CORVALLIS, Ore. — Isaiah Newell ran for the go-ahead touchdown with 8:11 remaining, and No. 22 Oregon State took advantage of critical mistakes in the fourth quarter by No. 10 Oregon to rally for a 38-34 victory on Saturday.
The Beavers (9-3, 6-3 Pac-12, No 21 CFP) trailed 31-10 late in the third quarter and 34-17 early in the fourth, but the Ducks (9-3, 7-2, No. 9 CFP) gave their rivals a short field on three consecutive possessions, leading to touchdowns.
First, Oregon gave up a 48-yard kickoff return by Silas Bolden, and a facemask penalty set up Oregon State at the Ducks 36. Newell ran for a 15-yard touchdown to make it 34-24.
Next, Oregon punter Alex Bales dropped the snap and fell on the ball at his own 2. Two plays later, Ben Gulbranson pounded it in from 1 yard to get Oregon State within 34-31.
Oregon then went for it on fourth-and-1 at its own 29, and quarterback Bo Nix was stopped for a 1-yard loss on the Ducks' only called QB run of the game. Newell scored four plays later, with a convoy of blockers helping to push him into the end zone from 6 yards out.
The Ducks can still make the Pac-12 championship game but needed Washington State to beat rival Washington later Saturday. If Washington wins, No. 14 Utah would advance to the title game against No. 5 Southern California.
Beavers overtake Ducks
Oregon State ran for 268 yards and five touchdowns, overcoming its lack of a passing game. The Beavers did not attempt a pass on their three fourth-quarter TD drives.
Damien Martinez led the way with 103 yards on 15 carries, his sixth consecutive 100-yard game. Ben Gulbanson was just 6 of 13 for 60 yard with two interceptions, but he ran for two scores. Newell scored on his only two carries.
Nix passed for 327 yards and two touchdowns and Oregon finished with 470 total yards, but Nix's limited mobility because of a right ankle injury was a major factor.
After Oregon State's go-ahead score, Nix drove the Ducks to the Beavers 2, but Jordan James was stuffed for a 1-yard loss on third down. On fourth down, Nix's pass intended for Tony Franklin in the end zone was low and incomplete.
The Beavers converted the one first down they needed to run out the clock.
Oregon led 14-10 at halftime, and early in the second half it was the Beavers whose errors led to scores.
Oregon State forced a three-and-out to start the third quarter, but Gulbranson’s first-down pass over the middle intended for Silas Bolden was intercepted by linebacker Jeffrey Bassa, who returned it 33 yards to the 2-yard line.
James ran for a 2-yard touchdown on the next play to make it 21-10.
Oregon increased its lead to 28-10 on Noah Whittington’s 3-yard run with 9:02 left in the third.
Oregon State’s third turnover — a fumble by Tre-Shaun Harrison after a 1-yard reception — gave the Ducks another short field. Camden Lewis converted a 42-yard field goal, extending the lead to 31-10 with 4:46 left in the quarter.
Nix threw both of his TD passes in the first half. He hit Chase Coda for a 44-yard score in the first quarter. Then he connected with Troy Franklin for a 9-yard TD with 12 seconds left in the half, completing a 13-play, 95-yard drive.
THE TAKEWAY
Oregon: Nix didn’t have his usual dual-threat capability, and it was never more apparent than on that critical fourth-down run.
Oregon State: The Ducks' mistakes helped, but Oregon State also wore down Oregon with its strong running game.
UP NEXT
Oregon: Either the Pac-12 title game or a bowl game.
Oregon State: Awaits a bowl invitation.
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