CORVALLIS, Ore. – Teams trending in opposite directions meet Friday when surging Oregon State faces visiting Washington, which has lost back-to-back games by a combined nine points. The Huskies look to get on track against the Beavers, who have won three of their last four games and need two victories to become bowl eligible for the first time since 2013.
TV: 10:30 p.m. ET, Fox Sports 1. LINE: Washington -10
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The Huskies' second-half woes continued Saturday as No. 9 Utah rallied for a 33-28 victory after forcing quarterback Jacob Eason into three turnovers. Eason has thrown for 2,297 yards with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions to lead Washington, which has outscored opponents 104-13 in the first quarter but hasn’t been able to carry that momentum into the rest of the game. “We have to figure out a way to be a better finishing team in the fourth quarter, without question,” Huskies coach Chris Petersen told reporters. “It’s execution, it’s confidence, it’s belief. You can’t give somebody confidence. You have to go out and earn it. We’re playing good football teams that have played better than us. You’ve got to go out and earn it.” Petersen will need a complete performance from his team against Oregon State, which recorded season highs in points and yardage in Saturday’s impressive 56-38 road win over Arizona.
ABOUT WASHINGTON (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12)
Tight end Hunter Bryant has 36 receptions for 557 yards and found the end zone twice against the Utes, who limited junior Salvon Ahmed (712 rushing yards and seven touchdowns) to 55 yards on the ground. The Huskies’ defensive line has been inconsistent, but the secondary continues to excel with Myles Bryant (team-high 55 tackles) leading the way. Injuries and a lack of production by his fellow linebackers have created an opportunity for redshirt freshman Edefuan Ulofoshio, who made a case for more playing time after recording two tackles and forcing a fumble against Utah.
ABOUT OREGON STATE (4-4, 3-2)
The Beavers have scored at least 28 points in six of eight games this season and impressed again versus Arizona as quarterback Jake Luton threw for 328 yards and three touchdowns. Jermar Jefferson ran 22 times for 105 yards and three touchdowns while Artavis Pierce had 15 carries for 114 yards and one score as part of the team’s balanced offensive attack. The Beavers’ improving defense is led by linebacker Hamilcar Rashed Jr., who leads the nation with 17.5 tackles for loss and is tied for second with 12 sacks.
EXTRA POINTS
1. Washington has won seven in a row against Oregon State and owns a 65-34-4 lead in the all-time series.
2. Oregon State has committed only two turnovers through eight games.
3. Washington hasn't allowed an opponent to score more than 35 points in a game since a 44-30 loss at UCLA in 2014.
PREDICTION: Washington 34, Oregon State 28