via Oregon State Athletic Communications
BOONE, N.C. –Maalik Murphy threw for 358 yards, Trent Walker had a career-high 13 receptions and David Wells Jr. scored two touchdowns, but it was not enough as Oregon State fell to Appalachian State, 27-23, on Saturday afternoon at Kidd Brewer Stadium.
With 1:40 left in the game, Aiden Sullivan forced a fumble that was recovered by Mountaineers’ quarterback J.J. Kohl in the end zone for a safety to cut the lead to 27-23.
The Beavers got the ball back and converted a first down to the App State 38-yard line on a 16-yard pass from Murphy to Zack Card. Six plays later a pass over the middle was intercepted by Zyeir Gamble to seal the win for the Mountaineers.
Murphy completed 30 of 45 passes for 358 yards and two touchdowns, Walker had career bests with 13 receptions and 179 yards, and Anthony Hankerson finished with 64 yards rushing on 19 carries.
Cornell Hatcher Jr. had Oregon State’s third touchdown in the game on a 15-yard pass from Murphy with 5:03 left in the third quarter to make it 24-21 App State.
Dexter Foster led the Beavers’ defense with 11 tackles, while Takari Hickle finished with eight and Jalil Tucker added seven. Zakaih Saez had a sack, Jojo Johnson and Hickle split a sack, and Nikko Taylor had a team-best 1.5 tackles for loss.
The Mountaineers jumped out to a 17-0 lead on a 49-yard field goal, 6-yard touchdown run by quarterback J.J. Kohl and 2-yard scoring rush by Rashod Buinion.
Oregon State got on the board in the second quarter on a 30-yard touchdown run by Wells Jr. on a reverse pitch from Gabarri Johnson. Wells Jr. added another touchdown in the second quarter on a 3-yard reception from Murphy to cut the deficit to 17-14 at halftime.
Oregon State had 253 yards of total offense in the first half, with Murphy throwing for 167 and Walker hauling in seven receptions for 87 yards.
The Beavers will next return to Reser Stadium to face Wake Forest at 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, October 11 in the annual Homecoming game. To purchase tickets, please call 541-737-2050 (ticket office hours are Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) or visit the Football Central Tickets page online. Fans can also click on this FAQ Link for more detailed information.
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