What Trent Bray said after Oregon State’s season-ending loss to Boise State: ‘We just didn’t get it done’

After the Oregon State Beavers ended their season with a 34-18 loss at No. 11 Boise State on Friday, coach Trent Bray shared his thoughts on his team’s performance.

From the performance of his standout players to the play of Boise State Heisman hopeful Ashton Jeanty, Bray answered a series of questions from reporters. Here is a transcript of his post-game interview session, lightly edited for brevity and clarity.

Q: The coach is a bit emotional after this and the seniors who have done their duty in the team and what do you think about that?

Scream: Yeah, I mean, like I said, they’ve done a lot for this program and been through a lot of ups and downs and appreciate everything they do.

Q: Talk about that game and why you came up short.

Scream: Yes, we had our chances, especially in the fourth quarter. We had the ball in the ninth a few times. We just didn’t make the plays and Boise made the plays in those crucial moments. And that’s why they are where they are and where we are.

Q: Let’s talk about Ben Gulbranson – I thought he had a gutsy performance today – and Darrius Clemons also kind of stepped up with eight receptions, 123 yards, a touchdown and a two-pointer.

Scream: Yes, that was by far Darrius’ best game. He played big, he broke tackles when he caught the ball, he made big catches. That’s what we expected from him, so it was a great ending and hopefully a starting point for him into next year.

Q: There were a few points in the first half that just didn’t go your way. How much of an impact do you think this had on the overall game?

Scream: I mean, it kept the drives going, so it had quite an impact because they were touchdown drives. Yes. I mean, it’s kind of the same old story in this league.

Q: Anthony Hankerson is rushing for over 1,000 yards this season. What particularly stood out to you this year?

Scream: He’s just a talented player. He is an extremely hard worker. It just crunches, it’s hard. I mean, he’s hurt both shoulders, injured his ankle and just keeps fighting. He’s exactly the guy you’re looking for.

Q: And then Trent Walker, another guy who had a historic season this year. Of course he didn’t finish the game, but he was there for you most of the year.

Scream: Yes, the same guy, a self-made guy, former walk-on, got a scholarship and became one of, if not our, best players. So yeah, I’m proud of these guys.

Q: (Ashton) Jeanty had his usual yards, but I thought you controlled him pretty well considering the bigger picture of the game.

Scream: Yes, broadly speaking, but as I discussed before the game, he will prevail. He’s a phenomenal player and just a really good, tough defender. But yes, we did a good job of not giving up on the big explosives for the most part.

Q: I assume their quarterback has let up a few too many times for your liking?

Scream: Yes Yes Yes. That’s definitely something moving forward as we move forward, and we need to fix that.

Q: How would you sum up the first year overall for you and this program? Of course, there are some great moments and some moments you’d probably like to forget.

Scream: Yes, there really are lessons learned. Learned a lot. There were a lot of close games that we were able to learn from both as coaches and as players, that will change in the future. And then when they do, it will look and feel the way we want it to.

Q: What does the next week look like for you?

Scream: We hold and conduct final meetings with all players. Where are you? What do you need to do in the offseason to get better? And then transparency again. They know exactly where they stand on the team and what they need to do to be the player and person they want to be.

Q: But beyond that you also have the contract signing day.

Scream: Absolutely, yes, you have signing day. Then the portal opens and a lot will happen in the next month.

Q: You will not be playing in a bowl game. But considering where things are in the program and some things need to be fixed, maybe it’s a blessing in disguise if that doesn’t get in the way come December?

Scream: I don’t know. I think it’s always good to make it to the postseason, another opportunity, more training, but yeah, I’m not sure which way to go with it.

— Nick Daschel covers that Oregon State Beavers. Reach him at 360-607-4824 or @nickdaschel. Listen to this Beaver Banter Podcast or subscribe Beavers Roundup Newsletter.