Sept. 15, 2007
Final Stats
Corvallis, OR --- Oregon State University bolted out of the gate, scoring touchdowns on their first three drives, and OSU methodically wore the Bengals down, and Idaho State could never really close the gap as ISU dropped a 61-10 decision in Corvallis. The 51-point loss ties for the eight-worst margin of defeat in ISU history, and it's the largest margin of defeat since ISU dropped a 62-0 decision to Boise State in 2003.
Oregon State's much maligned quarterback Sean Canfield was stellar, especially in the first quarter when he went 11-for-14 for 198 yards through the air, leading three consecutive touchdown drives of 64, 80, and 63 yards. He threw a 48-yard touchdown pass, sandwiched around two short scoring runs by Yvenson Bernard and Andy Stewart for their 21-0 first quarter lead.
OSU extended the lead eventually to 28-0 before ISU made a penetration deep into OSU territory, but Russel Hill was picked off in the end zone by Keenan Lewis after moving the ball 59 yards. However, ISU forced a three-and-out, and Hill immediately drove the Bengals all the way down to the OSU nine-yard line with just four seconds left before Branden Jones got ISU on the board with a 26-yard field goal.
OSU pulled away in the third quarter as Oregon State outgained Idaho State 194-44, scoring 19 points on two touchdowns, a field goal and a safety. The Bengals answered all that early in the fourth when Hill used a superb play action fake, and then hit Josh Barnett down the sideline for a 47-yard touchdown.
The Bengals, despite the final score, played solid in most areas, especially against the run, holding Yvenson Bernard to just 54 yards, one of the lowest totals of his career. However, that forced Oregon State to pass, something they were quite stout at, hitting the 400-yard mark with just over five minutes left in the third quarter. Overall, with a late long run, the Beavers gained 610 yards of total offense.
Hill threw for a career-high 295 yards, in part because of a career-high 12 catch, 174-yard night from Eddie Thompson, who tied for the eighth-most yards in school history, and he recorded the most yards ever against an FBS (formerly I-A) opponent.
While Idaho State can't be thrilled with the final score, that belied the effort put forth on the field, one that showcased 335 yards of offense against one of the FCS's toughest defenses.
"We played hard, all the way through," said head coach John Zamberlin after the game. "I think for a freshman making his second start, Russel Hill did a tremendous job, and I thought that overall we saw a lot of positives."
"Did we make some mistakes? Sure we did, but I love the effort. We need to look in the mirror, all of us, and look at the film, and correct those mistakes for Eastern Washington next week."
For Oregon State, Canfield would leave midway through the third quarter after throwing for a career-high 353 yards and three touchdowns, the last to Stroughter again. By then it was 37-3, and he was replaced by Lyle Moevao.
The Bengals now get the finally play a team from their own division, as they open conference play on Saturday afternoon at 3:05 pm in Holt Arena against Eastern Washington on Hall of Fame Day and Family Day. Fans can contact the ticket office at 208-282-FANS for a special family rate.
NOTES: Josh Barnett moved up into third place on the all-time rushing list with a nine-yard run in the first quarter, passing form Pocatello High School star Isaac Mitchell ... The 21 first quarter points allowed by ISU was the most since the 2004 season opener when San Diego State bolted to a 21-0 lead on the way to a 38-21 Aztec win ... Hill threw for 203 yards in the first half on a defense that entered the game allowing just 188.5 passing yards per game.
