#TNF: Beavers come from behind to beat Buffaloes

Week 5 of the 2019 Pac-12 Recreation Season got underway early with a rare Thursday night (well, early evening) game between the Oregon State Beavers and Colorado Buffaloes.

Oregon State (5-0, 2-0) got the better of Colorado (2-2, 0-1) in the game’s final 17 minutes, outscoring the Buffs, 17-0, to close out a 36-28 come-from-behind victory.

It was your typical tale of two halves as Colorado opened the game with a 14-0 run in the first quarter that got stretched to as much as 21-0 in the second quarter. However, after jumping out to that 21-point lead, the Beavers defense clamped down and allowed just seven points over the game’s final 40 minutes stemming from the second quarter on.

Oregon State, typically not known for their defense, came to play in this one. They held Colorado QB Steven Montez to just 17-41 passing for 220 yards and three interceptions. Jaydon Grant, Jalen Moore and Shawn Wilson each came away with interceptions and Grant even finished with a forced fumble that he recovered, earning serious consideration already for Defensive Player of the Week in Week 5.

On the offensive side of the ball, after an early interception (his first of the year), Oregon State QB Jake Luton went on to throw three touchdowns and 201 yards. He hit Isaiah Hodgins to close out the third quarter and bring the score to within one possession but his main target was tight end Isaiah Smalls, who he connected with on five passes for 122 yards and a score.

Colorado couldn’t contain Smalls, who racked up 84 yards after the catch.

They also couldn’t stop Jermar Jefferson, but then again, who has been able to stop Jefferson this season?

The Beavers running back rallied off 20 carries for 168 yards and a score, the game-clinching score, that came with just 3:22 left in the fourth quarter.

Oregon State improves their record to 5-0 this season, in what could be considered a shock to some, but not to the Beavers. Their eyes are set on what should certainly be considered a much more difficult schedule down the stretch with games against Washington State, USC, Washington and Oregon to close the year.

Either way, with their comeback victory against Colorado, they’re a mere win away from bowl eligibility and have already surpassed their Vegas projected win totals from the offseason.

Keep it up, Beavs!

Reminder, this is a fictional take on our recreation of the 2019 NCAA football season using last year’s updated rosters and playing the games in NCAA Football 14 on a Playstation3. For more information, check out our intro story.