Halloween Comes Early For BYU

The calendar says Halloween is still over two weeks away, but for the Brigham Young Cougars it might as well be this Saturday.

When BYU goes to Reser Stadium, home of the Oregon State Beavers, they will find the place decked out in black and orange—the traditional Halloween colors. On Halloween, kids in costumes go to peoples’ homes and ask, “Trick or treat?” BYU will dawn their game day attire, enter the home of the Beavers, and it is anybody’s guess whether BYU will be served Reser’s Fine Foods or step in a Beaver trap.

Since 2006, Oregon State has a history of terrorizing some opponents when they come to Corvallis. Conversely, they also have a history of throwing out the welcome mat for others.

2006
When the 20th ranked Cal Bears paid the Beavers a visit, the Bears skipped the appetizers and went straight for the main course. After one quarter, Cal led 21-0. Bear quarterback Nate Longshore had a career day. The Bears left the Beaver lodge a mess, 41-13.

When the 3rd ranked USC Trojans came to town, the Beavers broke down their dams and inundated the men of Troy. Oregon State blew the game wide open in the third quarter taking a 33-10 lead with 4:51 to go. They held on for a 33-31 upset.

2008
This time, USC was the #1 ranked team in the country. That didn’t stop Oregon State from paddling them with a bevy of Jaquizz Rodgers runs. After taking a 21-0 halftime lead, the Beavers held on for a 27-21 win. Rodgers ran for 186 yards and accounted for all four Oregon State touchdowns.

At the end of the year, the #19 Oregon Ducks came to Corvallis and flew all over the field. Oregon back Jeremiah Johnson rushed for 219 yards. Jeremiah Masoli went 11 of 17 for 274 yards. A win would put Oregon State in the Rose Bowl for the first time in over 40 years. Ah, who cares? There’s always next year for that. Oregon won 65-38.

2009
Oregon State had won 26 consecutive non-conference home games when they hosted #17 Cincinnati. None of those 26 teams must have traveled as far as the Bearcats. Having pity for their plight, the Beavers didn’t apply the necessary coat of mud to keep their lodge invincible. That allowed the Bearcats to rip through the branches and steal a 28-18 win.

2010
Although Oregon State was struggling last year, the Beavers knew exactly what to do when #20 USC returned. They dismantled that Trojan horse and used the wood to mark their territory. The game ended a 36-7 win for Oregon State.

Two weeks later, when the #2 Oregon Ducks landed in Beaver territory, the Beavers didn’t care much. After all, beating top 3 teams at home had become old hat by now. Furthermore, it wouldn’t be very hospitable to ruin the Ducks’ shot at a national championship. The Beavers let the Ducks do their business (LaMichael James 134 yards rushing, Kenjon Barner 133 yards rushing) and then fly away, 37-20.

2011
Oregon State gave out plenty of treats in the season opening game. FCS team Sacramento State (FCS) was to be Oregon State’s warm up game. After rallying in the fourth quarter to force overtime, Oregon State let the Bees go home with a 29-28 win

Just last week, Arizona played at Oregon State, desperately in need of a break. Three of the Wildcats’ last four games were against top 10 teams. The other game was a 48-41 shootout with USC. Oregon State appeared to be that easy opponent with a 0-4 record. The Beavers didn’t let the Wildcats roam free. Oregon State won 37-27. This trick was especially dirty as Arizona head coach Mike Stoops was fired following the loss.

With one trick and one treat already this year, is Oregon State is done making exceptions to the rule? Will BYU be treated to its fifth win of the year? Or will the Beavers trick the Cougars into the wildcat treatment?

The Editor appreciates all feedback. He can be reached via email at bluecougarfootball@gmail.com

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