By Cliff Kirkpatrick
Gazette-Times reporter | Posted: Sunday, October 12, 2008 12:00 am
Who's hot: The Beavers
Nearly everything worked. This was a game, as predicted, the Beavers could dominate and use as a scrimmage to work on little things to get better and build confidence.
Who's not: The Cougars
They are rebuilding, but that was bad. The foundation isn't even set. There is no question that the Beavers are far beyond this team at this point.
Turning point: OSU's first possession
The defense stopped the Cougars on the opening drive of the game, and the Beavers responded with a two-play, 54-yard drive for a touchdown. It was a rout from there as the Beavers overmatched their opponent.
Key stat: 7.9 vs. 2.2
The OSU offense was such a juggernaut that it averaged 7.9 yards a play, while the Washington State offense was held to 2.2 yards a play.
Injury report
CB Keenan Lewis (turf toe) missed much of the second half.
Washington State QB Marshall Lobbestael (knee) was knocked out of the game at the beginning of the fourth quarter. He is expected to be out for four weeks.
Trends
The Beavers start fast in games. They have outscored opponents 167-41 in the first quarter since the start of the 2006 season. In the last 13 games, the Beavers have a margin of 132-17.
Norris sacks
Senior DE Slade Norris broke into the top-10 on the OSU career list in quarterback sacks. The two against the Cougars give him 13.5 in his career to tie him for eighth place with Angelo Dilulo (1980-84).
Stroughter records
Senior WR Sammie Stroughter caught six passes for 116 yards and a TD, putting him fourth in career receiving yards (2,058), eighth in career receptions (126) and tied for eighth in career receiving TDs (11).
Quizz numbers
RB Jacquizz Rodgers went crazy with 23 carries for 168 yards and one TD. He improved his Pac-10-leading average to 119.6 yards a game.
Afalava resting
S Al Afalava (groin) did not start. Suaesi Tuimaunei started in his place. It was the second game Afalava has missed this season. He also sat out the season opener due to a team suspension.
Hughes out
CB Brandon Hughes (hamstring) missed his second straight game. Tim Clark made his second start and had three tackles and broke up a pass.
Quick hits
The 66 points scored were the most ever by the Beavers against a Pac-10 team. They passed the 55 scored on UCLA in 1999.
Reserve WR Damola Adeniji blocked a punt and recovered it in the end zone for his first career TD. He followed that up with a 39-yard TD reception.
Backup RBs Ryan McCants and Jeremy Francis received some playing time. McCants carried eight times for 51 yards and a TD. Francis had 46 yards on seven carries.