This week 7 matchup consisted of two Pac-12 north teams trying to gain a conference win, and move up in the Pac-12 north standings. Both of these teams were 4-2 and 1-2 in Conference play coming into this game. In the end, Oregon State was able to come out on top 24-10. Let’s take a closer look at this game.
Oregon State received the ball first to start the game. In 8 plays they were able to go 40 yards, and Jack Colletto scored a 1 yard touchdown run to put the Beavers up 7-0. On Washington State’s first possession of the game, they punted after 3 plays. On Oregon State’s second possession they were looking to extend their lead, but one of Ben Gulbranson’s passes was intercepted. Washington State was not able to capitalize off of this turnover as they punted again. The first quarter came to a close in the middle of Oregon State’s next possession.
At the start of the second quarter, Oregon State concluded a 12 play 87 yard drive with a 26 yard field goal made by kicker Atticus Sappington. The Beavers were now up by 10. On their next possession, Washington State was able to get on the board as kicker Dean Janikowski made a 29 yard field goal, and the Cougars cut the Beavers back down to 7 as the score was 10-3. After this, neither team could get anything going offensively. The next 5 possessions of the second quarter all resulted in punts, 2 by Washington State and 3 by Oregon State. The last possession of the second quarter saw Washington State racing against the clock trying to score before halftime, but as time expired they turned the ball over on downs. This kept the score at 10-3 going into halftime.
To open the third quarter, Washington State received the ball and they punted after 3 plays. On their first possession of the second half, Oregon State marched 74 yards in 11 plays to score a touchdown. Ben Gulbranson found Anthony Gould for 17 yards and the touchdown which made the score 17-3. Washington State was able to respond to the Beavers touchdown with a touchdown of their own, as Cameron Ward completed a pass to Jaylen Jenkins for 9 yards and the touchdown, the Cougars cut the Beavers lead to 7. The third quarter ended with Oregon State in the middle of their next possession, and they were 2 yards away from the endzone.
On the very first play of the fourth quarter, Oregon State’s Jack Colletto scored on a touchdown on a 2 yard rush, his second of the game. The Beavers were now winning 24-10. On Washington State’s next possession, one of Cameron Ward’s passes was intercepted and the ball was turned over on downs. Oregon State punted after getting the turnover. Washington State needed to score soon if they wanted to stay in the game, but on their next possession they punted. After Oregon State got the ball back, they punted it right back to Washington State. Washington State’s next drive resulted in another turnover on downs as they failed to convert on fourth down. The Beavers were looking to extend their lead and make victory more certain on their next possession, but they missed a field goal and gave the ball back to Washington State. Washington State was given another shot on offense, but after a long drive they were unable to score as they turned the ball over on downs after a failed fourth down conversion. After the turnover, Ben Gulbranson kneeled the ball down twice to end the game. Oregon State had defeated Washington State 24-10.
Washington State lost this game, but they did not play badly. Turnovers killed them, and if they could have eliminated these they could have very well won this game. Washington State has only Pac-12 teams remaining on their schedule, and if they can compete in these games good things could happen.
Oregon State took the win in this game, and they looked good. Their defense played stellar, and the offense got the job done. Oregon State is currently fifth in the Pac-12, and they only play Pac-12 teams the rest of the season. Oregon State could very possibly win a lot of these games, and maybe make a push for the Pac-12 Championship game.