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The Oregon State Beavers (4-2) will host the Washington State Cougars (4-2) on Saturday night. Both Pac-12 teams started the season 3-0 but have since split their previous two matchups.
Oregon State swept non-conference play with wins over Boise State and Fresno State but is just 1-2 within the Pac.
Last week, the Beavers scored the go-ahead touchdown with 13 seconds remaining to overcome a 14-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Stanford 28-27.
Washington State also swept non-conference play, highlighted by a 17-14 win at Camp Randall against the then-ranked (19) Wisconsin. Although they are just 1-2 in the conference, the Cougars battled with both (7) USC and (12) Oregon.
They had the Ducks on the ropes before a late fourth-quarter pick sealed the deal and most recently trailed 17-14 to the Trojans before ultimately falling 30-14. The Cougars have won eight straight against the Beavers, including a 31-24 win last season in Pullman, Washington.
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Washington State Cougars vs Oregon State Beavers Betting Odds
Tale of the Tape
Washington State is still trying to find its footing after former HC Mike Leach darted for Mississippi State following the 2019 campaign. His heir apparent, Nick Rolovich, only lasted 11 games before being fired for failing to comply with Washington's COVID-19 vaccine mandate for state employees.
Defensive coordinator Jake Dickert took over as acting head coach before getting the full-time job in 2022. Dickert should be happy with his team's performance in the early going, especially with the play of first-year starting QB Cameron Ward.
The former winner of the Jerry Rice Award, given to the most outstanding freshman in FCS, has thrown for 1,600 yards and 15 touchdowns against seven interceptions and a 67% completion percentage.
The Cougars' passing attack spreads the wealth among the wideouts, as four separate receivers have eclipsed 20 receptions this year. Starting RB Nakia Watson (325 rushing yards on 64 attempts) was sidelined in last week's loss to USC, opening the door for freshman Jaylen Jenkins.
Jenkins made an excellent first impression as a lead back, tallying 184 total yards on 15 touches in relief.
The defense has been relatively successful, especially against the run. The Cougars' 110.5 rushing yards allowed ranks in the top 50 in the country. Unfortunately, USC seemed to be the exception, as they ran for 181 yards behind superstar RB Travis Dye.
However, Washington State can at least hang its hat on the fact that it kept Trojans QB Caleb Williams in check, as the Heisman candidate failed to surpass 200 passing yards for the second time this season.
The Oregon State Beavers are fresh off their first winning season since 2014. But, more importantly, they haven't been at or under a .500 record since Week 2 of the 2021 campaign.
The Beavers will look to keep that streak alive, albeit without a clear starter at QB as of Friday afternoon. Last year's starter, Chance Nolan, is nursing a neck strain and is considered day-to-day.
Meanwhile, sophomore Ben Gulbranson will get the nod if Nolan can't go. Gulbranson was extremely impressive in his spot start last week against Stanford, going 20/28 for 250 yards and two scores. The 6'3" gunslinger leaned on star wideout Tre'Shaun Harrison, who corraled seven passes for 104 yards and a touchdown.
Harrison is enjoying a breakout 2022 campaign, already putting up career highs in receptions and yards and ranking sixth in the Pac in receiving yards. The Beavers' offense is powered by the ground game, ranking fifth in the Pac-12 in both rushing yards and yards per attempt. Expect RB Deshaun Fenwick and his 4.5 yards a pop to carry most of the load on Saturday.
Oregon State has been phenomenal against the pass, as opponents are averaging a measly 215 air yards a game on a 59% completion percentage. They have been susceptible to the run, ranking in the bottom half in yards per rush and rushing yards allowed.
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Washington State Cougars vs Oregon State Beavers Betting Prediction
Oregon State will present a challenge to Washington State with its balanced offensive attack. Although the Cougars are tough against the run, the Beavers are equally effective on the ground.
As a result, the Cougars' defense should be vulnerable to WR Tre'Shaun Harrison, regardless of who the QB is. Oregon State should cause problems for a Washington State offense that can become one-dimensional over time. The Beavers will separate late, leading the Cougars' offense to commit costly turnovers.
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Prediction: Oregon State -3.5 (-110 on FanDuel)
