In an emotional game in Seattle, the Oregon State Beavers fell short of a great comeback against the Washington Huskies, losing 35-34 in double overtime. After surrendering the first three touchdowns, the Beavers put 21 points on the board as the end of regulation ended in a tie. Husky wide receiver Jermaine Kearse caught two touchdowns in extra play, and at the end of the second over time, Oregon State gambled to go for two instead of sending the game into a third over time.
- This game was one of the more gut wrenching losses in recent memory. The "what-ifs" certainly will pester Beaver fans throughout the next couple weeks until the next game. From showing resiliency after falling down by 21 points early in the game, to nearly ending the game in double overtime, the hurt will linger for a while. 3-3 is not as attractive as 4-2, but a Pac-10 loss on the road is not the end of the world.
- Offensively, the Beavers were pretty sporadic without James Rodgers in the lineup. After a couple missed opportunities down field, as well as some dropped passes early on, the lack of James was obviously hurting. Where Markus Wheaton and Joe Halahuni were making plays the prior week, there just wasn't the same edge or execution this time around.
- Ryan Katz finally had his "gravity" game, coming back to earth after an outstanding performance against Arizona. His three interceptions were all costly in their own regard, one of which was in the red zone, another thrown into double coverage. It would be insane to think he could've kept his mistake-free football going all season, and it seemed once the play book opened a little bit with receivers running more routes designed to catch and go, the timing was off a bit.
- Jacquizz relished in the opportunity to carry the team, and he got his fair share of carries, going for over 140 yards. Time and time again, he was hit near the line of scrimmage yet was able to scrape together extra yardage. His ability to read blocks and change direction on a dime are still baffling defenders in his third season, a testament to his hard work.
- The defense was atrocious early, but after spotting the Huskies three touchdowns, the group buckled down. Washington didn't see the end zone again until overtime, and was horrible at converting on 3rd down. A lot of their failures were due to poor execution, but the OSU defense kept the pressure on Jake Locker for the most part, forcing some errant throws.
- While Beaver fans feel the team probably should have won the game, starting out 2-1 in conference play shouldn't bother anyone. This is a very strong Pac-10 from top to bottom, and every game will be a battle from here on out, especially away from home.
OSU has a bye next week to heal up and get ready for a visit from Cal, who is reeling after getting the doors blown off by USC on Saturday.
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