Corvallis, Ore. — Anthony Hankerson powered Oregon State to its first victory of the season, rushing for 204 yards and four touchdowns as the Beavers rolled past Lafayette 45–13 on Saturday night.
The win ended Oregon State’s eight-game losing streak dating back to last year. The Beavers (1–7) dominated on the ground, piling up 365 rushing yards and five touchdowns — their highest totals since 2016, when they racked up 474 yards and six scores against Cal.
After starting quarterback Maalik Murphy exited in the third quarter, backup Gabarri Johnson took control of the offense. Johnson completed 7 of 9 passes for 79 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while also rushing for 82 yards and a score on six carries.
Johnson’s touchdown pass — a fourth-and-goal strike to tight end Gabe Milbourn from the 1-yard line — put Oregon State ahead early in the second half. Later, his 20-yard rushing touchdown extended the lead to 24–13 late in the third quarter.
From there, Hankerson took over, breaking loose for touchdown runs of 1, 15, 9, and 65 yards, the final one sealing the Beavers’ emphatic win.
Lafayette (5–3), which entered the week with votes in the FCS coaches poll, led 13–10 at halftime before being outscored 35–0 the rest of the way.
Leopards quarterback Dean DeNobile finished 18 of 40 for 176 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Murphy, Oregon State’s starter, completed 9 of 12 passes for 75 yards before Johnson entered the game.
