Martinez gets No. 16 Oregon State going in 55-7 win over UC Davis
Oregon State wide receiver Rweha Munyagi Jr. (8) is lifted by offensive linemen Jake Levengood (70), next to Tanner Miller (61), as they celebrate Munyagi's touchdown against UC Davis during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. Credit: AP/Amanda Loman
CORVALLIS, Ore. — Damien Martinez ran for a 64-yard touchdown on Oregon State’s first offensive play, setting the tone in the 16th-ranked Beavers' 55-7 victory over UC Davis on Saturday.
Silas Bolden had a 65-yard punt return for a touchdown, and a 22-yard scoring reception in the second quarter as Oregon State (2-0) extended its 14-0 first-quarter lead to 38-0 at halftime.
In his second start for the Beavers, DJ Uiagalelei completed 8 of 13 passes for 107 yards and two touchdowns and ran for a score. He did not play in the second half. The Clemson transfer has accounted for five touchdown passes and three rushing scores in two games.
Lan Larison had a 38-yard run on the game’s opening drive for the Aggies (1-1), but that accounted for the majority of their offensive production in the first half. The drive ended when linebacker Easton Mascarenas-Arnold Jr. intercepted Miles Hastings’ tipped pass, and Oregon State scored on the next play.
The Beavers had 450 total yards to 166 for UC Davis, which scored a touchdown with 5:06 remaining to avoid a shutout.
It was the fifth career meeting between Oregon State and UC Davis, and first since 1930. The Beavers are 5-0 in the series.
PAC-12 TIES
Oregon State wide receiver Silas Bolden (7) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against UC Davis during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. Credit: AP/Amanda Loman
UC Davis coach Dan Hawkins was head coach at Colorado from 2006-10 after spending the previous five seasons at Boise State. Hawkins is in his seventh season at his alma mater.
NEW LOOK STADIUM
This was the first game at the $161 million west side remodel at Reser Stadium. Capacity is 35,548 with the potential for 36,000 with standing room.
THE TAKEWAY
Oregon State running back Deshaun Fenwick (1) is brought down by UC Davis defensive lineman Evan Bearden (86) during the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023, in Corvallis, Ore. Credit: AP/Amanda Loman
UC Davis: The Aggies of the Big Sky Conference, who were ranked No. 14 in this week’s FCS poll, stepped up in class against a Power 5 opponent and were overmatched.
Oregon State: The Beavers dominated a ranked, lower-division opponent. Uiagalelei has been effective thus far and gives Oregon State a dual threat at quarterback, along with freshman backup Aidan Chiles. The Beavers led the Pac-12 in total defense last season and have served notice early in 2023 that this could be a formidable unit once again.
POLL IMPLICATIONS
Oregon State likely will hold steady in next week’s rankings.
UP NEXT
UC Davis: Hosts Southern Utah on Saturday, Sept. 16.
Oregon State: Hosts San Diego State on Saturday, Sept. 16
