David Zalubowski | AP Photo

Welcome to the first 2017 edition of The Morning After, following Oregon State's 58-27 blowout loss to Colorado State in its season opener.



If you're new to this weekly element of our game coverage, The Morning After is an informal look at the Beavers' most recent contest after everybody has gotten a night of sleep.



I'll empty my notebook with tidbits and quotes that did not fit in our more traditional postgame stories for The Oregonian and OregonLive.com. I'll attempt to put what happened on Saturday into the context of the season and analyze what it means going forward. And I'll invite you, the readers, to chime in with your own thoughts via Twitter or in the comments section.

Don't Edit

First, here are our stories from Fort Collins:

My game story on what Andersen called an "embarrassing" performance.



John Canzano's column on how OSU lost its identity.



A by-the-numbers look at the Beavers' lopsided defeat.

Don't Edit

20 additional notes and observations (and a bonus)

1. The Rams' 58 points are the most given up by OSU during Gary Andersen's tenure, which I found surprising given the number of blowouts in 2015. The previous high was 54 points allowed against Cal in 2015. It's also the most points Colorado State has scored against a Pac-12 opponent, surpassing the 48 points put up against Washington State in the 2013 New Mexico Bowl. Fun fact: OSU tight ends coach Dave Baldwin was Colorado State's offensive coordinator during that game.



It was not exactly stunning to see OSU's defensive front continue to struggle, given the Beavers' problems stopping the run in 2016 and their less-than-ideal depth heading into the season. But the miscommunication and blown assignments at linebacker and in the secondary was a surprise. Manase Hungalu highlighted that during his postgame press conference, and Andersen agreed.



"That's bad coaching," Andersen said. "If the kids are saying that? Period. That's bad coaching. It stinks for a kid to walk in and say that and that's the way he feels — that that defense isn't ready to go out there and communicate."

Don't Edit

2. A lot of people on social media scoffed at Andersen’s comment that Saturday’s performance put him in “uncharted waters.” Apparently, some Wisconsin fans (who seem to be in pretty good shape with Paul Chryst now in Madison) are still salty about that 59-0 loss to Ohio State in the Big Ten championship game before Andersen left for Corvallis. And Beavers fans pointed to all of 2015. Both are fair to bring up, as would some of the early losses while Andersen was rebuilding at Utah State. But we had heard all offseason about the Beavers’ progress. Coaches and players were clearly confident going into Fort Collins. That’s what made the second-half collapse so jarring. Andersen’s postgame media session was reminiscent of 2015, or the Colorado game last season. Maybe there’s something in the water in that state.

Don't Edit

3. Jake Luton’s pick-six was a bad, off-his-back-foot throw and a clear momentum-shifter. But his performance was pretty solid overall, especially considering how much OSU struggled to run the ball outside of Ryan Nall’s 75-yard touchdown. He settled down after some early overthrows. He completed passes to nine different receivers. He showed an ability to escape pressure and throw on the run that could be surprising given his size. His 25-yard touchdown strike to Noah Togiai early in the fourth quarter was a terrific ball. The controversial non-touchdown pass to Togiai at the first half was also a great play.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

For what it's worth, this happened right below us in press box and I thought Togiai bobbled it when I watched it live. https://t.co/NVEqy8rIBs — Gina Mizell (@ginamizell) August 26, 2017

4. The above tweet also drew some halftime snark. To clarify, I meant that I understood why it was called an incomplete pass on the field. Why wasn't the call overturned after the review? Who knows. But note that the call "stood," rather than being "confirmed." Fun fact: The replay booth was right next to OSU athletic director Scott Barnes' box.



Here's what Andersen had to say about the review:



"The (OSU coaches) up in the box said they thought he caught it, and then I saw the same thing everybody else saw on the video board. It wasn't (a catch) because (the refs) said it wasn't."

Don't Edit

5. Togiai is a budding star.

Don't Edit

6. Jordan Villamin finished with seven catches for 77 yards to lead the Beavers. His season-high for catches last season? Six.

Don't Edit

7. Thomas Tyner’s OSU debut: four carries, eight yards.

Don't Edit

8. If you predicted that Timmy Hernandez would score the first touchdown of the 2017 college football season, here’s a virtual cookie.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

9. The Beavers have scored first in four consecutive games. They’re 2-2 in those contests, with wins over Arizona and Oregon and losses to Colorado State and UCLA.

Don't Edit

10. Nall tallied his seventh-career 100-yard rushing performance and also moved into 16th on OSU’s all-time list with 1,521 yards. His 75-yard touchdown was the third-longest run of his career.

Don't Edit

11. OSU's quest to record 30 sacks and 30 takeaways this season:

Sacks: 0

Takeaways: 2

Don't Edit

12. An OSU defender who had impressive moments Saturday? Sophomore linebacker Andrzej Hughes-Murray, who had seven tackles, one pass breakup, one quarterback hurry and a monster hit on Rams quarterback Nick Stevens before Kyle White picked off the pass. Stevens said that hit "took every ounce of breath" he had, but he responded quite well after that play by throwing for 334 yards and three touchdowns.

