Game Recap: Oregon State Wins Civil War, 34-24

CORVALLIS, Oregon — Oregon State devastated Oregon, 34-24, with a 10-point second half comeback on Saturday from Reser Stadium. The Beavers running back Ryan Nall was the player of the day with four scores on 155 rushing yards.

It was OSU’s first Civil War victory since 2007 when they defeated the Ducks at Autzen Stadium, 38-31, in double overtime.

Oregon State ended the game with 20 unanswered points. After leading by 10 points midway through the third, the Ducks never scored again. Ryan Nall’s two-yard plunge secured the Beavers victory, 34-24, with less than two minutes remaining in the 2016 Civil War.

The OSU tailback tallied four total scores on the day. He carried the rock 31 times for 155 yards. Nall also led his Beaver team in receiving with 34 yards on two catches.

“Got to stop them,” said head coach Mark Helfrich. “Part of it was the line of scrimmage. Part of it was missed tackles. Part of it was misfits. Give them credit."

The Beavers reassumed the lead with 9:40 left in the game, 28-24, after trailing much of the contest. Nall pounced into the end zone for his third score of the gloomy day.

Nall accelerated into the end zone for his second score of the day, and 11th of the season. The OSU rallying cry drew the Beavers within three points, 24-21, with 3:46 remaining in the third quarter.

“We have to stop them,” responded Helfrich. “They did a nice job milking the clock, and pounding it, for sure.”

Following the score, Oregon State recovered their squib kick. But, a penalty on the Beavers nullified the potential game-changing play.

Aidan Schneider drilled a 47-yard field goal after a Duck drive stalled with 7:44 left in the third. Following the successful boot in swirling wind and rain, Oregon claimed their first double digit advantage of the afternoon, 24-14. It would be the last Oregon tally of the nightmare 2016 season.

“Had to be more efficient in all phases,” Helfrich said.

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Justin Herbert broke up the halftime tie with a 23-yard scoring strike to Charles Nelson less than four minutes into the second half. Following the connection, Oregon took their second lead of the day, 21-14. The Ducks traveled 60 yards on four plays.

“He put some balls on the money in the rain,” said Helfrich in reference to his young quarterback’s afternoon. “Did a nice job managing the rush. Got us in position at the end to make a play. That’s all you can ask from the guy.”

Upon traveling 62 yards on four plays, Tony Brooks-James fumbled away a golden Duck opportunity on OSU’s 12-yard-line. Both teams headed to the locker room in a deadlock, following the turnover.

Oregon State responded with a 10-play, 75-yard scoring drive. Beaver quarterback Marcus McMaryion connected with Ricky Ortiz from six yards out, 14-14. OSU possessed the ball for 6:33 on their drive.

The Ducks third fumble recovery of the season led to their second touchdown of the afternoon. Arrion Springs ripped the ball loose from Victor Bolden Jr. deep in Oregon territory.

For the second time in as many weeks, a little Oregon trickery went a long way. Receiver Jalen Brown tossed a perfect 33-yard scoring pass to Darren Carrington, 14-7, following the reverse.

Tony Brooks-James’ 3-yard plunge knotted the contest, 7-7. Oregon traveled 75 yards on 10 plays in 3:28 for the tally.

The Beaver sophomore workhorse plowed in from 12 yards for the opening score of the rivalry, 7-0. Last season, then freshman, Nall rushed for 174 yards on 19 carries, including a TD, versus Oregon.

Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon was demolished on the time of possession. The Beavers controlled the game with nearly 40 minutes of possession (39:55), on the shoulders of Nall and McMaryion. Oregon State amassed 310 rushing yards on 53 carries, and four TD’s on Saturday.

OSU out-gained the Ducks in total yardage, 411-384. Oregon was porous on third down, going three for 10, and one for two on fourth down conversions. And, the second half windy downpour didn’t help the Duck cause.

“It played a factor,” Freeman said.

McMaryion completed 13 of 20 attempts for 101 passing yards, and a score. The OSU quarterback also rushed for 81 yards on 11 carries (7.4 YPC).

In terrible weather, Herbert completed 16 of 28 for 180 passing yards. The true freshman from Eugene threw one touchdown on the day.

The Ducks had the longest streak in FBS for consecutive seasons with a 1,000-yard rusher. Unfortunately, their nine-year run was snapped in 2016.

“It’s been a tough season,” responded Freeman. “A lot of the guys in that locker room deserve better. 4-8 is not where we want to be. Nobody wants to feel that again.”

Royce Freeman fell just 87 yards shy of Oregon’s 10th consecutive 1,000-yard rushing campaign.

“I’m going to take a look at all my options,” said Freeman in reference to his NFL future. “I’m definitely going to take my time.”

The junior running back rushed for 106 yards on 19 carries. Freeman found his stride over the last three weeks of the season. In his last 10 quarters of play, Freeman has rushed for over 320 yards.

Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Next up for the Ducks is a long offseason. Will we see great turnover in 2017? What is the future of Mark Helfrich? His 37-16 career record speaks for itself. We shall find out more with each passing day. Stay tuned to ATQ for everything Oregon in the coming months.

“This season is something were not accustomed to,” Helfrich said. “The only people that can solve that are the guys in that room."

GAME HIGHLIGHTS

Duck TD: Justin Herbert to Charles Nelson

Oregon Trickery: Jalen Brown TD Pass to Darren Carrington

Arrion Springs Forced Fumble

Oregon Turnover

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