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Now that we've found ourselves awaiting a conference game, the way back machine has a lot of material work with.
The Washington State Cougars are 51-47-3 against the Oregon State Beavers. Those three ties came in 1923, 1948 and 1982. The Cougs followed up that last tie with a ten-game winning streak over the Beavers, their longest of the all-time series.
The Beavers' longest winning streak against WSU is six games (1966-1971). The Cougars have won the last three game against Oregon State and here's a fun fact: WSU has allowed the same amount of points (31) in the last two games against the Beavers.
All of that is meaningless, of course. With a deep pool of game to choose from, we're going to focus on some more recent ones because 1) my memory doesn't go back that far, and 2) we don't have all day. The first two will look familiar if you read yesterday's look back at memorable comebacks.
Great!
Oct. 29, 2016: WSU 35 OSU 31
What's left to be said? A terrible first half preceded a terrific second half. The Cougs even tried to give it away twice due to #Forces. Kaleb Fossum muffed a punt near his own goal line and Kyle Sweet attempted an ill-advised fake punt.
And we still won!
Oct. 25, 2003: WSU 36 OSU 30
Again, what more needs to be said about this bonkers game? I have something new: I seem to remember it was this game where WSU complained during the post-game about how dirty OSU was. Remember, this was a team coached by Dennis Erickson, so there could be some merit to that.
Nov. 8, 2014: WSU 39 OSU 32
So what did you think would happen with WSU trotting out its freshman backup quarterback for his first ever start in a lost season that would end 3-9?
Oh you know, just you normal Air Raid clinic, featuring Luke Falk throwing for 471 yards and five touchdowns, just like we all expected.
It was quite the introduction for Falk, as he guided the Cougs to a road victory when the team and the fans needed something to cheer for.
Nov. 6, 2010: WSU 31 OSU 14
This was a forgettable season that saw WSU finish 2-10. Its only other win was a miracle against FCS Montana State. But for some reason, WSU played about as good as it did during Paul Wulff's entire four-year tenure. Why? Nobody knows.
Perhaps it was C.J. Mizell's early personal foul penalty, which fans are on one of two sides: you either thought it was great and worth it, or you thought it was dirty and unnecessary (I'm in the second camp, so yell at me).
Regardless, this win was a pleasant surprise in a lost season.
Not So Great :(
Oct. 1, 2005: OSU 44 WSU 33
Washington State was 3-0 after wins over Idaho, Nevada and Grambling State (RIP, Seattle Game). Alex Brink put up Air Raid numbers, throwing for 531 yards but just one touchdown. Well, two if you count the pick six he threw.
The Cougs also had a 30-16 lead at halftime. They blew this one big time.
Nov. 17, 2007: OSU 52 WSU 17
It was Senior Day. It was supposed to be a celebration for Alex Brink in his final home game.
It turned out to be a rainy nightmare. Brink threw six interceptions (five of them were in the first half) and once he was finally, mercilessly pulled, backup Gary Rogers went ahead and threw one of his own for good measure. It was a must-win game for the team's bowl hopes, too.
It was a rainy day and the stands emptied as quickly as the game got out of hand. This turned out to be the last home game for Bill Doba.
But hey, they won the Apple Cup the next weekend.
Oct. 12, 2013: OSU 52 WSU 24
The Cougs allowed Oregon State to score 28 points in the fourth quarter to turn a 24-24 game into a rout. Connor Halliday threw three interceptions while seemingly trying to score 21 points on one throw.
Brandin Cooks scored three touchdowns for OSU.
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So there you have it. There are many other games, but those were the ones that came to my 30-year-old brain. What games do you remember?
Poll
What was the greatest game against Oregon State?
This poll is closed
-
37%
Oct. 29, 2016: WSU 35 OSU 31
-
23%
Oct. 25, 2003: WSU 36 OSU 30
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19%
Nov. 8, 2014: WSU 39 OSU 32
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12%
Nov. 6, 2010: WSU 31 OSU 14
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7%
Other (please show your work)