EL PASO, Texas - That something special the Rodgers brothers bring was missing.

The Oregon State football team's offense didn't have two of its most dynamic players due to injury, and it never really got going in the 75th Sun Bowl on Wednesday.

However, the Beavers gained enough yards so that kicker Justin Kahut could convert a 44-yard field goal in the second quarter, giving them a 3-0 victory over Pittsburgh.

"We knew it was going to be tough scoring on them no matter where we were on the field, but our defense pulled us through," quarterback Lyle Moevao said. "It's always tough playing without those guys. The amount of play they bring to the game is so much more."

Coach Mike Riley hoped someone would elevate their game to fill in. Junior running back Jeremy Francis did, even though he missed more than a week of practice to be with his mother when she underwent heart surgery.

He started the game as the third-down back, but his role increased with his success. He led the Beavers in rushing with 76 yards, grinding out tough yards when needed.

"It was well worth it coming back," said Francis, who had tears coming down his face after the game. "I was dreaming about making the game-winning touchdown. That didn't happen, but a win is a win any way it comes."

Francis is not planning to come back in the winter term so he can help his mother recover from surgery. However, he wants to return in the spring.

Riley will meet with him soon to figure out the logistics. Francis may fall behind in school, so the Beavers hope to figure out a way he can accrue enough credits so he can be eligible next season.

"I appreciate the support from the coaches, teammates and the whole program," Francis said. "I wouldn't be here without them. The game means a lot to me to help win it. It shows our perseverance."

Beyond Francis, the offense only gained 80 yards on the ground and 193 passing. Moevao was sacked five times and intercepted twice.

There was a drive at the end of the first half that could have ended in points, but Scott McKillop picked off Moevao in the end zone one play after John Reese was ruled not to have caught a TD in the end zone.

"It was frustrating making it to the red zone and not getting any points," Moevao said. "But with the way the defense was playing it didn't take much to win."

The Beavers punted 10 times. There was one drive that went well at the beginning of the third quarter, but Kahut missed a 37-yard field goal attempt.

Receivers dropped passes early, but came back strong. Moevao completed 21 of 42.

Moevao managed the game and kept mistakes to a minimum. The only other turnover was a fumble by starting running back Ryan McCants. He ran for 23 yards on six carries.

"We had a great opening drive in the second half and I thought things were gong to be OK, but I was wrong," Riley said. "You have to give credit to Pittsburgh's defense. They were hard to handle."