Oregon State Runs Away With Civil War Over Oregon Ducks
Oregon State ran the ball for over 300 yards to beat the Oregon Ducks in the 120th Civil War.
The Oregon Ducks and Oregon State Beavers met for the 120th time, but this season has not meant as much for either team. The Beavers are rebuilding under Head Coach Gary Andersen and a season of high expectations for the Ducks fell apart in the first month. Both teams were looking for momentum and each had it entering the game.
Last week the Oregon Ducks upset Utah’s season and Oregon State played a complete game in dismantling Arizona at home. Now, Mark Helfrich hoped for an inspired performance on Saturday for his Seniors. Oregon may have an outside chance at a bowl win, but they would need to get to 5-7. There were plenty of off the field distactions for the Oregon Football team this season, and one big one this week surrounding their Head Coach.
Could the rumors be quieted for 60 minutes of football?
The Oregon Ducks won the coin toss and would start the game with a 3 and Out. Oregon State had a different idea. They used a long drive and picked up 49 yards on the ground. Ryan Nall capped it off with a six yard touchdown run giving Oregon State an early lead, 7-0.
Oregon used their ground game to get on the board. It was a ten play seventy five yard drive led by Royce Freeman and Tony Brooks-James. Brooks-James found the end zone to tie the game at 7 as both teams started to settle into the 120th Civil War. Victor Bolden, one of they key players for Oregon State would be caught.
Justin Hollins forced a fumble at the Oregon 32 getting the ball back for the Oregon Ducks. Four plays later, Herbert threw a 33 yard touchdown pass to Darren Carrington putting Oregon up 14-7 on Oregon State.
Oregon State marched right down the field and tied the game with a drive of their own. OSU Tight End Ricky Davis caught a pass from Marcus Maryion, his first touchdown pass of the game to tie it at 14 with just over 5 minutes left in the first half.
Nov 26, 2016; Corvallis, OR, USA; Oregon State Beavers running back Ryan Nall (34) runs the ball for a touchdown in the first quarter against the Oregon Ducks at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Both teams were just over 100 yards on the ground in the first half. It was tied at 14 going into the break. The Beavers would start the second half with the ball.
The Oregon Ducks picked up the Offense to start the second half with a touchdown pass from Herbert to Charles Nelson giving Oregon a 7 point lead 21-14. The Oregon Ducks added 3 with Aiden Schneider hitting a 46 yard field goal. Oregon State would score with Ryan Nall adding his second of the afternoon on their next drive to keep it close (24-21)
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Mark Helfrich watched his team enter the 4th Quarter with a three point lead, but Oregon State had other ideas. Ryan Nall added his third touchdown of the day to make it 27-24 Oregon State with just under 10 minutes left in the game.
The Oregon Ducks next drive would stall forcing a punt back to Oregon State with a 4 point lead. Nall added his 4th score of the day putting Oregon State up 10 points with just under two minutes to go. Gary Andersen and the Beavers would break the eight year streak by the Ducks and win the Civil War ending the season for the Oregon Ducks.
Oregon Running Back Royce Freeman added his third straight 100+ yard game and Quarterback Justin Herbert had a touchdown pass in each of his starts throwing 19 touchdowns to just 4 interceptions. Oregon State put up over 300 yards on the ground on the Ducks Defense. Now, the answers to questions that have loomed for a few weeks would need to be answered. Most importantly about Head Coach Mark Helfrich, but also about Starting Running Back Royce Freeman. We may have the answer to both of those questions in the next few days.
The season for the Oregon Ducks ends at 4-8.
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