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The Oregon State Beavers (2-3) and the Washington State Cougars (3-3) meet in a Pac-12 North battle. Check out the Oregon State vs. Washington State prediction and game preview.

Oregon State vs. Washington State Prediction & Preview

Broadcast

Date: Saturday, October 17
Game Time: 4:00 ET
Network: Pac-12 Network

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Why You Need To Care

Someone other than Utah is playing very well in the Pac-12 at midseason. Wazzu, all but forgotten, has won three of its last four games, with the only defeat coming by six points to then-unbeaten Cal. And last Saturday, the Cougars shocked Oregon in Eugene for the first time in 12 years to markedly upgrade their postseason hopes. Oregon State, on the other hand, is trending in the opposite direction. The Beavers are in danger of being the league’s worst team in 2015, falling to Arizona a week ago, 44-7.

Why Oregon State Will Win

Opponents will move the ball on the Wazzu defense, both on the ground and through the air. And while the Beaver passing attack is undeveloped, the running game should be able to keep the chains moving. RB Storm Barrs-Woods is averaging 5.8 yards per carry, while getting ample support from RG Isaac Seumalo and C Josh Mitchell.

Why Washington State Will Win

Yes, the defensive backfield is an OSU strength. No, they won’t be able to shut down Luke Falk and the Cougar passing game. Falk has thrown 15 touchdown passes and only two picks, capped by four scoring strikes in the Oregon upset a week ago. Plus, Washington State is deep in the receiving corps, boasting three veterans with at least 25 receptions. Oregon State lacks the firepower to keep pace with this team.

Player Who Matters

Like all Mike Leach teams, the offense is the calling card. However, this Washington State team is getting contributions from the defense as well. The Cougars are second in the Pac-12 in forced fumbles and third with 44 tackles for loss. Ends Destiny Vaeao and Daryl Paulo and linebackers Ivan McLennan and Kache Palacio are liable to force young Beaver QB Seth Collins into forced errors.

What’s Going To Happen?

It would be entirely possible for Wazzu to stumble a week after stunning Oregon at Autzen Stadium. But not against an Oregon State team that has little going right these days. And in that regard, the Cougars have gotten a break from the scheduling gods. Falk won’t post quite the same numbers he did last Saturday, but it won’t be necessary to outscore the Beavers in Pullman.

Oregon State vs. Washington State Prediction

Prediction: Washington State 35, Oregon State 24, Line: Washington State -8, o/u: 63
Must See Rating: 5: Trojan War, 1: The Muppets … 2