Don't Edit

13. The only notable in-game injury was to Elu Aydon (left leg), who was on crutches in the second half. Starting receiver Seth Collins and reserve safety Drew Kell, who are both currently out with injuries, made the trip. Collins looked like his fiery self while pumping teammates up during warm-ups.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

14. Andersen downplayed the elevation before the game, but it was also quite hot on the field turf. Players and coaches likely won’t admit it, but I wonder how big of a factor that was, particularly for a defense that looked slow and out of position.

Don't Edit

15. Andersen also noted that he thought the Beavers' receivers were "slow" in the second half.



"I think it made it harder to throw the ball," Andersen said. "I don't know that that means, play more guys?"

Don't Edit

16. Two big stats. Rams scored 27 points off of OSU’s five turnovers and dominated the time of possession in the third quarter 10:20 to 4:40.

Don't Edit

17. For a first game, OSU was pretty clean on penalties, with three for 21 yards. Colorado State committed eight for 40 yards.

Don't Edit

18. According to the official stats, players who made their OSU debuts Saturday: Transfers Luton, Tyner, Austin Hudson, Trevorris Johnson and Quinn Smith, true freshmen Isaiah Hodgins, Calvin Tyler, Tino Allen, David Morris, Kesi Ah-hoy and Bryce Bramscher, redshirt freshmen Kee Whetzel, Doug Taumoelau, Hamilcar Rashed, Nous Keobounnam, Nick Janakes and Jaydon Grant and junior Connor Kelsey.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

19. Next week’s contest against Portland State is suddenly interesting, given the result in Fort Collins and how the Vikings hung with BYU before falling 20-6. How much will Andersen glean from Kalani Sitake, the former OSU defensive coordinator who is now in his second season as BYU’s head coach?

Don't Edit

20. I’m also fascinated to see how Colorado State plays Colorado next weekend. As poor as OSU played defensively, the Rams’ offense was as balanced and explosive as advertised. Michael Gallup in particular looked like an NFL-caliber receiver.

Don't Edit

21. Colorado State’s new stadium was indeed beautiful. I bet that was a fun trip for fans to make, other than the game’s second half. I also encountered a couple random OSU-Colorado State connections during my stay. On the rental car shuttle at the Denver airport, I sat across from a family from Bend. The parents are both Colorado State alumns but OSU is their “second team.” They hadn’t been back to Fort Collins in about two decades and were excited to take their three kids around campus. Then while waiting at the gate for my flight back to Portland, I noticed a man in OSU gear with a woman in a Colorado State jersey. They weren’t speaking much, but it was also 5 a.m.

Don't Edit

Six plays you may have forgotten

1. Villamin’s most important reception perhaps came on the Beavers’ second drive, when he took a 13-yard catch and run over the middle for a first down on third-and-10. Four plays later, Luton hit Hernandez for the 39-yard score.

Don't Edit

2. On the Rams’ ensuing drive, tight end Cameron Butler fired up the sideline when he knocked Beavers top cornerback Xavier Crawford onto his backside. That drive ended with Izzy Matthews scoring a 1-yard touchdown to tie the game 7-7.

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

3. A Colorado State offsides penalty negated a blocked field goal, giving Jordan Choukair a chance to nail a career-high 40-yarder. But Luton avoided a sack on third down, keeping the Beavers in field-goal range.

Don't Edit

4. While in the red zone in the second quarter, Trey Smith tipped a Stevens pass to himself for an 11-yard gain. Bright Ugwoegbu and Crawford were both in the vicinity, and the ball possibly could have been intercepted if it had hung in the air just a bit longer or been tapped slightly a different direction. Just a wacky play.

Don't Edit

5. The highlight play on OSU’s drive right before the half was the leaping 34-yard catch by Trevon Bradford. But on second-and-10 from the OSU 43, reserve running back Trevorris Johnson corralled a 16-yard catch and run and got out of bounds to stop the clock. It was a bit surprising to see Johnson in the game at that moment, but that could be a nod to his abilities in pass protection.

Don't Edit

6. There were a couple missed opportunities for the Beavers defense on Colorado State’s first drive of the third quarter. Whetzel whiffed on a potential sack on second-and 7. On fourth-and-2 from the OSU 18, Stevens scrambled and fell forward for a 3-yard gain. On third-and-goal from the 7, Brandon Arnold let an interception bounce off his hands in the end zone. The Rams settled for a field goal, but that drive took nearly six minutes.

Don't Edit

Quotable

Crawford on the defensive performance: "One person not doing their assignment will lead to big plays, and we saw that today."

