On September 21, The Oregon State Beavers defeated the Purdue Boilermakers to the tune of 38-21 win at home to advance to 3-1. 

The Oregon State Beavers welcomed over 30,000 fans, for their “striped out” game, as the Beavers got set to face the Purdue Boilermakers. Sitting at 2-1, Oregon State looked to rebound from a loss to The University of Oregon, 49-14. 

The Beavers began their first drive by going for it on a fourth down. Despite failing the attempt, the Beavers defense would come up with a turnover by a fumble recovery exactly four plays after the initial attempt. 

Their defense would continue to make a statement, as a low pass by Purdue quarterback Hudson Card intended for a checkdown, would be intercepted by OSU outside-linebacker Zakaih Saez and returned for six. 

OSU’s offense would be quick to capitalize with a goal line rushing touchdown from running-back Anthony Hankerson to open up the second quarter and jump ahead 14-0. 

Once punting the ball back to Purdue, the boilermakers offense would begin to move the ball down field. Down by two scores, Purdue remained on the field for a fourth down, but the drive was brought to a halt by the Beavers defense.

OSU’s offense was unable to move and punted after a quick three and out. Then resulting in a two play, 32 yard touchdown pass to Purdue tight-end Max Klare to cut the lead to one score, 14-7.

OSU’s offense then failed to convert a third down in Purdue territory, which resulted in a missed field goal try. But the Beaver defense would force a three and out. Giving OSU the ball back with under two minutes left. This time, they would complete the field goal try after driving 81 yards, putting Oregon State up 17-7 at the half. 

The third would begin with OSU deep in their own territory. However, the Beavers would not be deterred from being backed up in their own territory, as a long drive to the Purdue goal line would follow.

But OSU opted to go for six, and failed the fourth down attempt. Their defense capitalize on the Boilermakers being backed up at their ten, and would force a punt. 

Leading to the following drive resulting in a more favorable outcome, with a Zachary Card rushing touchdown from 26 yards out. Moving the score to 24-7 OSU to begin the fourth. 

OSU would then score two more rushing touchdown drives, sandwiching Purdue’s own rushing touchdown drive. Highlighted by a Jam Griffin stiff arm on a 14 yard touchdown run, that would lead to the final score of 38-21 Oregon State.

OSU’s win was outlined by a strong pass defense, with just 56 yards allowed through the air. As Purdue’s offense was held to a pitiful two third down conversions on nine third down attempts. 

While offensively, it was a ground and pound approach. With the Beavers staggering 341 yards on the ground, with all four scores on the offense coming through the run. Jam Griffin had 22 carries for 137 yards, averaging 6.2 per carry. 

After the game, when asked about the Beavers defense performance, head coach Trent Bray stated, “We are more than capable of playing shutdown defense, wish we could’ve held the score, but we are more than capable of it.” 

When coach Bray was asked about his thoughts to the next few games: 

“I think being 3-1 is good, I think we will become a better football team over time, and by the byes we will be a better football team.” 

The Oregon State Beavers advance to 3-1 ahead of their next game against the 2-2 Colorado State Rams on October 5th at Reser Stadium.