OREGON STATE FOOTBALL | NCAA FOOTBALL
STRONG DEBUT BY QB PORTER JR LEADS BEAVERS TO WIN IN MINNESOTA
Sophomore tallies 361 total yards, 5 total scores in win
By John Severs Sep 8, 2016, 12:30pm
QB COLBY PORTER JR THROWS HIS FIRST TD PASS AT OREGON STATE DESPITE PRESSURE FROM A MINNESOTA DEFENDER
Saturday September 7th 2016 3:30PM
TCF Bank Stadium | Minneapolis, MN
42 | 25
Junior college transfer quarterback Colby Porter Jr. wowed the coaching staff throughout the spring and claimed the starting job early on. Some pundits were skeptical of the “small” lefties abilities and if he could play well at this level. His debut on the road at Minnesota should quiet them at least for a little while.
Porter threw for 259 yards and a pair of scores and also ran for 102 yards and three touchdowns in a 40-25 Oregon State win.
“Big stadium. Loud. Colby never looked like it was too big of a stage. He played very well. Made some great plays. Made some even better decisions with the ball.” Head coach Gary Andersen said when asked about hi quarterback's performance.
Porter capped the Beavers first possession with a four yard touchdown pass to tight end Ricky Ortiz. Porter was pressured by the Minnesota defense on the play. He moved to his left and stood tall to deliver the pass then took his first big hit of the game. He propped himself up to see the result of the pass then jumped to his feet to join the celebration.
The teams exchanged field goals to bring to score to 10-3 at the end of the first quarter. Minnesota kicked another field goal early in the second quarter to cut the lead to 10-6. Porter then led a pair of long drives and capped each with a rushing touchdown. The first came on a quarterback sneak from a yard out and the second via a two yard run on a bootleg. Minnesota finally found the endzone before halftime on a Leidner to Smith 10 yard pass. The Beavers led 24-13 at halftime.
PORTER JR DELIVERS A 41 YARD TOUCHDOWN PASS TO SETH COLLINS IN THE THIRD QUARTER
Midway through the third quarter Porter Jr threw his second touchdown of the game, finding Seth Collins open on a post route. Collins caught the ball in stride and sprinted into the endzone for a 41 yard score. The point after by Owens made it 31-13 Oregon State.
COLLINS THIRD QUARTER CATCH AND RUN SCORE
Minnesota cut the lead to 31-19 on a five yard Smith touchdown run early in the fourth quarter. Owens extended the lead to 34-19 with a 29 yard field goal on the next possession for the Beavers. Leidner found Wolitarsky for a 12 yard touchdown, making it 34-25 after a second failed two point attempt.
Oregon State put the game away with a long scoring drive capped by Porter Jr's third rushing touchdown of the game with just over a minute left to play. Their two point conversion attempt was successful and the final score was 42-25 Oregon State.
PORTER JR SCORTES HIS THIRD RUSHING TOUCHDOWN OF THE GAME, HIS FIFTH TOTAL
Porter Jr. completed 16 of 24 pass attempts for 259 yards with two touchdowns and an interception. He ran the ball 18 times, gaining a team high 102 yards and scoring three times.
“Heck of a debut I'd say.” Oregon State co-offensive coordinator Kevin McGiven said during the post game press conference. “He's an electrifying player and I think he's going to surprise a lot of folks this year and going forward.”
“Those guys up front got it done today. They made it easy for me. Guys around me making plays. It was a whole team effort really.” Porter Jr. explained after the game when asked about his impressive debut.
Porter was hurried a few times in the game but was only sacked once.
Oregon State travels to Salt Lake City to face 1-1 Utah next week.
Scoring
ORST|10|14|07|11|
42
MINN|03|10|00|12|
25
1Q ORST Ortiz 4 Yd pass from Porter Jr. (Owens kick)
1Q MINN Carpenter 26 YD FG
1Q ORST Owens 20 YD FG
2Q MINN Carpenter 35 YD FG
2Q ORST Porter 1 YD run (Owens kick)
2Q ORST Porter 2 YD run (Owens kick)
2Q MINN Smith 10 YD pass from Leidner (Carpenter kick)
3Q ORST Collins 41 YD pass from Porter Jr. (Owens kick)
4Q MINN Smith 5 YD run (2-Pt failed)
4Q ORST Owens 29 YD FG
4Q MINN Wolitarsky 12 YD pass from Leidner (2-Pt failed)
4Q ORST Porter Jr. 5 YD run (2-Pt)
Oregon State Key Stats
Passing: Porter Jr. 16/24 259 2TD 1Int
Rushing: Porter Jr. 18/102 3TD, Nall 18/81, Pierce 4/17
Receiving: Collins 4/81 1TD, Bolden Jr. 3/64, Hernandez 3/48, Villamin 2/30, Ortiz 3/28 1TD
Tackles: Hungalu 8
Sacks: Vakameilalo 1
Interceptions: N/A
Kicking: Owens 2/2FG 4/4XP, Porebski 1 punt 50YD
Returns: Bolden Jr. 3KR 62YD 2PR 10YD, Pierce 2KR 48YD, Lucas 1KR 30YD