The Oregon State Beavers started the second half staring at a three-point deficit against the FCS Lafayette Leopards on Saturday night.

Amid a futility-filled season, were the Beavers really in danger of losing at home to a lower-tiered opponent and falling to 0-8, less than a week after the firing of head coach Trent Bray?

The Beavers quickly answered that question with a combination of three factors: a quarterback change, a stout defense and the powerful running of their lead back.

Quarterback Gabarri Johnson and the Beavers rolled up 168 rushing yards and scored three touchdowns in a dominant third quarter, powering the Beavers and interim coach Robb Akey to a 45-13 victory at Reser Stadium.

Johnson replaced Maalik Murphy on Oregon State’s second drive of the second half. An

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