Analysis

By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Corvallis Gazette-Times

It was the exact start to the season the Oregon State football team was looking for, and needed.

Coach Mike Riley didn’t demand anything fancy. He just wanted to win the game and execute the game plan properly. The Beavers did both with ease.

A victory such as this was therapy for last season’s disappointment of not reaching a bowl game.

The opponent was a smaller NCAA Division I-AA program, but at least Eastern Washington gave the Beavers a different look. The players were eager to hit someone other than their teammates.

And hit they did in the 56-17 nonconference triumph Thursday night in Reser Stadium before a crowd of 38,071.

The outcome of the game was determined well before halftime, and it allowed the Beavers to play many of their reserves.

“It was a good start,” running back Yvenson Bernard said. “I think we’ll be all right this year. We had a few mistakes, but that will happen in the first game.”

Let us preface all the good things the Beavers accomplished with this: the Eagles aren’t the caliber of a Pacific-10 Conference team or next week’s opponent, Boise State.

Heading into the season the big question was if the defense had improved from last year. There’s less of a concern now. There were four forced turnovers that gave the offense short fields to begin the game.

The defensive line contained the run and made both Eastern Washington quarterbacks nervous. Defensive ends Joe Lemma and Jeff Van Orsow controlled the game.

All three of the starting linebackers — Derrick Doggett, Joey LaRocque and Alan Darlin — showed they can keep up the tradition of success at OSU. There were big hits throughout the night.

“It was a great game,” Doggett said. “The defensive line stepped it up.”

Even the second string linebackers and defensive linemen didn’t allow much of a dropoff. There was heavy rotation in those areas in the first half.

Cornerback Keenan Lewis showed growth from last year, and junior college transfer Coye Francies fit in well on the other side of the field. With Sabby Piscitelli and Al Afalava’s support, they kept the receivers covered.

It all came together just like it was scripted. If the Beavers can play like Thursday night, there are many more wins in the future.

“I think the defense can be pretty good,” Doggett said. “We just have to keep improving this next week.”

The offense lived up to its billing as the Beavers had their way with the Eagles. There was a running game and passes to all areas of the field were open.

Quarterback Matt Moore didn’t take long to see what he missed when tight end Joe Newton was out last year with a leg injury. The Beavers are a different team with Newton in the game.

That connection led to two touchdowns. Newton caught five passes for 57 yards.

“Joe is going to make a difference in the red zone,” Bernard said. “He had a great night.”

Bernard pounded out 124 yards and two touchdowns, running with confidence. There was a fumble, but it didn’t slow down OSU. And it all came about from a strong effort up front by the offensive line.

Other reserves such as running backs Clinton Polk and Patrick Fuller played well. It was just an easy night.

“I had my one mistake, but it was fun to get a few hits in,” Bernard said. “I can always improve, but the team did great.”

The offense’s biggest worry was who was going to replace record-breaking receiver Mike Hass. As predicted, it won’t be one person — all of the receivers contributed.

All four of the primary receivers caught a pass. Slot back Brandon Powers was the most used early with three receptions for 32 yards. Ruben Jackson showed his speed in the second half, scoring on a 67-yard touchdown reception.

Backup quarterback Sean Canfield saw significant playing time. He showed off his strong arm with a 35-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Wheat-Brown and that strike to Jackson. However, he exhibited his inexperience with an interception.

The analysis might be skewed with how it all came about, but the bottom line is still a victory.

Cliff Kirkpatrick can be reached at cliff.kirkpatrick@lee.net.