Oregon State’s unbelievable Pick-6 against Purdue was a matter of luck and skill

Zakaih Saez’s incredible Pick-6 against Purdue has to be seen to be believed

Saturday evening’s game between Purdue and Oregon State saw the first points come via a Beavers’ Pick-Six.

That in and of itself is not overly notable, as plays like that happen often on college football Saturdays, even to open the scoring. But just how Oregon State’s Zakaih Saez was able to pull off this Pick-Six has to be seen to be believed.

Purdue began their second possession of the game on their own 27-yard line, and on first down the Boilermakers looked to put the ball in the air. Quarterback Hudson Card dropped into the pocket and took a quick look downfield, before throwing a swing route to running back Reggie Love III, who ran his route to the right side of the formation.

Card’s throw is a bit low, and ricochets off Love’s left leg, into the arms of Saez who was rushing off the edge:

Sometimes in sports, it is better to be lucky than good, but in fairness, Saez was both on this play. The right tackle tries to execute a cut block on Saez on the edge, but the Oregon State defender has enough athleticism to avoid the cut block and keep his balance.

He then has the awareness to snare the ball after it caroms off Love’s leg and skip into the end zone for a stunning Pick-Six.

Cannot say we’ve seen this before.