Blue Collar Beavers Scrap Out Emerald Bowl Win

Most prognosticators picked the Beavers over the Terps prior to the game. In the end, the score (21-14) was similar to the predictions (Beavers by 5), but when everyone picks one team like that, beware. The only sure thing going into the game was the Beaver Defense. What team would show up for the Beavers, the team that got blown out by Cincinnati, the team that had 14 turnovers in four losses, or the team that won 6 of the last 7?

The Emerald Bowl game was frustrating to watch as a Beavers fan. With the fumbles, interceptions, and stupid penalties, it was beginning to look similar to previous losses. It was obvious that both teams had a long layoff.

First drive, Maryland scores, they look good, OSU answers with a score, with a little help from a Terps roughing-the-passer penalty. The two teams trade punts, and the next drive Turner hits Darrius for a 63 yard touchdown. This is not looking good for the Beavers. Another bad Drive for the Beavers and the first quarter ends.

The second quarter was a fight for momentum, though the OSU defense was beginning to assert itself with two interceptions, the offense was fumbling and throwing interceptions. With 1:49 left, Canfield and Bernard (left) put together a nice 46 yard drive to tie the game before halftime.

Third Quarter-

There was an OSU punt to 1 foot line, spotted at the 1 yard line. The infamous play clock penalties. And, the Beavers catch a little luck fumbling into the end-zone for a touch down.

Fourth Quarter-

The drive: Rodgers and Bernard put the game away. Bernard rushing and Rodgers fly sweep save the game, as they and the defense did all season. Reminds me of the old Raiders, a bunch of scrappy blue collar guys slugging it out.

OSU runs a fake fly sweep

Other thoughts . . .

Looks like we’ll have another quarterback controversy for next year, but I would go with Moevao. He’s got intangibles, great attitude, leadership, charisma, and looks to have a good arm. He’s also got a big head that barely fits in the helmet, and a smile from rim to rim.

One surprise was the Beavers inability to protect the passer, or were those coverage sacks? After all, the Beavers were without Anthony Brown (133 career catches for 1669 yards).

What's a Terp, a turtle? I didn't realize their was a team with a sillier mascot than a duck or a beaver (other than the Santa Cruz Banana Slugs). Those pass rushers were not turtles. The Terps got to the passer mighty quick, especially when Moevao was knocked on the elbow. That’s probably one reason Canfield threw the interception. An ESPN announcer called the Canfield interception something like "one of the worst passes in NCAA history". I think he got caught in-between throwing the ball away and getting up-ended at the same time. Canfield seems to just have a lot of learning to do.

Growing up in the bay area, and watching the A’s and Giants, one thing you learn about is that the ball does not carry very far in the heavy air near the bay. Alexis Serna learned that when his 49 yard kick hit the crossbar and bounced back. Alexis, sorry you didn’t get to break the Pac-10 points record, but you had a great career at OSU, and we would not have won three bowl games without you. As one Duck fan told me, "I will be glad to see him gone next year." How’s that for a complement?

Thanks to all the Beavers and especially the seniors. I can hardly wait until next season!

Evanson Bernard- A classy guy
who will make it in the NFL.

Emerald Bowl: AT&T Park

I've got to say a few words about the Emerald Bowl at AT&T park. (It was a lot easier to remember what it was called when the Giants played at Candlestick)

At first I felt OSU got a bum deal drawing the Emerald Bowl, but I see now that it was probably good for the team. They enjoyed the city and drew a large fan base to the game. They clearly had the crowd advantage. If we had gone to the Holiday bowl, we would have a tough opponent. I would not want to play South Florida who will likely rock the Ducks.


I have some complaints about the stadium. You should never put two teams on the same sideline, a formula for a brawl. There was plenty of room on the other sideline to split the teams up. So, you don't sell some of the seats at field level, it wasn't a sellout anyway (32,000 fans). And, those short runways outside the end zone could get someone hurt. Not to worry though, we probably don't have anyone capable of running a fade route, since Rodgers is a bit short.


The faulty play clock hurt the Terps on a critical drive. The refs didn't tell the quarterback how they would count the play clock down, and then penalizing them for delay of game. Wow! Those guys probably couldn't move the ball anyway. I sure am glad Canfield didn't have to play with an imaginary clock. If you guys at the Emerald Bowl read this, and I doubt you will, you’ve got to do a better job with the sidelines and clock.

The OSU fan advantage and empty seats.

On a positive note, those Emerald Nuts commercials were a hoot. They certainly were off the wall. What was with the Devo looking girl rock band? And, the Norwegian archery coach. Now he could play through some pain.

Public Photos obtained from:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/aktse/

http://www.blogger.com/http://www.flickr.com/photos/7271317@N08/