Oregon State football camp: 3 takeaways from the Beavers' second scrimmage

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CORVALLIS -- If Saturday was a dress rehearsal for Oregon State football, it was all about the understudies.

The Beavers were in their full uniforms but sat several starters on both sides of the ball, giving them a break after a grueling fall camp. The second- and third-string players got the most shine.

OSU played its gameday hype video to a mostly empty Reser Stadium, jogged out of the tunnel, and ran just 40 plays in front of media. Here is what we saw in the team's second scrimmage of camp:

The defense forced turnovers. A fumbled snap was recovered by the Beavers' defensive line, and defensive back Mason White had a pick-six off a tipped pass from Tristan Ti'a.

Active hands and quick closing speed to the ball were strengths for the OSU defense on Saturday. It also took advantage of myriad mistakes by the offense, which included avoidable penalties.

Harlem Howard had a great open-field tackle, and Jojo Johnson picked up a sack. Defense won the day with mostly reserves on the field for both sides.

The offense wasn't itself. And that was mostly due to personnel. Maalik Murphy, Anthony Hankerson, Trent Walker and Bryce Caufield were among those not dressed for the scrimmage. Gabarri Johnson led the OSU "first team" offense, if it could be called that, and seems to have solidified his backup status.

Penalties, particularly along the offensive line, were a problem. But it would be far more of a concern with all of OSU's projected starters on the field. They can expect an earful from Mike Cavanaugh regardless.

And there is no pleasing Ryan Gunderson, either, a self-described perfectionist who joked that his wife often laments that aspect of his personality.

"There was too many penalties," Gunderson said. "Silly stuff, procedural stuff. I mean, you've got to make it look like football. That didn't look like football at times."

There were flashes of positivity for the OSU offense, however. Running back Cornell Hatcher Jr. broke off a few nice plays, including both a long run down the sideline and a quick touchdown up the gut. Taz Reddicks hauled in a deep ball from Ti'a, too.

But as if making the case for why you bubble wrap your starters at this point in camp, Reddicks was shaken up on the play. It did not appear serious, but the Beavers can't afford any more injuries in the wide receiver room.

Darrius Clemons was on the OSU sideline in a walking boot with a scooter, having injured his left leg earlier in the week. Bray did not provide an update on Clemons' status when asked after the scrimmage.

"All of our ones (starters) have over 250 reps in camp," Bray said. "So, you're talking about four games worth of reps. The two live situations we had before, they were extremely well, and they did a great job tackling. That wasn't a concern. ... It was more, let's get them fresh, right? So that when we get into Cal, they're operating at 100% and can fly around."

Oregon State (0-0) vs. California (0-0)