Thursday, September 25, 2008

Too Much Beaver For Trojans

Oregon State tailback Jacquizz Rodgers, left, looks to avoid Southern California's Vidal Hazelton, right, after losing his helmet during the first half of an NCAA college football game in Corvallis on Thursday, Sept. 25, 2008, in Corvallis, Ore.

I just couldn't help myself!

They're probably still storming the field in Corvallis, Oregon after what was the biggest upset of this young college football season.

The unranked Oregon State Beavers, 25-point underdogs, defeated the #1 ranked USC Trojans 27-21. They did it by using aggressive defense, solid blocking and spectacular play by the Rodgers brothers James and Jacquizz.

WR James Rodgers had 2 receptions for 36-yards and 2-touchdowns. But it was his younger brother "Quizz" who kept the Trojans on their heels with his inside running game. Quizz is all of 5 feet 6 inches tall, in cleats, which caused the USC defenders to tackle too high or just lose him altogether in the blocking beavers sea of orange jerseys. Quizz finished the game with 186-yards on 37 carries and 2 touchdowns.

The Trojans tried desperately to stop the little guy, horse collaring him a few times and wrenching his helmet off during a tackle or two. He needed help hopping off the field where a Trojan had rolled onto his ankle during his last touchdown run. But Quizz proved that football is more about heart than size with his lionhearted never-give-up style of play. The night definitely showcased the toughness of Jacquizz Rodgers aka "Quizz."

The game had it all; suspense, drama, excitement, tension, all being played out in a carnival like atmosphere of orange-clad Beaver fans of the northwest. And with the final Beavers kneel down, that same sea of orange poured out onto the field as if a Beaver Dam had burst. It was celebration time! ESPN did a splendid job of staying out of their own way and letting the game market itself. You just gotta love college football. Its march madness for four whole months. Wow!

Top 10 AP Ranking prior to game:

1. USC (62) 2-0 1,621
2. Oklahoma 3-0 1,484
3. Georgia (2) 4-0 1,475
4. Florida (1) 3-0 1,442
5. LSU 3-0 1,363
6. Missouri 4-0 1,360
7. Texas 3-0 1,174
8. Alabama 4-0 1,132
9. Wisconsin 3-0 1,091
10. Texas Tech 4-0 962



No comments: