Hello and welcome to the penultimate regular season game. Our Cougs are coming off a rough loss to New Mexico and once again find themselves on the road. While an 11-win regular season is off the table, a 10-win season is still very possible, and despite all the justified grumblings after last week, winning 10 games is still a heck of an achievement.
But before they can win 10, they have to win no. 9 this afternoon. WSU finds itself in Corvallis, the location of one of my fondest road game memories. It was 2014 when a freshman named Luke Falk got his first career start and led WSU to. a win over the Beavers during an otherwise forgettable season. Having something to cheer about with my fellow Cougs in the end zone that day was a break in the misery that was the 2014 season.
The present day Cougs are up against a floundering Oregon State team that has scored just 20 points in tis last three games—losses to Cal, San Jose State and Air Force, who shut the Beavers out last week. The Beavers need to win their last two game against WSU and Boise State to become bowl eligible. Good luck!
The Beavers’ offense is floundering as well. Quarterbacks Gevani McCoy (an Idaho transfer) and Ben Gulbranson have combined for four touchdown passes and nine interceptions. So while the Beavs aren’t much of a threat in the passing game, running back Anthony Hankerson will be one to watch, as he’s gone for 889 yards and 14 touchdowns this year. We saw how WSU defended the rush last week…..
The Oregon State defense is just so-so, and here’s hoping the Cougar offense can make any necessary adjustments and stay ahead of schedule. John Mateer has played better recently, especially with the long ball. But WSU’s rushing attack will need to step up in this one, as Oregon State’s rushing defense gives up 183 yards a game on average.
Jake Dickert isn’t always correct when he speaks to the media and can put his foot in his mouth, but he was bang on this week when he said Oregon State isn’t our friend. I get why the two schools were buddy-buddy ahead of their game last year given all the off-field wackiness with the Pac-12. But on the field, there’s not time to be friends. WSU still has a lot to play for and getting win no. 9 heading in the season finale is a must-have.
When
Not as late as the past few games, as this one kicks off at 4 p.m. PST.
Where
Reser Stadium in Corvallis, which is usually beautiful this time of year if it’s not raining.
How to Watch
We’re back on the CW, with Ted Robinson and Ryan Leaf on the call.
The Line
WSU -11, O/U is 57.5