CORVALLIS, Ore. – November 9, 2025 – In a stunning upset at Reser Stadium, the Sam Houston Bearkats defeated the Oregon State Beavers 21‑17, snapping an eight‑game losing streak and handing the Beavers a major blow late in their season.
Special‑Teams Spark Seals the Win
The Bearkats scored only once on offense—a 35‑yard touchdown pass from quarterback Mabrey Mettauer to receiver Chris Reed just before halftime—but made the difference with two second‑half special‑teams touchdowns. Tim Burns Jr. returned the opening kickoff of the third quarter 98 yards for a score, and later, linebacker Lyric Smith blocked a punt that Brody Henderson scooped up and raced 31 yards to put Sam Houston ahead with 8:29 remaining. Despite being out‑gained 474 to 157 in total yardage, the Bearkats’ opportunistic approach earned the result.
For Sam Houston: Breakthrough Moment
- The win improves Sam Houston’s 2025 record to 1‑8 and prevents the first 0‑9 start in program history.
- First‑year head coach Phil Longo records his first win since 2005, signalling a potential turning point for the program.
- The victory proves that strategic special‑teams plays and discipline can tilt outcomes—even when the offense is limited.
For Oregon State: A Stark Reality Check
- The Beavers drop to 2‑8 overall and 2‑5 at home, deepening concerns about depth, execution and consistency in leadership.
- Running back Anthony Hankerson churned out 33 carries for 166 yards and two touchdowns, but nothing else clicked; quarterback Gabarri Johnson finished 28‑of‑39 for 283 yards with two interceptions and no touchdowns.
- The defeat raises significant questions about Oregon State’s playoff hope and the program’s trajectory heading into the offseason.
Strategic Insights
- Sam Houston’s special‑teams touchdowns were decisive—without them, the deficit in yardage and first‑downs would likely have cost them.
- Oregon State dominated conventional metrics yet failed to convert opportunities into a win, highlighting the importance of situational execution and avoiding untimely errors.
- The emotional momentum swings will linger: Sam Houston gets a long‑sought breakthrough; Oregon State faces introspection at a pivotal moment.
What to Watch Next
- Sam Houston will look to build on this morale‑lifting win and translate it into offensive improvement in upcoming games.
- Oregon State must address breakdowns in special‑teams coverage and situational awareness before their next matchup, or risk the season slipping further.
- Players to monitor: Reed’s big‑play ability for Sam Houston and Hankerson’s endurance for Oregon State will both shape how their teams move ahead.
Final Thoughts
This historic win for Sam Houston is about more than one score—it’s about belief, opportunism and a program refusing to quit. For Oregon State, the result is a reminder that yards and numbers don’t guarantee victory when key moments slip away. In the unforgiving world of college football, this game could define more than a week—it might define a season.
— Reporting for SportBuzzHub.com, November 9, 2025
