DJ Uiagalelei lacked a standout wide receiver at Clemson, which is one reason the quarterback didn't follow through on expectations during his three seasons there. Maybe he should've thrown to some offensive lineman.
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.
The Aztecs' defense clearly didn't recognize that Gray was an eligible receiver on the play. With no defenders around him and two blockers in front of him, Gray jogged in for an easy touchdown.
Oregon State draws up a beautiful LARGE GUY PLAY FOR THE TD! 🏈🦫pic.twitter.com/6usZFQT6qP
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) September 16, 2023
Everybody loves seeing a big guy touchdown! That was the first career scoring play for Gray. Since it came on a lateral, the touchdown is counted as a rushing touchdown rather than a catch. But Gray will surely take it.
Soobum Im/USA TODAY Sports
Uiagalelei is likely fine with the result too, even if it doesn't give him what would've been his sixth touchdown pass for the season.
At halftime, Oregon State leads San Diego State, 12–3. Uiagalelei has thrown for 141 yards, completing 8-of-17 passes.
