College football game of the week: No. 14 Oregon State vs. No. 21 Washington State

Through the first three weeks of the NCAA football season, the PAC-12 presents eight teams ranked in the top 25 AP Poll. This Saturday the No. 14 Oregon State Beavers will travel to the No. 21 Washington State Cougars in an early-season battle between two high-powered 3-0 teams.

Washington State presents one of the highest-powered offenses in the nation, scoring 50 points or more in two of three games thus far. Led by quarterback Cameron Ward, the Cougars have the fourth-most passing yards in the nation this season and the seventh-most yards overall. Ward has slung 9 touchdowns this season to go along with 986 yards while having yet to record a turnover.

The Oregon State defense could present a challenge for the Cougars’ high-scoring offense. The Beavers have held opponents under 10 points in two of three games this year while allowing the 11th-lowest points per game in the nation. Though being ranked No.14 in the AP Poll, Oregon State has yet to face an opponent of a power five conference, with their most impressive win coming against a 2-2 San Diego State team.

The defense of Oregon State relies on its ability to shut down the run. Just 173 is the number of rushing yards allowed by the Beavers this season. The Washington State offense relies heavily on the play of their quarterback and their prolific passing attack.

Washington State’s most impressive win came in the second week against an at-the-time-ranked No.19 Wisconsin Badger team. Ward only passed for a light 208 yards and two touchdowns in the game but it was the defense that got it done.

The most powerful part of Oregon State’s offensive game is the ability to run the ball with effectiveness. Running back Damien Martinez is the lead rusher for the Beavers and he’s joined by Deshaun Fenwick in the backfield. Both runners have combined for 503 yards rushing this season, with Martinez providing 351 yards and Fenwick running for 152. The Beavers average an extremely productive 6.3 yards per attempt.

Comparatively, the Cougars have a poor running offense, with their leading rusher being quarterback Cameron Ward with only 95 yards. The lack of a running attack has not slowed the Cougars down yet though.

Washington State ended last season unranked at a 7-6 record overall and 4-5 in Pac-12 play. So far, The 3-0 Cougars have the potential to finish the season with a much more impressive record and the chance of their first College Football playoff berth in program history.

Oregon State finished last season with a No.17 ranking in the AP Poll and dominated Florida in the Las Vegas bowl. Oregon State remains on a hot streak to begin 2023 with hopes of improving on their impressive 2022 season.

Sketch Morton is a fourth-year majoring in broadcast journalism. To contact him, email Sam7539@psu.edu.