#14 Oregon State vs. #21 Washington State Preview
- Mr. Hammer
- Sep 22, 2023
- 2 min read
The Pac-12 serves up a tantalizing contest this weekend as #14 Oregon State faces off against #21 Washington State. Remarkably, this marks the first occasion in 107 clashes where both rivals come into the game with a ranking. It's a testament to their commendable 3-0 start, lighting up the season and reinstating the importance of this historic rivalry.
Stellar Starts
The Beavers recently notched a 26-9 win against San Diego State, with a robust defense being the key. Oregon State managed to record a whopping six sacks, while their QB, DJ Uiagalelei, continued his touchdown streak, marking his third consecutive game with a rushing TD. So far, Uiagalelei has amassed 630 passing yards with six touchdowns.
The Cougars, on the other hand, made headlines by overpowering then-ranked #19 Wisconsin. Their latest 64-21 victory over Northern Colorado saw them rest many of their starters in the second half. Yet, their ace quarterback, Cameron Ward, logged an impressive 327 passing yards, completing 20 of 26 attempts with four touchdowns.
Key Points To Consider
Quarterback Clash: Both teams boast star transfer quarterbacks: Uiagalelei from Clemson and Ward from Incarnate Word. The game might hinge on their performances and their ability to safeguard the ball. Ward has a commendable nine touchdowns with only one interception, while Uiagalelei faced some hiccups last week with two interceptions.
WSU's Defensive Ace: RJ Stone Jr. has emerged as a pivotal player for the Cougars. With three sacks in three games and a game-changing performance against Wisconsin, he's someone Oregon State needs to watch. Stone's potential to disrupt the Beaver's offense could play a pivotal role in this likely high-scoring battle.
Pac-12's Future: Amidst a changing landscape, both Oregon State and Washington State are the mainstays of the Pac-12. This contest comes at a time when other major programs are shifting alliances. This adds an emotional dimension, making Saturday's face-off even more crucial.
Our Take
While numerous experts have pitched in, the consensus seems to be that this matchup could steal the limelight in Week 4. Both Ward and Uiagalelei aim to propel their teams to new heights. Though the consensus leans towards Oregon State's all-around strength, we foresee Washington State coming out on top, covering the money line +130, with a final score of 38-31 in the Cougars' favor.
Our Prediction: 38-31 WSU
Bet to Take: WSU ML +130
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