yard field goal to make it 7-6 OSU. The Clemson defensive line was dominating the OSU offense as the Tigers had already gained four sacks, forcing another Buckeye punt. Clemson would again stall in the red zone at the OSU 13-yard line. Bowden would make a controversial decision on fourth-and-two, going for it instead of kicking the chipshot. Spiller would get the handoff and was absolutely stuffed and the Tigers forfeited a chance to take the lead. However, Clemson would get the ball back one more time before the end of the half and score on a 33-yard field goal to put the Tigers on top 9-7 at halftime.

Disaster struck the the Tigers when Spiller was drilled by OSU MLB Austin Spitler, forcing a fumble that the Buckeyes recovered. It appeared Ohio State was gaining the momentum and about to regain the lead.

[size=-5]OSU MLB Austin Spitler forces a fumble from Clemson HB C.J. Spiller.[/size]​

That was until Bauserman made a terrible decision as he threw toward the sideline too late where Clemson CB Crezdon Butler made the easy interception, taking it all the way back for a pick-six to put the Tigers up 16-7 over the Buckeyes.

[size=-5]Clemson CB Crezdon Butler picks off Bauserman and takes it all the way back for a touchdown.[/size]​

The Clemson defense would continue its dominance as DE Da'Quan Bowers continued to have a tremendous game as he would record his third sack on Bauserman. Both teams started to get the running game going but were unable to find any consistency as OSU would force Clemson to another field goal. This time it would cross through the uprights from 46-yards away to give Clemson a commanding 19-7 lead.

With only two minutes left in the game, Ohio State was knocking on the door as the Buckeyes were a the Tiger 5-yard line with a fourth-and-two. HB Chris Wells took the handoff and could not find anywhere to go so he spun back to the left where he was wrapped up by Tiger DE Ricky Sapp who brought down Wells well short of the first down.

[size=-5]OSU HB Chris Wells is brought down well short of the first down.[/size]​

It would appear that Clemson had things wrapped up and would just try to run the clock out but the Tigers came out passing as Korn would make an inconceivable pass over the middle that was picked off by OSU CB Chimdi Chekwa setting up the Buckeyes at the Tiger 10-yard line. Two plays later, Bauserman threw a lateral in the flat to Wells who fought his way into the endzone for a two-yard touchdown, cutting the Clemson lead to 19-14.

[size=-5]OSU HB Chris Wells fights his way in for the touchdown.[/size]​

With only 1:01 left in the game, the Buckeyes were forced to kick the onside kick but Clemson came up with the recovery. All the Tigers had to do was run the clock out and the national championship would belong to Clemson. Ohio State did have one timeout left but it would really take a miracle at this point. For an unexplainable reason, the Tigers decided to pass again! (Really good AI.) Even more unbelievable was that the Buckeyes called a zone-blitz and Korn threw to what he thought was an open receiver but OSU DE Thad Gibson was there to make the interception and the defesive lineman was not just satisfied getting the turnover. Gibson took it all the way back for an incredible pick-six to give Ohio State the lead 20-19.

[size=-5]OSU DE Thad Gibson with an incredible pick-six.[/size]​

The Buckeyes tried to get two points to make it a three-point lead but Wells was stopped so the Tigers now found themselves down 20-19 with only :48 left, but they did have all of their timeouts. It did not take long for Korn to end the suspense as he threw into coverage where OSU CB#11 came up with the Buckeye's fourth interception of the game to seal the deal for the Buckeyes. Unlike the Tigers, OSU decided to kill the clock and the Buckeyes celebrated an unbelievable victory which kept the winning streak alive and more importantly the Ohio State Buckeyes had won back-to-back national championships.

