Oregon State Beavers secured a decisive 52-17 victory over the Montana Grizzlies at Reser Stadium on September 19, 2026, marking their first win of the season after two losses.
Why it matters: This game was a turning point for Oregon State, who had been seeking their first victory under new head coach JaMarcus Shephard. The win boosts team morale and sets the stage for the rest of the season.
Oregon State entered the matchup with an 0-2 record, having lost to Houston and Texas Tech by 13 and 11 points, respectively.
Montana came into the game unbeaten at 3-0, ranked third in the FCS after a strong performance against Utah Tech.
The Beavers' offensive performance showcased their potential, particularly quarterback Braden Atkinson's impressive showing.
Driving the news: Kickoff for the game was set for 11:00 PM ET on USA Network, with fans eager to see if Oregon State could bounce back after a rocky start to the season.
Atkinson threw for five touchdown passes and ran for another score, demonstrating his dual-threat capability.
Oregon State's offense was explosive, scoring multiple times and keeping Montana's defense on its heels throughout the game.
This marked the first meeting between Oregon State and Montana since 1996, when the Grizzlies won 35-14 in Corvallis.
State of play: The Beavers were favored by 17.5 points heading into the game, a reflection of their expectations against the FCS powerhouse.
Oregon State's passing attack was among the most productive in the nation, with Atkinson throwing for 789 yards in the first two games.
Receiver Jesse Legree led the nation with 376 receiving yards, proving to be a key target for Atkinson.
Montana's running back Eli Gillman had a standout performance in their previous game, rushing for 147 yards and three touchdowns.
The big picture: This victory is a promising sign for Oregon State as they continue to build under Shephard's leadership.
The Beavers' performance against a ranked opponent like Montana can serve as a confidence booster moving forward.
With their first win now secured, Oregon State aims to leverage this momentum in upcoming games.
Montana, though defeated, remains a strong contender in the FCS and will look to regroup in their next matchups.
What they're saying: Post-game reactions highlighted the significance of the win for Oregon State.
"We knew we had to come out strong and prove ourselves after a tough start," Atkinson said. "This win shows what we can do when we play together."
Coach JaMarcus Shephard praised the team's resilience, stating, "This was a much-needed victory. We showed our potential tonight."
Montana's coach acknowledged the challenge, saying, "Oregon State is a tough team, and they capitalized on our mistakes."
By the numbers: The statistics from the game highlighted Oregon State's dominance.
Oregon State scored 52 points, marking their highest total of the season so far.
Atkinson's five touchdown passes tied a personal record and showcased his growth as a quarterback.
Montana managed only 17 points, a stark difference from their previous scoring output against Utah Tech.
What's next: Looking ahead, Oregon State will aim to build on this victory as they prepare for their next opponent.
The Beavers will focus on maintaining their momentum and improving their game strategy.
Montana will regroup and analyze their performance, preparing for their upcoming challenges in the FCS.
As the season progresses, both teams will look to solidify their standings within their respective conferences.