Collins returns, scores three TDs

Eugene, Ore.  – Freshman quarterback Seth Collins scored three times and Oregon State battled No. 18 Oregon to the limit before falling 52-42 on Friday in the 119^th edition of the Civil War.

OSU trailed 31-7 in the third quarter before a furious rally brought them within three points on two occasions, at 38-35 with 10:09 to play following a 78-yard punt return by Victor Bolden and again at 45-42 on an electrifying, career-long 66-yard TD run by redshirt freshman tailback Ryan Nall with 7:05 remaining.

The Beavers (2-10, 0-9 Pac-12) could get no closer. But they outscored Oregon 35-21 in the second half, established a season-high in points (42) and season-best numbers in rushing yards (228) and total offense (427 yards) in Pac-12 games and had scoring drives of 98, 84, 75, 75 and 64 yards in their most productive offensive performance of the fall.

OSU dressed only 57 players for the game, presented by PacificSource Health Plans, McDonalds, Spirit Mountain Casino and Your Local Ford Stores as part of the Civil War Rivalry Series. But they turned in a valiant effort that had the Autzen Stadium crowd of 57,814 in shock for most of the fourth quarter.

Collins played receiver and quarterback in his first appearance since the Oct. 24 Colorado game.  He gained 39 yards on nine attempts to increase his team-leading total to (575), third all-time in a single season. He passed Terry Baker (538, 1962) and Tim Alexander (566, 1996) on Friday.

Nall gained many yards after contact and bulled his way for a career-high 174 overall on 19 carries in his second career 100-yard game. He also gained 122 on 20 carries against Colorado and he finished with 455 yards on 73 carries, a 6.2-yard average.

The Beavers took a 7-0 lead at 9:38 of the first quarter with a 10-play, 75-yard drive. Oregon then ran off 31 unanswered points to take a 31-7 halftime advantage before the Beavers rallied.

OSU started its comeback on another Collins scoring run, this one from 1-yard out with 9:18 left in the third quarter. It capped a 10-play, 84-yard drive and cut Oregon' lead to 31-14.

The Beavers then stopped Oregon on downs at their 2, and responded with a nine-play, 98-yard drive to draw within 31-21 with 2:16 left in the third quarter. Collins hurdled into the end zone to complete a 9-yard scoring run.

Oregon restored a 17-point lead at 38-21, but the Beavers replied again with 12:02 to play to draw within 38-28 on a 6-yard run by quarterback Marcus McMaryion, his first career TD. It capped a seven-play, 64-yard drive.

Some additional highlights:

• McMaryion made his first career start and set career-highs in completions (11), attempts (21), and yards (154). Junior Jordan Villamin had four receptions for 72 yards.
• Collins scored three times and completed 2-of-4 passes for 45 yards. He has eight rushing touchdowns and has scored or thrown for a touchdown in seven of the eight games he's played in.
• Senior Kyle Peko blocked a 39-yard field goal in the first quarter, his second of the season. He also blocked a kick at California on Nov. 14.
• Junior safety Devin Chappell had his first fumble recovery of the season. It was forced by freshman Adam Soesman.
• Sophomore placekicker Garrett Owens was 6-for-6 on extra points and remained perfect on the season in 23 attempts. He was 17-for-17 as a freshman in 2014 and is 40-for-40 lifetime.