In their first game without Gary Andersen and without a conference win this year, the Oregon State football team came into their game against Colorado looking to refocus their season.

The Beavers had more offensive yards, a longer time of possession, and picked up more first downs than the Buffaloes.

Yet, the most important statistic, the final score, was in favor of the Buffaloes.

In interim head coach Cory Hall’s debut, Oregon State (1-6) lost a thriller to Colorado (4-3) by a score of 36-33. The Beavers were better in nearly every category, but the Buffaloes did just enough to get it done.

“The score didn’t show how we played,” said running back Ryan Nall. “Look at the stats and our offensive production, we’re playing good ball right now.”

Oregon State’s defense came out flying at the start of the game, forcing Colorado to punt after only three plays. The offense, which struggled in recent weeks, churned out 60 yards in 10 plays on its first possession. The drive was capped off with a wildcat run by Nall, giving the Beavers an early 7-0 lead.

Colorado bounced back with a score of their own, a 74-yard run from running back Phillip Lindsay.

Oregon State built on their offensive success with a seven play, 62-yard drive. The Beavers settled for a field goal, but the offense was moving.

Oregon State finished the first quarter with 185 yards on offense, while holding Colorado to 104 yards. The Beavers kept their offense balanced, with 100 passing yards and 85 rushing yards.

Oregon State held a 10-7 lead at the start of the second quarter, but looked to pile on more. The offense was held to field goals on two promising drives, giving the Beavers a 16-7 lead midway through the second quarter.

Going into halftime, the Beavers held a 19-14 lead. The fans cheered and the players were energized as Cory Hall led them back to the locker room.

“There is definitely a lot of energy, that’s what Coach Hall brings to the table,” said quarterback Darell Garretson. “It rubs off on other people.”

The offense, who had missed opportunities, put together 312 yards. The defense kept Colorado quarterback Steven Montez in check, limiting the Buffaloes offense to 181 yards.

In the end, a missed 52-yard field goal from the Beavers saw them fail to tie the game and the Buffaloes went on to win their first Pac-12 game of the season.