Underdog Texas State Runs Over Oregon State 42-21

Bobcats strike early

Texas State opened with a long scoring drive, capped by Davian Jackson running up the middle on a direct snap. Oregon State went three-and-out on its first possession, but linebacker Gyriece Goodman intercepted Brad Jackson soon afterward.

The Beavers could not turn that takeaway into points. A holding penalty set up a difficult down, and Texas State cornerback Jayden Bradley intercepted Braden Atkinson’s deep pass to Cynai Thomas.

Oregon State answers

Oregon State responded with a drive sparked by freshman Jesse Legree, who made a 26-yard catch and followed with two more receptions. AJ Newberry finished the possession with a nine-yard touchdown run, cutting the deficit to 7-6 late in the first quarter.

Atkinson passed 3,000 yards for the season during the drive, a mark previously reached by five other Beavers. Texas State answered with a 47-yard pass to Zechariah Sample, though the drive ended without a score after Aiden Sullivan stopped Jackson.

Texas State builds its lead

Jackson later broke off a 40-yard run during a six-play scoring drive and then added a one-yard touchdown. With 9:20 left before halftime, the Bobcats led 21-7. Oregon State had a chance to respond before the break, reaching the Texas State 19-yard line. Atkinson missed Aaron Butler in the end zone, and Newberry was tackled short of the line to gain on fourth down, giving the ball back to Texas State.

Ground game shapes contest

At halftime, Atkinson had completed 14 of 24 passes for 130 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. Oregon State had recorded 43 rushing yards on seven designed runs, while Texas State had gained 186 yards on 34 carries.

The Beavers reached the Texas State four-yard line during a second-half possession, but a holding penalty and a sack pushed them backward. After a throwaway on third-and-28, Oregon State sent out its kicker; the recap then describes a 10-play, 68-yard Texas State touchdown drive late in the third quarter before cutting off.