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The Washington State Cougars are gunning for 3-0 when they host the Oregon State Beavers in the Pac-12 opener for both teams on Saturday afternoon in Martin Stadium. The Cougars have beaten the Beavers three years in a row, all under starting quarterback Luke Falk.
The Beavers have struggled out of the gate, with their only win coming on a late touchdown to survive an upset-minded Portland State (WSU can relate to FCS pain). Oregon State’s two FBS opponents, Minnesota and Colorado State, outscored the Beavs by a combined 65 points.
WSU’s 2-0 start is uncharted territory under head coach Mike Leach. The Cougs dropped each of their first five openers under Leach before taking down Montana State to open the 2017 campaign. Getting that second win was dicey, as WSU had to overcome a 31-10 fourth-quarter deficit with backup quarterback Tyler Hilinksi before eventually emerging victorious in triple overtime. That is sure to be one of the wildest games of the college football season.
On paper, this looks like an easy Wazzu win. However, that was supposed to be the case in Corvallis last season, when Oregon State ran up an early 21-0 lead. The Cougars did eventually make that three-touchdown comeback as well, but it’s safe to say Leach, Falk and company would prefer not to have to dig out of that hole once again.
Game time: 2:30 p.m. PT
TV channel: Pac-12 Networks
Stream: Pac-12 Live (log-in required)
Radio: Online or find your local station