Oregon State Beavers head coach Trent Bray was visibly upset with his special teams unit after a costly error during their 36-27 loss to Fresno State on Saturday. The incident occurred in the second quarter when punter AJ Winsor mishandled a snap, leading to a bouncing punt that Fresno State returner Jaden Carrillo recovered for a 32-yard touchdown. Carrillo’s score gave the Bulldogs a 20-15 lead, sparking Bray’s frustration as he berated his players in the locker room, using an expletive to emphasize his disappointment. Bray acknowledged the team’s self-inflicted mistakes, stating, ‘We’ve allowed ourselves to create their success.’
The Beavers’ struggles continued, as their next two possessions resulted in a turnover on downs and a missed field goal, ultimately leading to their 0-2 start to the season. Fresno State’s late-game surge, including 16 points in the fourth quarter, secured their 2-1 record. The game’s turning point was the special teams error, which allowed Fresno State to seize momentum and take control of the contest. Bray’s frustration was evident throughout the game, with his criticism directed at both his special teams unit and the defense, which allowed two long runs for touchdowns. The head coach emphasized the need for the team to correct its mistakes and avoid self-destruction in future games.
Despite the loss, Bray remained optimistic, stating that the team’s ability to mount a late rally showed resilience. However, the Beavers’ struggles in the special teams unit and defensive lapses highlighted areas that need improvement. The game’s outcome underscored the importance of execution in college football, where a single mistake can have significant consequences. With the season opener behind them, Oregon State faces the challenge of addressing these issues to avoid further setbacks and improve their performance in upcoming games.