Oregon State's offense is in Darrell Garretson's capable hands

Oregon State quarterback Darrell Garretson put up a nice performance in last night’s 30-23 loss to Minnesota and showed he is the answer at the Beavers’ quarterback spot.

After a season of miserable quarterback play, Oregon State looked to have life last night with transfer quarterback Darrell Garretson. The former Utah State quarterback put up respectable numbers against a good Minnesota defense.

Last season, the Golden Gophers were in the top quarter of the nation in yards allowed per game. This season, they returned five defensive starters including linebackers Cody Poock and Jack Lynn. The duo combined for 175 total tackles and 16.5 tackles for loss.

Garretson looked undeterred. For the Beavers’ first score, he just took what the defense gave him and let running back Ryan Nall do most of the damage. But on third and goal, Garretson delivered a six-yard touchdown strike to tight end Noah Togiai to get them on the board.

Garretson’s second touchdown pass of the night was even better than his first. He led the Beavers on a quick drive completing 4-of-5 passes including a nice 3rd-and-five completion to keep the drive alive. He capped the drive with a pretty 30-yard touchdown to Victor Bolden on a go route. The pass tied the game and kept the Beavers in the game against Minnesota at half.

The second half wasn’t nearly as successful, but he managed to add another touchdown pass in the third quarter. He threw two quick out-of-the-backfield passes to get the Beavers in position. He capped the short drive with a 12-yard touchdown pass to Tim Cook in the face of a Minnesota blitz. No, the Beavers didn’t come away with a win. But, the offense looked much better.

He kept his poise throughout the game despite taking some hellacious hits including two unblocked strip-sacks by Minnesota defensive end Tai’yon Devers. He was sacked four times on the night. But, Oregon State’s offense looked like it had an identity under him. They were a balanced offense that showed some promise.

He managed to show his wheels a few times converting a third down and 10 early on in the game. However, the box score doesn’t reflect that because of all the sacks. He ended with six carries for minus-3 yards.

Garretson’s second shot at showing the Oregon State offense that he should be the starter comes in two weeks against Idaho State at home.