DJ Uiagalelei did not have a standout receiver at wide receiver. ClemsonThis is why the quarterback did not live up to expectations in his three years there. Perhaps he should have thrown to a member of the offensive line.
Oregon State and offensive coordinator Brian Lindgren may have cracked the code early in the Beavers’ matchup versus San Diego State. In the second quarter on a first-and-goal from the three-yard line, Uiagalelei dropped back and rolled to his right. But then he turned to throw a backwards pass to his wide-open left tackle Joshua Gray.
Gray’s eligibility as a receiver was not recognized by the Aztecs defense. Gray had no defenders surrounding him and two blocking players in front of his. He jogged into the end zone for an easy touchdown.
Oregon State has drawn up a beautiful LARGE GUY play for the TD! 🏈🦫pic.twitter.com/6usZFQT6qP
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 16, 2023
A big guy scoring a touchdown is always a hit! Gray’s first scoring play was his career debut. It was a lateral so the touchdown is counted more as a running touchdown than a reception. Gray is sure to take it.
Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
Uiagalelei will probably be happy with the outcome, too, even though it does not give him his sixth touchdown for the season.
At halftime, Oregon State leads San Diego State, 12–3. Uiagalelei completed 8 of 17 passes for 141 yardage.
