Fast start by Beaver D leads to win at ASU

IT WAS THE fast start Oregon State was looking for against ASU. Defensive pressure by the line, the offense stretching the field a bit, well those were found too. An upset road Pac-10 win is what the Beavs needed, and that the defense led the way made it that much better.

Sure, there were some lapses here and there in Oregon State's 28-17 win over Arizona State. But those are a lot easier to absorb when you storm out to a 21-3 lead.

Headed into the desert, at 2-2, seeking their first Pac-10 win and with a non-existent pass rush of late, the Beavers just wanted a win. They got it by bringing effective pressure and flying to the football on defense.

Sean Canfield and Co., who had misplaced the deep pass, found some of it again. Jacquizz Rodgers had some timely runs, James Rodgers pulled in a juggling circus ride of a grab in the end zone and Damola Adeniji went big play.

But it was the defensive pressure that opened up all the other doors.

Brandon Hardin with textbook coverage and a pick. Keaton Kristick blitzing and forcing an off-kilter incompletion to an open ASU receiver.

And Matt LaGrone early on was serving notice he's ready for DE prime time.

The Beavs also took advantage of Sun Devil miscues. A mishandled ASU punt was followed by Jacquizz Rodgers running to daylight. Sean Canfield opened the game 5-for-6 -- finishing 18 of 30 for 216 yards and two TD's with one interception.

ASU made a play to take back momentum in the second quarter, putting together a strong drive and Oregon State failed to bring the pressure and intensity they started the game with...for a while.

But then Stephen Paea blew up the middle. And Ben Terry crushed the ballcarrier for a two-yard loss. And he'll take the ball too, thank you very much.

The Terry forced fumble was recovered by LaGrone, who was looking like an impact Pac-10 rush defensive end in the first half.

More than that, the Sun Devils, down 21-3, started to press. And Oregon State's defense kept on keeping on.

Maybe, just maybe Oregon State could do it again. The past three years, a slow start has been followed by a thunderous run. And there was much to like about the way the Beaver defense played tonight.