Inside the Dam with Ethan and Aidan

Oregon State hits the road this weekend to Pullman to play the Washington State. For both, this game has bowl game implications. Both are currently 5-5 this season heading into this game and for bowl eligibility, it is required to have at least 6 wins and there are only 2 games remaining with 1 win in need for both. However, the last week, both play their rivals. The Beavers hit the road once more to play the one-loss Oregon squad that is looking to make the playoffs, thus making it unlikely that they get their one needed win there. Similarly, the Cougars hit the road to play their rivals, Washington, and Washington, 6-4, are clear favorites.  Essentially, this makes this game between each other the deciding game if they will make a bowl game or not: The winner will be playing in December, the loser will likely be concluding their season within the next two weeks.

Oregon State has failed to make a bowl game since their appearance in the Hawaii Bowl in 2013, whereas Washington State has made it almost every year within the past 10 years. 

For Luton and the Beaver offense, the Cougar defense shows no threat. Oregon State should have no problem putting points on the board and the offensive stars– Luton, Jefferson, Pierce, and Hodgins– should in fact put up higher numbers than usual. But, the Washington State offense led by Anthoney Gordon, the national leader in passing yards, will be difficult to stop. The powerful air raid offense averages 40.1 points per game and has one of the most efficient offenses in the country per FPI. The weak Oregon State defense will have to maintain their play of the last couple of weeks to maintain Cougars and get the win. 

Similarly, Washington State should have no issue putting up their normal numbers, but will need a good defense game come away with the win. 

Ultimately, the game is destined to be an offensive shootout: the score will likely end up in the 50’s. It will come down to whichever defense ends up playing better or likely, whoever forces more turnovers– yes, I am saying the beavers will need the turnover chainsaw to make an appearance to win. 

Game Prediction: Oregon State: 45 Washington State: 42 — I believe Oregon State will win the turnover battle in the end and will, in fact, win a close one in Pulman; will maybe even come down to a last-minute field goal for the win by Gonzalaz.