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

From the Twitterverse

Don't Edit

For year 3, of a defensive-minded head coach's era, yesterday was concerning. It's a long season, but OSU seems to be a year or so away — Raju Woodward (@RWoodward12) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Disappointed. Was quite the let down. Luton looks promising. Defense is slowww. Why not change rbs during same possession? More Nall. — Nicky Nitro (@nickenitro) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Poor defense. Poor play calling. New year, same old beavs. — JuicyJake (@cupcakejake) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Im not worried about the offense, the more time they have to gel the better they will be. The talent is there, Luton is an upgrade — Chad Franklin (@ChadFranklin97) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

No hot seat yet, but someone should check to make sure the pilot light is working — Matthew Ciaffoni (@MattCiaffoni) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Still don't understand why OSU didn't run, run, run. It went away from its strength too often (and could've kept its defense off the field) — Chris Barron (@tbc5150) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Are we sure Gary knows what he is doing? The seat should be getting warm. Jonathan Smith come home!!!!! — PNW SportsTakes (@NWSportsTakes) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Still in FC for a couple days (mini vaca). Glad there's lots of good microbrews to consume and hiking to be done (not in that order). — Leo Castaneda (@PoliCastaneda) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Hoping the elevation/heat made the defense look worse than it is. If not... welp. — Alex Edwards (@alexdedw) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Offense will gel and be much better. Defense....uhh ummm wellll. Maybe let's hope CSU is New Year's Day bowl quality. Otherwise, long year. — Kyle W (@Smokeydahbear1) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

There was a game yesterday? I can't recall watching a game yesterday. I did have a horrible nightmare but PSU is season opener! #GoBeavs — Josh Spencer 🇺🇸 (@JoshSpencer503) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

He did this and only carried the ball 15 times. With our group of RB's, should have been pounding the ball down their throats more. pic.twitter.com/Or7Qsiz60F — Kiel Whitehead (@KielWhitehead24) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

We are always behind the kids & the program. Leadership, physicality, focus, communication & play calling are all areas for growth. #GoBeavs — BleedOrange&Black (@DAM_Loyal) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Exactly. Biggest concern is D where GA was supposed to help immediately. 3 yrs in and still no better. Build!! — Jason Bate (@jasonbate21) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Here's the defense from yesterday pic.twitter.com/7nONdwwg6O — Kiel Whitehead (@KielWhitehead24) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

They say that year 3 is when teams start turning corner under new coach. IMO that was one of the worst games we've seen under GA. No fight. — Reid Hornberger (@Reid_Hornberger) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Our D1 athletes had 15yd cushions on the outside & still got beat over the top? Couldn't stop rush too. Do we win another game outside PSU? — Jesse Barnes (@itsjbarnesduh) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Dissapointing but not a disaster. It's a long season. Keep believing Beaver Nation🏈 — Jim Patterson (@RedHillsVPJP) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Yesterday was a disaster no doubt, but Luton is better than what the Beavs have had for a while. Nall is a baller. Togiai looked good. — Michael Wilson (@pigskinopinion) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

I was disappointed. We didn't play to our strengths in the 2nd half. Got desperate. D needs to defend the flats. Hopefully they'll tune up — Disco & Funk are my anti-drugs (@Jude_Thaddaeus) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

First half more indicative of OSU quality. Hard to keep up with four turnovers in second half. — harv056 (@harv056) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Thought 1st half showed promise. Will now see how Luton handles adversity. Concerned that defense will be bad. Perhaps the heat got us? — Steven Zielke (@zmus) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Way they lost was obviously disappointing. Expected some nastiness on both lines but didn't see much. — Suburban Guy (@CheesePizza78) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Too hard to watch over recent years. I will stick with the Beavs for life but it's just not fun anymore. Embarrassing losses need 2 stop. — J H (@jeffh714) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

If they don't kick the pants off PSU even with a win I'll be even more concerned, — Suburban Guy (@CheesePizza78) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

@BeaverFootball Head Coach should of known better he played too many games and lost and lost big time! McMaryion was a steal for MWC! — Liz Terry (@lizt74) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Nall needs at least 10 more carries! #wreckingnall — 🔶◼️Chad◾️🔶 (@chadspeers) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Time for the offense to go double TE with Togiai and Hernandez, put Hodgins and Villamin at WR and rotate the fresh RBs in, leaning on Nall — Kiel Whitehead (@KielWhitehead24) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

A tale of 2 1/2's. Very clear Beavs weren't in best condition 2 deal w/ altitude/heat. Defense needs help-will improve w/time. #11Strong https://t.co/upZHUsp8iz — Karen Guinn (@Poravi76) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

6-6 for the beavers would be great for them, but I see them only winning 3 games this year. — Matt (@hhh000295) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Players make plays. Players win games. It's not the end of the world. — Jimbo (@jimmy0726) August 27, 2017

Don't Edit

Don't Edit

Just sad... So sad. What will happen when they get to PAC-12 schedule? #Fearthebasement — Dennis Flabetich (@DFlabetich) August 27, 2017