AJ Newberry delivered the kind of all-around performance Oregon State has been waiting for.
The running back piled up 105 rushing yards on 11 carries and added five catches for 120 yards and a touchdown in Oregon State’s 48-30 win over Washington State on Saturday afternoon at Reser Stadium. The outing made him the first Beaver to top 100 yards rushing and 100 yards receiving in the same game since Steven Jackson did it against Fresno State in 2003.
Newberry’s biggest moment came on an 88-yard touchdown on a screen pass. He took the ball on the left side, then hurdled Washington State safety Jaylen Thomas on his way to the end zone, stretching Oregon State’s lead to 27-3 with 3:59 left in the first half.
“Truth be told, I really wanted to cut across his face and go the other way,” Newberry said. “But whenever I saw him fall, instincts just kicked in. I stepped over him.”
The score was almost even bigger for Newberry. He came close to a second touchdown catch, but was ruled down at the 1-yard line.
His production wasn’t limited to the pass game, either. Newberry broke off runs of 19, 26 and 30 yards, giving Oregon State a steady burst of chunk plays throughout the afternoon.
“He looked like a man possessed at times out there today,” JaMarcus Shephard said. “If he can keep playing like that, the sky is the limit for him.”
Shephard had challenged Newberry earlier in the week, both in the running back meeting room and one-on-one, telling him to “run behind his pads better.” Newberry said he didn’t picture the game unfolding this way when he prepared for it.
“I try to envision how the game will go for me and I didn’t see it as like that to be honest,” Newberry said. “I thought it would have been a little different, more running-wise. For everything to come together with the run and the pass made it so much better.”
The performance marked Newberry’s second 100-yard rushing game of the season, and it was easily the best receiving output of his career. Shephard said the running back responded the right way after being challenged.
“He played like he was frustrated and wanted to find a way to play better for this football team,” Shephard said. “I always want our guys to have a little chip on their shoulders and he does.
“He’s played really, really well at other times throughout the season, but tonight that was a special experience watching him play the game that way.”
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Oregon State Faces A Trap Game Fans Can't Afford To Ignore
Oregon State heads into its matchup with Washington State knowing the margins can get thin in a hurry against an opponent that has spent much of the season fighting uphill. Coach Shephard has stressed the need for intensity, and that message makes sense against a Cougars team that has found ways to stay motivated even through a difficult record. Washington State still brings enough pieces to make this more than a routine Saturday, especially with a quarterback room and supporting cast that can change the feel of a game if Oregon State lets the level drop.
For the Beavers, the challenge is as much about discipline as talent. Washington States offense has some unknowns, but it also has enough playmakers and enough edge to turn a loose start into a real problem, while Oregon State has its own areas that still demand cleaner execution, particularly on special teams. In a game like this, the favorite does not need a warning sign to know what a trap looks like, and Oregon State has been reminded that focus has to travel with it from the opening whistle. [Read more 🡒]
JaMarcus Shephard Saw One Oregon State Problem In A Fifth Straight Win
Oregon State kept its momentum rolling with a 48-30 win over Washington State at Reser Stadium, its fifth straight victory of the season, but JaMarcus Shephards postgame mood was hardly all celebration. The head coach touched on the usual mix of injury updates, team dynamics and individual effort after the game, while also making a point to acknowledge the work of Washington State coach Trent Bray.
Even in a win that pushed the Beavers deeper into the seasons best stretch, Shephard still had one area in mind that needs attention. He said the defense has room to tighten up after a game that tested the unit in ways Oregon State will want to clean up before the schedule keeps moving forward. [Read more 🡒]
Oregon State's Surging Offense Just Changed The Pac-12 Race
Oregon State kept rolling with its fifth straight win, taking down Washington State 48-30 in a game that showcased just how dangerous the Beavers have become on offense. Jesse Legree led the way with more than 100 receiving yards and two touchdowns, while A.J. Newberry added a rare all-around performance with more than 100 yards both on the ground and through the air, giving Oregon State another week where the attack looked difficult to slow.
The matchup carried an extra edge because former Oregon State head coach Trent Bray was on the other sideline as Washington States defensive coordinator, facing the program he once led. For the Beavers, the result only added to a surge that has them suddenly looking like a team with real momentum in the Pac-12 race, and the way they generated big plays in multiple ways again suggested this run may be more than just a short hot streak. [Read more 🡒]