Oregon State Beavers Upset Oregon Ducks With a Last Minute TD, 41-38

Oregon State made a massive upset this Friday, beating the No.9 Oregon following an incredible comeback in the last period. The final result of the game was 41-38 for the Beavers, who secured a win 33 seconds before the end.

Chance Nolan, Oregon State’s backup quarterback, carried the football into the endzone, on his first snap of the game. Previously, Tristan Gebbia, the starting QB, picked up an injury, which forced him to go out.

Gebbia rushed for no gain on third and one, then again with Oregon making a defensive penalty, but without success. He couldn’t continue and limped towards the sidelines, with Nolan entering. There were no cold feet for the sophomore, who showed excellent composure and focus, executing the final snap and handing his team the biggest win in a long time.

This was the first triumph for the Beavers against the ranked team in six years. It is a great success for not only the team but the 41-year old head coach Jonathan Smith.

“It means a lot to a lot of people, not just the guys sitting in the locker room,” Smith said. “It’s too bad Reser Stadium could not be filled right now and have a win like that because it means so much to so many people, especially our in-state kids.”

The no.8 Ducks were up 31-19 with 6:43 left inside the third period when Hunter Kampmoyer caught a four-yard pass for a touchdown. Gebbia and fantastic Jermar Jefferson responded with a rushing TD each, with the Beavers taking over the lead. Yet, Cyrus Habibi-Likio brought back the edge to the Ducks’ side. Yet that wasn’t enough for Oregon.

The above-mentioned Jefferson had 29 carries for 226 yards and two scores, one being 82 yards long. With this performance, he broke numerous records in the “Civil War” rivalry, as the fans call the series between Oregon and Oregon State. The former Pac-12 Freshman of the Year is catching his pace again, following a mediocre 2019 year, during which he had multiple injury problems.

“I really don’t feel like I get the recognition I deserve,” he said. “I’ve just got to put my head down and keep working hard. I’ve been underrated my whole life, so I’m used to it,” Jefferson said.

Gebbia was very good while playing, with 263 passing yards and one touchdown. He would connect with Kolby Taylor seven times for 114 yards. Trevon Bradford had 93 yards on eight receptions.

On the other side, Tyler Slough threw for 285 yards, for two touchdowns and interceptions each. He also had one lost fumble and carried the football into the endzone once.

“It hurts for sure. One of the worst feelings on earth is losing,” Shough said. “We’re just going to take it and learn from it.”

Travis Dye ran for 93 yards on 12 snaps, while Jaylon Reed and Habibi-Likio posted rushing touchdowns. Devon Williams caught one score, too, and 101 yards.

Oregon is 3-1 now. They would defeat UCLA last week but couldn’t keep their record perfect, and will most definitely slide down on the AP poll rankings. The Ducks’ next rivals are Cal Golden Bears, who are still winless, with three defeats.

On the other side, the Beavers reached the .500 mark, 2-2. They will play against Utah in seven days.