Oregon State Ends Skid with 45-13 Win; Hankerson Shines

UPDATE: Oregon State’s Anthony Hankerson exploded for 204 yards rushing and four touchdowns, leading the Beavers to a decisive 45-13 victory over Lafayette on Saturday night. This marks Oregon State’s first win of the season, snapping an eight-game losing streak dating back to last year.

In a thrilling performance at Corvallis, Oregon, Hankerson showcased his talent with touchdown runs of 1, 15, 9, and a stunning 65 yards, sealing the game with his final score. The Beavers amassed a total of 365 rushing yards, their highest output since 2016, when they ran for 474 yards against Cal.

Quarterback Gabarri Johnson, stepping in for Maalik Murphy in the third quarter, completed 7 of 9 passes for 79 yards and added 82 yards rushing. Johnson threw a critical touchdown pass to tight end Gabe Milbourn, converting on fourth-and-goal from the 1-yard line, and extended the lead with a 20-yard rushing touchdown late in the third quarter.

Lafayette, ranked 28th in the latest FCS coaches poll, led at halftime 13-10, but the Beavers surged back in the second half, leaving the Leopards reeling. Quarterback Dean DeNobile struggled against the Beavers’ defense, finishing 18 of 40 for 176 yards, with one touchdown and an interception.

This victory is a significant turnaround for Oregon State, now standing at 1-7 as they seek to build momentum for the remainder of the season. The Beavers’ next challenge will be crucial as they aim to capitalize on this newfound energy and confidence moving forward.

Next up: Fans will be watching closely to see if Oregon State can carry this momentum into their upcoming games. This win could be a turning point for a team eager to shake off the struggles of the past season.