Oregon State's final scrimmage
This is a press release courtesy of the Oregon State Beavers
Oregon State’s first two scrimmages of the spring practice session belonged to the offense; the final scrimmage belonged to the defense as the unit made five interceptions, forced two fumbles and surrendered just 24 points in the 110-play drill Saturday at Reser Stadium in front of 5,086 fans.
The offense did have a few bright spots as senior quarterback Sean Canfield completed 20 of 32 pass attempts for 182 yards and a 2-yard touchdown pass to tight end Brady Camp. Canfield was intercepted three times however.
“Too many turnovers today, I think Sean had more today than the other two scrimmages combined,” Beaver head coach Mike Riley said. “But, there were reasons for those interceptions too. It wasn’t a great way for Sean to finish; he’s had an outstanding spring.”
University of Virginia transfer Peter Lalich saw his first scrimmage action of the spring and in his debut completed 10 of 17 attempts for 214 yards, including touchdown passes of 20 yards to Kevan Walker and 45 yards to Jordan Bishop. Second unit quarterback Ryan Katz connected on 10 of 21 for 101 yards.
The scrimmage ended what has been a somewhat painful 15-day spring workout period for the Beavers. In addition to previously injured players missing some or all of the entire period, first team offensive tackle Timi Oshinowo injured his knee and had to be assisted to the sidelines.
“We lost some guys during this spring, I don’t know if it’s more than normal, but anytime you lose guys it’s bad,” Riley said.
Riley also announced that running back Ryan McCants (knee), linebacker Tony Wilson (knee) and receiver Kaulin Krebs (knee) will require surgery in the near future. McCants injured his knee in the second scrimmage, Wilson during last Monday’s practice and Kaulin early in spring.
The defense on Saturday was led by the interceptions of Dwight Roberson, Anthony Watkins, Lance Mitchell, Taylor Henry and James Dockery. Roberson and Mitchell also forced fumbles.
Postseason honors candidate Keaton Kristick demonstrated why he is considered one of the best at his linebacker position by making several big hits and once again the Beavers look to have a formidable cast. The Beavers once again appear to have one of the best linebacker corps in the nation with David Pa’aluhi, Keith Pankey, Roberson and Kristick.
Oregon State now takes a break from the field, returning for the first practice of the 2009 season Aug. 10.