2008 Woodie Awards
ISU Football falls short on the road to Oregon State
Nathan Brian
Issue date: 9/19/07 Section: Sports
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Although Corvallis, Oregon is not too far from Pocatello, Idaho, the Bengal football team had a tough time staying close with the Beavers from Oregon State as they handed ISU their first loss of the season with a score of OSU 61 and ISU 10.
ISU went into Reser Stadium in Corvallis Saturday with a number of things working against them, not the least of which was a bigger, faster team from the Pac-10. OSU entered the year with high expectations. This team was coming off a season in which they finished the year ranked #21 in the AP poll, had an impressive win in the Sun Bowl, and ended USC's 33 game Pac-10 winning streak. They returned one of the most productive running backs in Pac-10 Conference History in Yvenson Bernard.
As if there weren't enough working against ISU in this game, there were three more major factors adding to OSU's preparation. First, fellow division 1-AA Appalachian State's huge upset of then #5 Michigan worked to ensure that the Beavers would not overlook the Bengals. Second, OSU was embarrassed on national TV by Cincinnati last week, so they entered this game looking for redemption for their beleaguered offense. Finally, after losing to Boise State last year, OSU was looking for a team from Idaho on whom they could release their past frustration.
With all of these factors working against ISU they were indeed up for a steep test. OSU started fast, scoring their first touchdown less than three minutes into the game and putting up 21 points in the first quarter. The Beavers picked on ISU's secondary as they worked to get their passing game in order. The 6 interceptions that were thrown last week were nowhere to be found this week. They were replaced instead by 432 yards passing and 3 touchdowns.
Although the score wouldn't seem to indicate it, ISU did a lot of good things in this game. The offense had 300 yards passing and moved the ball consistently against the Beaver defense. The Bengals also did a good job converting third downs, they went a stellar 7-17, and considering the opposition, this looks even better. Even though there was pressure on Russell Hill (ISU's starting quarterback) all day, the offensive line only allowed one sack. The offense gave us reason to believe the Bengals will be able to move the ball well against the conference teams they'll face in the Big Sky.
ISU went into Reser Stadium in Corvallis Saturday with a number of things working against them, not the least of which was a bigger, faster team from the Pac-10. OSU entered the year with high expectations. This team was coming off a season in which they finished the year ranked #21 in the AP poll, had an impressive win in the Sun Bowl, and ended USC's 33 game Pac-10 winning streak. They returned one of the most productive running backs in Pac-10 Conference History in Yvenson Bernard.
As if there weren't enough working against ISU in this game, there were three more major factors adding to OSU's preparation. First, fellow division 1-AA Appalachian State's huge upset of then #5 Michigan worked to ensure that the Beavers would not overlook the Bengals. Second, OSU was embarrassed on national TV by Cincinnati last week, so they entered this game looking for redemption for their beleaguered offense. Finally, after losing to Boise State last year, OSU was looking for a team from Idaho on whom they could release their past frustration.
With all of these factors working against ISU they were indeed up for a steep test. OSU started fast, scoring their first touchdown less than three minutes into the game and putting up 21 points in the first quarter. The Beavers picked on ISU's secondary as they worked to get their passing game in order. The 6 interceptions that were thrown last week were nowhere to be found this week. They were replaced instead by 432 yards passing and 3 touchdowns.
Although the score wouldn't seem to indicate it, ISU did a lot of good things in this game. The offense had 300 yards passing and moved the ball consistently against the Beaver defense. The Bengals also did a good job converting third downs, they went a stellar 7-17, and considering the opposition, this looks even better. Even though there was pressure on Russell Hill (ISU's starting quarterback) all day, the offensive line only allowed one sack. The offense gave us reason to believe the Bengals will be able to move the ball well against the conference teams they'll face in the Big Sky.
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