3 TDs for Woods; #8 Beavs scoot Past Utah

By: Mike Rivera
The LBCC Commuter
Video/Sports Editor

It was history in the making here at Reser Stadium; a great day to be part of the Beaver Nation. Two back-to-back home game sellouts and going 6-0 for the first time since 1907, the Beavers showed how defense wins bowl eligibility as they beat the Utes, 21-7. This is the earliest ever that the Beavers have made bowl eligibility in all its history.

First Quarter, 3rd & 8, Trevor Wilson’s pass is intercepted by Michael Doctor. After Vaz hooks up with Cody Hamlett for a 12 yard gain to the Utes 3 yard line. Beavers set up Storm Woods for a 3 yard run, followed by a 1 yard carry for a touchdown. With the extra point good, the drive went for 16 yards on 3 plays as Beavers lead 7-0 with 00:57 in the first quarter.

Beginning of the 2nd quarter, Utes are stumped when a routine sack turns into a forced fumble as Wilson can’t hold onto the ball. Defensive end Dylan Wynn crawls and struggles to break free as he recovers the loose ball at the Utah 10 yard line. After Vaz connects with Wheaton for 5 yards, a penalty is called for roughing the pass, moving the ball to the Utes 2 yard line. Again, Storm Woods has an easy in, pushing forward for a 2 yard rushing touchdown, the second of his day. Beavers cap a 2 play, 10 yard drive with an extra point to put the Beavers ahead 14-0.

11:40 in the second quarter, Utes Wilson shows some life, completing a 14 and 25 yard passes to move into Beaver territory. On 2nd & 8, Wilson throws a strike down the middle, in double coverage, to TE Jake Murphy for a 18 yard touchdown. This capped a 10 play, 88 yard drive to get the Utes on the board, 14-7.

After a scoreless 3rd quarter, Vaz leads a drive down the field, connecting with Kevin Cummings on big gains and a pass to Wheaton setting the Beavers up on the Utah 2 yard line. Woods takes a sweep into the endzone to extend the Beaver’s lead to 21-7. The drive went 67 yards on 7 plays.

Late 4th quarter, Sean Martin picks off Wilson to end the game. As Vaz takes his last knee, smiles can only be seen as the Beavers wait to see their ranking tomorrow.

Game Notes:

• Cody Vaz threw no touchdowns or interception this game, stirring many to wonder if the return of Mannion could be sooner rather than later. A very quiet performance from the man who was named “PAC-12 Player of the Week”.
• Storm Woods three rushing touchdowns sets a career high and the hasn’t been done since Jovan Stevenson against University of Washington last year.