Washington State Visits Oregon State for Pac-12 Championship Game (TIP)

Hello and welcome to the penultimate game of the season. Our Cougs are coming off a rough loss to New Mexico and are once again on the road. While an 11-win regular season is off the table, a 10-win season is still very much possible, and for all the legitimate grumbling after last week, winning 10 games is still a heck of an accomplishment.

But before they can win 10, they have to win no. 9 this afternoon. WSU is located in Corvallis, the site of one of my fondest road game memories. It was in 2014 when a freshman named Luke Falk got his first career start and led WSU to. a win over the Beavers in an otherwise forgettable season. Having something to cheer about with my fellow Cougs in the end zone that day was a break from the misery that was the 2014 season.

Today’s Cougs are up against a rogue Oregon State team that has scored just 20 points in its last three games — losses to Cal, San Jose State and Air Force, which shut out the Beavers last week. The Beavers must win their final two games against WSU and Boise State to become bowl eligible. Good luck!

The Beavers’ offense is also reeling. 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 the necessary adjustments and stay ahead of schedule. John Mateer has been playing better lately, especially with the long ball. But WSU’s rushing attack will have to step up in this one, as Oregon State’s rushing defense is giving up 183 yards a game on average.

Jake Dickert isn’t always right when he talks to the media and can put his foot in his mouth, but he was scared this week when he said Oregon State is not our friend. I understand why the two schools were buddy-buddy prior to their game last year given all the off-field craziness with the Pac-12. But on the field there is no time to be friends. WSU still has a lot to play for and wins the No. 9 heading into the season finale is a must-have.

When

Not as late as the last few games as this one starts at 4:00 PM PST.

Where

Reser Stadium in Corvallis, which is usually beautiful this time of year if it’s not raining.

That’s how you see

We’re back on the CW, with Ted Robinson and Ryan Leaf on the call.

The line

WSU -11, O/U is 57.5