Oregon State-Hawaii: Beavers Dismantle Warriors for First Win

A collective sigh of relief was let out by Beaver nation after their 45-7 dismantling of Hawaii on Saturday in front of sold-out Reser Stadium. 

It was the largest crowd to ever witness a home non-conference game at 45,059.

A defense that looked like it belonged on a Division II scout team the last two weeks finally matured and played team football.  OSU held the Warriors to only 57 yards on the ground, a good mark against any D-I team. 

The defense only gave up 211 total yards, while the offense amassed more than that in rushing alone.  Offensively, OSU racked up 485 total yards.

The front seven finally put pressure on quarterback Tyler Graunke, sacking him twice and pressuring him all afternoon.  The constant agitation caused three OSU interceptions (Cornell, Lewis, Laybourn), which all led to Beaver touchdowns.

The Warrior offense began the game with an impressive six-play, 73-yard scoring drive to go up 7-0.  That was all the Beavers would allow on the day, shutting out Hawaii for the final 54 minutes.

The passion that OSU fans have been calling for was finally evident and had players jumping around and showing emotion.  It was good to be home.  OSU hadn't played at home since they beat Washington on Nov. 10 last year.

Offensively, the Beavers were balanced and took full advantage of the success of their running game with play action, hitting wide-open receivers 20 yards downfield all day.

Lyle Moevao remained on target and sharp, totaling 268 yards on 20 of 34 passing and three TDs.  The Hawaii native is averaging 307 yards and two TDs a game.

Jacquizz Rodgers showed us what the entire state of Texas knew already: This kid is good.  Rodgers ended the day with 26 rushes for 112 yards.  He did not play in the fourth quarter.

The OSU ground game came to life with 229 yards and allowed fans to catch a glimpse of JuCo transfer Jeremy Francis, as well as more inspired running by Ryan McCants.  Francis went 4-27, while McCants went 14-63. 

The offensive line earned its stripes for the third week in a row.  Lyle Moevao has only been sacked four times all year and was not touched Saturday.

Special teams were just that—special.  Sammie Stroughter sent OSU fans into a state of nostalgia when he nearly returned a punt for a TD.  Stroughter averaged 23.7 a return.

Kick returns allowed for great starting field position, averaging 34 yards a return.  OSU started in or near UH territory nearly all game.

Punting was vastly improved.  While only punting twice, Johnny Hekker netted 41 yards a kick with no returns.

The only glaring error of the day was the three missed field goals by Justin Kahut.  It was later discovered that Kahut was nursing an injured hip. 

Backup kicker Sean Sehnem did make a 32-yarder late in the third quarter.

For a Beaver team in desperate need of a feel good win, this was as good as it gets.  While Hawaii is not the BCS Sugar Bowl team of last year, they are still a respectable team, and it was a great win for OSU.

The Beavers did everything they needed to in Week Three.  The defense came to play and was fantastic.  The offense pounded the ball and got back to OSU football: running to set up the play action.

OSU will enjoy extra time to recover in their bye week.  All-world guard Jeremy Perry will be under constant observation and hopefully ready come the 25th, when No. 1 USC travels to town. 

He will be needed if OSU hopes to get what would be an enormous upset.

OSU came out of the game with virtually no injuries and should heal up well and be ready for a USC team that made Ohio State look like high schoolers.

Passing

Moevao: 20-34 for 268 yds / (long 56) / 0 INT

Engstrom: 0-2 for zero yds

Rushing

Jac Rogers: 26 for 112 yds / 4.2 avg. / 2 TD / (long 21)

Ryan McCants: 14 for 63 yds / 4.3 avg. / (long 15)

Jeremy Francis: 4 for 27 yds / 6.8 avg. / (long 13)

Receiving

Shane Morales: 5 for 93 yds / 1 TD / (long 25)

Sammie Stroughter: 5 for 42 yds / 1 TD / (long 15)

James Rogers: 3 for 76 yds / 1 TD / (long 56)

Tackles/INT/breakups

Greg Laybourn: 9 total / 6 solo / 1 INT

Al Afalava: 5 total / 4 solo / 1 breakup

Austin Hall: 5 total / 2 solo

Bryant Cornell: 1 total / 1 INT / 1 breakup

Keenan Lewis: 1 total / 1 INT / 1 TFL (-2)