CORVALLIS – Among the most surprising developments to emerge from Oregon State’s 37-35 loss to Nevada last Saturday was finding a defense that could, well, actually defend.
After getting torched for 182 first-quarter yards and finding itself in a 30-7 hole early in the second quarter, Oregon State’s defense suddenly became a menace. Of Nevada’s final 11 drives, only one produced points. The Wolf Pack had fewer yards during the final three quarters (175) than their first-quarter production of 182.
Did OSU’s defensive coaches make some significant adjustments, or try a different scheme? Beavers coach Jonathan Smith says he asked defensive coordinator Tim Tibesar, because like many watching the game, he wondered what caused the dramatic shift in production.