PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — No. 14 Oregon State (3-0, 0-0 Pac-12) at No. 21 Washington State (3-0, 0-0), Saturday, 7 p.m. ET (Fox)
Line: Oregon State by 2 1/2, in keeping with FanDuel Sportsbook.
Collection report: Washington State leads 56-48-3.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
In an odd little bit of synergy, the one two colleges that can nonetheless be a part of regardless of the Pac-12 seems to be like in 2024 will meet to open the convention slate as No. 14 Oregon State travels to No. 21 Washington State. It’s a matchup thick with story traces happening off the sphere and an on-field conflict that might have implications to the Pac-12 championship chase. The Cougars will shut out a stretch of three straight video games at house that included an upset of Wisconsin. The Beavers had been sluggish final week however nonetheless dispatched of San Diego State, establishing an essential two weeks dealing with the Cougars adopted by a Friday evening house recreation with No. 11 Utah.
KEY MATCHUP
The perfect protection within the Pac-12 by way of three weeks faces the group that has probably the greatest offenses within the convention. The Cougars are averaging 48 factors and 535 yards per recreation. The Beavers have allowed simply 11 factors and 260 yards per recreation. If there’s an space Oregon State’s been susceptible it’s been within the move recreation and that’s clearly the power for Washington State’s offense.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Oregon State: RB Damien Martinez. It was final season towards Washington State when Martinez introduced his presence as a drive within the Beavers offense when he rushed for 111 yards within the win over the Cougars. Together with that recreation, Martinez has rushed for at the very least 100 yards in 9 straight common season video games.
Washington State: S Jaden Hicks. It’s not simple to totally quantify the impression Hicks has made on the Cougars protection apart from to say he’s been actually good. Hicks has 18 tackles, 4 move breakups and an interception within the first three video games. Professional Soccer Focus has him rated as one of many prime defensive gamers within the nation so far.
FACTS & FIGURES
First time in sequence historical past each groups are ranked within the AP Prime 25 getting into the matchup. … Oregon State held its final two opponents to beneath 10 factors. … Washington State QB Cameron Ward is fourth within the nation in complete offense and fifth in passing offense. … Oregon State has 12 sacks in three video games; had 20 in 13 video games final season. … Washington State coach Jake Dickert is the third coach in class historical past to start out 3-0 in every of his first two seasons and the primary to take action since 1920. … Oregon State has not gained in Pullman since 2013.
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AP school soccer: https://apnews.com/hub/college-football and https://apnews.com/hub/ap-top-25-college-football-poll
