Arizona vs. Oregon State Prediction, Game Preview

Arizona vs. Oregon State prediction and game preview. Projecting who wins Saturday night’s matchup between the Wildcats and Beavers.

When: Saturday, Nov. 19 – 10:30 p.m. ET
Where: Reser Stadium, Corvallis, Oregon

It’s been a long, long season for Arizona (2-8). Injuries have been an issue, and it’s really shown on the field. The Wildcats started out 2-1 to open the season but have since taken a nosedive with their Pac-12 schedule. Seven consecutive losses to Washington, UCLA, Utah, USC, Stanford, Washington State and Colorado have Arizona in sixth place in the South division.

Things haven’t gone much better for Oregon State (2-8). The Beavers’ only two wins came in Week 3 and Week 6 over Idaho State and Cal, respectively. Since that overtime victory over the Golden Bears on Oct. 8, Gary Andersen’s team has dropped five games in a row to Utah, Washington, Washington State, Stanford and UCLA. Oregon State sits in fifth place in the Pac-12’s North division.

The Wildcats have the advantage in the all-time with the Beavers, 22-14-1. Arizona won last year’s meeting with Oregon State in Tucson, 44-7.

What To Know About Arizona

Brandon Dawkins simply existed for the Wildcats in their loss to Colorado. He connected on 9-of-19 passes for 107 yards, and Anu Solomon completed 3-of-7 passes for 48 yards. Neither threw a touchdown. Neither threw a pick. Arizona’s leading receiver was Shun Brown, who caught two balls for 58 yards. Nate Phillips tacked on 55 yards on four receptions.

On the ground, Samaje Grant did most of the heavy lifting with 113 yards and two touchdowns on 16 carries. Dawkins added 76 yards on 18 carries but never made his way into the end zone. Zach Green did, though. He compiled 34 yards and a touchdown on 10 rushing attempts.

What to Know About Oregon State

It’s not like Marcus McMaryion had a great game against UCLA. He hit on 22-of-33 passes for 232 yards and an interception. Timmy Hernandez was one of two go-to targets for McMaryion. He reeled in five catches for 65 yards, and Victor Bolden Jr. caught five balls for 51 yards. Artavis Pierce caught six passes for 37 yards, but most of his work came in the running game.

Pierce was given 18 carries, and he took them for 73 yards and two touchdowns. He filled in nicely for Ryan Nall, who is suffering from a foot injury and is questionable for this matchup with Arizona. Oregon State’s next leading rusher was Paul Lucas, who ran for 13 yards on four carries.

Advantages

Offense: Oregon State – Nall may be banged up, but the Beavers’ quarterback situation is cleaner than Arizona’s is. McMaryion and Bolden have a solid connection, too.

Defense: Oregon State – Arizona is No. 117 in points allowed per game (38.3). The Beavers, on the other hand, are No. 98 (32.5).

Special Teams: Oregon State – Bolden is a real weapon in the kick return game. He’s averaging 24.8 yards per return and has returned one for a touchdown.

Coaching: Arizona – This one’s close, but Rich Rodriguez has had to do a lot with very little this season, and his team’s been hurting all year.

Matchup To Watch

Marcus McMaryion vs. Arizona defense

This really is the key matchup in the game. McMaryion is the most important part for Oregon State — regardless of the fact he’s the quarterback. Arizona is bouncing back and forth between Dawkins and Solomon. McMaryion needs to provide some balance and protect the ball for the Beavers. If he can space the field and move the chains through the air, Oregon State will be in a solid position to win the game.

Betting Odds

Spread: Oregon State -6.5
Over/Under: 62