BFS Current Story

Beavers Blow 8 Point Lead with 2 Minutes To Go in Loss at Utah

10-2-2008 - In what could have been a huge win on the road over a top 20 team, the Beavers could not execute down the stretch and lose an 8 point lead with 2:11 to go in the game. The Beavers had the lead after scoring with 2:11 to go 28 to 20 over Utah and looked on their way to a huge road victory over the 15th ranked Utes. But the wheels came off on defense allowing Utah to score in 42 seconds on 4 plays from scrimmage.

The Beavers still had a chance with 1:29 to go in the game and the ball but could not manage the ball or the clock and went 3 and out and had to punt the ball away, consuming only 23 seconds of the clock and giving Utah the ball on a short punt at Utahs own45 yard line. Needing only a field goal to win the game Utah showed it was a ranked team for a reason going 35 yards in 1:06 and then calmly kicking a 37 yard field goal with no time left to win a game they probably should have lost 31-28.

Luckly I was unable to watch the game as I was on a college visitation with my senior daughter and was otherwise involved. I did get score updates during the evening and when I heard the Beavers scored with 2 minutes to go I thought the game was over and the Beavs had pulled out the big road win. I was shocked later that night when back in my hotel room i turned on the news only to find that the Beavers had lost the game. I could not believe my eyes and when I had the chance to talk to friends about the game many expressed concern for me as to how I would take the defeat in that manner.

Truth be told I am glad I was not able to watch that game. I am not sure how I would have been able to handle that kind of collapse. I do not do well in tight games. Ask anyone who sits next to me in Reser Stadium. In a few years I might have to start bringing oxygen to games with me because I hyperventilate. I cannot stand watching it I have to be in it and make something happen. Don't like the feeling of being out of control.

BY THE NUMBERS

 

Key	STATISTIC	OSU	UTAH	Advantage
.	Scoring Offense	28	31	UTAH
X	Pass Attempts/Comp%	21/31=.677	17/31=.548	OSU
.	Passing Offense/YPC	313/14.9	201/11.8	OSU
X	Kickoff Returns /Ave.	1/22.0	5/31.4	UTAH
X	Punts/Ave.	6/38.3	6/44.5	UTAH
X	Turnover Margin	-1	-1	TIE
.	Rushing Attempts / YPC	32/2.9	38/3.6	UTAH
X	Rushing Offense	92	136	UTAH
.	Total Offense	405	337	OSU
.	Punt Return - PUNTS/YPR	3/1.3	2/1.0	OSU
.	First Downs	20	18	OSU
X	Sacks	4	3	OSU
.	Penalties	7/37	4/37	TIE
X	Red Zone Offense	3/4	5/5	UTAH
.	3rd Down Conversions	5/13	8/17	UTAH
X	4th Down Conversions	0/0	1/1	UTAH
X	Field Goals	1/2	3/3	UTAH
.	Time of Possession	31.06	28.54	OSU
X	Totals	11 wins	5 wins	OSU

The real shocker of this game is the lack of a running game. The Beavers only managed 92 net rushing yards for the game. That combined with the kicking game were the major factors in the loss in my opinion. The Beaver offense revolves around the run. When it works everything else comes along for the ride.

GO BEAVERS!

BFS