| Markus Wheaton and Oregon State nipped Arizona, 38-35 (US Presswire) |
OREGON STATE WON: Sean Mannion threw for a career-high 433 yards and three touchdowns, including the game winner to Connor Hamlett with just 1:09 remaining, to lead No. 18 Oregon State (3-0) to a thrilling 38-35 win over Arizona (3-2) in Tucson on Saturday night. The Wildcats came back from a 17-point second quarter deficit to take the lead midway through the third, one of six lead changes that ended with Oregon State getting its first 3-0 start since 2002. Storm Woods added 161 yards and a touchdown for the Beavers while the receiving duo of Brandin Cooks and Markus Wheaton combined for 315 yards on 19 catches. Arizona was valiant in a losing effort as quarterback Matt Scott threw for 403 yards and three scores, but he was picked off twice, including on the Wildcats' final drive, to seal the win for Oregon State.
WHEN OREGON STATE WON: This one went down to the wire and wasn't decided until cornerback Rashaad Reynolds picked off Scott at the Arizona 46 yard line with 43 seconds left in the game. Until that interception, there was every reason to believe the Wildcats would drive down the field and score, as neither offense had trouble moving the ball (they combined for 1,157 yards of total offense).
WHY OREGON STATE WON: Mannion's career night kept Oregon State from completely collapsing after blowing an early 17 point lead. The 6-foot-5 sophomore calmly answered the call every time Arizona scored, leading the Beavers on two clutch fourth quarter drives of 86 and 75 yards, with both ending in touchdown passes. Mannion's proficiency opened things up for freshman running back Woods, who wore down the Wildcat defense with his 29 carries. In the end, Oregon State's playmakers made more plays when it counted and that was the difference.
WHAT OREGON STATE WON: Mike Riley won his 75th game at Oregon State, as he passed Lon Stiner to become the school's all-time winningest coach. Even better, the Beavers moved to 3-0 for the first time in a decade and should rise in the rankings as a result.
WHAT ARIZONA LOST: This loss makes it tougher for Arizona to get to the six wins it needs to earn a bowl bid. Beating Oregon State would've given the Wildcats four wins and momentum heading into next week's showdown at Stanford. Now, Arizona's back is against the wall, with a two-game losing streak in danger of expanding to three...and beyond.