Clemson 19

QB Korn: 24-41, 210 yds, 4 int
HB Spiller: 19 car, 48 yds, fl, 4 rec, 19 yds
WR WR#5: 7 rec, 76 yds
DE Bowers: 6 tkl, 5 tfl, 3 sk, ff

Ohio State 20

QB Bauserman: 13-22, 126 yds, td, int, fl
HB Wells: 25 car, 52 yds, td, 4 rec, 34 yds
CB Chekwa: 9 tkl, 2 tfl, sk, 2 int, 2 defl

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Final Top 25[/size][/b]

1 Ohio State 13-0 (44 media votes) (26-game winning streak)
2 TCU 13-0 (21 media votes)
3 Clemson 13-1
4 Oklahoma 13-1
5 Florida State 11-2
6 Texas Tech 11-2
7 Pittsburgh 12-1
8 Auburn 11-2
9 LSU 12-2
10 Bowling Green 13-1
11 Texas 10-3
12 Georgia 10-3
13 Notre Dame 11-2
14 Georgia Tech 10-3
15 Arizona State 10-3
16 Nebraska 11-3
17 Missouri 10-3
18 Florida 10-4
19 Virginia 10-3
20 Fresno State 11-2
21 USC 9-4
22 Indiana 10-3
23 Tennessee 10-3
24 Marshall 11-2
25 BYU 11-2

 

[Emac78]

[size=+3]Coaching Carousel[/size]

[size=+1]Tommy Bowden Fired[/size]

[size=-5]Tommy Bowden[/size]​

It is not often that a head coach takes his team to the national championship with an undefeated record and is fired but that is exactly what has happened to Clemson head coach, Tommy Bowden. Bowden had just finally got his team over the hump to win the ACC and take his team to the National Championship, but his blunders at the BCS National Championship proved to be too much for the athletic director and the boosters. All that Clemson had to do was run the clock out but for whatever reason, the Tigers threw two interceptions which cost them the BCS national title. It was announced that a decision had already been made to hire LSU offensive coordinator, Gary Crowton to be the successor.

[size=-5]Gary Crowton[/size]


[size=+1]Tyrone Willingham Fired[/size]

[size=-5]Tyrone Willingham[/size]​

It was only a matter of time before Washington head coach, Tyrone Willingham was let go and that day is finally here. After an unimpressive 5-7 record for the Huskies, Willingham knew it was time to update his resume. There were a number of candidates Washington was interested in from Boise State head coach, Chris Pederson and BYU head coach, Bronco Mendenhaul, but it appears they wanted somebody with some NFL experience. That is why they have hired former Oakland Raiders head coach, Lane Kiffin. Kiffin is ready to get started, "I'm really looking forward to putting the past behind me and moving forward to bring this football team back to the way it was."

[size=-5]Lane Kiffin[/size]


[size=+1]Mark Dantonio Fired[/size]

[size=-5]Mark Dantonio[/size]​

Spartan fans may have been laughing at the lack of a conference win by the Michigan Wolverines last season but it would be the Michigan fans that would get the last laugh when Michigan State finished this season with an 0-12 record. That's right. There were zero wins recorded by the Spartans this season. As a result, Michigan State head coach, Mark Dantonio was fired. It appears that the Spartans have agreed to terms with Bowling Green head coach, Gregg Brandon who became a hot comodity after a 13-1 season, including a MAC championship, and a No. 10 ranking.

[size=-5]Gregg Brandon[/size]​

 

[Emac78]

[b][size=+2]Oregon State Players Graduating[/size][/b]

QB Sean Canfield: 92 ovr
QB Lyle Moevao: 81 ovr
HB Jeremy Francis: 84 ovr
WR Shane Morales: 80 ovr
TE Howard Croom: 79 ovr
G Marcus Henderson: 83 ovr
T RT#54: 82 ovr
DE Simi Kuli: 91 ovr
DE Latu Moala: 80 ovr
DT Stephen Paea: 79 ovr
OLB LOLB#6: 82 ovr
MLB Keaton Kristick: 78 ovr
CB Tim Clark: 84 ovr
P Sean Sehnem: 77 ovr

[b][size=+1]Transfer[/size][/b]

DE Ben Terry: 71 ovr (to Hawai'i)