Oregon State Upsets No. 19 UCLA in Huge Road Win

The Oregon State Beavers proved that they can beat ranked teams both at home and on the road as they defeated No. 19 UCLA 27-20 in Pasadena.

The Beavers defeated Wisconsin—who was then ranked No. 13 in the country—in Corvallis on September 8.

The Bruins also gained notoriety on the national stage by beating a ranked Big Ten opponent earlier this season when they took down No. 16 Nebraska on the same day. 

But in the Pac-12 opener for both programs, the Oregon State defense clamped down on UCLA running back and Heisman Trophy candidate Johnathan Franklin. After rushing for 541 yards and averaging 8.2 yards per carry through the first three games, he was held to just 45 yards and 3.8 yards per carry.

Without Franklin in rhythm, the Bruins offense could not move the ball effectively and converted just two of its 15 third-down conversions.

Oregon State, however, was able to achieve success against an aggressive UCLA defense. Quarterback Sean Mannion threw for 384 yards and two touchdown passes.

Brandin Cooks burned the Bruins defense for a 75-yard touchdown reception on a slant pass, while Markus Wheaton caught a 42-yard pass for a score. Cooks finished the game with six catches for 175 yards while Wheaton recorded nine receptions for 150 yards. 

Oregon State never trailed in this game, and big plays from the offense gave the Beavers defense more than enough of a cushion. UCLA's efforts to orchestrate a late comeback were continually thwarted. 

Now that the Beavers have beaten two ranked opponents in as many games and improved to 2-0, they stand an excellent shot at moving into the Top 25 polls. UCLA’s stock will take a serious hit as they drop to 3-1.