By Jackson Smith
Staff Writer

Nearing the end of a disappointing season, Oregon State hosted Sam Houston State for their final home game on Saturday, Nov. 8. Despite struggles, a light appeared at the end of their tunnel as the Beavers were coming off two straight wins under interim head coach Robb Akey. Fans were hopeful they could extend this win streak to three on the team’s senior night.

Junior QB Maalik Murphy initially held the starting job. Coming off last season at Duke where he threw 26 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, fans were hopeful of Murphy’s abilities. However, Murphy struggled in the spotlight, throwing only nine touchdowns and eight interceptions. 

Sophomore backup QB Gabarri Johnson stepped up to help the Beavers win their last two games. With this being the final home game of the season, Johnson would start.

The crowd celebrates a Beaver first down. Photos by Jackson Arterberry

The game started off strong thanks to senior RB Anthony Hankerson, the team found themselves leading 17-7 at halftime. Hankerson and fellow senior DB Skyler Thomas carried standout performances before halftime. Hankerson ran for 90 yards, scoring both touchdowns. Thomas additionally made three tackles.

Sam Houston State began the third quarter with a 98 yard kick return touchdown. After a poor third quarter, the fourth would look no different. Hankerson would go on to bobble a pass into a Bearcat’s hands, leading to an opposing touchdown, and the Beavers would ultimately lose to the Bearcats, 17-21.

In a close game, players must maintain their level of play. Akey knows that starting a game fast might mean falling faster. This loss is devastating for seniors who put all they had into the turf.

“If you want to start fast you have to maintain that throughout, and you’ve gotta finish strong. We had a chance to finish. We didn’t quite get it done. That’s why I feel awful for our guys, because they put it all out there.” Akey said.

Coming into this game, Sam Houston would hold a record of 0-8. Most teams might believe they have an easy win already. 

Thomas believes that no matter the opponent, a game is still a game worth trying.

“This was a very important game. The reason it was very important is because it was the next game. So we prepared for them the same way we prepared for Oregon, Texas Tech, Washington State.” Thomas said.

While the game didn’t end the way they wanted, there were some bright spots for the team. Hankerson would run for 166 yards and two touchdowns, being pivotal for the offense. On the defensive side, Thomas would end with five tackles. Both seniors showed out for their senior night, leaving the stadium on a bittersweet note.

Anthony Hankerson (#0), Bryce Caufield (#8), and Cornell Hatcher Jr. (#21) celebrate Hankerson’s touchdown.

Hankerson would end the season with 1,000 rushing yards and nine touchdowns, keeping consistent with last year. Thomas would similarly build off of last season, ending off this year with 70 tackles.

When it comes to the defensive side of the ball, a lot is expected of these guys. They paved the way for the offense, but couldn’t pick up the slack.

“We’re just cheering those guys on. Some games the offense won’t have their best game, they’ll be looking to us for help,” said Thomas. “As a defender our whole motto is to give the offense an opportunity…when they have the ball, they’re dangerous.”

Thomas said the team must move forward and keep a positive attitude following the loss.

“[We must] keep our heads up high… we have two more opportunities, so tomorrow we’ll be looking to correct whatever it was for this game, and move on.” Thomas said.

Head coach Robb Akey smiles at his team running through the tunnel. 

Akey also takes blame for this game’s outcome.

“Well, we didn’t take care of it enough to win the game…we’ve got an opportunity to go play two more times…we can take advantage of those opportunities, pick ourselves up and go make something happen.” Akey said.

Though this season didn’t pan out for Beavers fans, it was a hard fought battle where fans still came out every night to support their team through all the ups and downs.