Anderson, Newson make the connection.

Byline: Jeff Smith The Register-Guard

CORVALLIS - Derek Anderson and James Newson worked long hours together all summer to develop the chemistry needed between a quarterback and wide receiver intent on leading their team to a Pac-10 title.

Saturday, those efforts came to fruition.

Anderson and Newson each had record days to help lead Oregon State to a 26-24 victory over Boise State before 35,963 at Reser Stadium.

Anderson completed 19-of-37 passes for a career-high 408 yards, and Newson hauled in nine catches for a career-high 208 yards.

"He tells me, `Put it out there, and I'm going to make a play for you,' ' Anderson said of Newson. "I just kept throwing it out there and he just kept going up and getting them. He had a great day today."

With star running back Steven Jackson admittedly not at full strength with a mild strain in his left knee, the pressure shifted to Anderson to guide the Beavers against a Broncos team that entered the game with the nation's second-best scoring defense.

Anderson wasted little time in setting the tone, connecting with Newson for passes of 14 and 17 yards on Oregon State's first two offensive plays.

The Beavers would settle for a field goal on the series, but Anderson connected with tight end Joe Newton on a 40-yard touchdown pass on the next possession to give his team an early 10-0 lead.

Anderson went on to pass for 149 yards in the first quarter and had 257 at halftime to give him self-confidence that had been missing this season.

In his first three games, the 6-foot-6 junior from Scappoose had completed only 49-of-109 for 791 yards with four touchdowns and seven interceptions. He also had been the recipient of harsh criticism from fans and media alike.

"It was kind of a relief knowing that I was capable of playing like I did today," said Anderson, who didn't throw an interception. "Just going out there and letting guys make plays for me and not forcing things. Things started clicking today."

A big reason for that was Newson, whose previous high was 190 yards against Northern Arizona in 2001.

Newson, who missed Oregon State's season opener with a hip pointer, said he sensed in the locker room before kickoff that he was going to do something special out on the field.

"I kind of felt a little bit before that I was going to have a good game," said Newson, who also became the all-time OSU career leader in receptions with 156. "There was just that fire within me."

The longest reception between Anderson and Newson was a 53-yard play that led to a first-half field goal, but the most important was a 48-yard connection on third-and-seven to open the fourth quarter.

On the next play, Jackson ran 11 yards up the middle for a key touchdown to give the Beavers a 26-17 lead.

It was the type of all-around offensive performance that Oregon State coach Mike Riley had been waiting for, and he knows it will need to continue with the start of Pac-10 play Saturday at home against Arizona State.

"We've had some adversity we've had to conquer," said Riley, alluding to the struggles of Anderson. "Today was a great, great game. I think it will be good for Derek. I was really excited for him."