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CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Several players stepped up their game Saturday in the contest between BYU and Oregon State. Those players were the difference, the game-changers.
Here's a look at those players and what they did to receive recognition:
Cody Hoffman, BYU WR: Hoffman was Riley Nelson's primary target against Oregon St. Hoffman finished with nine catches for 162 yards and a touchdown, but those stats don't quite reflect his overall performance. Several of Hoffman's catches were of the acrobatic-type, jumping over Beaver DBs, snaring bouncing balls, etc.
Michael Alisa, BYU RB: Alisa has becomes the Cougars bruiser. The Timpview High School (Provo) grad's longest run was only 10 yards, but he finished with 84 yards on 20 hard-fought carries and a touchdown. Alisa never goes down on first touch and reminds me of a pinball the way he can bounce off defenders, keep his balance and keep moving forward for positive gains.
JJ Di Luigi, BYU RB: While Di Luigi only carried the ball eight times he made the most them, including a 41-yard scamper that set up BYU's last touchdown. The senior running back had 74 yards and a score; he also caught one ball for three yards.
Riley Nelson, BYU QB: Nelson still struggles with certain throws, but he certainly is effective at what he does do well. Nelson also avoided the second half doldrums that plagued him against San Jose State when he finished 6 for 15 and two turnovers after starting 8 for 9 with three touchdowns. Against Oregon State, Nelson was 17 for 27 for 217 yards and three touchdowns. He was most dangerous on the ground where the Beavers couldn't keep up with him. Nelson's well-timed runs betted him 87 yards on 12 carries.
Markus Wheaton, Oregon St. WR: Wheaton caught eight balls for 104 yards and was often on the receiving end when OSU needed a first down. Five of Wheaton's catches resulted in a first down; three of those on third down.
Jordan Poyer, Oregon St. CB,KR: Poyer picked off Nelson and returned the interception 51 yards for the score. That touchdown tied the ball game up at 14 and swung the momentum to the Beavers. Poyer almost had a second INT in the second half on a pass intended for BYU WR Ross Apo, but was only able to knock the ball away. Poyer also returned seven kicks for 171 yards, including a 57-yarder that put the Beavers inside the Cougars' 40-yard line. However, four plays later BYU LB Brandon Ogletree intercepted OSU QB Sean Mannion.
Honorable Mention:
BYU Defense: The Cougar defense gave up 21 points and allowed 361 yards, but much of that came at the end of the game. The Cougars completely stifled the Beavers' running game (56 yards on 23 carries) and forced four turnovers, which prevented the Beavers from taking advantage of BYU's missed opportunities.
Email: gjohns@ksl.com
