CORVALLIS — Many Oregon State fans scratched their heads when they watched the Beavers’ final offensive plays of Friday’s overtime loss at home against Houston.
Oregon State needed a single yard on third down to keep the drive going and chose to run a quarterback sneak with backup Gabarri Johnson instead of starter Maalik Murphy. The play was stuffed, as was a fourth-down carry from running back Cornell Hatcher Jr.
The failed decisions were followed by a Cougars field goal to end the game and questions about Murphy’s health.
Oregon State offensive coordinator Ryan Gunderson said Tuesday that Murphy, who left the field because of an injured hand, is “doing well” heading into Saturday’s game against Appalachian State at Boone, N.C.
That is a change from earlier in the week, as OSU coach Trent Bray said Monday that Murphy — who has started the Beavers’ first five games this season — didn’t participate in practice.
“He was full go,” Gunderson said. “He took a lot of reps and was feeling good. I didn’t necessarily know what we were going to get when I saw him [Monday], but he’s doing great. He was full go, locked in, and ready to rock and roll.”
Next game: Oregon State (0-5) at Appalachian State (2-2)
When: Saturday, Oct. 4
Time: 12:30 p.m. PT
Where: Kidd Brewer Stadium — Boone, North Carolina
TV Channel: ESPN+ (Not available on traditional broadcast TV, only streaming on ESPN’s live sports streaming platform. Here’s a look at how you can watch ESPN+ live on your TV.)
How to watch streaming live: You can watch a live stream of this game for less than $12 on ESPN+ (It’s just $11.99/month or $119.99/full year subscription, and you can cancel anytime.)
Odds (9/29): Oregon State by 1.5; over/under 54.5 (Action Network)