Oregon State offense goes cold in 2nd Half in 31-28 loss at Hawaii

Disappointment in Beaver land again came early Sunday morning stateside, as Oregon State was shut out in the second half in a 31-28 loss at the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors.

The Beavers led 28-14 in the first half and had a 28-21 lead at halftime.  But despite having multiple opportunities they could not add on, and it cost them.

Running back Jermar Jefferson led the Beavers with 31 carries for 193 yards and a touchdown, and tailback Artavis Pierce added 7 carries for 79 yards and two scores.  Quarterback Jake Luton went 15-for-32 for only 169 yards (5.3 yards per attempt), a touchdown and no interceptions, and receiver Isiah Hodgins had 7 catches for 96 yards and a touchdown.  Hawaii QB Cole McDonald finished 30-for-52 for 421 yards and 4 touchdowns with one interception.  The Rainbow Warriors outgained the Beavers 488-414 for the game, though OSU won the turnover battle 2-0.  Hawaii was held to just 2-of-12 on 3rd-down attempts, but were a perfect 3-for-3 on fourth down.  Oregon State was 5-for-15 on 3rd down and 2-for-4 on fourth down.  The Beavs also commuted 9 penalties for 92 yards.

Trailing 31-28 late in the fourth quarter, Oregon State was mounting a potential go-ahead scoring drive but was held on 3rd down in Hawaii territory.  Kicker Jordan Choukhair came on and missed 52-yard field goal attempt wide left, and the Rainbow Warriors nearly bled the rest of the clock, punting back to OSU with time for only one final play.  A desperation hook and ladder was forced out of bounds, ending the game, and sending the Beavers to 0-2 on the season.

Oregon State went for it on fourth-down multiple times in its own territory, but could not produce any points in the second half.  A fake-punt pass on 4th-&-7 failed and gave the ball back to Hawaii which resulted in the home team driving for the game-winning field goal.

Hawaii has now beaten two Pac-12 teams to open its season 2-0, after upsetting Arizona 45-38 in their opener two weeks ago.

Oregon State (0-2) returns to Corvallis to host Cal Poly next week.