Nov 1, 2014; Corvallis, OR, USA; California Golden Bears quarterback Jared Goff (16) runs the ball to pass as Oregon State Beavers defensive end Obum Gwacham (86) runs after him in the first quarter at Reser Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Susan Ragan-USA TODAY Sports
The Oregon State Beavers dropped to 4-4 overall and 1-4 in conference after dropping their third consecutive Pac-12 contest in a 45-31 drubbing at the hands of the California Golden Bears.
A lone highlight of a cold, rainy and altogether disheartening night in Reser Stadium was the passing of Matt Barkley by Beaver quarterback Sean Mannion as the Pac-12’s career passing yards leader. Mannion connected with tight end Connor Hamlett for a fifteen yard first down at the beginning of the fourth quarter to solidify his place atop the record books.
Cal running back Daniel Lasco made minced meat of a weak Oregon State defensive front. The Beavers, ever fearful of Jared Goff’s arm, were too late to adjust to Lasco’s running attack. The junior from The Woodlands, Tex. amassed almost 150 yards and 2 touchdowns in the first half alone. He would finish with 188 yards and 3 rushing touchdowns.
Trailing 20-10 and the start of the second half, Oregon State surrendered another rushing touchdown, this time to Cal’s Vic Enwere from 19 yards out.
The Beavers would mount their biggest momentum swing of the night, rattling off 21 unanswered points in the form of a 8 yard pass to Jordan Villamin, a 17 yard run from Chris Brown, and a 16 yard run from Terron Ward to put the Beavers up 31-27 in the final quarter of play.
Record books aside, the aforementioned Jordan Villamin may have truly been the brightest spot of silver lining for Oregon State last night. The true freshman hauled in 9 receptions for 140 yards and a touchdown to lead all Beavers in the passing game. For a receiving group riddled with injuries, Villamin will certainly be called upon to continue his pace.
The four point tilt would be the closest the Beavers would come to victory, as Cal would go on to answer with 18 points of their own on a field goal, passing touchdown, and a rushing touchdown by none other than Daniel Lasco to seal victory for Cal at 45-31.
After Saturday’s loss, Oregon State is now 1-9 in their last 10 Pac-12 contests. With a Connor Haliday-less Washington State coming to town next week, the 2014 season, and perhaps even more, could be on the line for Mike Riley and the Oregon State Beavers.